Murray On Travel

Sand just outside your beachfront room at Carlisle Bay resort, it sounds so exotic, people even sing about the island. Antigua, the other half of the country that’s known as Antigua and Barbuda, is one of the most famous islands in the Caribbean. It is quite popular among yachting aficionados, too.

Of course, the entire island setting is an attraction in itself. If you want to lounge on some of the best beaches in the world, simply enjoy nature, or escape the drudgery of city living, a trip to Antigua definitely fits the bill.  Carlisle Bay Website

To ensure that your great escape turns out to be a truly amazing experience, you have to make the best arrangements for your trip. The Carlisle Bay Hotel is the most famous resort in Antigua and perhaps, in the entire Caribbean area, and deservedly so. Not only does it have a great location that makes the most out of the beautiful beaches and the rainforest, it was also developed to offer maximum convenience and comfort with a great contemporary style.

Just because you want to get closer to nature does not mean that you wish to rough it up. In fact, your escape to paradise should provide you with the perfect balance between the great outdoors and modern convenience. Each of the 82 suites in Carlisle Bay meets this requirement. All suites are spacious, well-appointed and stylishly furnished, and offer the best in luxury and comfort.

Not only are you assured of a comfortable stay, you are also kept as connected as you wish to be with a complete entertainment system as well as Internet access. Refreshments are always available in the minibar, and you can always enjoy a cup of espresso in your room. Should you need something else, you can always count on room service which is available 24 hours a day.

Exploring the island and going out for a swim can leave you famished. You need not look far to satisfy your cravings, though. Indigo on the Beach, one of the two restaurants of Carlisle Bay, makes the most of the setting by offering a great selection of seafood and barbecue dishes. If you want to have a drink before dinner or anytime during the day, you just have to take two steps to Indigo on the Beach Bar. Fresh fruit juices, cocktails, and other refreshments are served here. What could be better than fresh fruit shake as you lounge on the beach?

If you are craving for more complex and exotic dishes, you will enjoy dining at East. As the name suggests, this restaurant features cuisines from the Eastern part of the globe, such as Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and even India. Get ready for a fascinating gastronomic feast while on Antigua!

Of course, a trip to paradise can only be made more heavenly if you are completely pampered. The Blue Spa at Carlisle Bay offers just that. You can choose from a wide range of spa or salon services and enjoy access to the sauna rooms and plunge pools. For a more holistic approach to feeling good, you can also make use of the gym, take yoga or Pilates classes, and meditate amidst the lush greenery.

Carlisle Bay only makes your experience better by coming up with packages and promos to suit a variety of preferences and needs. For instance, if you are coming to the resort to celebrate, then you can avail of special celebration packages for either four or seven nights.

Sports enthusiasts can also avail of special rates on tennis packages. Be sure to check for special offers that may be available during your planned stay, and make the most out of your vacation!

If you have been dreaming of a romantic beach wedding, then Carlisle Bay is the perfect location for you. With the spectacular white sand beach and the rainforest in the background, your wedding is sure to be magical. The hotel has its own wedding coordinator who will attend to the arrangements. About 90 guests can be accommodated, ensuring that you have an intimate and memorable wedding.

Whether or not you get married on the island, it is still a dreamy location for a honeymoon. You can avail of the Celebration Packages and bask in both love and luxury. This is certainly a great way to start your life with someone!

The Carlisle Bay Hotel is one of the places where you can really feel like you’re “getting away from it all.” If a vacation is much-needed and long-overdue, then this is exactly what you need!  Photos provided by property.

Jamaica is perhaps one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, and for good reason. With its beautiful beaches, mountains, commercial areas, and colorful culture, it is one of those places which serve as an all-around tourist haven.

You will never be at a loss for places to see and activities to do in Jamaica. The only other thing you will have to think about in order to have an amazing vacation getaway is choosing the right place to stay.

One of the best places you can choose, especially if you intend to stay near the northern coast, is Half Moon. One of the many accommodations managed by RockResorts, its territory stretches over 400 acres. Visit the Half Moon website.

If its beautiful cottages are not enough to lure you in, the private white-sand beach on the property will definitely do it. Its two-mile stretch is perfect for those romantic strolls and relaxing naps that make vacationing simply heavenly.

There are a variety of accommodation types to choose from at the Half Moon, depending on your preference and budget. The hotel offers regular guest rooms and suites, as well as what they call the Royal Villas. Each Royal Villa has several bedrooms as well as its own private pool. You are also treated to the services of your own household staff.

However, just because you don’t need as much space does not mean that you get much less. You are sure to enjoy the comforts that Half Moon has to offer, regardless of your room type.

All guest rooms are air-conditioned and are equipped with entertainment equipment. You can stay connected via telephone or Internet, or you can choose to enjoy the view from your own balcony. If you have special food and drink requests, you can even choose to send your list to the hotel beforehand so that everything can be prepared before your arrival.

