Carlisle bay’s new wellness retreat series in Antigua

Surrounded by rainforest, this resort is 16 km from the historic Nelson’s Dockyard marina and 20 km from V.C. Bird International Airport. The resort, which has two-story beachfront houses, is home to 87 coastal inspired suites all having balconies, giving an ample view of the ocean and beach.

Each luxuriously decorated suite features high windows and ocean views. To ensure guests are not cut off from the outside world, each room comes with a television set, apple charging docks and free access to the internet. Also, minibars and coffeemakers are included.

Some suites add 4-poster beds and butler service, and some provide kitchens. Room service is available around the clock. Other perks include free breakfast and afternoon tea. There are 8 restaurants and bars, plus outdoor pools, a spa, a gym and a yoga pavilion. Other amenities include sailing, water sports, tennis, and a screening room.

Now, Carlisle Bay, which is known for its beach retreats in addition to its aquatic activities is putting a new focus on wellness.

Just recently, this exquisite resort marked the launch of the new Wellness Retreat series which aim to integrate wellness experiences ranging from yoga and meditation to spa treatments, with Caribbean culinary science and excursions that plunge you into your surroundings, on water as well as land.

Some of the activities to expect on this ride to wellness include sailing or snorkeling excursions, water activities by a kayak or paddleboard and climb Mount Obama before embarking on an outdoor cooking class where Caribbean spices are combined with the resorts’ herbs and vegetables to come up with unique dishes.

Feast on special Caribbean dishes at the Jetty Grille, try tasting local seafood at Indigo on the Beach and relish on healthy Asian dishes at East Ottimo Restaurant which is located by the pool and serves casual Italian dishes.

Contrary to imposing a strict wellness schedule, each day in the 3-night retreat aims at guiding guests in their quest to reset, relax and rebalance in a perfect environment with opportunities to partake of the islands’ healthy cuisines, acquire more knowledge about Antigua and sample the resorts’ cocktails. Indigo Bar or Coconut Grove also holds a cocktail masterclass for guests.

Throughout the 3-day retreat, there is no repetition of activities. There are new activities and new focuses every day, from core physical activity to body-mind coordination and stability – in a closed yoga center. Sporting activities like water-skiing and wakeboarding are used in other coves to prevent disrupting the calmness of the private cove, which is known to be the habitat of turtles.

During the day, organized rainforest walks to viewpoints with views of the island and ocean are embarked on. Walks to Signal Hill presents guests with a rich view of the Carlisle Bay. Also, snorkeling during their boat trips to Cades Bay, participating in a cooking experience, and taking part in the mid-day meditation sessions are activities to look forward to when participating in the wellness series.