Nonsuch Bay Resort

A relatively new resort for the island, Nonsuch Bay was built in 2009, and all of the buildings, furnishings, fixtures and bathrooms still felt fresh during our 2014 visit. It features a very clean, contemporary style with colonial touches, such as vaulted ceilings and tiled roofs. The lobby is light and airy with dark wood, natural finishes and pops of orange.While Nonsuch Bay is an all-ages, family-friendly resort, it feels very grown-up and polished. It's sophisticated but not stuffy, and still retains that easygoing, relaxed Caribbean charm. The rooms are spread out over a 40-acre property located on a gentle slope down to the ocean, which allows all rooms to have an ocean view. The well-manicured grounds include green grass and palm-tree lined paths. It's a very secluded property, with no other resorts in sight, which makes for a very tranquil setting. But it's not for those seeking nightlife, as it is very quiet in the evenings and there are no other bars in the area.

Nonsuch Bay is located down a long dirt road in a very secluded part of the east side of Antigua -- one of the most private settings on the island. This remote location lends an element of exclusivity -- only guests or staff of the resort will be found down this road, and you're not likely to see any vendors on the beach. It also lends a serene backdrop for those seeking peace and quiet. However, the remote location also means that it's a hike to any outside restaurants or bars, at least a 30-minute drive, and taxis will set you back a hefty fee.It's about a 45-minute (partly bumpy) drive to the airport or to the capital city of St. John's.The resort is set deep in the large bay that gives the resort it's name, though as it is on the east coast, it's subject to the wind and choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This also makes it an ideal spot for sailing and kite surfing.

Room options include cottages on the beach or one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments set back on the hill. Every bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom; these are large and updated, many featuring both a walk-in shower and a separate whirlpool tub, stylish sinks, and many windows. There are large, walk-in closets and laundry facilities in every suite. The rooms are unsurprisingly popular with for families and for longer-term stays.The decor is very stylish and contemporary, and the open, bright spaces have vaulted ceilings, big picture windows, and doors that open up to spacious decks with comfortable patio furniture. All living rooms and most bedrooms have their own deck access, and since the resort is located on a hillside, all rooms have an ocean view. Technology includes free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and large flat-screen TVs. The fully stocked modern kitchens have stainless-steel appliances, though plan ahead, as the nearest supermarket is near the airport, about a 40-minute ride. If you don’t feel like cooking yourself, you can arrange for a chef to come and cook in your room.

The main bar and restaurant area are beyond the lobby, on a jetty surrounded by the ocean. The excellent fine-dining restaurant boasts a chef who was voted best in the Caribbean in 2011. It serves creative, modern plates with local ingredients. There are three large pools, including an infinity pool on a bluff overlooking the ocean, and a family pool. There is a Kids Club and childcare available for a fee. The beach is on the small side for this size of property, but it is very pleasant with many palm trees providing shade and plenty of padded lounge chairs.Two unique features of Nonsuch are the sailing school and kite surfing lessons for adults and kids -- it is one of the few places on the island that offers kite surfing. The sailboats are new and of good quality, and the bay here gets consistent warm winds. Many guests opt for a sailing package when booking their stay. The water sports are the main attraction -- looking beyond that, the resort lacks a fitness center, tennis courts, or a spa, though spa services are available in-room.