Jumby Bay Resort - Antigua

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This is the stuff dreams are made of. Visited: August 2003 Posted by jimb1099 After a quick boat ride to Jumby Bay, my wife and I were greeted upon arrival by a hotel representative and given a golf cart tour of the resort and facilities. The grounds were gorgeous, not to mention the breathtaking beach in front of the resort. Our courtyard suite (#22) left us with one word... wow! The room was awesome, including a large indoor and outdoor sitting area, wet bar with stocked refrigerator, a beautiful bathroom and a shower area I could have spent all week in. It also had a private outdoor shower and soaking tub. Our room looked right out to the beach! Meals were undescribably good, both buffet service and a la carte choices were outstanding. The fresh seafood was superb and the highlight was the Pastry Chef Lawrence who put on a spectacular dessert showcase nightly. Don't miss Patrick and Tony in the Estate House bar who kept us entertained and happy! We enjoyed the goregeous main beach with plenty of room, great beach toys, and outstanding beverage service. Clear and calm, this was one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. We also went to Pasture Bay Beach (a short bike ride away) for some great snorkeling (just be careful of the sea urchins and reef close to shore). We took advantage of a complimentary snorkeling trip to Bird Island (if Winston is your guide, ask him to go around Jumby Bay island on the way back- he'll give you the scoop on the magnificent homes on the island and who lives there!). The service was the best we have ever experienced in the Caribbean. Everyone was focused on making the guests happy and so many of the staff went out of their way to make us feel special! Even the resort manager made time to check in with us several times during our stay to make sure all was perfect. This is the resort to head to for the most luxurious, peaceful vacation you will ever have in your lifetime! 11 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This is one of the best hotels in the West Indies. Visited: July 2003 Posted by johannaf Jumby Bay is very luxurious, but all the rooms don't have a nice view. I would definitely not recommend the Rondavel suites because they have no view of the sea at all. The service and the food are great. You have music entertainment nearly every night and barbecues are great. The place is very beautiful with many birds and palm trees, but the grass is very dry and yellow - which is too bad. Watersports are included, but the boat wasn't working well during my stay. The sting rays excursion is a must. Also, for a massage, Su Hua is amazing! Apart from that, don't make calls from the hotel (they overtax a lot), and management is not always pleasant or helpful. But the place is great to relax a couple of days, and it has just been renovated. 2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Jumby Bay embodies relaxation and serenity. Visited: July 2003 Posted by dawnedonu My family and I just returned from Jumby Bay. Our initial thought of the island was nice, but we were not wowed. However, with each passing day, our view of Jumby Bay changed, and by the seventh day, we were hooked! The island was so peaceful and serene, unlike anything I have ever experienced before. We were here at the beginning of the off season, so the resort was even more quiet than usual. The staff anticipated our every need. And the amenities were very nice in the three-bedroom villa in which we stayed, from the full kitchen all the way down to the shampoo they provided. The view was fabulous, and the beaches were clean, quiet and well manicured. The staff taught windsurfing and water skiing and knew what they were doing. The drinks were amazing. It was so stress-free, not having to worry about where to go to dinner, or how we would get there. It was almost mindless in that we didn't even have to remember to bring the key to our villa as they didn't provide one (it was so safe)! The water was so clear and blue, and starfish were everywhere. We met with naturalists on the island one night to watch the endangered hawksbill turtles lay their eggs. Our true appreciation for the serenity on Jumby Bay came after we took a trip to the mainland to take a sailing trip to snorkel. Although the snorkeling (at Cades Reef) was amazing, we couldn't wait to get back to the peacefulness of the resort and get away from the commericalism and loud cruise ship tourists. Food was great (don't miss the scallops at the Estate House) and there was never a chance of going hungry! Don't miss the trip to Byrd Island to snorkel. Despite some postings here expressing the night life was lacking, that was what made Jumby Bay what it was... absolute paradise! This was one of, if not the best vacations, I have ever been on. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Jumby Bay is a five-star resort in a four-star location. Visited: June 2003 Posted by jorge My partner and I just returned from a two-week stay at Jumby Bay. Rosewood has definitely made their mark on this beautiful property. The complaints we had was that the resort looks out across the channel to the airport and the US military base, so you saw hills studded with large white storage tanks and an enormous satellite dish. With the airport such a short distance asway, we definitely had our peace interupted by the jets which started at around 7:00 a.m. and flew over with some regularity throughout the day and evening. The good points were that the resort shared the island with a few private residences, so the sense of peace and quiet was amazing. So much so, that both times we left the island to go to Anitgua, we returned grateful for the serenity. The beaches were beautiful and the water surrounding the island was teeming with aquatic life. Please note that only one of the beaches was swimmable as the rest had so much sea life that you felt guilty crushing them if you waded into the water. Due to the arid nature of