Antigua’s newest property, Hammock Cove, opened its doors on December 1, 2019, introducing the island and its visitors to a fresh take on the all-inclusive concept. One of the most luxurious properties on island, Hammock Cove is home to 42 stand-alone villas, each with a private plunge pool and balcony overlooking a small bay on the eastern tip of the island.
Each villa has a king-size bed, in line with the resort’s adults-only policy. Every guest will also experience a version of butler service that Hammock Cove is calling guest ambassador service. Guest ambassadors don’t stick around to handle intimate asks, such as bubble baths, but they do stock your outdoor wet bar with your choice of wines, cocktails, nibbles and snacks for afternoon tea.
Overall, the whole experience is designed to take your vacation escapism to the next—and highest—level.
There is no resort pool with daily activities. There are no theme nights. Rather, each villa has its own private plunge pool and outdoor-living balcony where you decide how to spend the days. Hint: You’ll probably spend a good bit of time enjoying your private pool and the spoils of 24-hour in-villa dining.
Every guest ambassador takes care of six to eight villas. Your guest ambassador—much like a butler—brings you afternoon tea, as well as a selection of nibbles, wines or cocktails for you to enjoy while relaxing in your plunge pool and private deck. It’s the perfect setup for honeymooners or anyone else looking to take it easy and be catered to all vacation long.
Plus, should you decide to tour the island, your butler will set up excursions for you, too.
With 42 villas catering to a maximum of 84 people, this is not a place that ever feels crowded. There is always space at the restaurant, and you will not be turned away. Likewise, the location itself is remote. It sits oceanside on a small peninsula with the Devil’s Bridge National Park to the east. In other words, there is no lineup of hotels. Instead, it feels like Hammock Cove is set on the edge of the island—and in a way, it is.
There is no Mexican restaurant here. No buffets either. What you get are the whims and creativity of Michelin starred chef Marco Festini Cromer every night at the Lighthouse restaurant. His menus read like poetry. Poached lobster with creamy buffalo mozzarella, lime drops and mint courgettes. On-the-bone Dover sole with lemon fondant and caper dust. You’ll also find Wagyu rib eye, Colorado lamb chops, veal ossobuco and a host of other imported gems.
This resort’s wine cellar, with more than 200 varieties, may feel like too many to decide between—but thankfully, you have help. The in-house sommelier can guide you through the best pairings for your sunset appetizers, your dinner at Lighthouse restaurant or simply set up a tasting for you and yours.
If you’re interested, she can set up special flights to accompany a special meal or request, whether you’re looking for a flight of wines to go with seafood, pasta or any other island flavors.
The resort’s spa takes treatments to the next level. Our favorite picks for treatments are the two combination packages that each take 2.5 hours. One includes a papaya-extract body scrub, followed by a crème fraiche body wrap. While this works its magic, you are treated to a Myoxy-Caviar lift-off facial. You’ll definitely return home after this getaway looking years younger.
In addition to the spa, with its five treatment rooms and a round room for couples’ treatments, Hammock Cove also offers a blow-dry bar and a small salon for nails and hair to get you ready for your big event—whether that’s your wedding or Tuesday night dinner with your beloved.
So far, the first group to book the entire property for a wedding is coming in May. Not only is this a great resort to rent out because it’s boutique with just 42 villas, but it also enjoys a unique spot on the island. It sits on a taller perch along a finger of land that’s undeveloped, save for Hammock Cove.
This resort’s only neighbor is Devil’s Bridge National Park, a spot preserved for its natural stone arch right over the ocean. In other words, it doesn’t get more private than this.
This resort will feature a different artist’s work for sale. At the time of writing, the works of Gilly Gobinet, local to Antigua, are on display. Gobinet’s watercolor and acrylic works merge the vibrant colors of the region with the dynamism in nature. The pieces add life and color to the resort, and also allow you to tote home a souvenir that’s utterly unique.
Hammock Cove has a wine sommelier, yes, but they also have a rum sommelier. The once-a-week tastings let guests sample a variety of the Caribbean’s finest, all hand selected by the rum sommelier. You can also further your education with a repose in the Chairman’s Lounge, with cigars for sale and a pool table with a view of the bay.
