Enjoy the Art Deco architecture and exciting atmosphere of Miami Beach before flying to Antigua’s stunning coastline and colonial history for a relaxing week at a luxurious beach resort.
What's Included:
3 nights Miami, room only; 7 nights Carlisle Bay, including breakfast. Includes flights and transfers
12 days from £4,350pp
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On the beach - 7 days
Carlisle Bay
Extremely stylish yet reassuringly down-to-earth, secluded Carlisle Bay is a luxury all-suite beach resort in an idyllic location overlooking pure white sands, swaying palm trees and turquoise water, set against a backdrop of emerald green rainforest.
Contemporary design and sophistication, excellent facilities and dedicated family and adult-only areas make Carlisle Bay a wonderful resort that effortlessly meets the needs of every guest from honeymooners to multi-generational family groups. There are four restaurants to choose from with relaxed dining and seafood at Indigo on the Beach, Italian classics by the poolside at Ottimo, adult-only tranquillity at the Jetty Grill and fabulous pan-Asian cuisine at opulent East. The resort also offers a comprehensive range of water sports, tennis, a small private cinema, gym and a large swimming pool, as well as an award-winning spa with a yoga and Pilates pavilion. The onsite PADI centre offers scuba diving courses for adults and children with pool training and reef diving in the bay, or you could set sail on the resort's catamaran or try some deep-sea fishing.
The 87 ocean-facing suites are cool, calm and sophisticated. The family-friendly suites are quite separate from those aimed at couples, but all feature floor-to-ceiling windows which open onto a balcony or terrace.
Before the beach - 4 days
Miami
All things to all people, Miami offers everything from glorious Art Deco architecture to quirky museums and bacchanalian nightlife. It's also a remarkably beautiful place, just a thin strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay fringed by sandy Miami Beach. The southern section, South Beach, is lined with world-class hotels and restaurants, hip clubs and historic pastel-hued mansions creating an intoxicating mix of fun, fashion and fame. Elsewhere, the Hispanic population creates a contrasting but equally fascinating vibe in Little Havana and Little Haiti, making this a beguiling city to explore.
Set on the oceanfront in the heart of Miami's South Beach, The Setai is a landmark Art Deco hotel that artfully blends the architectural history of the neighbourhood with a stylishly sleek contemporary design. The luxurious and elegant suites offer city or ocean views.
Carlisle Bay
87 rooms, 4 restaurants, 1 pool
Description
This stylish and luxurious, yet understated, resort offers a secluded location along a lovely stretch of beach. While you may not see the vibrant Caribbean décor of the more traditional resorts at this sophisticated, modern hotel, you will certainly enjoy the genuine West Indian warmth and beautiful setting of golden sands, palm trees and turquoise waters.
While the spacious suites and villas make this a great option for families, there are also separate areas for adults only so the hotel appeals to a wide variety of guests.
For families
This resort caters very well for families with children of all ages, and due to the accommodation offered and the wide range of facilities, we think it’s a perfect choice for multi-generation family holidays.
There is an excellent kids’ club ‘Cool Club for Kids’ and the resort also runs an activity programme for teenagers during school holiday time.
Children can also enjoy the flexible dining menus designed just for them.
Location
Tucked away on the south coast, just outside a local village, Carlisle Bay sits on its own beautiful expanse of beach and bay in a peaceful and secluded location.
The restaurants, cafés and shops of English Harbour are about 20 minutes’ drive away via the scenic Fig Tree Drive.
Our opinion
If you’re looking for modern, spacious, well-equipped suites, plenty of facilities and top-notch service to match, Carlisle Bay is the ideal choice.
Rooms
There are 87 ocean-facing suites in total, each with a private balcony or terrace. The spacious Garden, Bay and Ocean Suites for couples are quite separate from the family-friendly Beach and Carlisle Suites.
All air-conditioned suites are meticulously appointed with a sophisticated, contemporary style and include ceiling fans, full HD LCD Satellite TV, docking station, DVD, CD, Wi-Fi, minibar, espresso machine and daily fresh fruit. Floor to ceiling windows open onto a private balcony or terrace with comfortable daybed.
Garden suite
These generous 72 sq m suites are split-level with an open-plan bedroom with king bed and a sitting room.
The views are predominantly of the gardens, which are full of tropical foliage, with partial views of the turquoise Caribbean waters.
Ocean Suite
Perfect for those seeking peace and quiet as they are at the calmer end of the beach, away from the main resort. As with the Garden Suites, the Ocean Suites are a spacious 72 square metres in size with an open plan design; but have the additional benefit of sea views.
Beach Balcony Suite
Located in the family half of the resort, these two bedroom, upper level suites have a studio-style master bedroom with king beds and views of the bay, and a second twin bedroom.
Bay Suite
The 6 spacious oceanfront suites are 72 sq m and reserved for adults only, in a preferred beach location which is private and calm.
Butler service and a Vodka and Rum bar set up are just a few of the added extras included for guests in this room type.
Beach Terrace Suite
As with the Beach Balcony Suites, the Beach Terrace Suites are set in the family half of the resort with a studio-style master bedroom with king beds and a second twin bedroom. However the Beach Terrace Suites are set on the ground floor providing direct beach access.
Carlisle Suite A
There are two of these three-bedroom suites offering over 160 sq m of space, with two king rooms, and one twin, all of which are en suite. There is a large sitting room, kitchen and a double-width beachfront balcony, making this accommodation ideal for a family of six, or two couples.
