Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Carlisle Bay broke the mould when it opened its doors on the popular island of Antigua. With its designer cool, it has raised the bar for island hotels. There are plenty of wow factors that honeymooners will rave about from the beautiful contemporary design including original art and photography to thoughtful luxurious touches including a private screening room showing movies every night, a stunning neon shelved library and a gift shop selling bikinis, bags and jewellery to make a girl’s heart skip a beat. All suites are ocean facing with views of Montserrat across the bay. With bespoke furniture, crisp white Frette bed linen, Gaggia espresso machines, bedside fibre optic reading lights, fresh fruit delivered daily and large day beds on every balcony and terrace, what’s not to love? There are two of the island’s most outstanding restaurants, East and Indigo on the Beach and three great bars. Honeymooners can request special candlelit dinners on the beach or at the end of the beautiful lantern-lit jetty. And then there’s the Blue Spa, a homage to minimalist calm. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and rainforest, the couple’s treatment room is the place to head. Active couples can indulge in water sports, tennis, yoga or pilates.

Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands and has rugged coastlines, hidden bays, coral reefs, 365 white sand beaches (across Antigua and its sister island Barbuda) and is rich in history. Carlisle Bay can organise lovely boat excursions, island tours or hiking trail through the rainforest. In fact anything from craft shopping to helicopter tours are available. You just have to ask!

For the best advice and service when it comes to arranging Caribbean honeymoons and weddings, the Bridal Boltholes' panel of experts recommend 'Caribtours', a small privately owned travel company with in-depth knowledge of the smaller and more exclusive hotels in the region and an emphasis on personal advice. They also frequently offer special services including free lounge passes and flight upgrades. Plus, Bridal Boltholes users can claim £50 cashback when they book with Caribtours (see below). Please mention Bridal Boltholes when enquiring.

Visit: www.caribtours.co.uk  or Call: 020 7751 0660