The rooms were clean and new. The food was surprisingly good, especially the buffets. The staff was extremely nice, and the resort was beautiful. The only thing that lacked was the beaches themselves at that particular resort. It’s a nice view but not nice for swimming. You have to rent a car and go around the island to all the other beaches, as they are quite spectacular.
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TJ45 -
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Ocean Point Resort and Spa: Peaceful
Perfect for couples wanting to get away and do nothing but relax, this is a small, very quiet resort, If you're used to the big 5 star, busy resorts, this place is not for you. There is one bar with limited seating, no entertainment at night and no music during the day around the pool. There are two small sandy beaches where you'll have no trouble finding lounge chairs, but the water is cloudy (possibly due to weather conditions when we visited). A gradual sandy sloped bottom with few rocks on e[... read more]ntry, but with quite a bit of seaweed as you move further out. Rooms were very clean,bed very comfortable and the food was fantastic, although somewhat limited on selection and repetitive. If you like pasta dishes, the Chef here will make you very happy. Service here is very good, the maid, waitresses and bar staff are very attentive. For an all-inclusive resort, it's strange that they have a full sized fridge in the room, but put nothing in it!. You get 2 small bottles of water in the room on the first day, and then nothing. If you want bottled water after that, you have to purchase it at the bar. Ridiculous.
As other reviews have said, this place caters to the Italians. The Chef, the bar tender, restaurant Supervisors and the "Entertainment Team (2 young people) are all Italians - none of these people even speak English,or at least extremely basic English and they dote specifically on the Italian guests, so much so, it's actually comical to watch. During the week we were there, 5 guests out of approx. 100 were Italians, and the "entertainment team" focused ALL attention on them - I firmly believe that is their sole purpose for being there. This in itself was our entertainment.
The resort was very popular with the French Canadians, with English Canadians, a few couples from UK & USA making up balance. The resort had a very European feel to it, with Italian & French being the predominant languages heard.
This resort is a perfect hub for those who want to go out and see Antigua. You can take a local bus into St John's for us$6 per couple (return) - very safe, or a cab is us$15 return. It's also convenient to take a cab or shuttle to other beaches such as Jolly Beach (a must), Darkwood Beach - shuttle is inexpensive, but be prepared to pay us$20 per couple for beach loungers at both places. If you are a beer drinker, however, you can get a ice bucket with 7 bottles of Wadadli beer for us$20 here.
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Mooc -
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Hawksbill Resort Antigua: We'll be back !
The airport was spotless and very efficient as was the 30 minute ride in the mini bus to the resort.
At the beginning of this review I want to state " WITHOUT A DOUBT, WE WILL RETURN TO THIS RESORT.
However this resort is not for everyone.
On arrival, we were deposited at the front of the resort. To say the entrance and reception was uninspired would be an understatement. No one was there to greet us so we struggled with our bags down cobblestone steps into a tired looking little lob[... read more]by where a tired and bored reception checked us in. The check-in was uneventful and we were given a locking gizmo for the room safe and one key. No, there was no second key ( a previous guest had apparently lost it ) and if we lost either of these items there was a steep replacement fee. Rule number one - don't lose the key.
We arrived late Sunday afternoon, so we were anxious to get to our room, get out of our clothes and hit the beach. Our room wasn't ready so we were told that we would have to wait. As our room wasn't very far, I went to check it out. Indeed the maid was cleaning and prepping the room for us so I asked if she would mind if we moved in while she was finishing her job and she said "of course". Our maid Opal turned out to be great. Back at reception, I let Dave know we were heading to our room "now" and he helped me carry our bags down some pretty steep steps to our room. ( Lots of stairs at the resort ) Dave turned out to be a great guy too and was very helpful throughout our stay. We had a pretty good idea where the nude beach was and we found it about a ten minute walk away.. The one km beach was stunning. Unfortunately not one palapa was in decent repair ( I ended up repairing my own as the week went on so there is now one almost functional palapa ). Throughout the week there were seldom more than 10 people on this beach.
