There are a small cluster of places on Earth that really, absolutely, seem too good to be true. Here in London, the eclecticism of Sir John Soane’s Museum springs to mind, or that posh Spar in Walthamstow with organic wine on tap, and perhaps those dimly lit cellar booths beneath The Southwark Tavern. Jumby Bay, however, takes things to a whole new level. A 300-acre private island nestled in the blue seas of the Caribbean, the all-inclusive mega-resort is made up of a mix of hyper-luxurious, privately owned lodges rented out to the public, as well the Oetker Collection’s own swish suites and villas.
To make your way to this paradise, you’ll first need to touch down in another, Antigua, and take a breezy 10-minute boat ride on the speedy Jumby Bay yacht to the island’s shore, where you’ll recognise the pale, sandy beaches and teal, transparent waters from your daydreams. We made ourselves at home at the seven-bedroom Cocoa Beach villa, complete with pool, private beach, personal outdoor showers and enough loungers to capture the sun’s every ray. The vast kitchen — stocked with an endless supply of wine, champagne and snacks — was both supremely impressive and dangerously tempting. A short walk, cycle or — dare I say — tipsy golf buggy ride away, were three restaurants and countless bars, serving just about anything your heart desires.
