Hermitage Bay

My new husband and I spent our honeymoon at Hermitage Bay and could not have more positive things to say about our experience! First, the resort and beach is absolutely gorgeous. We felt like we were living in a screensaver-- every moment was so calm, peaceful, and relaxed. It's obvious the resort was designed very thoughtfully and intentionally and it is impressively well kept! Everywhere you look is a beautiful view, not to mention the resort is decorated with modern and chic furniture while still maintaining a tropical atmosphere, which is very much my vibe. Second, the suites are as luxurious as they advertise. We stayed in a hillside pool suite and had the most STUNNING view we've ever seen in our lives. I've attached some photos which don't even begin to do it justice, but when choosing your suite I would highly recommend the hillside pool villa. It adds such a special touch to what is already an amazing resort. We spent a ton of time in our plunge pool and definitely feel these suites are superior to the beachside ones, though we met plenty of couples who enjoyed the beachside as well! Third, the food is 5-star at every meal. They somehow manage to make something as simple as a club sandwich look and taste gourmet. Typically at all inclusives we've stayed at in the past we'd get sick of the food by the end of the week, but not here. Although there is only one restaurant, there are plenty of options at every meal and seriously everything we ate was delicious. They also serve different meals in different locations so you get a change of scenery, which is really nice. One standout dining experience at Hermitage Bay is the sushi happy hour every afternoon, where the most fresh, authentic-tasting sushi we've ever eaten is served. This was one of the things that led us to decide on this resort and it did not disappoint!! Fourth, the staff-to-guest ratio has to be something like 5 to 1. Not only is there plenty of staff to accommodate your every need, but they are so friendly, kind, and just a joy to be around. Everyone is so invested in you having an amazing time and it shows. There is also live music every day and night which was so enjoyable and added something really special to the atmosphere. The level of service you get at Hermitage Bay is, in our experience, unmatched. Finally, while there are plenty of water activities/excursions you can add onto your stay, in my opinion, none of them are necessary. We jetskiied and went on a couple boat excursions (which were great!) but my favorite days were the ones we spent only at the resort. Between meals, the beach, pool, and your own plunge pool (if you stay in a hillside suite), your days feel plenty full and relaxed, which is why I like to go on a tropical vacation in the first place. Though I've done my best, my words certainly fall short of conveying the truly magic experience we had at Hermitage Bay. This place is worth every penny and we hope to return for several anniversaries in the

Intro: Being a Hilton Honors Diamond member, we were able to use 520,000 HH points for a 5-night stay. We booked our stay when the points rate was 130,000 per night (standard room rate with 5th night free). Since then, they have raised the standard room rate to 150,000 per night. The standard room we booked was the Beach Front Villa. The cost of the room would have been around $18,000 at that time for the 5-night stay. Obviously, this was an exceptional use of HH points, probably the best on the planet I’d say. If your stay is 3 or more nights, then your airport transfers (from and to) are included in the cost. You also get fast-track immigration upon arrival. Arrival: They provided us with details of how to navigate the arrival hall and all went without any issues. We met Lisa and she guided us through the process. It was smooth and stress-free. We were in our private car with Vernon to Heritage Bay in no time at all. At the resort, check-in was seamless. They provided welcome drinks, an explanation of food times and planning, and a brief tour of the grounds. They made us feel special from the very first interaction (and it had nothing to do with our Hilton status). Room: Our beach villa was an amazing place to relax throughout the day. A bi-level deck in front, with various places to sit, lounge, and sleep provided comfort for any mood we were in. The room was huge, with a very comfy bed as well as various areas to sit and lounge. There was also a high-quality Bluetooth speaker in the room that we used on several occasions, and it did not disappoint. The only oddity in the room (as you have probably read about before) is the toilet not having a private room within the bathroom. It’s just in the bathroom, like the two sinks are and the giant soaking tub. This may be an issue with some, but if you are a couple spending 3 to 5 grand a night on vacation, then hopefully you’d be over this minor inconvenience. We were not bothered by it. Nor were we bothered the the amazing (private) outdoor shower. As for some room basics, we always had plenty of hot and cold water, and most importantly, the AC worked great and we were able to make the room as cool as we needed it to be for a great night’s sleep every night. Our room also came with robes and thong sandals and was serviced twice a day. Food/Drink: Yes, I hate all-inclusive too. At least that’s what I always said before I got here. I can state that the food here was comparable to or better than the best à la carte resorts we have ever visited! (check out my other reviews, we’ve been around). The menus had plenty of variety and the food was always fresh to order and most importantly it was all excellent. And for those with food issues (and we all have them), they always asked and were always able to accommodate you no matter what your issues were. The cocktail menu at lunch, Tree Bar Sushi, and dinner were surprisingly creative and again made with fresh ingredients. No pre-mix sugary shortcuts here

Could not recommend this property more. Lush greenery, a beautiful beach, and amazing food & beverage options. Perfect for a special occasion or just a great vacation. The staff were kind and accommodating, especially the golf cart drivers who cheerfully drove us to and from our villa at the top of the hill multiple times a day. The in-room spa services were such a treat, and the masseuses were pure magic. A special shout out to Waba, who gave us a tour of the resort’s greenhouse and shared insights into its plants and sustainable food efforts. Augustine, the sushi chef, prepared some of the best sushi I’ve ever had, and made happy hour so much fun. We met other guests who had stayed at Hermitage Bay multiple times before, and it was easy to understand why. If you want to relax completely, stop thinking about plans, and just enjoy the vacation of your dreams - this is the place!

This property has unfortunately been declining in quality. It used to offer a genuine all-inclusive experience, with activities such as sailing and snorkeling tours included at no extra cost. The popular “Sushi at Sunset” experience, once a highlight frequently mentioned in reviews, now comes with an additional charge. Given the nightly rate, the resort should reconsider this approach—guests shouldn’t feel nickel-and-dimed for experiences that were once part of the package.