Caribbean – Jumby Bay, Private Island, Dream Destination

Where? The last stop on The Style Traveller Caribbean Island Hop is to the spectacular Jumby Bay Private Island, a Rosewood Resort off the coast of Antigua.

When? Winter 2015-16.

Best time to go? The Caribbean peak season runs from mid-December to mid-April.

Picture above: Me standing on the jetty wearing Melissa Odabash cornflower blue shirt dress. Below: The crystalline waters and powder white beach at Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort.

The Hotel? Set in a stunning, tranquil location, a five minute boat ride off the coast of Antigua, lies the 300 acre, tropical paradise of Jumby Bay, a luxury, private, Rosewood Resort. Jumby Bay is an exclusive island housing 40 exquisitely appointed, guest suites and villas and a handful of privately owned, estate mansion houses.

The island is accessible only by boat. With not a car in sight, guest are given bicycles which are neatly parked outside the villas, so you can meander along the pretty cycle paths and manicured lawns, which link the villas, suites, beaches and restaurants. If that sounds too energetic for you, simply summon one the guest buggies to chauffeur you around the island instead.
Above: Me nipping around Jumby on my little granny bike! wearing Melissa Odabash shirt dress.

The most spectacular thing about Jumby Bay is of course the beach. It’s the first thing you see when you arrive and last thing you want to leave at the end of your stay. While away the days on the powdery, white-sand beaches, possibly the best I’ve ever seen. And chill out to the blissful sound of the crystalline waves gently lapping the shore. From the moment you arrive, you can’t help but relax and become submerged in the calming tempo of beach life at Jumby Bay.

Above: The incredibly romantic champagne picnic organised for us on our own private beach, with the most spectacular backdrop. It’s the stuff of dreams. Ideal for honeymoons.

What to do – Activities

You can do as much or as little as you want at Jumby. Whether you prefer a hardcore session at the gym, followed by paddle boarding and jet skiing, or a pampering treatment at the luxurious spa and a languid dip in the turquoise, infinity pools, guests are given free reign to do exactly as they please.

Visit the turtle reservation, order a romantic champagne picnic for two on the private beach, whatever you want, the fantastic concierge team are constantly on hand to make sure you have the best possible experience. Add to that the all-inclusive cuisine and beverages, available literally 24/7, you completely loose track of time.

Above: The view of the spectacular infinity pool at the Pool Grille house, the perfect accompaniment to a informal Caribbean style lunch.

Above: Me posing under the coconut tree wearing Seafolly bikini top and bottoms from www.Cocobay.co.uk

The Private Suites and Villas

The island houses 40 private guest villas and suites, all tastefully decorated in a colourful, elegant Caribbean style. We were in room 38 Pictured above and below, with our own bikes, courtyard at the front of the house, beach access at the back and my personal, favourite spot in the suite, an outdoor bath tub. The scents of the flowers which surround the property heighten in the evening air, making it the perfect time to have a dip in the pool or a soak in the bath tub.

The rooms are filled with personal touches and thoughtfully appointed treats, geared specifically to your individual tastes and needs. From your own personalised, music playlist, playing as you enter the room (which you are asked to choose before you arrive), to signature bath products and a complimentary mini bar, stocked with your favourite treats and beverages of choice. It’s those little details that make your experience at Jumby Bay so special.

Above: The private pool suite. Below: Indulge in an outdoor bath or shower in the privacy of your own courtyard.

Dining and After Dark

One of the things I looked forward to the most (after a busy day of not doing very much!) was dinner in the evening. You can choose to dine with an a la carte menu at the candlelit, historic Estate House (pictured below), which is perfect for romantic evenings. Alternatively you can relax and unwind with a view of the sun setting over the sea at the chilled Verandah Restaurant (pictured above). Either way the range of culinary options available is fantastic.

I particularly enjoyed the Caribbean BBQ night at the Verandah, featuring fresh, grilled lobster, cray fish and mountains of healthy salads and rice. With a constant flow of food throughout the day at Pool Grille, as well as ‘in room dining’ and afternoon tea by the beach, it’s hard not to over indulge! And yes, I did need to seriously hit the gym after all that eating!

Above: Me at the bar, post a romantic supper at the Estate House Restaurant. Below: The ultimate, romantic, beachside, private dining for special occasions, honeymoons and anniversaries.

And relax… Infinity pool side drinks and nibbles at the breath taking Pool Grille Restaurant.

One of my favourite things about Jumby Bay is the people. By the end of our stay we were on first name terms with most of the guest relations and staff on the island. They’re an incredible, friendly bunch!

If you make it out there, please say Hi! to the legendary Melinda (below left image, wearing red). She makes sure the magic happens, whether she’s organising special experiences, recommending the best places to eat in Antigua or rapping about your anniversary on the stage, with the DJ after dinner, she is a true character.

Thanks guys, you made our stay truly magical!!  I can’t wait to go back.

So bye bye from the beautiful island of Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Property. Tune in next time to see the final Caribbean fashion shoot, featuring womenswear and menswear shot on location at Jumby Bay. (I know a lot of you have been asking for mens fashion for a while now!)

For more on TheStyleTraveller Best of the Caribbean please click here….

Bon Voyage xx