the climate here, mosquitoes tended to be at a minimum. To be on the safe side, we wore repellant on exposed areas at night which kept the bites to just a couple (which for me is very rare as I tend to be a feast for them). The island was going through a dry spell, so vegetation was a bit dry. But there was some beautiful landscaping with many varieties of tropical flora. The facility itself was lovely, but I have to agree with another review posted here that you do not have the best views. What you have is not the Caribbean, but the channel between the island and Antigua. The rooms were very much up to standard of a Rosewood resort as we stayed in a two-bedroom villa with a plunge pool which was very lovely and tasteful. The service was the shining star here with every need met on "island time". Everyone from the housekeeping staff to management was very helpful and went out of their way to make sure our stay was all it could be. The food and beverages were wonderful with lovely meals served in the great house and refreshing drinks by the beach. The barbeque was not to be missed as it was served right on the sand next to the lapping waters of the shoreline. I would say that if this property was located elsewhere, there would be no comparison. We will continue our search for the perfect spot to return to. 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was the ultimate splurge. Visited: January 2003 Posted by linsey_s We just returned from our 10-day honeymoon. We spent the first four nights at Jumby. During our time here I felt the stress and tension of planning a huge wedding melt away. All of our worries dissolved as we frolicked on perfect beaches and meandered through perfectly tended garden paths around this secluded island hideaway. The food was fantastic (as my extra five pounds prove), and the room was my favotrite part! After a five million dollar renovation, this place was like new! There were two disappointing aspects to the stay. First, the management ignored our requests for a meeting to discuss certain activities we were interested in. And second, the mosquitoes devoured me! I know that this could not be helped, but be prepared. We had to sleep in tons of Off! and with the air conditioning on! Other than those two things, I highly recommend the place. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was very good, but could be better. Visited: July 2002 Posted by pbeauport Jumby Bay is a very good resort for those who want to get away and not have to worry about anything. We stayed in a deluxe suite and 'deluxe' does not begin to describe how utterly amazing the accommodations were. The Frette bath towels were a pleasant surprise, as was the bed with the lighted platform, and the shower - which opened to a mini garden. The almost 360-degree louvered doors were fabulous and the fridge was always stocked with an assortment of drinks. Also, an experience that is not to be missed is the magical hands of Su Hua, the resort’s masseuse. Her acupuncture and massage therapies are unlike anything I have ever experienced. The service was very good, but could be spotty at times. The entire bar and front desk staffs were very friendly and extremely helpful. The guys who ran the trolleys were also great. Just dial the front desk and ask for a pickup and they are there to take you to dinner or wherever. However, we found that service in the dining rooms could run hot and cold. My wife and I figured out that the later we went for lunch and dinner, the quicker our meals came - and once I swore they just flat out forgot about our dinner. The food was good, but was not always inspired. The best nights were the barbecue nights. They cannot be missed! The meat dishes were also very well prepared, but the fish courses were lacking in freshness—imagine that on an island—and flavor. To the resort’s credit we did speak with the chef, and he informed us that he was at the mercy of the local fishermen and something called ‘Antiguan time’. The house wines, to our surprise, were very good. We are wine snobs and the house wines beat the wines that we ordered from the decent wine list. All of this did come at a cost, however. We used Luxurylink.com and thank goodness we did because our travel agent quoted 50% higher. If we had paid full price, my review would not have been so forgiving. A very important development-Rosewood has taken over the management of the resort and will begin a $5+ million dollar overhaul of the resort beginning next month. That can only be a harbinger of good things to come. Jumby Bay is a very good resort, but Rosewood will undoubtedly elevate it to excellent status, if Little Dix Bay and Caneel Bay are any barometers. As a Rosewood rep told us, ‘We will concentrate on the details’. Alleluia! 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Possibly the best resort in the Caribbean. Visited: April 2002 Posted by halbarton The staff at Jumby Bay had an attitude - pamper the guest. They were simply the best we have ever experienced. This was an all-inclusive resort, so we were not "nickle and dimed". Previous reviews were accurate with respect to the accomodations, food, water sports, amenities, etc. There was one change for the better - there was musical entertainment at dinner each night, so we were able to dance. It was performed by different groups, but all were high quality. The only negative aspect was that the beaches, although expansive and very well maintained, were virtually devoid of fish life - except for some starfish. Avid snorkelers will be disappointed. Jumby Bay was not inexpensive, but it was definitely worth the price. