The Inn at English Harbour

In a way, I am loath to write this review, because this is the type of destination location which should be a well-kept secret - in case everyone ends up going there. But that would be unfair, so here goes... We booked with TrailFinders in the UK, and travelled non-stop Virgin Atlantic Upper-Class to Antigua (around 9 hours). On arrival in Antigua, we were met before immigration, by a very pleasant young lady carrying a board with our name on it. She then proceeded to 'spirit' us through a fast-track immigration process, baggage collection, customs and onward to our waiting transfer vehicle. Bo Tours then provided a very smooth (apart from the notorious Antiguan pot-holes!) transfer to The Inn at English Harbour. Once at the hotel, we experienced a very relaxed welcome and transfer by buggy to our room (upper floor Junior Suite), which was spotless, and everything we had asked for, with a beautiful view across the lawn towards the sea. Despite arriving early-evening, we were then able to have a lovely dinner on the terrace, before moving into flight-recovery mode! Throughout the week we spent at this hotel, the (high) standard of service never wavered. It always felt as though none of the facilities were under pressure. Everything was relaxed - the whole grounds were meticulously maintained, the beach sun-beds were dotted around in pairs under the palm trees (as opposed to regimented ranks), the beach attendants were always attentive when required - but otherwise unobtrusive, cool towels and cool fruit were offered to sunbathers. Lunch in the beach restaurant was magnificent, afternoon tea with refined sandwiches and cakes just HAD to be done, and evening meals in the Terrace restaurant - up the hill (by regular electric buggy service!) - was an absolute pleasure overlooking the surrounding attractive scenery. All guests dressing in smart casual - or better, added to the understated elegant ambience this hotel offers. We understand the hotel is owned and operated by an Italian family - with taste! It was so pleasant at this hotel; we found it difficult to drag ourselves away in order to experience the other attractions Antigua has to offer. That said, we took three trips in an air-conditioned taxi organised by the hotel: one to a quirky tea house at what was once a sugar plantation, another to experience feeding giant turtles on an offshore sanctuary island, and one to swim with stingrays on an offshore sandbank - 'Stingray City' - arguably the best experience on the island! The hotel also runs a free boat taxi, 10 mins from their own jetty round into Falmouth Harbour next door, where there is a museum of British Naval history, a small market and eating establishments. When we were there the Charter Yacht Show was in progress, so the harbour was buzzing, and contained some of the most opulent yachts available for charter! Overall, we could not fault any aspect of our holiday, and in many ways it surpassed our expectations. If not booking meals in advance, you should be aware that main courses at lunch and dinner come in at around 35USD per person, plus drinks, but as long as you are prepared for this, we can say without doubt, you will feel you had value for money and a very relaxing experience at this truly exceptional hotel. We would love to return!

What a treat to vacation in such a gorgeous spot and not be overcrowded with other people - and during Christmas, the biggest travel week of the year. Always a shady spot on the beach available, calm, clear ocean, and a large pool. The water taxi to Nelson Dockyard was a really nice feature. View is amazing. The staff is very attentive and tended to a few problems we had in our room quickly and efficiently. So many lovely staff members especially everyone at the Reef and Terrace restaurants. I am especially grateful to the front desk and housekeeping for getting rooms ready when we were forced to return after our flight was canceled and for providing plates of cheese and fruit at midnight which was exactly what we needed after such an awful time at the airport.

Great location good service and excellent restaurants made this an ideal location from which to explore the island of Antigua. The staff were very accommodating and had a great deal of knowledge about the island and suggested several places we needed to try for meals and to enhance our stay.

Is there a more perfect seaside hotel than the Inn at English Harbour ? My wife and I have just returned from a week’s stay there and we don’t think so , we absolutely loved it . The hotel is perfectly positioned in one of Antigua’s most stunning locations totally private and yet so close to the historic and beautiful English Harbour . The staff are so friendly and welcoming that nothing is too much trouble. The bedrooms are luxurious and well maintained and the public areas very elegantly set out . We loved the casual breakfasts at the beachside Reef Restaurant as well the excellent dinners up at the main lodge where the views and sunsets are wonderful. It’s not cheap but you can really see what you are paying for . We are booking again for next year as we were so impressed.

The pinnacle of paradise. We vacationed here for our honeymoon and it was everything we could have dreamed of and more. Quiet, intimate, luxurious, romantic, picturesque - honestly, there aren’t enough superlatives in the dictionary. I can’t imagine a better place to stay in Antigua! We loved snorkeling off of the semi-private beach and checking out the pillars of Hercules.