The Great House, Antigua

The Great House is Antigua's finest hidden gem. A million miles from the usual run-of-the-mill resort style stay, The Great House is like a breath of fresh air for those who prefer things smaller and more intimate, with a definite emphasis on service. This beautiful historic property dates back 350 years and has managed to retain many of its original features; it is crammed with antique mahogany furniture, original paintings and china and is a testament to the care and love which has obviously been shown to it over the years. Here you'll find just eight suites in total. Four are located in the original house and each of these is individually designed with gorgeous four poster beds, chandeliers and beautiful period details, plus traditional bathrooms, one with an original bath tub. The pretty garden suites are found in two traditional Antiguan style buildings set just away from the main house. These have a more modern vibe with clean white walls, crisp linens, vaulted ceilings and en-suite bathrooms featuring his and hers rainfall showers! Food-wise you won't be disappointed either. The daily changing menu features only the freshest, most seasonal local produce and many of the ingredients are grown on site. Stays are on a full board basis with soft drinks included. For those who want to keep fit there's plenty of exercise classes available including yoga and pilates, for the rest of us there's a pool to lounge by, a spa for pampering treatments and a beach and waterfront for that real Caribbean vibe! The Great House is the one to book for a grown-up property with excellent service, and the place to be for complete relaxation.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Spa
• Banana Spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments which will be tailored to your personal requirements
• Restaurant
• Farm to table dining with a daily changing menu using the freshest local ingredients, much grown on site
• Gym
• A wide range of fitness classes with certified instructors on hand to help
• Views
• The property enjoys stunning sea views
• Garden
• Set in 26 acres of tropical gardens
• Restrictions on children
• This is an adults only property
• Swimming Pool
• Lagoon style outdoor pool
• Minimum Stay
• 2 night minimum stay
• Sit-out Terrace
• For outdoor dining
• Bar

• Wedding license
• Wifi
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Adult Only
• Room service
• Bath robes
• Suites
• Four poster beds
• Air conditioning
• Safe

• Yoga
• Exercise classes with teachers certified in both yoga and pilates
• Other Activities
• Hire the estate driver and go for a private tour of the island
• Learning
• Enquire about painting classes and writers masterclasses
• Art Classes
• Painting Retreats with tuition available

• Great walks
• Watersports
• Kayaking
• Birdwatching

Why do your guests love staying with you? The Great House Antigua is a 350 year old historic Buff House. Guests love our hotel due to its unique character and beauty. As the only plantation house open for staying guests on the island, and one of a handful of Buff Houses in the entire Caribbean, we are truly unique. Guests have commented on the antique maps, historical books, gramophones and chandeliers which are displayed through the historic house. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our guest feedback to staff service and attention to detail.

What is there to do in the area? The Great House Antigua is located on the East of the island, with the Sir Viv Richard cricket ground around the corner, as well as the historic and only restored sugar mill and museum of Betty's Hope. At The Great House Antigua we offer nature walks to Betty's Hope, for no additional fees. Weekly exercise classes are included in guests' stay and the waterfront and private beach are perfect for guests to explore the island aquatic life via kayaks or unwind. We are within a 10-minute drive to local white sand beaches, StingRay City, the historic and natural site of Devils Bridge. English Harbour and Falmouth are 20 minutes away by car and St John's Old town is 25 minutes away. Our estate driver is available for private tours.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Our breakfasts are made to guests' requirements with a selection of freshly baked bread and island pastries. A selection of fruits, eggs and cheese, and cold meats. Our estate at The Great House Antigua also offers our own honey and jams produced on our ground.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? All meals are included at The Great House Antigua. Lunch is served in our outdoor restaurant, under sail canopies. Guests are provided with an la carte menu to choose from for their meal. Dinner is served in our historic and candlelit dining room. Dinner is a set menu which caters for guests dietary requirements. All meals use the local produce which we grow on the hotel grounds. The meals are then supplemented by fresh and local fish from the market. At the Great House Antigua we are keen to promote sustainability, including our farm to table policy on meals. Our menus are chosen daily from fresh produce and seasonable availability.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our rooms are split into two categories: The Buff House Suites and the Garden Cottage Suites. The main house suites are all uniquely different in style and character, retaining their historic charm with mahogany four-poster beds, chandeliers, and historic style. In comparison, the garden cottage suites are more modern with his and hers walk-in showers, king-size beds, veranda hammocks, and walk-in wardrobes. Your style, your choice, whether you are here for romance or relaxation.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We are an adults only hotel, unless guests book the entire space (8 suites).

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Great House Antigua is a unique and historic property unlike anywhere else in the world. We pride ourselves on our guest service and experience and look forward to welcoming you to our 36-acre tropical paradise. The best-kept secret in the Caribbean.