nancylee

We are an older couple planning a winter vacation. We like luxury and snorkeling from the beach. Can anyone tell us anything (good or bad) about either Carlisle Bay or Jumby Bay. They both look good on their web sites. Any help would be appreciated.

RoamsAround

Check out the "review section" on www.tripadvisor.com you'll find lots of recent comments for both resorts. In general they both get consistently high marks from their respective guests.

I don't recall there being very much "walk-in snorkeling" at either resort. The best snorkeling spots in and around Antigua are accessible only by boat. Either resort can help set you up with day snorkeling trips to the best sites.

penny

Nancylee if you type in Jumby bay in the search box on this forum you will find I have answered quite a few questions over the years about Jumby, that might help you .

Jumby is low key, wonderful service, nice food and a whole private island. I love the ambiance, and have stayed there
many times. Its quiet and low key elegant. Snorkeling from the beach is not good. Jumby does have a weekly snorkeling trip. We did stay at Carlise bay when they first opened. Its a lovely place but Jumby has so much more in ambiance and
setting its a winner for us. Happy to answer your questions.

nancylee

Roamsaround & Penny, Thank you both for your fast replies. We checked your references. We decided to go with Carlisle mainly because Jumby is all inclusive, and we like to try off- campus restaurants. We will also want to explore other parts of the island, and imagine it is more difficult being on a separate island. There is no mention of frequency and time it takes to travel to and from Long Island.

penny

Good point. Jumby Bay is about 8 minutes from the airport to their private dock. Their ferry is about 8 minutes to the
hotel. Its not a problem leaving the island as the ferry runs all day until late at night --about every half hour.Its an easy trip.

Calisle Bay is about 30 minutes from the airport, not far
from Cutain Bluff. This is the rain forest side of the island-with lovely views of Montserrat, at the time we
were there a nice glow.

DianeC

Hi Nancy

Just wondered when you are going to Carlisle Bay, as we are going in December.

Diane

jwj

Hi Nancylee,
Just curious as to why you aren't considering Curtain Bluff. It's been 2 years since we've been and we're going back in Feb. for the 6th time. We love it! Have heard good things about both Carlisle Bay and Jumby Bay but always go back to Curtain Bluff so have not been to either. Regardless, have a great time.

DianeC

Just returned from Carlisle Bay & don't think it can be bettered! Although never been to Jumby Bay, we have been to most of the other high end hotels in antigua.
Have a good time whenever you go.

nancylee

Thank you all. We are going at the end of January. Can't wait to get there.

DianeC

You will love it, drop me a PM if there is anything that you would like to know.