The resort is weary looking and is in need of o lot of tender loving care - the owners need to realize that it is time to spend some money on repairs and updates. The location is amazingly beautiful and I suspect that the owners are hoping that guests will ignore the neglected facilities.
One glaring example is the pool - this adults only resort once allowed families with children and I can only guess that the resort put in a small pool for the kids. It is three feet deep, smaller than most backyard pools and in poor repair.
Of course, with four gorgeous beaches, who needs a pool. We've been to resorts that have no pool simply because the beaches are so spectacular that no one would think of lying around a pool. The best bet for this resort is to tear out the pool and put in another garden dining area adjacent to the existing beach dining area. As is, the pool s an embarrassment that the management is forced to apologize for on a daily basis. The tennis court was also rather rough looking.
On first impression, we we're wondering whether we had made a mistake choosing this resort, but, from the first evening on, the place and the staff grew on us. All staff were amazingly friendly, attentive and welcoming. As for reception, Monday morning it was like someone had waved a magic wand over them and they also became incredibly friendly and helpful. The staff, from the grounds workers to the bartenders to the wait staff, are five star.
All our meals were served buffet style and the food was excellent with breakfast and dinner being served in the main upper dining area and a BBQ lunch being served down in the beach restaurant.
Any little concern we had was taken care of immediately. ( We had a hole in one of our room screens and our bathroom bulb burnt out. Both were replaced immediately (the bulb within ten minutes). When we checked in we noticed that our room lacked a fridge - we had one the next day. Our room had air conditioning that worked and a new TV with HBO, ESPN.movies etc. and mosquito netting which we hid under one night. The water pressure was great and the hot water always worked in the shower. We had a large balcony over looking the lawns and the ocean and every morning little finches would line up on the railing for muffin crumbs.
Be warned : there is a huge difference from room category to room category.
Our Superior Seaview room in the main building was fine but we had a chance to see some of the darker, claustrophobia-inducing, smaller rooms- none with TV, some without AC, some with water issues.
We also saw the Royal Palm rooms which are similar to the Honeymoon Cove rooms and they were larger, newer and very nice - walk in glass showers, full tubs, bidet etc.
The guests were generally older, as are we, and predominantly British with a spattering of fellow Canadians. One gentleman and his wife had been to the resort 50 some odd times over the past 26 years ! ( Hello again Hugh) It was a very quiet place through the day and into the night. Through the week dinner music was provided by a keyboardist and on Friday night there was a guitar, base and drums trio who were excellent. On Saturday night we were entertained by another very talented group of musicians with an excellent vocalist.
Of special note : the interim manager Hyacynth seemed to be everywhere and was readily available. She also made a point of sitting and talking to each and every guest and truly wanted to know our impressions of the resort - both negative and positive.
Will we go back ? Most definitely.
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Benn -
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Ocean Point Resort and Spa: Good resort
Location is good , friendly staff, food is alright , need more variety of dishes like 1day Caribbean food at least . more fruits . need music in the resort . The shuttle to the other beach twice a day with drinks was excellent . The price was fair .
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Mcrobin -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: Great resort!
There was always a spot available on the beach. Absolutely beautiful ocean. The beach was clean. Staff was so welcoming and entertaining. The rooms were a little outdated but had everything you would need. Meals at the buffet were great. There was a variety of foods all delicious. We would definitely return to Jolly Beach
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Private -
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Ocean Point Resort and Spa: We love the resort
We love the resort, very clean. Amazing staff, especially Vincent. He was so helpful very friendly. He really took care of us and made sure we’re having a great vacation. Food was good but they should have more Caribbean food. Overall we had a fabulous vacation at Ocean point and the activities we did, such as the Katamaran, safari tour and swam with the stingrays was super amazing experienced.
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Private -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: Amazing beach!
The hotel itself needs to be renovated specially on the bedrooms but is super clean,
the people that works there is nice and very helpful.
