The Verandah Antigua: Amazing Resort

I highly recommend this resort. It beautiful grounds, food was great, staff were friendly and very accommodating. Any issue brought to their attention was fixed immediately. The main beach was wonderful and beautiful.

The Verandah Antigua: Beautiful resort with amazing staff

The accommodations are way better than a block of hotel rooms. The facility offers space and options so that it didn't seem crowded. The meals were superb and the staff made the experience. I would definitely go back.

The Verandah Antigua: Great Destination!

Shauna at Trip Central listened to our wish list and found the perfect spot for our getaway! The Verandah ticked all the boxes - clean and spacious accommodation, great food, picturesque setting, friendly staff and not a party zone. We met lots of return guests and now we know why. Everything was better than expected and we just LOVE the staff. We plan to return to Trip Central for our future travel needs, and will most certainly head back to The Verandah for a future stay.

The Verandah Antigua: Great Trip

Arrived first day it opened after reno's Oct 14th...Room was nice, food was great, no waiting for anything as no one was there...Even end of week it was filling up but not full...Beach is sweet and lots of beach toys to play on like paddle boats ect...loved the wings best that was my lunch everyday...

St James Club and Villas: Very safe and secure

We have now been 4 times to this resort, there was no recognition of this. There have been some updates since last there, the gym is excellent as well as some of the activities like the early morning walks. They have added some very nice bands for after dinner dancing but they end at 10pm which is a little early. The beach party was excellent.

Jolly Beach Antigua: Good value for money.

OK, this is not 5 star hotel and is not priced like one. It is decent and clean place and you are not going to get hungry as well. Antigua is on the expensive side and this hotel makes it affordable to visit with out breaking the bank. The rooms are on smaller side but enough for two people. We stayed in renovated part of resort in standard room and there was nothing to complain about, but again we read reviews and knew what to expect. THIS IS NOT A 5 STARS HOTEL. Unless you upgrade room  [... read more]there will not be no fridge, iron or coffee maker in the room. It did not matter for us. I also take with me wire hangers as there is never enough (read in review) and it was perfect as there is no drawers in the room, every thing on hangers or limited shelves. The bed was very comfortable, new Certa King size mattress. Air conditioner work well, for nights we were turning it off and slept like babies. Only one thing bothered us, room was by staircase and people getting down or up talking loudly were waking us up. There are no glass in windows from the entrance side, (first time see this kind of design), so ask for room far away from staircase and you will be fine. Most of the rooms are ocean view, the resort is set in horseshoe, ask for 2 or 3 floor for the view. Warning, no elevators if you have mobility issues. Another thing is coffee quality, we love coffee and they do not have cappuccino machine and the regular coffee was awful. Buffet, pretty much like everywhere else, repetitive but ok. Restaurants, very good and unlimited but you can reserve only one at the time, day before, so be at concierge desk early if you want specific hour. Drinks are flowing and wide assortment. Staff generally friendly and helpful with few exceptions, One of bartender ladies working in the morning acting like she is forced to be there, on border of being rude. On the other hand you have Zawda, bartender for evenings, most professional, friendly and helpful lady ever. Another person worth mentioning was Solonge from front desk, very professional and helpful, personally assuring that we were happy with our room. Now the best part, BEACH !!! Is beautiful, the best beach that we have been to so far, (so why to worry about the hotel, you will be only sleeping there). They also have beautiful pools but this is not for me, why to get in pool if you have this beach with warm calm Caribbean Sea. I was told that there is no snorkeling off the beach. Good news, there is snorkeling off the beach!!! East side of the beach is rocky and there is lots of marine life there, it was good. Maybe not for scuba divers or very advanced snorkels but it was very decent. Walks on the beach are also nice, a mile or so long, sugar white beach, breathtaking. Summarizing this is very good family vacation, if you will be looking for reason to complaining you will find it, but if you keep in mind money saved compared to Sandals you will be very happy. We were!! Suggestion, try to see Barbuda, Jolly Beach is beautiful. Barbuda is out of this world!!!

