Set on a 300-acre private island, Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort casts a spell of serene enchantment. Nestled two miles off the coast of Antigua, the exclusive Caribbean resort is a naturalist’s haven noted for its lush landscape, stately palm trees and three superb, white sand beaches. A secluded hideaway accessible only by boat, the luxury resort is known worldwide for providing discerning travelers with world-class service and distinguished amenities.
This proprietary blend, stirred by gentle trade winds, is at the heart of the Jumby Bay experience. Named for local mischievous spirits, this fully inclusive, 300-acre private island off the coast of Antigua in the West Indies casts a spell of serene enchantment.
An island Arcadia enjoyed for nearly two decades, the resort is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and blessed with a gloriously temperate climate. With its towering palms, wild orchids, bougainvillea and lawns edged with pristine white sands, Jumby Bay is home to an astonishing array of wildlife and an ample reserve of privacy.
Infused with the atmosphere of an elegant house party, new arrivals are quickly seduced by the languid pace of life on Jumby Bay. A morning dip in the sea, sunbathing at noon, or a game of croquet in the afternoon are accompanied only by the serene sounds of nature. On an island without cars, guests move about easily in golf carts and bicycles along the island’s palm-shaded paths.
With 40 beautifully refurbished suites and rooms and 11 villas spread across nearly a third of the island’s 300 acres, guests feel deliciously ensconced in their own secluded hideaway. Each accommodation is an oasis of luxurious idleness embodying the island’s stylish good taste, with cool, ginger-colored tile floors, woven bamboo mats, richly colored Imbuia wood, cane chairs and a soothing palette of pale cream and café au lait set against cool, white plaster walls. Relaxation comes naturally in sitting rooms with oversized linen pillows, private verandahs set with elegant teak furnishings, Colonial-style four-poster beds covered in fine Italian linens and spacious bathrooms, most with private outdoor showers.
Tropical foliage and pristine white beaches characterize Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort a secluded all-inclusive Caribbean hideaway accessible only by boat from Antigua, legendary for providing discerning travelers with world-class service and distinguished amenities. Jumby Bay has long been lauded for its attention to details, and now a $28-million renewal reflects the ongoing quest for perfection and sophisticated luxury. Exciting new additions to the island include a new Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, new restaurant, sensational new beach-front suites and a stunning ocean-front infinity pool. The island also features two excellent sunbathing beaches, Jumby Bay Beach and Pasture Beach, plus winding paths lined with towering palms, ideal for walking or biking.
Location
Jumby Bay Island is a 300-acre private enclave just two miles north of Antigua in the West Indies. A haven for naturalists, the island plays host to a variety of wildlife including sheep, the White Egret, and the Blue Pelican. Pasture Beach, on the island’s windward side, is a protected nesting site of the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle.
Access
Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport is serviced by six airlines including American, American Eagle, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, BWIA, Continental, Air Canada, Condor, and LIAT. The United States requires a passport for entry or re-entry from any traveler returning from the Caribbean islands, including U.S. citizens. There is a $20 departure tax from Antigua. After clearing customs, guests are greeted by Jumby Bay staff and escorted to taxis, which take them on a three-minute drive to the resort’s private catamaran for a 10-minute cruise to the exclusive island retreat.
A Brief History
An ancient coral reef first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and claimed by the British in 1632, Jumby Bay Island takes its name from “jumbie,” Antiguan colloquial for “playful spirit.” Held by a series of owners including a family of sugar planters, the island was developed as an ultra-luxe resort and vacation community in the 1980s. Owned by a passionately committed group of homeowners, the resort is a reflection of their casual elegant island lifestyle.
Decor
The debut of the $28-million resort renewal draws inspiration from Jumby Bay’s surroundings—both the beauty of nature and the tradition of elegance that has long graced the private island. The resort embodies good taste, simple sophistication, casual elegance and a sense of calm through guest rooms, restaurants and public spaces. Color palettes are influenced by the Caribbean Sea, with tones of blue ranging from soft aqua and turquoise to vivid marine blues. Coral reefs and sand further inspired punches of bright coral and vivid jeweled tones reflective of reef marine life.
