Sea spa: Laid-back luxury at Antigua's Carlisle Bay

Where is it?

This cocoon of comfort is fewer than six nautical miles from Antigua’s English Harbour on the island’s south coast. Strewn with palm trees, the hotel’s secluded, gently shelving beach and shabby chic style (think plantation shutters mixed with neutral marble and flashes of turquoise) create a private island feel, despite being within striking distance of Antigua’s hotspots.

Why the hype?

There is no hype – and that is the best thing about it; Carlisle Bay is all about full-on Caribbean relaxation. There are no strict dress codes, afternoon tea is served at your sunbed and a steel band and tree frogs create the night-time theme tune. The property’s airy Blue Spa, with views out to the shimmering sea or the lush rainforest behind the hotel, is modern but unimposing.

What to have?

The spa uses Voya products, which are hand-crafted from organic Irish seaweed. As a result, you can’t go wrong with a Seaweed Leaf Body Lift, a wrap that uses plant power to help the renewal of damaged skin cells and improve skin elasticity. If this sounds a little too much like human sushi for your liking then go for the spa’s most popular treatment – the deep sports massage. The overworked athletic types who frequent the hotel’s multiple floodlit tennis courts swear by it.

Best by boat

Anchor in the sheltered bay and tender in to the resort’s private jetty located at the far end of its perfect curve of white beach.