The Verandah Antigua: Nice Resort

Probably the ocean view room was the best we have stayed in. The resort is understaffed. Many days no staff at adult pool bar. All inclusive does not really apply when the food and drinks are so far away. Nice kitchenette in the room but nothing in it. Beautiful beaches, had lots of fun on the boats. Really a pretty setting. More variety on the food aspect would be good.

Pineapple Beach Club: Great stay at Pineapple Beach

My husband and I stayed a the Pineapple Beach June 24 to July1. We had a wonderful time. Staff are attentive and very friendly. The resort is half renovated we were in an unrenovated room and we spoke to the property manager Sanjay Ambrose to see if we could see the renovated rooms for future visits. She was fantastic she not only found us on the beach the next to take us on a tour but we were able to upgrade our room. The food was delicious as well. We tried the 2 on sight restaurants then  [... read more]decided the buffet was so good we ate there very other evening. There was a different theme of food each night all delicious!!. Bars made excellant drinks, didnt matter that there was't name brand spirits Marvin and Maritza know how to make a well balanced drink. Unlike other resorts where they feel the more booze in the drink the better. Strawberry daiquiri or mojito yum yum Overall we loved this resort its small and intimate, beautiful beach great staff what more could you want!! Best feature the floaties in the ocean that's where you want to spend your day!!!

Jolly Beach Antigua: Amazing beach

Hotel is a bit old and tired however grounds and beach is amazing. Staff is great. Rooms are bit small but clean and you do have anything you need. If you like to stay in room a lot than this hotel is not for you but if you like beach and pool and spend your day outdoor you will love it.

Sandals Grande Antigua: Very good

The island and the resort was beautiful, not to mention the beaches. The staff was really wonderful and always had a smile on for everyone. We were not told about the butler service which we may have used. As a result we found that I had to wake up every morning at 6am so that I can go to the beach and safe a chair in the shade. The butlers were usually out before then saving the best spots at the beach and pool for their guests. We were always made to feel less than because we didn't have  [... read more]butler service. The vendors on the beach after the first day got very annoying. They were coming by and interrupting us every 5 mins. They didn't care if we were talking or sleeping, they still interrupted us. The night time entertainment was really bad. After 8;30pm there was nothing to do and the entertainers were not very good. We did love the food and drinks at the resort.

Jolly Beach Antigua: Breathtaking Beach

The beach has a view that you never get tired of. Nice long beach, soft sand, great for long walks.. Adequate clean rooms, good food and friendly staff. Awesome sunsets. Catamaran trips that pick you up on the beach. Can't wait to go back.

Sandals Grande Antigua: Have to have the right room for your needs

review of the beachfront rondelle with butler services The rooms are small made up of two halves of a circular room, 1 half is the bed and the other half it the bathroom. The toilet is separated from the rest of the bathroom, the bath itself is comprised of the bath, a rain shower and a hand held spray bar. Heat selection from all three were not consistent. because the room is on the beachfront, the main walkway goes along the front if it so if you are out early and are sitting [... read more] at the table in front of your room, be prepared to say good morning to everyone who passes bye. The butler service was 2/3 good. You have 3 butlers for the week ( shifts generally until 3 pm and then then next shift until 10 pm. You are given a phone to call the butler whenever you want ( the recharger is in the room ask how to turn on the phone afterwards) I had breakfast delivered every morning at around 7:30 am even though a pretty good buffet was approx 150 steps away. The room service as much as the tried could not get me my order correct. forgetting the salt and pepper was a familiar issue. the food was ok The butler service also reserves your beach chairs in the morning and place a cooler at the table with what you want (beer, drinks, water, wine) and will bring appetizers to you when requested and sometimes on their own. Tips should be given at the end of the week, get 3 envelopes from the check in desk and pay them the last day. generally 100-150 per butler for the week but it is your choice how much to give The restaurants were good not great except for MARIOS, where the buffet appetizers choice was pretty good. dress code for all restaurants is resort casual, so shorts are acceptable except for 1 place where long pants were needed (but I did see people arrive in shorts and were allowed in) There are two hidden gems Cafe de Paris provides a good selection of pastries and coffee, and ice cream milkshakes and crepes if you want and on Friday evening there was a Chocolate taster which was quite good it takes about 10 minutes to walk from 1 end of the location to the other end As to activities, do not purchase the catamaran snorkeling adventure, the place gives you 3 one hour snorkeling sessions daily and a 6 hour island boat tour with a 30 minute snorkeling session (they provide the equipment) It is a public beach so be prepared for the locals to try and sell you anything and everything , from beach wraps to an aloe plant My wife swears that the massages were great at the spa

