With a chill in the air and Fashion Month wrapping up, I am already dreaming about my next winter getaway, and I know just the spot. I have been to paradise, and it is called Jumby Bay Island. With sun-drenched, white powder beaches embracing a turquoise blue ocean, a delectable rum punch, and an award-winning spa filled with organic products and services from renowned beauty guru Tata Harper, Jumby Bay Island defines beauty, peace, and wellness. Keep reading for ideas of what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and a chic island packing list.
Where to Stay
Jumby Island
An ultra-luxurious private island in the Caribbean two miles from mainland Antigua, Jumby Bay Island is only reachable by boat. After flying to Antigua, you will be shuttled to a private dock and climb aboard the boat, where you will be met with cold, minty towels and warm smiles. In eight minutes, you will arrive at an elegant all-inclusive resort with White Lotus vibes (but no bodies floating in the ocean). The weather is perfect all year, with little rain and low humidity. The friendly staff welcomes you with a robust rum cocktail (one I still dream about), and vacation has officially begun–one filled with relaxation, daydreaming, pampering, and total bliss. As you inhale the salt air and absorb the glorious setting, you feel instantly transformed, and urban life is a world away. Here, your most significant decision is where to enjoy an alfresco lunch overlooking palm trees and gentle ocean waves. Before unpacking my bags, I headed to the spa and enjoyed a luxurious Tata Harper Facial to initiate my personalized wellness journey. Jumby Bay is the ultimate destination for a girls' getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo retreat to restore and recharge. Think Under the Tuscan Sun meets Eat Pray Love.
Jumby Bay’s newly-renovated 300-acre property has no cars (only golf carts). Each oceanfront suite is a slice of heaven with exquisite attention to detail. The interior boasts nautical-inspired decor with a luxurious bed, walk-in closets, a refrigerator filled with Champagne and Rosé, private porches with lounge chairs, a plunge pool, flower gardens, and an oversized soaking tub secluded beneath towering trees within a private courtyard–the perfect setting for sipping a glass of bubbly. Hand-painted shells are placed on your pillow each night (legend has it they bring you luck in love) with truffles and a spirit of your choice. The all-inclusive property has three pools, three dining options, tennis courts, a full-service gym, a yoga pavilion, and the piece de resistance, the award-winning Tata Harper Spa.
Each guest is blessed with a private soaking tub in their private courtyard.
Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Foster Stein
Intimate accommodations for each guest.
Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Foster Stein
What to Do
Antigua and its surrounding islands are known for their gorgeous, sun-drenched beaches, coral reefs, and sailing culture. The resort has a sports concierge who can schedule private or group classes for paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, and snorkeling.
Snorkeling Trip
The snorkeling experience is incredible. A private boat delivers you to a beautiful coral reef in Antigua’s Bird Island, where you can observe endangered species such as the red-billed tropic bird. Swim in crystal clear waters atop schools of neon-colored fish, sea turtles, parrot fish, octopuses, and breathtaking rock formations. When you return to the boat, delicious charcuterie, rum punch, and local beer await you. The 2-hour trip takes 18 guests and can be scheduled at 22 Knots, the Jumby Bay Watersports Concierge.
Photo: Courtesy of Jumby Bay Island
The Jumby Bay Island Sailing Academy
The intensive Sailing Academy package offers sailing lessons for all ages and levels, from beginners to racers. The Jumby Bay Island Sailing Academy has an impressive fleet of RS Zests, Lasers, and RS Elites.
Kayaking Tour
Kayaks and paddleboards are available to allow guests a leisurely sojourn across the gorgeous waves and coastline with nothing but blue, cloudless skies above.
Off the north coast of Antigua lies the island’s biggest marine park, which contains several islets, and the picturesque Great Bird Island, the home of over twenty species of birds and an infinite supply of sea life. Take a private boat tour and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the white sandy beach. Two gorgeous beaches and coral formations offer plenty to explore. Don’t forget your snorkel equipment as the water is warm, calm, and amazingly inviting. You won’t want to leave.
Photo: Courtesy of Jumby Bay Island
Wellness Journey at the Tata Harper Spa
For me, there is no better vacation than one in which I return feeling healthier and more at peace than when I left. The Tata Harper Spa left me with an inspired sense of wellness and optimism. Infused with elements of nature, the spa at Jumby Bay is the first spa in Antigua and Barbuda that offers Tata Harper Sensorial treatments. Tata worked with the spa team to curate custom treatments and rituals. The entire product line is also available for retail at the spa boutique. I had the opportunity to experience Tata’s all-natural and organic treatments while reclining in rooms overlooking the ocean, surrounded by a gentle sea breeze and the hush of waves. The treatment menu combines modern therapeutic practices and West Indies traditions, such as the Tata Harper organic massage that provides a nourishing serum of herbs, organic ingredients, and extracts from the island’s indigenous Neem tree. Signature facial treatments mirror Jumby Bay’s philosophy of nature and serenity. Ms. Harper’s treatments provide an additional layer of self-care for guests seeking a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience at the resort. The highly trained staff takes the time to evaluate your skin and provide treatments that are custom-suited for you. My personal favorite was the Nature Balancing Facial. Using a singing bowl ritual and guided breathing techniques, this treatment encouraged positive emotions to soothe my busy mind. Face-mapping therapy and kinetique face massage melt away stress and tension. It was at this spa that I got introduced to the Superkind line. Since this experience, I have been using the Superkind-Fortifying Moisturizer and Brightening Refining Cleanser, and I have a glow that makes me feel young and vibrant. Any treatment you choose, you will leave feeling relaxed, inspired, and glowing.
Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Foster Stein
Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Foster Stein
Where to Eat
Jumby Island has a few restaurants to choose from and beach bars where champagne and fruit-filled cocktails topped with tiny umbrellas are staples. Gastronomic favorites include Jerk Fish tacos, lobster, conch, and saltfish. The seafood in Antigua is fresh, beautifully prepared, and pairs nicely with their signature Rum punch!
The Pool Grill
Along the northernmost point of Jumby Bay Beach, the Pool Grille is a sun-worshipper's haven. Serving lunch daily, it is the perfect place for an refreshing dip in the infinity pool before taking to the shade or to a chaise lounge overlooking the unique sand bar from the beach. The fruit-infused cocktails are amazing.
The Veranda Bar & Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Foster Stein
Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Foster Stein
This chic social hub offers fresh seafood, ceviche, and simply grilled options for breakfast and lunch. It is also a fitting place to share a drink before returning to reality.
Dining Pop-Ups
Pop-ups island style includes a weekly White Night Beach BBQ. Leave your wedges in the room as you enjoy the chic, all-white party on the sandy shores of Jumby Island. White linen and caftans fill the beach as starfish glow in the water as music fills the air.
Enjoy the West Indian Hangout pop-up and farm-to-fork dinner at the Farm. Reservations are required. In the rustic setting of Jumby Bay Island Farm, guests share fresh, local produce and seafood. Wonderful cocktails and canapés are enjoyed while moving to the sounds of calypso.
Shop Antigua Packing Essentials
Every day at Jumby Bay calls for your favorite silk kaftans. Chic, light, and versatile, these will take you from lazy afternoons to chic dining overlooking the Ocean. Stylish sunglasses, the perfect beach tote, sexy espadrilles, and, of course, the perfect skincare routine to help you glow on your vacation.
