Great House
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Overview
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Boasting a private swimming pool, a secluded bay and stunning views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the Great House is a boutique hotel set amidst twenty-six acres of palm trees and tropical gardens, which can be reserved in its entirety for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Uniquely situated on Antigua’s Mercers Creek estate, the hotel’s main residence is a characterful 350-year-old Georgian residence, the last remaining historic sugar plantation house on the island. The Great House also encompasses four Garden Suites, located within contemporary Caribbean cottages nestled in the hotel’s lush gardens. The estate at Mercers Creek is home to its own turquoise bay, an old sugar mill and the gently flowing creek from which its name is derived.
Those who decide to reserve the entire Great House will be treated to a bespoke island getaway for up to sixteen guests, making this the ideal destination for a wedding party or a special celebration. Here, you will enjoy a feast for all the senses, with each of the hotel’s tasteful suites at your disposal, as well as excellent wellness facilities and a carefully curated dining experience throughout your stay.
Inside the historic Great House, guests will find four elegant suites: the Royal Suite, the French Suite, the Pineapple Suite and the Duke Suite. Each spacious suite is tastefully decorated to showcase the hotel’s unique personality, with furnishings that combine laidback Caribbean aesthetics with traditional Georgian pieces and modern facilities. The Royal, French and Duke Suites each feature a four-poster double bed with a soft canopy, as well as an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The Pineapple Suite features two single beds under a shared four poster frame, as well as a private bathroom with a shower overlooking the hotel’s Chinese Garden.
Located amidst calming greenery, the hotel’s four delightful Garden Suites are charming semi-detached cottages. Thoughtfully designed with relaxed Caribbean living in mind, the vibrantly hued cottages are named after plants which grow on the grounds of the hotel. With an elevated position and high vaulted ceilings, each Garden Suite features a king-size canopied bed and understated furnishing which echo the serene natural beauty of the surrounding island. The spacious en-suite bathroom includes a double rainfall shower. There is a wide verandah with comfortable garden furniture and a hammock at the front of each cottage, where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail at sunset whilst admiring the enchanting gardens.
The small team at the Great House is dedicated to making sure that your stay is a completely rejuvenating experience. Wellness treatments can be arranged to take place within the private and relaxing atmosphere of your own suite, or on the hotel’s elegant verandah. There are experienced yoga and Pilates instructors on hand for weekly classes in dreamlike settings, including a meditation platform overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The team can also assist you in arranging exciting island tours, private coastal trips, or guided walks to scenic beauty spots. Once you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious meal in the hotel’s intimate dining area, where you will be treated to authentic Caribbean dishes prepared with organic produce from the vegetable garden located on the estate.
What you should know…
- Great House is the last remaining historic sugar plantation residence on the island of Antigua. The grounds at Mercers Creek still feature original masonry, a mill house where cane was once crushed, a traditional distillery and many more unique features
- Reserved in its entirety, the Great House features eight suites for up to sixteen guests to enjoy
- We recommend that young children remain supervised whilst exploring the grounds of the Great House and playing near the swimming pool
Property Features
Hotel Interior
Great House
- The Royal Suite featuring a double bed and en-suite bathroom
- The French Suite featuring a double bed and en-suite bathroom
- The Duke Suite featuring a double bed and en-suite bathroom
- The Pineapple Suite featuring two single beds and adjacent private bathroom
- Communal living spaces
- Formal dining room
- Games room featuring table tennis
The Garden Suites
- Two Caribbean cottages featuring four semi-detached one-bedroom suites
- Four en-suite bathrooms featuring double rainfall showers
Outside Grounds
- Large swimming pool and terrace with sun loungers
- Four private Garden Suite verandahs
- Twenty-six acres of gardens featuring historic sites
- Exercise and meditation platform with sea views
- The Great House verandah and outdoor dining area
- Secluded bay with private beach
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fans
- Mini fridges
- Passport safes
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary dressing gowns
- Exclusive access to hotel facilities
- Exclusive access to wellness facilities
Location
About the surrounding area of Great HouseFrom a calming yoga class in the cool morning breeze to an afternoon spent kayaking around the bay or an invigorating Pilates session at sunset, the Great House offers plenty of relaxing activities that will ease you into the laidback pace of island life. Here, you will feel refreshed by the careful attention to detail that gives this hotel its well-earned reputation. After a dip in the swimming pool, you may wish to wander towards the silky-soft sands of the quiet beach or indulge in a hot stone massage. Or if you fancy venturing further afield, the enchanting landscapes of Antigua lie waiting to be discovered.
The nation of Antigua and Barbuda encompasses two namesake sister islands and several smaller islets. Local Antiguans are understandably proud of the island’s 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. Here, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to your next dip in the Caribbean Sea!
For an exciting day out, head south to the majestic Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. One of five national parks in Antigua, this cultural treasure is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The eighteenth-century British naval dockyard is an area of great historical significance on the island, as well as a popular venue for maritime events and activities. For those who wish to experience the magic for themselves, there are plenty of sailing excursions and water-based activities available.
