During half term break for schools in mid February (2016), while most of our friends with kids hit the slopes to ski, we opted for quiet time in the Caribbean and after searching for direct flights from London we decided to visit Antigua. We had previously visited Jade Mountain in St Lucia in the Caribbean and this time it was going to be the Carlisle Bay in Antigua. It was the weather that drew us to Antigua - not very humid, not very hot, everything weather related was just about perfect!
Good Things:   - The whole bay is almost the private property of the hotel. From early morning to sunset, one can easily swim and enjoy beach time.
 - Free snorkelling trips to Cades Reef every other day and swimming with sea turtles (video at the end)  - Child friendly (could be a negative for some, as we were the only couple with no kids, but they tend to populate the pool area which we stayed away from)  - Frequent yoga and pilates classes in the morning on the jetty.  - Extremely friendly service and attentive crew.
 - Choice of restaurants plenty (and food was ok).
Bad Things:  - The spa needs a refurbishment urgently.
 - The gym was freezing cold and quite small. Could have been better lay-out given amazing outdoor space as well.  - Open buffet during breakfast was quite limited. Expected more choice of fruits, cereals and healthy alternatives.

View from our room [Image] We celebrated Valentine's Day in Antigua [Image] Morning Yoga Session just after sun rise [Image] Cades Reef - various Corals [Image]
[Image] The bay is filled with Caribbean star fish [Image]
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[Image] Sighting Moray Eel during snorkelling trip to Cades Reef [Image] Emperor Helmet Conch Chillin [Image] Clouds over Antigua [Image]
Swimming with Sea Turtles - Paradise


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