Sandals Grande Antigua: Amazing when you know what is offered

Hotel nice Rooms ok Beds very uncomfortable Staff 50/50 some nice some borderline rude Internet very bad unless you upgrade for 70 dollars US Wine list is good for an additional cost We thought it was all inclusive Not sure if we will go back to a Sandles Jim

Jolly Beach Antigua: Returned just for the amazing service and views!

This is my second time going to Jolly Beach, I wrote about this before and I feel that this gem is something that more people need to visit. It is steps away, literally steps away from the beach. The rooms are cozy and the staff ensure that you are safe no matter the time of day. I went for a week (Sailing week). I took part in Jet Skiing (not apart of the resort package but you can do so if you want) snorkelling (this is included along with other water sports), Swimming with Sting Rays in Sting [... read more] Ray city. You can book to be picked up or you can find your way there but it is located on the other side of the island. I planned a day trip to Barbuda where I was able to visit the caves, 27 Mile beach and have a lobster lunch on said beach. My room included a double bed, washroom, balcony which Facing the pool bar/activities and beach!!!! The staff ensured that I ate every day as I was always leaving to go on an adventure. The local food is great and if you are not west Indian or not familiar with the food and do not want to venture out, they have a Caribbean night! One of the most memorable moments was when I went Scuba Diving with Antigua Scuba School. The staff are amazing, professional and great to be around! Please look them up if this is something you would like to do as it is not included. Now, I always say this but the pictures give this resort no justice! What you find on the website is nothing close to how much land this place covers! You can walk along the beach starting where Jolly Beach resort is, until you get to the end of Jolly Harbour. Tammy booked this trip with me via Air Canada and I love flying with them. It is a direct flight and about 4 hours. The new airport in Antigua is a huge upgrade from the one they previously had. So many places to shop and eat! I also had the opportunity to eat at Big Banana Antigua (located in the airport and in St.Johns as well) The food is amazing and worth every bite! If you are a person that is not as adventurous as I am, you can literally stay on the resort and relax or spend your time there as they have ample events and activities, they have sports, water sports, BBQs on specific nights, fire side gatherings and mini festivals, contests in the day, and about 2 pools. It comes off like it is 3 as the large pool looks like it is split in two as it is located where the pool bar is. I had an all inclusive so this really helped when I was tired and did not want to leave the resort. Did not have to worry about food/liquor/drinks. I would come back again and again to this resort. It feels like home every time I arrive. Kudos to Jolly beach and their staff for always welcoming me and remembering me! It was so heart warming for them to remember me even though I had not been there in about 2 years! I chose this resort because it is affordable and it is very accomodating for a single person. They do allow families and there are couples that I have seen getting married! Lovely resort and place in all. I miss it already.

Sandals Grande Antigua: Dissapointing Guest Service

I wish they allow tipping at this resort, then the servers would make extra and act more pleasant. For a Sandals - Antigua probably ranks the worst service in all we have visited. This goes for front desk staff, bar tenders, beach and pool service. The evening restaurant service was actually good.

Jolly Beach Antigua: Great Trip

Absolutely loved the location. Mountains behind the hotels. Very favourable kayak licatuon. Great beach to walk down. With a marina and market on Saturday s to visit. Restaurants & grocery store close by..Nice comfortable feel, beautiful scenery. Clean. good service Would definitely go back again. 👍

Sandals Grande Antigua: Great resort

The resort is beautiful and well maintained. It is a very big resort with an older section called the Caribbean and the newer section called the Mediterranean. We were in the Caribbean section Food was great. Restaurants are spread out across the resort. Lots of variety. Staff all very friendly and polite. If you are looking for organized activities like pool or beach volleyball, probably best to hang around the very large Mediterranean pool to find the event coordinators. Good size beach,  [... read more]public, not too busy. Lots of shade umbrellas but you need to get down to the beach early (like 7 or 7:30am). Sea is lovely! We went in April so a bit off season. 20 minutes from Airport.