Of course, it is not enough to sleep comfortably. Enjoying your vacation is also about dining and eating well! There are several restaurants and bars in the hotel, which guarantee exceptional dining experiences, no matter which cuisine you prefer.

To complete your vacation experience, you simply must relax! Fern Tree Spa, Half Moon’s in-house relaxation center, offers a wide array of servicers which make use of traditional Caribbean techniques together with their very own brand of pampering.

The hotel also offers a variety of packages that are bound to make the vacation experience unforgettable without going over-the-top in terms of expense. For instance, the Half Moon Plan offers all of the usual comforts together with airport transfers for maximum convenience.

If you want much more for a special occasion or getaway, though, you can avail of the Ultimate in Luxury Package. This comes with access to golf courses as well as special activities like sailing and windsurfing.

There is certainly something for everyone, whether you are a golf enthusiast or a spa addict. This will make your stay at Half Moon truly personal and unforgettable.

You won’t need to worry about what to do in Jamaica, because the hotel can take care of your itinerary for you. You can engage in so many fun activities, from making friends with the dolphins to doing water sports, and even horseback riding. The Caribbean staff will be more than happy to assist you!

Half Moon gives environmentally-aware guests an additional reason to stay, as the RockResorts group promotes environmentally-friendly practices. It seeks to provide what it calls “eco-conscious luxury.”

For many people, vacationing in Jamaica is a dream that is yet to come true. Why not make the dream even more fantastic as you make it a reality by choosing the Half Moon? Photos provided by resort.

Galley Bay Resort and Spa in Antigua has been called one of the top ten most romantic luxury resorts in the Caribbean. It indeed lives up to its name, with its secluded location, private white sand beach overlooking the blue Caribbean Sea, and spectacular sunsets, not to mention its excellent island facilities and well-trained staff.

Located in the west coast of Antigua, the resort is adjacent to a bird sanctuary and surrounded by tropical gardens. With a 40-acre property, one can indeed get the impression of solitude, with only the chirping of the birds breaking the silence. For those who would like to relax by the beach, shaded loungers are available.

Galley Bay takes pride in the peace and quiet of the place. Children below 16 years are thus not allowed here except during holidays, and there are no motorized water sports that can break the tranquility of the beach. Resort Website


Overall, there are almost 100 rooms available in Galley Bay. The beachfront suites and rooms are especially appreciated by guests; they only need to step out of their room for a few meters before reaching the water. There are three categories: premium, superior, and deluxe. The latter two are rooms with private terraces and patios, and the best views of the Caribbean Sea for those in the upper floors.

The 32 premium beachfront suites, however, are a study in luxury. The decorations and furnishings, floor-to-ceiling doors, and the opulence of the facilities are worth the price it commands.  Wireless internet is available 24/7, as well as a huge flat-screen and wall-mounted TV, airconditioner, and a roomy bathroom with a tub and shower. Each has its own patio with rattan chaises and a beach shower. 

Aside from these rooms, there are Gauguin cottages as well which had been named after the world-famous French artist. These are set close to the lagoon and tropical bird sanctuary, and easily the favorite choice of honeymooners and newlyweds who wish seclusion. The ambiance is Tahitian, with lots of bright colors used. Every unit has a patio and a private plunge pool.

Galley Bay’s commitment to tranquility necessarily excludes some activities that some people may call exciting. There are no jet skis for rent here, for example, nor are there any casinos or all-night bars. However, there are still some things you can do in the resort aside from lounging around the beach or swimming in the warm blue sea of the Caribbean. More on Antigua.

Since their rate is all-inclusive, one can snorkel for free in Galley Bay. There are non-motorized water sports like sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing in a Hobie cat. One can even play tennis and go biking; all equipment and lessons can be had free of charge.

There is a spa and a salon, too, and a fitness center for those who wish to look their best during their stay. The treatments range from nail, facial, and hair care to therapeutic massages, with both single and couple treatment rooms set overlooking the lagoon. These are charged separately and require a reservation.

There is live entertainment every night at the Galley Bay, a cocktail party once a week, and Caribbean barbecues. For those who crave other forms of entertainment, the town is only a few minutes’ ride away, and the staff are always willing to go out of their way to arrange any trips or excursions outside of the resort.

Indeed, most guests remember not only the excellent location, accommodation, and facilities in Galley Bay. Almost invariably, they mention the excellent service provided by the staff who could not seem to do enough for the guests. First names are remembered and used, and favorite drinks served even before it was ordered. Any items not on the menu could be requested from the chef.

For Galley Bay Resort and Spa, nothing is good enough for their guests, and this is something that is well appreciated by those who have had the opportunity to stay in this private Caribbean paradise. Photos provided by Elite Island Resorts.