Perched on the stunning island of Antigua, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort has been a dream destination of mine for years, and it’s easy to see why. Each of the 40 rooms comes with its own private plunge pool, offering a perfect blend of luxury and privacy. Overlooking the serene Nonsuch Bay, this resort stands out from the usual all-inclusive experience with its daily changing à la carte menu and exceptional service, always delivered with a smile. It’s truly a magical getaway, and in this post, I’ll dive into exactly why it’s worth the visit.

Location and How To Get There 

Escape at Nonsuch Bay is situated on the stunning island of Antigua, which is easily accessible with daily direct flights from the United States, the UK, and many other Caribbean islands. In fact, it’s so convenient that you could even plan a long weekend getaway from the U.S. The resort is just a short 40-minute drive from the airport, and I arranged a private transfer through the hotel for $75 upon arrival and $65 for the return trip. 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can upgrade your transfer with packages that include perks like champagne on arrival. For those who prefer to explore the island at their own pace, there are plenty of car rental options available at the airport. Alternatively, the hotel offers a wide range of tours and excursions around the island at very reasonable prices.

Check in process 

After a smooth transfer from the airport, where our driver greeted us with a sign bearing our name just outside the terminal, we arrived at the resort and were warmly welcomed by the staff. They offered us a refreshing drink and a cool towel—much appreciated after a long day of travel!

We were then shown to some seats in the reception area, where we were given the WiFi code and asked to complete the check-in process using a QR code. The whole process took less than five minutes, and soon after, we were escorted to our room.

One of the staff members gave us a detailed room tour, explaining all the features, including how to operate the air conditioning and the various appliances in the mini kitchenette. They also introduced us to the unique shell system outside our room—a large conch shell with a small pull and a smaller shell at the end. If you place the shell inside, it signals “do not disturb,” and if you hang it outside, it lets housekeeping know to tidy up your room.

To our delight, we found a lovely bottle of champagne and a tapas platter waiting for us in our room, which we promptly enjoyed on our balcony. We also received a welcome email with all the resort’s details, including meal times and other helpful information. I really appreciated having everything written down, as it can be overwhelming to remember all the details after a long travel day.

Rooms 

This charming boutique resort has just 40 rooms, each featuring its own private plunge pool. There are three room types to choose from, and I was lucky enough to stay in the Premium Bay View Pool Room, which offered breathtaking views of Nonsuch Bay.

Inside, the room centers around a comfy king-sized bed with side tables and charging points on both sides. There’s a large flat-screen TV and an open-plan bathroom just behind the bed, complete with a shower, double vanity sinks, and an enclosed toilet. The mini kitchenette comes with a stocked mini-fridge filled with milk for coffee or tea, bottled water, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, club soda, and tonic water. There’s even a small bottle of local rum to sample. You’ll also find a Nespresso machine with pods, a kettle for tea with various tea bags, and a selection of glasses, mugs, and champagne flutes.

In the storage wardrobes, you’ll find hangers, an ironing board and iron, a safe, a mini sewing kit, and a shoe-shining kit.

The outdoor space is truly the highlight. Double doors slide open to reveal a balcony with a private infinity plunge pool, a daybed that partially overlaps the pool, an outdoor soaking tub, and a seating area. The pool is 1.5 meters deep with steps leading down, perfect for a relaxing dip while gazing out at the bay. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a chorus of birds flying by in the morning, pausing for a quick drink in the pool as they pass.

Food and Drink 

Escape at Nonsuch Bay offers a refreshing twist on the typical all-inclusive experience. Instead of the usual repetitive menus and buffets, the menu here changes daily, offering a variety of appetizers, intermediate courses, entrées, and desserts. While there is a BBQ buffet on Wednesdays—which is a must-try during your stay, with a fantastic selection of options and the chance to watch your choice of meat, tofu, or veggies cooked right in front of you—you’ll never get bored of the dining options. Each room comes with a round tray, perfect for bringing meals back to your room if you prefer to enjoy your food in privacy, which we took full advantage of one morning.

What really stood out to me was how the culinary team went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary restrictions. As someone with celiac disease, I need to follow a gluten-free diet, and my friend who accompanied me is vegan. We were always provided with alternative options or guided on which menu items fit our needs. Even when we ventured out for an offshore picnic, they thoughtfully packed us gluten-free and vegan options.

Breakfast offers a choice of Continental, Full Breakfast, or pancakes, along with coffee, tea, and a variety of juices. The Continental breakfast includes white or wheat toast, pastries, yogurt, cereal or granola, cold cuts, cheese, oatmeal, coconut flakes, and raisins. The Full Breakfast allows you to choose four items from bacon, sausage, mushrooms, hash browns, eggs (scrambled, fried, poached), and grilled tomatoes.

Lunch also varies daily, with a choice of two appetizers and four main courses. During our stay, options included tomato soup, lentil and pea fritters, curry chicken with pineapple chutney and rice, vegetable chow mein stir fry, burgers, and loaded French fries.

