A tall, smartly dressed man captains the seven-minute ferry between his home island of Antigua and Jumby Bay, the private-island retreat located just offshore. During its $28 million overhaul, the 300-acre Rosewood Hotels & Resorts property rebuilt 28 of its suites—which now have vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, and outdoor claw-foot tubs—and added two 10,000-square-foot Estate Homes to its pool of vacation rentals. Also added, the resort’s first spa, by Rosewood’s Sense brand; and the redesigned Dining room features an open kitchen helmed by executive chef Yann Giacomoni. Jumby Bay’s activities menu now features a number of private retreats designed for couples, including a stargazing session with the resort’s resident astronomer. Off-island excursions can also be arranged, but rarely are: According to the ferry captain, “No one wants to leave heaven.” Accommodations Forty rooms and suites, each with high-speed WiFi, iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs, and espresso machines. Dining Options include Mediterranean cuisine at the Estate House and “Carib-Pean” fare (freshly caught seafood, lobster and steaks) at the Verandah House. Rates Rooms start at $1,395 and include all meals and drinks.
