Always considered one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive resorts, Jumby Bay’s affiliation with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts now means that the reality lives up to the image. Not only has this standard-setting hotel company recently spent over twelve million dollars on upgrades and refurbishments, it has done so with total sensitivity to the resort’s colonial history and relaxed island lifestyle.
Indeed, Jumby Bay is about as unpretentious as luxury can ever really get. It lies at the hub of a private 300-acre island just off the coast of Antigua, its low-rise Mediterranean-style architecture complemented by panoramic seascapes and towering palm trees; its flat, scrubby interiors flanked by some of the finest beaches in the West Indies. Yet Rosewood has ensured that all the ‘little things’ are in place to satisfy the most demanding of visitors.

The forty junior suites feature hand-carved four-poster beds with fine Italian linens, their muted cream and café-au-lait colour schemes providing a stylish contrast to the terracotta tiles and wicker furnishings. The oversized bathrooms are as enticing as the guaranteed sea views, with the outdoor showers and claw-foot baths of the Courtyard Suites particularly attractive extras.

Families or groups of friends seeking additional space and more independence should consider one of the two-bedroom villas, each one individually appointed and equipped with their own kitchens and pools. Just for a few weeks they can live like the high-profile industrialists, authors and media stars who all own luxurious private villas on the island.

Yet there’s no doubt that it is the crescent-shaped beaches that are Jumby Bay’s daytime focal point, the tennis courts, wellness centre, complimentary water sports, boat trips and cabana-flanked swimming pool all there for when the golden suntans are well on their way.
In the evenings, the informal Verandah Restaurant and the elegant 230-year old Estate House move into the spotlight, the eclectic cuisine enhanced by attentive service, fine wines, low-key entertainment and, of course, stimulating conversations.

Accommodation: 57 rooms & suites. Also 12 Gauguin cottages with private plunge pools.
Children: not accepted under 16 years of age, except Christmas and New Year on request.
7 nights: from £1,963 p.p. in the high-season (£174 p.p.p.n.) & £1,742 p.p. in the low-season (£145 p.p.p.n.).
Meal plan: fully-inclusive.