Carlisle Suite B
The most luxurious of all accommodation at Carlisle Bay, these two three-bedroom suites are similar to the other two Carlisle Suites in that they offer nearly 250 sq m of space including two king rooms, a twin room, large sitting room and kitchen but with an L-shaped, beachfront balcony or terrace.
Pictures of the rooms
Activities, diving & excursions
Carlisle Bay offers a wide range of activities.
Choose from a comprehensive and complimentary range of water sports including kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and snorkelling.
On land there are 9 tennis courts (4 floodlit), a library, a luxurious 45-seat private cinema, fitness centre, yoga and Pilates pavilion and a large swimming pool.
Carlisle Bay offers PADI certification, as well as one-day Discover Scuba courses if you’re just looking for a taster.
All of the pool training is done on resort and reef diving is possible in their bay. One of Antigua's best-known offshore sites, Cades Reef, is only five minutes by boat.
If you have children of eight years and older, they also offer a PADI Bubblemaker programme which introduces children to diving, to a maximum depth of two metres.
Food & drink
Carlisle Bay offers some of the best food in the Caribbean in its four restaurants.
Indigo on the Beach is the relaxed heart of Carlisle Bay where bare feet are welcome at any time of day and lovely sea breezes fill the open sided terrace as you dine. Expect fresh, healthy grilled seafood, salads, homemade breads and pastas.
Ottimo! serves Italian classics by the pool, whilst East offers delicious pan-Asian cuisine in the evenings.
The Jetty Grill provides adult-only dining by the beach, offering light lunches, as well as grilled meat and fresh seafood.
There are also fours bars in the resort, including Coconut Grove, a pretty swathe of shaded sand behind the main beach where chairs and loungers offer couples a quiet place to hang out with a drink. The bar service here is available at any hour and they also serve a lovely afternoon tea here each day.
Spa Facilities
Carlisle Bay's award-winning Blue Spa has six treatment rooms, including one for couples, where an extensive range of treatments are offered, from massages to scrubs, and facials using products from Spanish skin care specialist Natura Bissé.
Inside this fabulous wellness facility, there is also a state-of-the-art fitness centre, yoga and Pilates pavilion, two plunge pools, wet room, sauna, juice bar and salon.
Miami
Location: Miami
Whether you're into sport, sunshine or salsa, Miami sizzles all year round with great beaches, exciting entertainment, vibrant nightlife and world-class hotels and restaurants.
The key attraction is Miami Beach, a thin strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The southern section, South Beach, is well known for its pastel-hued Art Deco buildings, hip nightclubs and smart restaurants, the best of which line Ocean Drive.
The most opulent villa is the Casa Casuarina, the former home of Gianni Versace. Other parts of the city are also worth visiting, such as Little Havana and Little Haiti, both lively Hispanic districts.
The Setai
Accommodation: The Setai
Enjoying a privileged oceanfront setting in the heart of Miami's South Beach, this landmark Art Deco hotel reflects the architectural history of the neighbourhood.
Built in the mid-1930s, the original building has been stylishly refurbished with Asian-influenced decor, and is today dwarfed by its imposing and impressive 40-storey, glass tower neighbour.
Suite accommodation is split between the two buildings, all beautifully appointed and equipped with the latest modern amenities. Dining opportunities are numerous: The Restaurant serves Asian-inspired fare, whilst The Grill offers a more relaxed atmosphere, in which to enjoy simple but quality cuisine.
There is also the 27.43-metre pool bar serving Mediterranean cuisine, whilst the mother-of-pearl encrusted bar provides a stylish setting for drinks. The exclusive DV Club is only for members, and hotel guests, who can enjoy the 3,000-bottle wine cellar, restaurant and rooftop space.
There are three outdoor pools, each heated to a different temperature, as well as a spa, fitness centre, fashion and jewellery boutiques.
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Fly to Miami. On arrival make your own way to your hotel and settle in. The rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 2
At leisure in Miami. Why not take a stroll along the famous South Beach discovering its Art Deco architecture and pastel coloured buildings.
Day 3
A further day at leisure to relax and explore Miami.
Day 4
This morning make your way back to the airport in time for your flight to Antigua.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the stunning Carlisle Bay where you will spend the next 7 nights.
Day 5
At leisure at Carlisle Bay. Take advantage of the fantastic water sports and enjoy the warm Caribbean waters.
Day 6
Take some time to explore Nelsons Dockyard and pretty English Harbour or you might like to take a day trip to Montserrat or the stunning pink sands of quiet Barbuda.
Day 7
At leisure. The resort can arrange guided nature walks if you wish to explore the rainforest.
Day 8
Head to Shirley Heights on a Sunday for panoramic views, steel bands, barbecue and great sunsets.
Days 9 - 10
Day 11
Today you will be transferred back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Day 12
Arrive home
Start planning your trip with Audley
Tailoring your trip
This itinerary is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible.
We can tailor this trip to suit your specific requirements
Any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation
How to book
Contact a Hidden Beach specialist
Whether you wish to plan your trip around this itinerary idea or you have other ideas, please do get in touch by phone or online. If using our online form, a destination specialist will contact you by phone to discuss your requirements.
Discuss your requirements
Our destination specialists have the first-hand knowledge required to put your plans into action. They can answer your questions, offer suggestions and advice to suit your tastes and budget.
Refine your itinerary
Your specialist will carefully design your trip, creating a detailed itinerary which will be sent to you. Your specialist will answer any further questions you have and refine it until you are completely happy.
Confirm your trip
Once you are satisfied with all the arrangements, we ask you to complete a booking form and pay a deposit of 15% of the total cost of your trip.
Stay in touch
Even after booking, you'll undoubtedly think of more questions. Feel free to call your specialist at any time. The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish.
