Named after the Antiguan word ‘jumbee’, meaning playful spirit, this island retreat is a six-minute boat ride from the coast of Antigua. It offers a combination of private homes you can rent, hotel villas, and more traditional resort suites, which are still sizable.
Best of all, it reopens this weekend. Of course, there is a myriad of COVID-19 protection protocols in place. However, the fact that there are under 60 units on the entire island, and many of the residential options are in essence private compounds, it’s the type of place you might end up wanting to book for more than a week, maybe for a few months. That’s possible, by the way.
1. Overview
2. Accommodations
3. Restaurants and Bars
4. Spa and Fitness
5. Activities
6. VIP Contact
1. Overview
Forbes Travel Guide’s inspector writes, “Part of the esteemed Oetker Collection, the secluded Caribbean luxury resort is a sun-seeker’s paradise accessible only by boat, which adds to its exclusivity and charm. The former sugar plantation, said to be discovered by Christopher Columbus, is now a haven for couples, families, and celebrities (Mariah Carey, Paul McCartney) looking for an elegant, quietly luxurious vacation with gracious service and breathtaking natural beauty.”
In terms of the 5-star property, Forbes continues, “The Estate House is the resort’s signature restaurant and it does not disappoint (especially after its recent $6 million restoration. Housed in an 1830s manse shrouded in palm trees and ivy is a fine-dining Italian restaurant where you can while an evening away on the romantic upstairs terrace. Perhaps the most charming (and useful) amenity provided to guests are the beach cruisers that remain assigned to you throughout your stay — you can bike the many winding pathways throughout the resort.”
If you’re not familiar with Oetker Collection, think Le Bristol in Paris, The Lanesborough in London, Brenners Park – Hotel & Spa, and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, among others.
Jumby Bay is a regular on “Best of the Best” type lists.
Just this year we’ve seen Conde Nast Traveller list it among “The World’s 40 Most Incredible Private Islands.” It also holds top rankings on its Readers’ Choice Awards and rival Travel + Leisure’s Top Caribbean list.
Of course, the best folks to ask are expert travel advisors, who have been there and regularly book their best clients to the places they have confidence in.
Shawna Huffman of Huffman Travel says it’s the perfect destination for private jet travelers. “The airport in Antigua is perfect for large jets. The VIP meet and greet that Jumby offers at the FBO is wonderful and you are on island 15 minutes after your arrival.”
Susan Whitson of King + Whitson Travel says, “While a small island, I find Jumby Bay offers something for everyone – honeymooners or couples, families of all ages, men’s or women’s groups who travel together, multigenerational groups.”
Huffman notes, “Since Jumby Bay Island is a private club and many of the homeowners have kids and grandkids of their own, the activities are endless for families. The water sports are fantastic and there is never a wait.”
While you might not think about a private island for nightlife in the Miami or Las Vegas sense, Whitson says you won’t be bored. “Jumby’s definition of nightlife is more like their wonderful ‘white night’ beach BBQ. All guests dress in white clothing, dine at beachside tables with sand under their feet, enjoy amazing local Caribbean dishes prepared by local Antiguan chefs while listening and dancing to local Caribbean bands.”
She adds, “Our clients love meeting other guests at the bars and then having dinner together one night. Some of our clients never leave their residence and just enjoy precious, uninterrupted family time together – something many can’t get when at home because of work, school, or other distractions.”
Before we get to the good stuff, you probably want to know what COVID-19 protocols are in place. First of all, there are temperature checks before the start of each shift for all employees. There’s also sanitation of uniforms and footwear before the start of each shift and mandatory use of masks and PPE.
The property has been inspected and certified by Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism as safe to operate, with all required protocols in place.
Oetker has also installed increased cleaning, sanitation, and personal hygiene protocols, starting with luggage handling, private car and ferry transfer to the island, continuing throughout the entire resort and the island experience. Naturally, hand sanitizers available throughout all areas.
There are also in-room sanitizing kits for guest use, restaurants are offering exclusively a la carte offering for all meal periods.
2. Accommodations
Jumby Bay offers three types of accommodations. There are oversize hotel suites, villas, and private residences. Private residences are the largest. They are also private homes, or more accurately estates and compounds. They come with your own private butler and chef. Villas are also amazing, and with over 4,000 sq. ft. of interior space offer plenty of room. In all cases, you have full access to all resort amenities, including dining and bars.
Private Residences
Private residences are individually owned homes that are your home for the duration of your stay. In addition to your own personal chef and butler, you can choose to dine in the hotel’s restaurants.
Whitson says, “The private residences are really perfect for our multigenerational families or several couples who travel together. Like the villas, most of these accommodations have separate pavilions for bedrooms, but one central living space and pool area to congregate.”
