The newly built Villa Papillon (named after the French escapee from Devil’s Island), completed in 2021, is perched on the hill overlooking the bay at Jolly Harbour, and is very special.

Not only does it sit in a wonderful position, looking out towards Monserrat, with yachts nestling in the bay below the house, but it is also built with great flair, care and attention to detail, delivering what must be one of the most beautiful modern houses in Antigua.

With six bedrooms, all with wonderful views, a professional kitchen, an outdoor dining room which looks out to the views, an infinity pool and wonderful art throughout, it is an oasis of beauty and comfort in Jolly Harbour. The white sand beach is five minutes' walk away and stretches for a mile or so along the azure blue Caribbean. A visit to the bar on the beach is difficult to avoid on these walks.

Close by are Epicurean supermarket (which even stocks Waitrose products), tennis courts and various places to eat and drink; all within a controlled area, which includes physical security to access the Jolly Harbour development, and patrols around the area by night.

The house has a house manager who ensures that every whim is catered for and arranges excursions (such as a jungle walk which I did for a morning, to explore the area around about and identify plants and trees which often have considerable medicinal benefits – as well as mangos and other delicious fruits; there is even a turpentine tree), sorts out visits or books restaurants, or deals with any minor or major crisis which may arise. In my case, the crisis was changes to the COVID rules when returning to the UK meaning a further visit to a local doctor for additional testing at very short notice, compounded by the return flight to the UK being delayed by 24 hours.

The chef is excellent and produces food as requested: local, European or as required. Everything is delicious.
The bedrooms are very comfortable, with unlimited hot water and power showers. There is air conditioning and ceiling fans. The cleaner is charming and willing to help with anything and everything. The laundry looks as though it could support a major hotel.

Overall, a perfect place to stay in the Caribbean. Visiting Papillon was an enormous treat, an opportunity not only to have a wonderful holiday but also to be looked after in great style, in a beautiful house, in which all the different elements have been thought through with great care and attention, supported by staff who ensure that those staying are looked after in a first-class way.
You really wouldn’t want to escape!