The beach is AMAZING a lot of sand to walk and is so large the hotel so you can have a nice walk
The food oh lord!!!! I cant say it was so bad but the must have more variety, or simple choices as grilled chicken, fish or salmon,
they have chicken but with sauce all over at one point you really get tired of eating that.
The same cheese all the tim[... read more]e breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The live music is good but sometimes they sang too much music we didn't know so it was boring..... also
they lack of animation, after 11:30pm there is nothing to do but drink at the bar with a bunch of drunk people boring....
no disco, nothing after 11:30pm
Overall we did have a nice vacay, but definitely we wont go back for sure once is enough.
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Private -
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Ocean Point Resort and Spa: Great week in Antigua at Ocean Point
We had a great time at the Ocean Point Resort during the week of October 12-19! Rooms were basic but comfortable, super clean, soft towels and well working air conditioning. Food was great, not a lot of variety some days, but everything was very tasty, clean food area and great service. The daily pasta entrees were definitely the highlight of the restaurant. Giusi was awesome and clearly knows her stuff! Bar staff were all amazing. Excellent coffee. This Italian owned resort is a treasure [... read more]and a great price, too. All staff was super friendly. We would recommend this resort and, definitely, Antigua. We will be back! Thanks for great memories and great relaxation. Just what we needed!
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Meah -
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St James Club and Villas: Perfect!
Thank you Sally Sloan @tripcentral for finding us this gem. Beautiful resort, walk out room to beautiful beach . This isn’t all adult but the beautiful private adult pools were wonderful . Staff was excellent. Food was very good. It’s slow season so it was a little limited on food but nothing for us to worry about. Only complaint. Spa was stupid price. No deals no specials . We like to do the spa a couple times but no way 130$us for just a facial or massage ! Nope we didn’t use it once and[... read more] nobody elese did either! It’s ok we can sit and watch that beautiful ocean from our deck all day!
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Sgt Major -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: Just Awesome !
The hotel is weathered, however the smiles, friendliness, service and location in my opinion is a five palm tree resort. 🌴
The air canada rep was very friendly and gave excellent information on the resort and surrounding area. We decided to take the local transit which was safe and friendly. The trip into St. John’s was exciting and the urban hiking we did was very safe and interesting.
We recommend this resort, it is a must visit. The staff made our week feel like home. A special th[... read more]anks to all the staff, but one person stands out Zoda she went out of her way to service us with excellence.
Thank you, for an amazing week.
We shall return,
The Randall’s
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Irina & Don -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: Fun in the sun!
This is our second visit to this resort this year ( February & 28 Septmber to 5 October). 3 star resort with 5 star service! Food was plentiful, good assortment. The smothers red wine in the Caribbean!
Grounds were clean. Beautiful beach with turquoise water.
We upgraded to a suite (3010) & the view from both balconies was amazing!
Special thank you to Blondel, Manager, for your assistance!!!!
Cannot wait for our next visit!
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Private -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: First time visit
well their are not enough words to describe this Hotel
Great fantastic wonderful friendly charming etc.
the food was always great with no complaints
the location and beach were a jaw dropping experience
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Dutch Girl -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: First time in Antiqua
I really liked that we got our bracelets as soon as we got of the plane. We didn’t have to go in line at the hotel. Went to the room right away at the hotel. It looked very nice, just as the pictures.
The room was big , clean and a comfy bed. The cleaning of the room got done a bit late tho. We like A shower and a little snooze around 4 in the afternoon. And most of the time the room wasn’t cleaned yet.
I was not impressed with the beach. A lot of people gave it a 5 out of 5
But no one c[... read more]an beat the beaches in Cuba
People at the resort are friendly, but off the resort not so
The night life was done at 10, a bit early
Nothing going on after that
And it is a expensive island
The bars don’t open until 10:30 am
So before that u can only get water coffee or tea
The are very interested if u have any suggestions, I like that
It’s an old resort, it could use an overhaul
Nitely entertainment was a bit boring
Wednesday nite we had a pool party which was very nice
I was impressed
Would I go back? No I don’t think so
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Galnik -
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Royalton CHIC Antigua: Amazing place!