Rooms & Suites
The luxurious hideaway features 40 accommodations. Just steps from Jumby Bay Beach, 28 new suites each offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea while octagonal 12 Rondavel Rooms occupy a simple and serene setting on the western side of the property. On the northern end of the resort, Pond Bay Terrace clusters 15 Beachside Courtyard Suites around a dramatic open-air courtyard and new oceanfront infinity pool. Eleven Oceanfront Pool Suites will have dramatic views of Jumby Bay Beach, providing guests with a secluded hideaway that embodies the island’s stylish good taste. Two Rosewood Estate Suites offer the ultimate in space, privacy, luxury and service along with the option of one or two additional connecting suites.
Villas & Estate Homes
Jumby Bay offers a collection of privately owned luxury villas and estates, individually priced and available for rental exclusively through the resort. The villas and homes enjoy full access to Jumby Bay resort’s world-renowned facilities and services. 16 Luxury Vacation Villas with Private Pools, 6 Private Estate Homes
Anticipation rises as the unveiling of the newly remodeled Jumby Bay draws near. In June 2008, on the heels of being named the World’s Best Caribbean Resort by readers of Travel + Leisure, the lush, private island resort off the northeast coast of Antigua closed for a $28-million transformation.
Just over a year later, work is nearly complete, with Jumby Bay scheduled to re-open December 1, 2009. There is plenty to anticipate, including a new spa and resort dining experience, the complete redesign of guest rooms and 28 new suites, as well as the addition of new luxury Estate Homes. Closed throughout the renovation and redesign, Jumby Bay has now begun accepting bookings for the 2009/2010 season. Inclusive opening rates will start at $1,150 per night. Here’s what guests have to look forward to when the resort reopens its doors:
NEW and Fully Enhanced Accommodations: Jumby Bay is heightening the guest experience with the enhancement of 40 Guest Rooms comprised of 28 new and 12 updated suites. Interior design by Miami-based IDC captures the spirit of a tropical hideaway, with casual elegance and romantic British Colonial style. New suite categories include: Beachside Courtyard, Ocean View Pool and Rosewood Estate Suites that all rest just steps from Jumby Bay Beach, each offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.
NEW Spa: After years of providing private, in-room massage treatments, Jumby Bay is about to unveil its first-ever spa. Sense, A Rosewood Spa® will welcome guests to a unique sanctuary where signature treatments inspired by indigenous natural ingredients are performed before dramatic ocean views. Located just steps from the white sand beach, the open-air spa is architecturally engaging, reminiscent of colonial design, highlighting classic Mediterranean and Caribbean accents. Five treatment rooms assure easy scheduling.
NEW Verandah Restaurant: Now transformed into the social hub of the resort, the new open-air Verandah Restaurant will captivate as an inspired setting for relaxed yet elegant dining and more. Much more, in fact, including a regular schedule of hands-on gastronomic classes from Jumby Bay Culinary Experiences cooking school, which will unfold in the kitchen under the executive chef. The newly designed Verandah Bar and lounge areas face the sea with an air of casual beach chic pervading under cooling ceiling fans.
NEW Bistro-Style Restaurant: The Pool Grille is the place for swimmers and sun worshipers to take a welcome break from their pursuits, with simple yet healthful fare and an array of refreshing beverages – including cocktails, mocktails and more – for the choosing. Located between the Caribbean Sea and the resort’s dramatic new oceanfront infinity pool.
NEW Estate Homes: Along with villas, the island’s Estate Homes were the only accommodations to remain open during the yearlong renovation process. Along with the redesigned resort, two new Estate Homes valued at $22 million apiece and stretching at least 9,750 square feet will also debut. Each has distinct design style which compliments classic Caribbean, with unique pools, state-of-the-art kitchens, expansive outdoor space and use of resort services and amenities.