She adds, “These homes have a real WOW factor and each is unique both in design and decor. I love the residences because even the family organizer doesn’t have to worry about anything because the wonderful staff and chef cater to the group’s needs.
“For our clients who travel with security and or staff, they can choose from a range of residences which allow for total privacy for the clients. Yet, the separate pavilion set up allows for the security and staff to have their own areas so they are accessible to the clients, but also able to give the clients their own space.”
Pure Turquoise (7 bedrooms)
Occupancy (14 guests)
Size 17,102 sq. ft.
Set in a village-style arrangement, the buildings are thoughtfully aligned and elevated to deliver all-encompassing sea views.
Each guest villa has a large sea-view verandah, a spacious and luxurious fitted main bedroom with a super king bed, and a dressing room with extensive walk-in wardrobe space. In addition to indoor and outdoor showers, each en suite bathroom provides an outdoor tub for bathing under Jumby Bay’s gorgeous star-lit skies.
There’s a 656 ft. long private beach and nearby tropical reef, 2,700 sq. ft. heated oceanfront infinity pool with spa, and 1,500 sq. ft. beachfront gazebo.
You’ll have high-speed wireless internet access throughout the property, fully integrated and paired with surround sound. Pure Turquoise video tour.
Turtle Crossing (7 bedrooms)
Occupancy (14 guests)
Size 14,671 sq. ft.
Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens on the southeastern end of Jumby Bay, Turtle Crossing offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and mainland Antigua.
There a private pool, extensive outdoor spaces for lounging and wandering, three alfresco dining areas, an outdoor bar, rooftop tower lounge, fitness center with an elliptical, stationary bike, treadmill, leg press, and more, a basketball court, and tennis court. Turtle Crossing video tour.
Lazy Lizard (6 bedrooms)
Occupancy (12 guests)
Size 16,040 sq. ft.
Overlooking Davis Bay, Lazy Lizard is the perfect place to watch the sunrise, yet it’s only minutes from Jumby Bay beach and the Veranda Restaurant.
In this elegantly designed villa, every bedroom suite sits in a separate pavilion with an outdoor garden. There’s a 6,000 sq. ft. free-form swimming pool and floating dining pavilion. You’ll have your own private fitness center and tennis court. Lazy Lizard video tour.
Allamanda (4 bedrooms)
Occupancy (8 guests)
Size 8,305 sq. ft.
An estate of exquisite yet simple elegance, Allamanda sits on a private beach and is surrounded by lush landscaping. A suspended daybed in the viewing tower is an ideal perch for reveling in our stunning Caribbean sunsets.
This intimate Pond Bay residence sits on its own slip of beach just a stone’s throw from amenities like the Spa, Fitness Center, and the Pool Grille Restaurant. Allamanda video tour.
Lost Puffin (7 bedrooms)
Occupancy (14 guests)
Size 13,328 sq. ft.
Reminiscent of a Swedish beach house Lost Puffin was designed as a treasured family home – a place for gathering with children and grandchildren.
Amenities include Indoor/outdoor living and dining spaces, poolside pizza oven, and lounge area. Each bedroom is complete with cable TV, Apple TV and surround sound. iPads for entertainment throughout the residence. Den featuring 65inch TV, 16:9 projector screen & Blu-ray player. High-speed wireless internet access. Flood-lit tennis court, board games, snorkeling gear, table tennis, soccer nets, cricket bats and balls, golf carts, and bicycles for guest use. Lost Puffin video tour.
Villas
All villas have 4G internet, fully equipped kitchens, golf carts, housekeeping, and laundry service.
Whitson notes, “The villas are a wonderful option for families or small groups. Everyone gets his and her own space, but with a central living room and private pool to gather around. The villas allow clients to dine out at Jumby’s fabulous restaurants, or hire a chef for an additional cost.”
Tortuga (4 bedrooms)
Occupancy (8 guests)
Size 5,638 sq. ft.
From its enchanting oceanfront location, Tortuga offers a delightful combination of understated elegance and beachfront charm. The villa is nestled in a lush garden landscape and features breezy open-plan living and dining spaces, four bedrooms, and an expansive poolside terrace that captures stunning sunrise views of the Caribbean Sea.
Two bedrooms have King beds, and two have Queen beds. There are three en-suite bathrooms and one guest powder room. There’s also a private 30’ x 15’ pool in Tortuga. Tortuga video tour.
Sea Breeze (4 bedrooms)
Occupancy (8 guests)
Size 4,637 sq. Ft.
Picturesque views of the sea define this mesmerizing four-bedroom beachfront retreat. Sea Breeze offers a modern twist on Caribbean architecture and interior design- combining varying shades of blues green and sand with natural wood tones.
