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DAVENPORT1 Jul 25th, 2013 04:34 PM

Jumby Bay Antigua..Add to Bucket List
 
If there is one destination that needs to be added to your bucket list it is Jumby Bay.

The welcome: An exuberant, smiling staff member greeted us with open arms and offered us icy cold, aromatic towels. We were led to the open air reception area where Elaine proudly offered up a dark rum and passion fruit punch which was potent and delicious. Check-in was swift and seamless and within moments we were whisked away to our room in a golf cart already feeling island time inching its way in.

The room: The courtyard suite was very spacious and loaded with amenities. Snacks, wine, beer, soda, fruit juices and chocolate bars were offered as well as champagne on ice. Sunsets were glorious from our patio which overlooked the ocean and the island of Antigua. Soaking in the outdoor tub under the stars and showering in an outdoor garden was calming and refreshing.

Eats: Favorites included banana french toast, locally made yogurt, calamari, wasabi prawns, cold avocado soup, lamb T-bone, hotpot and White Night lobster and ribs. Oh...and all of the chocolate deserts. The restaurant venues were romantic and the service was excellent.

Fun: Cycling around the picturesque island, sitting in a field with the local sheep, kayaking, being dragged at top speeds through the waves on a tube and feeling like a kid again, snorkeling at Bird Island and hanging with Genny at the beach bar.

A Memorable moment: At 10PM one evening we were settling in for the night when we got "the turtle call". We scrambled for shorts and a T-shirt and hopped in an awaiting golf cart for a ride to Pasture Bay beach. We had signed up earlier in the week to be called should the rare Hawksbill turtle make her way to shore to lay eggs. For two hours we witnessed this beautiful sea creature prepare her nest in the sand, go into a trance and lay her eggs then make her way back into the ocean. The moment was surreal as many guests gathered together on the beach that evening and shared this unique experience under the stars.

Favorite Day: The picnic lunch at Pasture Bay beach was superb. After lounging on the nearly deserted beach for a few hours a staff member delivered our lunch and a bottle of champagne in a wicker picnic basket. Our linen white tablecloth covered table was setup under our palapa, the staff member poured us a glass of champagne and set up our appetizers and then quickly disappeared. We enjoyed cold avocado soup, tomatoes and mozzarella. BLT wraps, fries and a fruit and cheese plate. The setting could not have been more perfect.

Least favorite day: The day of departure was painful as we walked down the pristine beach towards the ferry dock. Leaving this breathtaking island and resort with it's warm and friendly people was difficult. Knowing that lazy days spent on the beach sipping rum punch, watching the sunset from the zero edge pool, being wined and dined like rock stars and being pampered in every way was about to end, we cried.

Jumby Bay is highly recommended and we will return to this paradise found. This was hands down the best resort we have been to in the caribbean. Life seems a bit sweeter since our visit to paradise.

sharona Jul 26th, 2013 06:44 AM

Thanks for this report Davenport. Jumby Bay sounds lovely. The only time we've looked into going there was 3-4 years ago when we went to Galley Bay. We had such a poor first impression there that we gave serious consideration to cutting our losses and going to Jumby Bay for the rest of our trip. Galley Bay did get a bit better but in retrospect I wish we had done it, even though it would have cost us a small fortune since we had pre-paid for Galley Bay. We won't be returning to Galley Bay but perhaps we will look closer at Jumby Bay.

DAVENPORT1 Jul 26th, 2013 02:01 PM

sharona:

We originally looked at Galley Bay and Carlisle Bay, then we looked at Jumby. We originally dismissed JB because of the cost however the more I researched the properties in Antigua and other island destinations, the more drawn I was to JB.

In retrospect, I would do it all over again as this resort was truly all inclusive. Water sports, including water skiing were included as well as well as a sunset cruise, snorkeling and kayak trips and numerous extra's. All venues served top shelf liquor from cognac's to aged specialty rums and spirits.

When considering the cost of drinks and meals plus gratuities at other Caribbean resorts that are not all inclusive, JB ended up being a pretty decent deal. Top quality all the way.

Hope to see your JB trip report in the future.

january89 Jul 31st, 2013 05:24 PM

Sounds perfect. Have you any idea of the weather in February? We are trying to plan a 25th Anniversary trip and have never been in the Caribbean during the winter. I know it will be summer compared to the midwest, but I wonder if it will be warm enough to snorkel, swim, layout, etc. Also, it sounds like an All Inclusive, except, I assume the fantastic beach picnic? Thanks.

DAVENPORT1 Aug 3rd, 2013 03:16 AM

The weather in February will be ideal in Antigua. After June 1st and through November the weather in the Caribbean can be unpredictable. We have found that February through May are the best months for an island vacation; water is warm, plenty of sun and fabulous sunsets this time of year.

The only exception to all inclusive was a $10 per person room service charge for meals delivered to your room and the beach picnic at Pasture Bay beach.

Snorkeling off the beaches on JB island is not ideal. The included snorkeling adventure to Bird Island was great fun however the coral reef has seen better days. There are however several great snorkeling spots of the mainland and you could book an excursion.

Jumby is perfect.

screen_name_taken Aug 19th, 2013 05:46 PM

THANKS!
sounds like my kind of place, will absolutely make it there


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