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Imagine trading your Hilton Honors points for a slice of Caribbean paradise. At Hermitage Bay, Antigua, that dream becomes a reality. Picture this: powdery sand between your toes, the gentle sway of palm trees overhead, and the turquoise waters of a secluded bay stretching before you. This isn’t just an all-inclusive resort; it’s a sanctuary of laid-back luxury nestled against a lush hillside. Indulge in gourmet meals, savor the vibrant island spirit, or simply unwind and let the world melt away. Fresh from a multimillion-dollar makeover, Hermitage Bay beckons with an even more captivating allure – a perfect escape, effortlessly yours with Hilton Honors.

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What it’s like at Hermitage Bay

TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY

Imagine waking to the gentle caress of Caribbean breezes at Hermitage Bay, Antigua, a secluded sanctuary where understated luxury meets breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled on the island’s western coast, this intimate all-inclusive haven boasts just 30 exquisitely designed suites. Picture yourself stepping directly onto powdery sands from your beachfront haven, or ascending to hillside hideaways offering panoramic vistas of turquoise waters. A mere 10 miles from V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU), your journey to paradise begins. While a taxi ride costs around $40 each way, consider allowing Hermitage Bay to orchestrate your arrival – a seamless transition into serenity.

Imagine a place where the air hums with relaxation, where Caribbean charm meets effortlessly chic design – think “rustic luxe.” During my stay, the resort felt like a global village. I shared sun-drenched days with honeymooning Americans, savvy travelers maximizing Hilton Honors points, and kindred spirits who embraced the art of doing absolutely nothing by day and dancing under the stars by night.

Related: The 21 best Hilton hotels in the world

How much is Hermitage Bay and how to book it

TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY

Hermitage Bay, a sanctuary of all-inclusive luxury, commands a king’s ransom. Prepare for nightly rates that begin around $1,800 for two in the tranquil low season, soaring past $3,000 when paradise hits peak demand. Dreaming of redeeming Hilton Honors points? Standard award nights begin at a steep 190,000, but finding availability at that rate is like chasing a Caribbean sunset – elusive. Brace yourself: many nights demand a staggeringmillionpoints or more, making this exclusive escape a truly priceless pursuit.

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The Points Guy gathered the Hilton Aspire intel independently. Hilton didn’t sign off on – or even peek at – these card details. Consider us your sneak peek.

Rooms at Hermitage Bay

TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY

At Hermitage Bay, escape the ordinary and embrace spacious serenity. Choose your sanctuary: sink your toes into the sand with a beachfront villa, luxuriate in a hillside pool villa with breathtaking views, or discover tranquility in a secluded garden pool villa. Wherever you choose, room to breathe is guaranteed.

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Stepping onto the villa’s expansive deck felt like entering a private oasis. Plush lounge chairs beckoned, while stylish armchairs offered intimate conversation nooks. A dreamy daybed whispered promises of sun-drenched naps, all framed by sliding glass doors that seamlessly merged indoor and outdoor living. Inside, the living room unfolded with inviting textures and curated comforts; a sink-in couch and armchairs centered around a sleek coffee table, a fully stocked minibar stood ready to cater to every whim, and a romantic four-poster bed draped in ethereal bug netting anchored the space. The decor hummed with a Caribbean-chic energy; subtle tropical motifs danced across the neutral palette, creating a sanctuary that felt both luxurious and utterly authentic.

TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY

I loved the view from the bed that looked out onto the deck and the ocean.

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The closet space felt boundless, but the true delight was the staff’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, perpetually refreshing our room with chilled, reusable glass water bottles.

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At the villa’s rear, the bathroom beckoned, housing a deep-soaking tub that promised relaxation. But the true magic resided in the enclosed outdoor shower, where each evening culminated in a celestial ritual – washing away the day beneath a canopy of stars.

The villa was an oasis of cool comfort and complete privacy. Perched hillside? Absolutely. Expect a calf-burning climb to your private paradise, or summon a golf cart chariot for a regal ascent.

Dining at Hermitage Bay

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Imagine waking up to the gentle rhythm of waves, knowing your day is effortlessly planned. At our all-inclusive resort, forget wallets and decisions. Most delectable meals and refreshing drinks are included, served with a side of breathtaking ocean views in our main dining area. (Just a heads-up: select premium liquors come at a supplementary charge.) Beyond the main dining area, explore two distinct culinary experiences waiting to be discovered just steps from your room.

Forget beach bars serving predictable piña coladas. At Tree Bar, the ocean views come with a side of exquisite sushi. By day, it’s your laid-back beach haven. But as the sun dips, this spot transforms. Sushi chefs, fresh from rigorous training with Nobu Barbuda, unveil a happy hour that’s more culinary revelation than casual snack. Discovering this unexpectedly elevated experience? Pure vacation bliss and easily the most luxurious surprise of my trip.

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My days melted into a delicious blur, fueled by the open-air restaurant’s culinary magic. One lunchtime standout? A lobster sandwich – imagine a lobster roll’s rebellious cousin, served on perfectly crisp toasted bread. Each day brought a vibrant parade of fresh produce, glistening fish plucked straight from the sea, and even the decadent thrill of beef tartare. Mornings started with eggs fried to airy perfection, while grill night unleashed pure joy: I devoured not one, buttwogrilled lobster rolls, each bite a taste of salty, buttery heaven.

Amenities and things to do

TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY

Hermitage Bay whispers permission to unwind, yet offers a delightful hum of activity for those who seek it.

• Garden Spa treatments that range from hot stone massages and exfoliating body wraps to facials and Dorissima color rituals
• Daily Pilates sessions on the spa deck, plus occasional yoga and meditation classes
• Fitness center with high-end workout equipment
• Weekly cooking demonstrations
• Access to a nearby championship golf course and tennis courts
• Nonmotorized water sports, windsurfing, ocean canoes and snorkeling
• Day trips via boat or helicopter to Nobu Barbuda
• Ocean-facing infinity pool with lounge chairs
• New beach club experience

TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY

Insider tips for staying at Hermitage Bay

“Elevate your arrival: Book three nights or more and let our luxury SUV whisk you away, complimentary, to and from the airport. Your vacation begins the moment you land.”

• The hotel closes seasonally, this year from Aug. 25 through Oct. 11.
• Hilton Honors members with elite status get every fifth night free when booking standard room reward stays with points.
• Be sure to keep your eyes peeled around the resort for an impressive collection of photography.

Accessibility

TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY

The hotel’s website downplays a frustrating reality I experienced firsthand: accessibility is a myth. Imagine navigating a maze of unexpected steps into common areas and private rooms, struggling along uneven, unpaved paths. Forget a refreshing dip in the pool – unless you can magically levitate, there’s no lift.

As always, TPG recommends contacting the hotel directly to learn about its accessibility options.

Bottom line

Hermitage Bay wasn’t just a resort; it was an escape. Its intimate scale fostered a rare sense of connection, a world away from sprawling, impersonal hotels. The vibe was pure serenity, a luxurious simplicity that whispered, not shouted. And the beauty of its all-inclusive embrace? Pure freedom. Arrive, unpack, and banish all thoughts of bills. Here, indulgence is effortless, and your wallet can finally take a well-deserved vacation.

However, snagging a standard award redemption with Hilton Honors is like striking gold. Factor in the bundled perks, and suddenly those points become a powerhouse of value. The catch? Those elusive, affordable dates require some serious treasure hunting.

Related reading:

• 12 truly special luxury hotels and resorts you can book with points
• Royalton Antigua: A cleverly designed all-inclusive resort on one of the islands most beautiful beaches
• Best Hilton credit cards

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