Latest Reviews for Antigua

We feel we have to speak up for Jolly Beach Resort after reading a couple of negative recent reviews. We found the staff happy including Ann-Marie, Nikki, Terry, Glentist, Vernon, Charlie, Joice, Marvin, Christelphen, Patricia, Louis ( and we apologise to a couple of dozen more whose names we can't remember ) all with smiles as wide as the Humber Bridge anxious to help and make one's stay a happy one.

We are really sorry some people thought the food was poor and inedible. There were 7 of us there for 2 weeks, all with varied tastes and not one of us had a problem picking a meal in fact we all found the opposite that there was so much choice we never got to try everything that was on offer and as for the cakes and pastry with every meal well the choice was just amazing AND tasty. No shops? I wish, the ladies in our party found more than enough just in St. John's, a short taxi drive away. The Island itself is beautiful, a tour of the island from the sea on a Catamaran will make this so blatantly obvious, probably why such mega rich celebrities (who have enough money to build a home anywhere in the world) as Eric Clapton and Ophra Winfrey have their homes here.

However, I digress, back to the resort, maybe their could be a few more umbrellas around the pool and on the beach, it does get hot, perhaps the owners would listen to a constructive suggestion like that , we could not pick any major faults with the resort, all our three rooms were standard rooms and plenty comfortable, you even have satellite tv in the rooms should you wish to travel 4500 miles to watch tv although we all admit to watching the film channels on two half days when the heavens opened.

All in all we all enjoyed our stay at Jolly Beach ( for the 76 year old it was her second time here ) We haven't even mentioned the included water sports , sailing, kayaking, canoeing, pedaloing. There's a 5500 yard golf course next door attached to jolly harbour that the three men availed the use of.
Except for one of us, our first time to Antigua and Jolly Beach and in our minds no reason not to go back to the island and the resort.

We have not long returned from our 2 week honeymoon in Sandals, Antigua.

The resort itself is nice - but most definately not 5 Star. We had booked a Junior Honeymoon Concierge Room and the holiday cost us just under £6,000. On check in, because we had an upgraded room, we were taken to the Piano Bar which has definately seen better days. It was grubby and the smell of stale smoke is quite overwhelming - not a good first impression. Our room was nice enough but to be honest I was expecting much better. It is definately time that money was spent on this resort to hopefully bring it up to the standard it boasts. The beaches were fabulous, but sad to say, it is all Antigua as a whole has to offer. Eating within Sandals was nice enough, although repetitive after 2 weeks. The Japanese restaurant was an experience, but once you have done it once, no need to go back as it is the same every time. The Itallian restaurant was a joke. The OK Coral was limited so in general we found the Bayside Restaurant the best for variety.

The hotel entertainment was ok, but again, nothing great. They did once a week have a beach BBQ with steel band which was most enjoyable. The town of St. John's was nothing more than a ghetto. We were expecting shanty-but-quaint - again very disappointed as it was dirty and the locals tried to rip off the tourists ($10 USD for 2 ice cream cones - I ask you??). The mozzies were extremely bad, almost to the point of coming home so when we appoached the Concierge at the main reception for some advise on repellent, etc, he was not the least bit helpful and huffed and puffed which made him un-approachable after this.

I know my report sounds very negative. We did have a nice enough time but a week was more than enough. Sandals is pleasant but in our opion only 3*, not 5 and definately NOT worth the money they ask and as for Antigua....sorry, won't be back. Been to much nicer places for a quarter of the cost.

Only being blunt and honest as I would not like any other honeymoon couple paying out so much for what they think is a holiday of a lifetime, only to be disappointed.

Ideal break for that ";Get Away"; experience

Room was kept imaculate by the housekeeping staff. Views were terrific !! Travelled for our 25th wedding anniversary
and couldn't have picked a more romantic setting. Standard of food was great especialy the evening meals which were al'acarte standard and made complete by the warm welcome and professional approach adopted by Mr Kenroy Gore (The resteraunt manager)The bar was kept lively by the ";effervesant"; David who mixes the best cocktails in town !!

A word of warning Not for those who require the luxury of air con !! Try a trip to the Sports bar and Casino at nearby Jolly Harbour Fully air conditioned and great food You might even win in the casino (We did, twice !!)Ask for Benjy or JJ who will take you ther for a very reasonable charge.One or two of the reception staff a bit surley but more than out numbered by the pleasant and friendly ones !!