A stunning infinity pool wraps around the oceanfront patio providing breathtaking views out to sea, and across Buckley Bay to Bird Island. The villa also boasts a high-design kitchen with a butler’s pantry and built-in wine cooler, so you can enjoy drinks at the perfect temperature while lounging inside or reclining on one of the villa’s two private beaches.
Three bedrooms have King beds, and the fourth has two Twins or a Double. There are four en-suite bathrooms and one guest powder room. There’s a 55′ x 14′ private pool. Sea Breeze video tour.
Whispering Palm (4 bedrooms)
Occupancy (8 guests)
Size 4,210 sq. ft.
Spacious, comfortable, and beautifully furnished, Whispering Palms offers a welcoming blend of Caribbean luxury and charm. The private villa features airy indoor-outdoor living space, a large lushly landscaped terrace, and private 25’ x 15’ infinity-edge pool with fantastic views across the sea. Guests will enjoy the rolling lawn that flows from the pool and terrace down to an intimate beach.
Two bedrooms have King beds, a third has two Queens, and the fourth bedroom has two Twins. There are four en-suite bathrooms and one guest powder room. Whispering Palm video tour.
Suites
“For honeymooners or couples, we love the Beachside or Pool Suites. These are spacious and central to everything, but are still so special that you can have a great experience without ever leaving the room,” says Whitson. Huffman agrees, noting these suites all have beautiful lawns to stroll out on.
Estate Suite
Occupancy (2 guests)
Size 1,713 sq. ft.
The Estate Suite is the most expansive of Jumby Bay’s one-bedroom accommodations – offering a sophisticated blend of privacy and luxury. An open seating area in the entrance courtyard leads you to a private pool with a spacious wrap-around patio – the perfect spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening cocktail.
The entry vestibule leads to a spacious living room furnished with all the amenities of home. The private master bedroom contains a spacious bathroom, and an outdoor garden arranged for seclusion, complete with a soaking tub and a blissful rain shower. The Estate Suite also offers the option of one or two additional connecting suites.
3. Restaurants and Bars
Dining all day is now à la carte in the historic Estate House or at a chic beach party with plenty of breezes. There are complimentary cocktails, fine wines and Taittinger champagne. Also, partake in rum tastings and Caribbean cooking classes
Executive Chef Paolo Lovari sources sustainably harvested and produced fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, and spirits from surrounding farming communities on Antigua and the islands own organic farm. He brings a fresh European influence to Caribbean flavors.
4. Spa and Fitness
Relax in ocean view treatment rooms. The newly designed spa offers a contemporary design that echoes the island’s open-air architectural refinement, and casually elegant demeanor. Antique driftwood pieces and floating chaises complement the design while encouraging a therapeutic sense of floating to the sounds of the nearby surf. A shaded open-air relaxation lounge and plunge pool overlooks the sea and connects five oceanview treatment rooms, a steamroom, and a sauna.
Guests also have access to a new salon, a spa boutique, and a fitness center and Yoga Pavilion offering regular and specialty wellness classes suitable for beginners to the most rigorous athletes.
A sampling from the current spa menu includes:
Castaway Escape for Two
$1,655 / 150 min
Embark on a true escape as you sail aboard our private yacht, Yennecot, to the uninhabited shores of Maiden Island. Indulge in the destination’s white-sand beach and pristine appeal as you revel in a private afternoon at your leisure. The encounter is enhanced with a made-to-order picnic lunch created from the freshest ingredients. As the afternoon recedes, the journey ends with a side-by-side massage for two, followed by a champagne toast as you cruise back to Jumby Bay.
West Indian Symphony
$445 / 180 min
This unforgettable journey starts with an exfoliation to reveal smooth skin and improve circulation. Surrender to complete serenity as you are cocooned in mineral-rich micronized marine algae to eliminate fats and toxins and help the body regain its balance. The service continues with a nourishing full-body hydration, a skin specific facial, and concludes with an intense foot massage with warm herbal compresses to increase circulation and stimulate further detoxification.
Island Embrace for Two
$990 / 180min
Enjoy a luxurious escape for two in a private Caribbean-style spa suite bathed in sea breezes and tropical sunshine. A side-by-side aromatherapy massage draws upon custom-selected spices and exotic oil blends to stimulate a sense of deep relaxation. This shared journey of intention and connection concludes with a one-hour facial of your choosing and pedicure for two
5. Activities
Jumby Bay offers waterskiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cats, RS sailboats, and snorkeling. There are bicycles for all guests, three pools, three tennis courts, and a fitness center.
For kids, there is the Jumby Explorers Kids Club with daily programs and tween activities. There are also snorkeling expeditions, kayak tours, cooking classes, rum tastings, sunset cocktail cruises, a White Night Beach BBQ, Managers’ Wine Down and more.
6. VIP Contact
Contact Julie Debas at julie.debas@oetkercollection.com