While taking in the sights at Nelson’s Dockyard, don’t forget to hike to Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout known for its bewitching views and community feel. With a popular street party happening every Sunday evening, visitors are welcome to enjoy the music of live Caribbean steel drum bands, taste some of the local food and rum punch and take in the breathtaking sights as the sun begins to go down on the beautiful island of Antigua.
Located only a fifteen-minute drive away from the Great House, Devil’s Bridge is another Antiguan national park that is sure to make an impression. The bridge itself is a natural arch composed of limestone rock, formed over the course of many thousands of years. With geysers and blowholes surrounding the bridge and the waves of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks, this is a bracing adventure that will leave you in awe of the serene waters you have just left behind.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
VC Bird International Airport
(15.8 km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Antigua Cruise Port
(14 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Pares
(3 km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
St John's
(15 km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
The Great House Antigua
(0 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Locust Bar
(4.8 km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Muffy's Eastside Grocery
(2.7 km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Cedar Valley Golf Course
(15.6 km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
(200 m) |
||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesKids will be delighted by the expansive grounds of the Great House, not to mention the hotel’s sun-soaked swimming pool and secluded beach. There are plenty of shady spots in the garden for an afternoon spent playing games, or you may wish to visit the hotel’s games room for a friendly table tennis tournament! For intrepid explorers who wish to discover more of Antigua, the island is home to a diverse range of activities that will keep the whole family entertained.
If you are in the mood for an exciting island adventure, drive inland towards Fig Tree Drive, passing open fields of bananas and other colourful fruits. Within twenty-five minutes you will reach the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Park, where a day of thrilling activities awaits! With experienced instructors to guide you at every point along the way, you will cross suspension bridges and rope obstacles, ziplining above the tree-tops and crisscrossing a stunning gorge. Don’t forget to take a break in the magical twin tree houses, tucked away in the dense rainforest. This is an exhilarating day out that varies in intensity, with options to suit all age groups.
A day spent hiking around Nelson’s Dockyard is another great way to get closer to nature. Ascend to the panoramic views of Shirley Heights on a quiet weekday afternoon, for a scenic hike that everyone will remember. This is a relatively easy hike but do make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and pack plenty of water. You will find handy trail maps available to download online.
Watersports are widely available throughout Antigua, with sea kayaking and kitesurfing among the most popular. There are numerous boat tours also available, including tours to Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda. Some ninety minutes across the water, one of Barbuda’s highlights is the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, home to thousands of exotic red-throated birds. Back in Antigua, you can visit the island’s wonderful donkey sanctuary, where children are encouraged to feed the friendly animals.
Later, head home to the Great House for a relaxing sunset swim, before a delicious dinner together on the terrace. Once the stars have come out, everyone will be sure to sleep soundly after another day of fun and adventure!
Kids Activities Close-by
- Beach Nearby
- Walk to Beach
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
| Arrival time | 2:00 pm |
| Departure time | 11:00 am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Arrival time | 2:00 pm |
| Departure time | 11:00 am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi internet access included |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights |
| Changeover day | Flexible |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed |
| Smoking Allowed? | Smoking & Vaping are not permitted |
| Tax | Tourist Guest Levy $5 per night per guest not included |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay |
| Security deposit | US $5,000 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
Rental Rates
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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We had an amazing, wonderful time at the Great House
We selected the Great House for a "Hotel Takeover" in which we took 14 family members across three generations to spend 5 days as the hotel's only guests. It was magnificent for our group with a rustic, open, inviting and casual luxury that allowed us to completely open up and be ourselves as a family, goof, and be silly and serious together in a way that just cannot happen when you are in rooms at a big facility with other people walking in and out. We had a chef and had all but one of our meals on the property--breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Service was beyond our expectations. Food was delicious and plentiful and tailored very specifically ahead of time to our dietary needs with agreed menus. All that effort up front made this wonderful and relaxing for our visit. Small details that might have been overlooked (room needs kleenex, for example), were rectified by the staff as quickly as possible. Just ask!. This is not a "fancy" place, or a "fussy" place by any means. There are no TVs in the rooms, but there is a big library of books if you have left yours behind. The Wi-Fi works and we all checked in with our offices--but the atmosphere really made it easy for our very pressured group to unwind, disconnect, and be with each other. If you are looking for total relaxation, and a place to hide away without being "in the rough," this is it! We had an amazing, wonderful time at the Great House. I will put forth one note helpful for groups with mobility issues: the terrain on the property is not easy. There is a room in the main lodge well-enough equipped for people who might be a little less stable on their feet (step in shower), but this is a property where our guest who uses a walker needed assistance from the rest of us. For our group, trying to be together, it worked great, but people travelling on their own should be OK to handle hills and uneven steps/terrain or will be frustrated.
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