Jumby Bay, Antigua

Jumby Bay, Antigua

Jumby Bay, Antigua was known for several hundred years as Long Island. The reason is that the island often gives off an illusion that it is elongated in appearance when viewed from the Antiguan mainland. Later, however, it was found that a section of Jumby Bay, Antigua was actually a separate, uninhabited island located so close to the larger Jumby Bay that people thought it was but part of the latter. Now, the island is called Jumby Bay Island after the jumbies ("friendly ghosts") described in local Arawak folklore.

From Sugar Plantation to Celebrity Hub

Before Jumby Bay, Antigua became an exclusive resort and resident community it was first a sugar plantation, later flint mine. Much later, it was transformed into a sheep ranch which was rented to emancipated slaves.

In 1983, the island found its true calling as it was made into a private enclave that attracts visitors from all over the world, including the Northeastern United States, Europe, and South America. Now, the island is a famous celebrity hub and playground of some of the rich and famous.

Beautiful Property

Owned by the Half Moon Golf, Tennis and Beach Club, Jumby Bay, Antigua is a member of the Elegant Resorts International. The resort occupies most of the 300-acre island, spreading across 85 acres of beautiful property. With the island home to a number of endangered species of turtles, lizards, rare birds, sheep descended from its first settlers, and a few well endowed two legged hedonistic transplants, Jumby Bay, Antigua gives you an interesting glimpse of Antigua's curious animal and plant life.

Throughout the property are spread several Mediterranean-styles pavilions, replete with tile roofs, watchtowers, wild orchids, and lush tropical foliage. Guests can choose from 39 junior suites and 11 two- and three-bedroom villas, each of which offer a water view, built as it is along the bayside.

Located off the beach of Jumby Bay, Antigua, the property affords privacy and solitude but with access to the cool breezes to provide relief in the hot summer days. And if you want to travel from villa to villa, there are bike paths that crisscross the whole island. So getting around is no huge problem and you can just use a dirt bike as your mode of transportation or hoof it up.

Getting There

Getting to Jumby Bay, Antigua is remarkably easy. The island is only a 2-mile voyage from Antigua's VC Bird International Airport. Hotel representatives wait for you at the airport, ready to whisk you away via private ferry boat. From the airport to the dock, it's only a short five-minute drive by minivan. Once you arrive at the dock, the welcome party consists of a choice of rum punch or soda, cool towels, and sweet Caribbean music on the radio.