by Jim Byers
Last updated: 6:46 PM ET, Mon November 18, 2019
Gastronomy takes centre stage at the new Hammock Cove on Antigua.
The team is led by Michelin-trained Italian Executive Chef Marco Festini Cromer, bringing years of international culinary expertise to Antigua's newest luxury, boutique property.
Cromer is setting the highest standards for the all-inclusive dining experience, overseeing every aspect of the resort's two restaurants, four bars and 24-hour in-villa dining. No detail has gone unnoticed, including the choice of chic Italian and French porcelain tableware and crystal glassware, reflecting the refined sensibility prevalent throughout the 42-villa property.
From the causal Irina's restaurant to fine dining at the Lighthouse, Cromer showcases ancient cooking methods and a culmination of forward-thinking flavours highlighting sustainable regional ingredients, the freshest imports and inventive interpretations of classic and internationally-influenced dishes. The beverage program features an extensive wine selection of the world's best reds, whites, roses and bubbles from France, Italy, Argentina and beyond.
Hammock Cove, a five-star, adults-only, all-inclusive property on the quiet east coast of Antigua, opens to the public on Dec. 1.
Lighthouse, the resort's signature dinner restaurant, can seat 50 people indoors and out, and has a private dining room seating 14 persons. The restaurant offers a wealth of choices, with a nightly changing menu and degustation menus. Indulgent items include Wagyu Rib Eye, corn and Stilton soufflé, compressed red cabbage in a Madeira and Perigord truffle reduction and Poached Lobster with creamy buffalo mozzarella, lime drops and mint courgettes. The Lighthouse Bar offers guests a proper Italian aperitivo and a full range of cocktails, along with the extensive wine list.
Irina's is a chic bistro located on the first floor of the Great House overlooking the swimming pool, serving à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with light savoury and sweet snacks such as caviar, salmon, and a freshly baked selection of viennoiserie, which rotates throughout the day along with afternoon tea and customized coffees. A locally made copper and hardwood bar serves as a central meeting place offering up the classics, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of beers and soft refreshments.
The Chairman's Lounge, located upstairs in the Great House, is an analog throwback featuring classic games like billiards and chess, and a record player with a curated vinyl library. The bar offers premium liquor, Champagne, and a Caribbean rum selection created by the property's rum sommelier. Cigars are also available for an extra charge.
Nobody Knows is the carefree barefoot bar that overlooks famed Devil's Bridge, a perfect spot for a cold beer or rum cocktail while the spray of the waves cool the day. Just below the swimming pool on the boardwalk overlooking the beach is On The Rocks, which offers beer, wine and fruit infusions.
A native of Italy, Cromer began his career working in Italy then moved across some of the finest restaurants and hotels including three-Michelin starred Les Pres D'Eugenie; Relais & Chateaux Hotel Helvetia & Bristol; London's Chez Moi; Brufani Hotel in Perugia and Ristorante Caffe Italia in Desenzano Lake Garda, to name a few. Marco comes to Hammock Cove most recently from St. Lucia's Harbor Club by Curio Collection, and prior to that was the Executive Chef at the famed Daphne's restaurant in Barbados for 13 years.
Cromer is committed to creating an exceptional culinary experience for his guests, in what is poised to be the most inventive kitchen in Antigua, if not the entire Caribbean.
The property will be Antigua's newest five-star, adults-only, all-inclusive property, said Elite Island Resorts Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer Larry Basham.
"I think it's perfect for clients who've been to the same top places over and over and who are looking for something new and fresh," Basham said. "This is something that's new and very high-end, and that's a good story for agents.
"If travel advisors have clients looking for the newest, most romantic five-star resort in the Caribbean, Hammock Cove will be an outstanding choice. It's a new adventure to be had."
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