Except for the Wednesday BBQ buffet, dinner typically features a four-course menu—appetizer, intermediate course, entrée, and dessert. We were spoiled with choices like coconut shrimp and Greek salad appetizers, pumpkin soup and spaghetti puttanesca as intermediate courses, and grilled mahi-mahi, seafood risotto, and roasted pork loin with coconut rice and peas as main courses. Wednesdays are particularly special, with a live steel band and DJ that create a wonderful evening atmosphere.

Meals are served at set times, but if you find yourself a bit hungry between meals, the bar offers various bites to tide you over. Drinks are also included in the all-inclusive package, except for a selection of bespoke wines and champagnes that you can order and add to your room bill. There’s a new cocktail special every day that’s always worth trying, and if you’re unsure what to order, just let the bartender know your preferences, and they’ll whip up a unique cocktail tailored to your taste!

Facilities 

If you can manage to tear yourself away from your private plunge pool, you’ll find a large main pool in the hotel’s central area, conveniently located next to the bar. The pool area is surrounded by various lounge chairs, including shaded options and a few in-water loungers—my personal favorite spot! It’s the perfect way to soak up the sun while staying cool in the refreshing water.

For those who enjoy water activities, kayaks and paddleboards are available for guests to use in the bay, with easy access from one of the docks. Along the bay, you’ll also find several seating areas on separate docks, which can be reserved for a bespoke dining or champagne experience—ideal for a special occasion or just a romantic evening.

At the reception area, there’s a small table set up with a selection of souvenirs, including t-shirts, caps, mugs, bags, and a delicious homemade hot sauce made by one of the receptionists’ mums! I couldn’t resist picking up a bottle, and I have to say, it’s a must-try. They also offer basic necessities you might have forgotten—like sunscreen, bug spray (essential for this location!), toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more—and you can easily add any items to your bill.

For a bit of pampering, the property also features a full-service spa offering massages, facials, and other treatments. I treated myself to a full Swedish massage and a rejuvenating facial, and I left feeling like a new person—completely relaxed and ready to make the most of my time on this beautiful island.

Activities

You definitely won’t run out of things to do during your stay at Escape. The resort offers a wide range of activities, including Pilates and yoga classes, nature walks, steel pan lessons, and unique experiences like “bubbly on the dock” or floating tray options for breakfast, tapas, or sushi.

One afternoon, we treated ourselves to the floating tapas experience, and it was fantastic. A floating tray, complete with a bottle of champagne, a selection of tapas, and fresh fruits, was delivered right to our private pool at the time we chose. The staff even went the extra mile to prepare vegan and gluten-free options for us! There’s really nothing quite like enjoying a delicious spread from the comfort of your own private pool.

We also booked a private offshore picnic, which was an absolute highlight. A private speedboat took us to Green Island, where we were greeted with a picnic basket full of goodies and an ice chest filled with drinks, including a bottle of wine, water, beers, and fresh juice. The staff had set up a shaded tent gazebo on the beach, complete with pillows and rugs, creating the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. We had the entire beach to ourselves for about an hour and a half to two hours—pure paradise! The menu for the picnic is customizable, and you can choose from a variety of wraps, paninis, sandwiches, salads, fruits, and desserts through an email sent the day before. Despite our late booking, they accommodated our dietary needs with gluten-free and vegan options, which was impressive.

Another memorable experience was the “bubbly on the dock.” We were shown to a private area overlooking the bay, beautifully decorated with flowers and a bouquet by the waterfront seating area. A bottle of champagne and a selection of tapas were provided, and after opening the champagne for us, the staff left us to enjoy the moment in peace, checking in occasionally to see if we needed anything. It felt wonderfully private and would be a perfect romantic experience for couples—or even a proposal!

When you check in, you’ll receive a welcome email with a list of the many tours and excursions available throughout the island, including private taxi drivers who can offer custom tours tailored to your interests. There’s also a booklet at reception with more information on the different tours available.

Service 

The service we received during our stay was truly outstanding. We were greeted with warm smiles and a team of staff who were always eager to assist at every opportunity. Despite our short stay, I was pleasantly surprised that many of the staff remembered our names—a thoughtful touch that made us feel even more welcome. The culinary team and waitstaff went above and beyond to accommodate our dietary restrictions. If there was ever any doubt, they would double-check with the chef, which I really appreciated, especially considering how important it is for me to avoid cross-contamination.

I felt genuinely welcomed throughout my visit, and every interaction with the staff felt like chatting with old friends. This kind of atmosphere is something you don’t often find at every hotel, and it’s one of the reasons I love staying at smaller boutique hotels. The personalized service here made me feel more than just a guest; it felt like a home away from home, unlike larger properties where you can sometimes feel like just another number.

Closing Remarks

My stay at Escape at Nonsuch Bay was nothing short of extraordinary. From the exceptional personalised service and attentive staff to the stunning private infinity pools, every aspect of the hotel exceeded my expectations. The boutique charm of the property made each moment special, and the warm, friendly atmosphere truly set it apart from larger, impersonal resorts. I was consistently impressed by the thoughtful details and the genuine care shown by the staff. I’d return in a heartbeat and highly recommend this gem of a hotel for anyone seeking a luxurious, intimate getaway in Antigua.

Ready to book Escape at Nonsuch Bay? Click Here!

You can find out more about my stay on my “Antigua 2.0” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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