We've been in Antigua twice already and this place is the best so far! Quite large room, very good beach (needs only a clean up more, if they remove the small rocks from the beach it would be as good as Sandals beach ) and service is nice, quiet and cozy place for people who needs a rest and relax.
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Private -
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Ocean Point Resort and Spa: Small, comfortable and friendly
If you are looking for a relaxing quiet get away then the Ocean Point Resort is perfect for you
Rooms are clean and spacious.
Pool is clean although it does need repair for missing tiles
Gardens are well kept
Restaurant and bar always had a wide array to offer.
Owners were on site when we were there and very approachable
Beaches, there are 2, albeit small. If you desire a bigger beach to walk the resort offers a free shuttle to Runaway Beach twice a day.
I mainly judge a resort on va[... read more]lue for my money and the Ocean Point gets 5 stars for value for the money.
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Steph 5440 -
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The Verandah Antigua: Fantastic Resort
Had a great family vacation. Staff were friendly and helpful.
The resort and beaches were top notch. Food was amazing even at the buffet. Great selection everyone was happy ( and i have a picky eater)
Would definitely go back.
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Private -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: Excellent service from waitstaff
While the rooms and dining facilities are in major need of an overhaul, the cleanliness of rooms and public areas was excellent and the polite and attentive service provided by dining and bar waitstaff was above and beyond.
The beach is fabulous. It is well kept and there are plenty of newly constructed palapas for shade. Loungers are in need of an update but were mostly all in good condition. Beach towel service is also excellent.
Buffet food was always delicious. The seafood a la carte was [... read more]our favourite experience dining on the beach and the food was excellent! The Italian à la carte was good food as well, but ambiance fell short. Mexican à la carte was great ambiance but menu was hit and miss.
I certainly hope the owners will put serious effort into updating rooms and furnishings, but overall, I would return for the service and the beach!
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Private -
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St James Club and Villas: The Verandah Resort-Excellent Resort!
During the vacation planning stage, St. James Club and The Verandah were number 1 & 2 on our resort wish list. It was put to a family vote, and St. James won by a narrow margin based on the fact that it was an adults only resort(family resort now). Due to a seaweed problem, we were offered to relocate to either the Verandah or the Pineapple resort. We went with our number 2, The Verandah.
The Verandah did not disappoint. The resort is located on a hilly terrain. Every semi-detached suite/cot[... read more]tage had a view of the ocean/bay. Rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable. The grounds are beautifully landscaped-walking the grounds of this large resort felt like I was walking in a small town (the resort has golf carts to shuttle guests around). The two private beaches offered white sand, clean shallow water levels, and plenty of water activities. The food was amazing-not one bad meal! I loved the managers cocktail party-an outdoor, white table cloth, BBQ evening event. The bars were well stocked and offered great cocktails. The staff, a hard working group of people-professional, courteous, with a friendly smile and a hello every time we met.
The Verandah and it's sister resort the Pineapple, are located across the street from each other. The resorts offer day passes, a great option to enjoy the best of two resorts for the price of one!
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Private -
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Ocean Point Resort and Spa: Great Relaxing Vacation
If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation, good food, great service, comfortable rooms, go for this resort!! Unfortunately, the beach was impacted by Sargassum weed and the hotel staff would arrange for transportation along with some snacks/drinks to go to a better beach. Great efforts shown by friendly staff.
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Private -
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Jolly Beach Antigua: spend more, to get a better hotel.
the grounds were beautiful, the beach was a 5 star. however the rooms were clean but horrid. out dated and almost too tiny to move in. a bug problem for sure. the food was horrible. we had to continue to leave the resort to find food that was even worth eating. I can live with outdated rooms but can not live with food that is terrible. the only good tasting food was in the burger shack.
Sunwing and Hotel staff were great !.