Take a bottle of water on the plane as the airport is hot and humid and the entry into Antigua takes forever !!

We visited Blue Waters in June 2005. If you like a relaxing stress free environment with nice accommodation and good food then this may be the place for you. If you have already booked you will have a nice time. The weather was very hot and humid. Children may get bored quite easily. Although billed as a luxury resort we guess it depends on what you are used to and your expectations. It is very nice and some people return year after year.

Be prepared for chaos on arrival and departure. Lots of flights arrive at the same time which leads to a lot of queuing through immigration. It may be a good idea to arrange your own transfer by hopping into a taxi on arrival. Departure is no better. We were dropped off 1.5 hrs before our flight was due to leave (having already checked our baggage in with Virgin at our Hotel) and spent 1 hour trying to get through emmigration and security. Our flight was boarding and we and lots of other passengers were still queuing outside. We had issues also with the hotel not providing us with a taxi voucher on departure so we had to pay another 11 US dollars. This fair play to Lets Go 2 has been investigated, refunded and hopefully was a 1 off error.

We stayed in a hill side junior suite which was very nice as there were no suites left with a direct sea view.

There is not a lot to do around Blue Waters. St Johns can be done in a few hours and is good if you want to buy jewellery. Others we spoke to enjoyed boat trips etc but Blue Waters is a place to chill and relax.

Food is good compared to other all inclusive places we have been to around the World. Accommodation is nice and you actually get tea and coffee making facillities and a free mini bar on the all inclusive package which makes relaxing in the room ideal.

The staff were reasonably friendly although occassionally a litlle laid back. Certainly not 4 or 5 star service.

I stayed at the jolly beach for two weeks, which was much too long, seven nights would have been long enough.

There was no one staff member that stood out as none of them would really acknowledge you. Entertainment would be a band playing in the evenings and a show for an hour that was not worth watching.

The brouchure says five bar but there would never be five open at one time and three of the were in restaurants so you wouldn't really use many of them. The three a la carte restaurants would never all be open at one time and had to be booked in advance as the were often booked up early. The buffet restaurant hemispheres had such little choice and that that it did serve was usually not edible in my eyes.

The island was very poor and there was nothing to do there. There were hardly any shops, just locals trying to sell you things on the beach at very high prices. The beach was nice but there wasn't enough umbrellas on the beach which is needed because it is so hot and you have to get up early to get one. The pool didn't have umbrellas over loungers but, this didn't matter as much as you could be in and out of the pool which would cool you down.

Went on the island safari which was good, but would have been better finishing earlier.

Jolly beach is definitely not worth the extremely high prices you pay to go there as I believe it is not at all luxurious. There are no little extra or anything special about this resort. Other guest tended to have the same views and I would advise to go to a different carribean island if possible.
Don't waste your money going to jolly beach!

Theres been a few reviews here on the beach club, so will try my best not to repeat, We were on an AI for a week flying with virgin, the flight was good, but we thought the airport was a little hectic/busy, basically due to the size of the place, the transfer wasnt the greatest, as it was a clapped out minibus with dodgy AC.

Once we arrived at the hotel we checked in filled a couple of forms offered and offered a complimentary drink. We had a superior room, and I have to say it was worth it, admittingly there no bigger than a standard room, however your patio is right on the beach. As we had a young child it was a bonus not having to climb the stairs. The rooms are large and clean but basic.

The resort itself has two beachs one for calm for water sports, one a little rougher. There very clean and when we were there very quite. Its a very quite resort most of the time all you can hear is the sea. The food wasnt the greatest but was ok, on most evenings you had a choice of buffet or ordering from the menu, for a small surcharge $18 u.s you can have lobster, admittingly only the tail however still very nice.

St Johns is worth a trip, and very cheap for spirits and fags. $7u.s for smirnoff vodka. And its good for souveniors. The market in st johns, you may find a bit claustrphobic, things arnt really any cheaper in there anyway, and make sure you count your change, im aware alot countries/people arnt as fortunate as some,hense i tip well but im not gonna get ripped off.

Antiguas not the best place ive been but would still recommend it highly. The Beach club was a lovly hotel excellantly situated. The only reasons I dont give this an excellant rating is there is only one restaurant for all meals. Not a problem for a week, and the food was ok, but just a change of surroundings would be nice. And the pool was a little small, however never busy and there is a larger pool at st james you can use. However for what we paid 1550 for 2 adults and one infant an absaloute bargain

we love the maldives but couldn't afford to take both girls there as they don't have big enough rooms and it worked out £15000 .So we came here instead as the rooms are on the beach.

