Features
What to expect: Once a sugar plantation, 300-acre Long Island is owned by Americans and Britons who maintain multi-million-dollar vacation homes on the island away from Jumby Bay Resort's 85 acres and ensure the island's environment remains unspoiled. Endangered Hawksbill turtles lay eggs on the northern beach, their nocturnal June-November arrivals recorded by researchers and assisted by resort guests. Non-woolly feral sheep descended from ancestors left by the Spanish in the 16th century roam the island. Water birds flock to depressions that become ponds during rare heavy rains. Songbirds, mourning doves, and egrets abound. The Blue Pelican can be spotted. The island is so ideally situated to catch tradewind breezes for a long time the resort offered no air conditioning. No cars other than a small security-staff van are permitted. Guests use bicycles strategically located so they can ride or walk at will without regard for keeping track of "their" bikes. Complimentary golf-cart shuttle service is also available. Amenity highlights: The resort's main 0.5-mile beach curves along a calm-water bay facing Antigua Island to the west. Thatch-roof shades and thickly cushioned lounge chairs line the beach, ensuring each guest ample room for uncrowded sunbathing and swimming. (Children have their own beach and swing-set south of the resort's dock.) Another 0.5-mile beach lies along the northern shore, providing beachcombing and snorkeling among coral heads. Secluded inland, a 25-meter lap pool furnishes freshwater exercise and tranquil sunbathing. Insider tip: One of the resort's lodging buildings, called Pond Bay House, includes a three-story tower with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea to the west and south, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, Antigua 2.5 miles away, and all of Long Island. Guests can also ascend a spiral staircase inside a stone tower (once part of the sugar plantation's mill) to reach another lookout.
Estate House - Two-story 18th century building that once served as sugar-plantation "great house." Spanish-style garden-courtyard. Open-air linen-service dining under veranda roof and on starlit terrace. Multi-course dinners featuring international cuisines with Caribbean influences. Lavish dessert buffet. Dress code: long pants and collared shirts for men. Estate House Bar - Upper-floor open-air lounge with wood bar, plumply cushioned inside seating and island-view balcony tables. Palm-tree wall murals. Cocktails, tropical drinks, Cuban cigars. Afternoon tea service. Verandah - Open-air restaurant with beach/Caribbean view. Breakfast and lunch buffets and à la carte menu. West Indian and international dinner buffets twice weekly with live music. Verandah Bar - Open-air seating on orange banquettes under bougainvillea arbor, beside rock-wall garden. Blue tile bar. Colorful potted cacti. Sunset and Caribbean views. Beach Bar - Located at midpoint of main beach. Tropical drinks. Wide mirror above back bar reflecting tranquil turquoise bay.
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