We just returned from a 9 night stay at Hermitage Bay, and what can we say…what a truly amazing experience it was! 5 stars doesn’t do this beautiful and private boutique hotel real justice. It really is top notch across the board in every way. What really separates this hotel from all of the many others we have stayed at across the Caribbean is the people. It sounds cliche, but you really feel like part of their family. We got to know so many of the staff so well that it was very hard to say goodbye. And that’s never happened to us before. It’s what will draw you back and make you want to return annually. We had to hug so many people before we departed! We’ve never gone to the same hotel twice in the Caribbean before, but this is one we’d come back to annually if we can. It’s that much of a personal touch. And of course, the setting is beautiful and secluded. The food and drinks are really creative and special, and the executive chef is extremely talented. We had a chance to speak with him a few different times to tell him how impressed we were. The restaurant’s meals are so amazing that you won’t find a need to dine anywhere else. Just stay on the property and enjoy how well they do things at Hermitage Bay. The service of ALL of the staff members is among the best we’ve ever experienced. They all felt like good friends by the time we had to leave. If we could thank them all by name, we really would. But for now, we’ll give a heartfelt thanks to some of the many we got to know well: Solange at the reception desk (so many laughs were shared, and she can assist you with anything), Jillian (who we had to say goodbye to 3 or 4 separate times…we loved her humor, ha!), Simone (who we also had to say goodbye to many times over - such a wonderful soul), sweet Jamilla and Zoe who served us in the restaurant (but again, ALL of the ladies were amazing and kind and special in their own way), the boys at the bar and beach and restaurant - Stoney (who also makes an incredible hot sauce, just ask for a sample), Anthony (he’ll be easy to remember…we say that with only love, haha!), Jesse (who also DJs in his free time), Kyle (big things ahead for this young man), Ryan, Jamoll, Koshayne, Clinton (all are pro drink makers and are truly fun to talk to)….and I know we’re going to feel really bad for forgetting to mention countless others who deserve just as much recognition for making every day in Antigua so special for us. Rachel, the general manager, is present most every day and is a pleasure to speak with. She should be very proud of what they’ve created on this part of the island. We’ve never written a review this long or with this much detail, but we felt compelled to. It’s the people of Hermitage Bay who separate them from most other resorts. If you want a truly memorable and unique experience in the Caribbean, do not think twice about reserving your place here. You’ll want to come back again and again. We can’t wait to book our next visit - hopefully same ti