We had a ground floor large room and big bathroom with steps to the beach.The sand isn't as white as i expected but the sea was warm eventually and safe for kids.One side was the kids club which was a room with one guy in watching them but i wouldn't have let my two stay there as the 2 year old would wander out and no one was really watching them.Then the other side was the restaurant which had kids menus and really nice staff.we could take food back to the rooms for the kids.Tried all the restaurants in st james club and they were great too.We had a babysitter about 6 times so we could go to the casino,she was fab.The taxi drivers were very helpful and trusting.Actually the last night we ate in the italian restaurant which you had to pay a bit extra for and that wa amazing,we may go back same time this year and would eat there most nights.

we met a couple who had been going there for 13 years but they had suite in st james club but liked the breeze of our beach.Theres a little guy in a golf buggy that brings drinks to you every hour or so which was different but if you make friends with him he drives righ up to your sunbed.

We got married here and were worried until we arrived as the pictures in the brochures will never be able to do this resort justice. It is THE best place we have ever been in respect to service and just pure realxation. Micheal could possibly be the best waiter on the planet!!

The food is unbeleiveable and have yet to find a place that even comes close for the price. Waiter service from menu, none of the buffet cr*p! I was a bit wary about it being an all inclusive resort but all inclusive really means ALL here. I mean,I must have drank at least one bottle of Jack Daniels to myself while i stayed there!!

We stayed in a deluxe room which was very nice but wished we had stayed in a superior beachfront like the rest of our party as you have much better access to the sea and your own sunbeds (you have to share with your neighbours in the deluxe:( ) although saying that the superior rooms are not as spacious.

I have been to the maldives and the snorkelling and reef is much better there but this is the only real fault that i can think of for this resort and this is nature so can't be held against it.

Our wedding day was everything that we wanted and so well organised by the staff there who are so laid back that we were worried that they were organising it at all!! The cake was gorgeous but with plenty of rum! I would recommend anyone to be married here. Photographer is very good and proffessional and cheap compared to the UK.

You must take a helecopter trip over montserrat. Scary but awesome at the same time.

There are more expensive, faceless resorts such as sandals on the island but this resort has real character and acres of land full of nature to wander round and one of THE best beaches on the island as well as friendly staff and amazing service and i have yet to find a place quite like it. YOU MUST GO HERE!!

It doesn't get much better than this.

Get ready for the most honest review of the Beach Club at St James on the web !!

We've just returned from 2 weeks all inclusive at the Beach Club after spending many hours of evaluating resort options in Antigua before we booked. I?m 40 and my girlfriend is 26.

1st impressions - yes, on arrival the airport is a bit chaotic but remembering that a jumbo jet full of tired and hot passengers has just arrived, what do people expect ? Read the reviews and you'll know what to do. You WILL find your cases in the end and a 'red cap' WILL stick them on a trolley and dash through customs with you in hot pursuit and yes, you WILL need to give him a dollar a bag. So what? It's great fun, especially to the sound of a steel band - you're in the Caribbean - relax and go with it.

Arrival at the resort - after a fascinating cab ride to the resort (seeing how some Antiguans really live) you can see St James Club and the bay as you approach. Again, search the web and you'll see many pictures so you'll know what to look for. Check-in is again fairly relaxed so don't expect to be in your room in minutes. Take my advice, chat to the staff serving the rum/fruit punch and introduce yourselves. Along with the check-in guy (Lionel), they will be the 1st friends you make on your holiday. Smile at everyone and they will smile back (every time they see you). Be the last to check-in and make it clear you are in no rush ! The rum punch makes it a very nice 30 mins or so.

Rooms - book a Superior Room on the ground floor. When you enter the room, tip the porter 5 dollars (if you?re feeling generous) and shake his hand. Walk straight through the room, onto the balcony and down a couple of steps onto the beach. Perfect. So it may cost a few extra quid for the ground floor but it's peanuts in comparison to the price of the holiday and you get to mix drinks while you're getting ready for dinner (we were given 3 bottles of Cavalier rum during the 2 weeks). I know it's all inclusive but who wants to walk to the bar every time you want a rum and coke, especially if you're in the bath with your gorgeous wife/girlfriend ?

