Jumby Bay Island, a 300-acre private island on the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, is undergoing a complete renovation programme before it re-opens this winter.

Once a Rosewood Resort, Jumby Bay Island became part of the Oetker Collection last year.

The resort will unveil a fresh Caribbean Ocean-inspired look, designed by Brazilian interior designer Patricia Anastassiadis of Anastassiadis Arquitetos. Anastassiadis also created the design concept for the sister Oetker Collection property Palácio Tangará, which opened in Brazil last year.

For Jumby Bay, Anastassiadis has created a laidback tropical style, paired with light, bright colours and textures, with light and airy tones paired with lush greenery, reflecting the island’s natural beauty and evoking a feeling of refined, relaxed luxury.

Rattan furniture and nautical-inspired rope-like textures will adorn the new spaces. The renovations are designed to put a contemporary spin on the resort’s informal tradition, with each change made with the guest experience in mind.

“Delicacy, beauty, exclusivity and luxury are some of the adjectives that define Jumby Bay,” said Anastassiadis. “A pearl in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, a small portion of land surrounded by fine white sand. Inspiration comes from the nature and history of the locals. The concept of the project brings together many English traditions combined with contemporary joy and relaxation in the Caribbean. Leather, weaves, straws and manual work with impeccable finishing brings the essence of the Oetker Collection to the property.”

The Jumby Bay Spa has been designed as a sanctuary, with a tranquil setting for guests, and includes a new relaxation area, dry and wet/hot and cold sauna and plunge pool, as well as two double and three single treatment rooms.

The vaulted ceilings and stone entryways of the spa have been inspired by the island’s own sugar mill and carry the scent of the neighbouring tropical gardens. The updated interiors use natural wood panelling and a colour palette of calming greys, blues and greens.

Signature treatments will be inspired by indigenous natural ingredients and performed before dramatic ocean views, using both traditional and modern therapeutic spa methods.

Anastassiadis has taken inspiration for the lounge, bar and reception from the sky and the sea, where light natural textures are weaved with statuarietto marble to create a cool and calm aesthetic. The Lounge will be peppered with historical artefacts, including a striking golden seahorse sculpture, which juxtaposes the new sleek furniture from Anastassiadis’ own range.

A new beachfront infinity pool will be shaded by palm trees and lined with neutral slate tiles designed to blend into the surroundings. Just beyond the new pool will be a new watersports centre, 22 Knots – a whitewashed pavilion with creamy limestone floors and a marine theme running throughout. This will be a place for guests to grab a paddleboard or hire Jumby’s 45-foot custom-built catamaran to explore the natural beauty of the island, while those who would rather take it slow can borrow a paddle board or snorkel.

Jumby Bay will debut a Sailing Academy to provide accredited instructional training for all ages, expertly equipped with RS Elite sailing boats and RS Zest sailing boats.

Jumby Bay spa nears completion

Sense at Jumby Bay to open by November 2009

US$26m refurbishment of Jumby Bay resort starts