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Tranquil and civilized. Visited: December 2001 Posted by tlira5752 We did not know quite what to expect prior to arrival. It is so seldom in this day and age that your expectations are exceeded. This place was just that exception. It is important to note that the resort was at minimal capacity as a result of the events related to 9/11/2001. The grounds consisted of 300 beautifully laid out acres on a small island close by the airport. We arrived by private ferry and were swept over to our suite of rooms without ever having to check in. Every guest is issued a bicycle, but facilities are close enough to walk. There was also a golf cart taxi service that was very prompt and complimentary. The rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated with a living area separate from the comfortable queen-sized four poster bed. The bath consisted of a huge shower with great water pressure, bidet, toilet, and double sinks adjoined by a private garden patio area. The bath was very well ventilated and it was possible for two people to dress simultaneously. The stocked mini bar in the room was complimentary and restocked daily. Everywhere drinks were complimentary, generously served, with top shelf liquors. The food was very good for the Caribbean. My experience is that aside from local seafood, you go to the Caribbean for many fun things, but not for the food. In this case the food was not the highlight of the stay. I also think the hotel had difficulty in estimating guests' consumption at lunch and breakfast because there were so few people staying. The water sports equipment was in good running order unlike the average resort, and the staff was helpful. You could sail, windsurf, snorkel, kayak, and water ski. As a matter of fact, there were very few staff that were not helpful, and generally had a big smile. Jumby Bay is very quiet. Be prepared to take your own party if you intend to have one. We were fortunate to make the acquaintance of some extremely nice guests, but by and large, the evenings wind down quickly after dinner. This was kind of a shame because all the ingredients were there for a more lively time. While we were there we heard that the residential property owners had repurchased the resort from Half Moon Bay and were hiring Rosewood to manage the hotel at some point in the future. Rudy, the existing manager, was very accommodating, as was his staff. He has developed a very civilized environment that we would love to enjoy again. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a more relaxing place with such beautiful beaches and well-maintained facilities, and Rudy and company are most accommodating to your needs and suggestions. They are certain to take great care of you. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This is it. No need to look anymore. Feels like home. Visited: November 2001 Posted by sodgod1 This was the best resort I have ever stayed at. The people could not do enough for us. The food was to die for. Wonderful beach, sun, drinks, and service. The room was sweet with a four-poster bed with netting and the bathroon opened up into our own private garden setting. What a way to enjoy a morning shower. Mode of transportation was the two-wheel type, just adding to the quaintness. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? THE place to stay on Antigua Visited: November 2001 Posted by clotfy If service, accommodation and a picture-perfect Caribbean beach are your requirements for your hard-earned vacation.......than this is the place to stay. The rooms are truly beautiful and extremely comfortable and a nicely stocked mini-bar awaits you. The beach is fabulous with lots of space, the food is excellent and the service and staff are tops. This is a quiet resort, which is one of its many charms. This was our first visit to Antigua. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Fantastic Visited: July 2001 Posted by kcasper My wife and I went to Jumby Bay with our two children (ages 5 and 7). Since it was the off season, there were very few other guests here, but the service was excellent. The food was very, very, good. There was always a good selection. Everything was included in the price, such as water skiing, a boat ride to a neighboring island for snorkeling, and all drinks. At times we were the only ones on the beach, except for a bartender. The beach was beautiful, with starfish everywhere. The rooms were outstanding and very private. Be aware if you are looking for big nightlife, this is not the place for you. After dinner there is not much to do, but if you are looking for a quiet place to spend a vacation, with great food and service, this is the place. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Spectacular! Visited: January 2000 Posted by rodgersrhonda Little did we know how different Jumby Bay would be in comparison to the mediocre property we left on St. Lucia. We were met at the private dock with flowers and escorted to a beautiful huge "suite." The furnishings were tasteful and stylish. The bath was incredible; hard to describe but opened to a garden area and the stars. The room and patio faced the private beach (the hotel is on a privately owned island). We were stunned by how good the food was and the staff was first rate. It's a place where the staff greets you by name and the bartender remembers how you like your drinks. The polished service in a beautiful setting makes you feel relaxed, comfortable, and pampered. The beautiful beach and a new Olympic-sized pool is next to both grass and clay tennis courts. It was superb and worth every cent. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? A memorable time at a special place. Visited: January 2000 Posted by nettles9 My wife and I went to our travel agent in September and told her that we needed a four-day getaway; a trip that was filled with peace and quite. We didn't want scheduled activities or a pool director. We just wanted the sun, good food and serenity. She suggested Jumby Bay. What a place! Private beaches, the best food in the world, sensational rooms, excellent staff and quiet surroundings. A great trip! One slight suggestion, nighttime at Jumby Bay needs to pick up a bit. It would be nice to have a band playing music, dancing and a beach BBQ—not every night, but a few. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?

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