The room itself does exactly what it says on the tin. Decent size with sitting area, great bathroom, plenty of storage, large comfy bed, fridge, tea and coffee, iron, ceiling fan and air con - what else do you need ?

Beaches - the only disappointment for us during the whole stay. I expected better but failed in my research on this. Safe and clean but not the classic Caribbean beaches we wanted. For this, you'll need to go to Half Moon Bay (about 25 mins drive). The Atlantic beach is cooled by the breeze ? go there in the morning and after lunch hit the pool (the best one is through St James Club reception) followed by a snooze on Mamora Bay as the sun cools and disappears behind the hills. A bit of everything in a single day. Look out for Sheridan who drives the beach drinks cart. Introduce yourself and shake his hand ? he?s a great guy and will look after you really well. Ask about his son and his home.

Restaurant - take all your meals at Coco's and incur no surcharges whatsoever. Good variety with alternate buffet and a la carte evenings. Make friends with the staff ? again introduce yourselves and complement the girls on their hair, nails, make-up. Make a few jokes and share some great times with people who will quickly become your friends. Treat the staff like servants and that?s exactly what they will be. Those guests who experience poor service or long faces are simply not trying to embrace the culture they have chosen to experience. Drinks will flow at the table ? anything you want!

Entertainment ? ?limited?, as described in other reviews. Stay in the resort for 2 weeks and you?ll go ?stir crazy? Make friends and share taxis to other places in the evenings (as recommended by the staff). Hit Abracadabra?s in English Harbour on a Thur, Fri or Sat for excellent dancing with local people (don?t arrive before 11pm and be sure to book a cab back to St James ? around 1.30am). Pop into the Gallery for a drink beforehand and meet Curtis behind the bar. You?ll have a great night out and make more friends ! Go to Shirley?s Heights on Sunday and have fab time. Stock up at Coco?s bar before you go and you?ll be dancing to the steel band as soon as you get there !! Return to Coco?s at about 9.30pm for dinner and then hit the Karaoke. Sunday is a great night in Antigua so let your hair down and enjoy it. It?s true that most people go to bed early in the resort but remember it?s not compulsory. The staff are there until 1pm so have a laugh with them and find out what really goes on !!

Trips ? if you booked with Virgin, go on the Catamaran cruise around the island and the Jeep Safari. You won?t regret it (especially the cruise where you will experience the most fantastic snorkeling ever ? like being in an aquarium). The Caribbean Sea is a wonderful sight from the boat ? perfect clear turquoise water just like you see in the brochures.

Watersports ? take advantage of this ? it?s all inclusive (even the water ski lessons). Make friends with the guys and play volleyball with them. Talk to them about their job, family, home and benefit from personal service with a broad smile (even if it takes you 10 attempts to stand up on the water skis). They will share in your joy of success if you make the effort to chat and thank them for helping you.

Overall ? a superb resort for people who want to enjoy a friendly relaxed holiday. I can?t emphasise enough the need to fight your natural urge to be reserved, and to embrace the people and their way of life. It will significantly enhance your holiday, and make the staff feel they are adding value to your stay at the Beach Club. Some of the most valuable photo?s we have of our holiday are of the girls in Coco?s restaurant ? tell Albertina and Corrine that Nick and Mel say hi !

Would we go back ? For the resort, food, people, atmosphere ? a definite yes. For the beaches ? probably not. Next time we may try Barbados but don?t misunderstand me, Antigua is a wonderful place to spend a holiday and the Beach Club / St James is acknowledged as a premier resort on the island ? something with which I concur from personal experience.

Sorry about the long review but I hope this helps.

A word of advice for anyone expecting a Sandals 5 star resort. Don't !
We were supposed to be getting married here but within 20 minutes of arrival realised that this is a sub standard, 3 star, resort at best. Many of the rooms have the gardens literally growing over their balcony's and patio's.
I won't bore you with our other experience's here but will tell you that we transferred to Sandals Grande St Lucia and this was 5 star. Whilst in St Lucia we also visited Sandals Regency and again this was 5 star. Our wedding took place on the beach and the wedding team and hotel staff were fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble for them. I will say that Cleutus Pancham the hotel manager in Antigua did make our transfer to St Lucia easy and quick.

As far as I am aware Sandals Antigua is due a complete overhaul within the next couple of years so roll on 2008, by which Antigua will again become a 5 star resort.