The Verandah Antigua: Beautiful Resort

We had a very relaxing vacation at The Verandah Resort and Spa. The facilities are very well kept and the grounds are beautiful. The beach is very clean and there's plenty of water sports available. Olsen took us on the Hobie Cat and he was very accomodating. The lunch and dinner buffet was delicious, especially Caribbean night. Nightly entertainment was mediocre b/c it seems like the resort attracts more families and older couples. If you want a lively resort then this is not for you but  [... read more]if you want to relax then its perfect. We would definitely come back when we have a family.

The Verandah Antigua: Celebratiing our 30th wedding anniversary

An amazing week at the Verandah. Loved the bungalows, soaker tub, beaches, watersports, food, beach BBQ night, family fun events and the amazing staff. The perfect family holiday retreat. The main buffet food was fresh and themed. We enjoyed the restaurants too, but loved the buffet so much it wasn't a priority. From the breakfast fresh fruit, omelettes, & fresh fruit smoothies, to the fresh fish, lamb, pastas and desserts. The chef visited our table to welcome us and gave us a celebration bott [... read more]le of sparkling wine to kick off our 30th wedding anniversary. We spent most of the week at the main beach enjoying the sun & sand and free water sports in the bay, paddle boards, kayaks, wind surfing, snorkeling and sailing. We had daily lunches at the beach grill, loved the fresh hot nacho bar with cheese, guacamole and salsa, wings and cocktails. We were pleasantly surprised with the great beach BBQ the management and staff planned. BBQ fresh fish, steaks, lamb, along with a huge spread of side dishes and desserts. We danced till late and loved the bomb fire on the beach, while our feet were in the Caribbean water. Then there was the children's afternoon party by the pool. Cotton candy, popcorn, balloons, bouncy castle and face painting. A spread of dipped strawberries and desserts later that evening too. Our grand daughter loved every minute of it. We took a one minute walk to a nearby beach one of our days at Pineapple Beach and went snorkeling. We enjoyed a day around the island by taxi site seeing too. Can't wait to return. We can't thank you enough for making our 30th wedding anniversary a week that greatly exceeded our expeditions.

Jolly Beach Antigua: Great Value! Amazing beach!

I'm going to start with the not so great, and it will be obvious immediately upon your arrival, the hotel is old, very old. In fact, I saw a plaque that said it was built in 1979:-) So, the resort and the rooms will be dated. Also, the rooms (super saver room at least) are very small. Now that that's been said let's move on to the positives and there are quite a few! First of all the beach is AMAZING! The waters are so warm and super calm that I spent hours in there. I also thought the food was  [... read more]fantastic! I thought there was enough variety to keep me satisfied and during my short stay (4 nights) the fish options included Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Tuna etc. Every day the menu varied and there were a lot of local Caribbean options as well (for example Roti, Jerk Chicken, etc. etc.). I have a super sensitive stomach and I wasn't sick once. The buffet wasn't huge, but in my opinion, it was big enough. I didn't have the opportunity to eat at any of the a la carte restaurants so I can't speak to them. The majority of the staff were super friendly and helpful. A few were indifferent but that didn't bother me. I found the grounds to be very clean, even if they were dated. I also thought the room was extremely clean. Every room has an ocean view, which is a nice bonus. Our air conditioning and fan worked just fine. I really liked this part of Antigua as well because there was a harbour with little shops and restaurants and a grocery store nearby. So, it had a real community feel. There are very few umbrellas available on the beach, so you'll have to arrive early, or otherwise you'll have to rent an umbrella from a vendor ($10 US per day). Overall I really enjoyed staying here, but I went with realistic expectations. Antigua is EXTREMELY expensive and you cannot expect a 5* resort for a 3* price. In short, you are getting what you pay for. You are sacrificing room size and modern amenities for a world class beach. You will get great food, good service and a dream location for a decent price. I would stay at this resort again. This is definitely one of my favourite beaches in the world and I think it is worth staying in an older resort in order to have the chance to go to Antigua. After all, are you going to spend time in your room or to spend time on the beach?