Sugar Ridge

Somewhat reminiscent of the impossibly white hillside resorts common in the Mediterranean, Sugar Ridge's clean design palette juxtaposes the thick, lush greenery that's omnipresent on Antigua's rolling hills.

Looking down onto palm-framed beaches, the hotel's rooms and suites are grouped into fours, each boasting private entranceways. Once inside, cool, polished stone floors set the stage for canopy beds, and crisp-edged wooden furnishings. An LCD TV is there in case you need help relaxing prior to bed, and an iPod dock sits at the ready to serenade you into the next morning.

Hop in one of Sugar Ridge's electronic buggies, and strike out into the warmth of the day. Save the formality of Carmichael's for later, and roll over to Sugar Club for a breakfast of eggs, fresh bread, delicious coffee, and preserves.

The beach is the place to camp out most days, where scuba diving, sport fishing, and simply playing in the surf seem to speed up time noticeably. After a good frolic, try out the spa, where one of the four treatment rooms will surely work out the last of your kinks.