Latest Reviews for Hodges Bay

Let me start by saying that we hadn't read any reviews or comments on this hotel and resort before we left as we booked it as a late deal; however we knew it was with Sunsail and it was a holiday based around sailing, but either of us don't sail.

Sunsail, it does what is says on the tin, if you don't like sailing or a water sport then this place is not for you. I have read previous comments and although I found them to be a little harsh I do agree with some.

We flew with First choice Airways and apart from a 50 minute delay, the flight was excellent. The plane was newly refurbished having had seats removed to produce more leg room, the seats themselves leather with TV and entertainment in the backs of the seats in front. The flight crew were very polite, friendly and helpful.

The flight went via St Thomas which is United States territory, what a complete farce ! Why we had to stop off here is a mystery, to say they are supposed to be the world's super power is a joke, more like organised chaos. First of all they didn't want us off the plane, then they did and didn't and so on. When we eventually all got off we had to queue up in a non-air conditioned passport control. After standing there for around half an hour a member of the US passport control advised us that the system was down and that they were on to ";Washington"; to get it back up and running.

Eventually we went through passport control having our photo and fingerprints taken. After being made to feel like criminals we got back on the plane and took off again approximately an hour and a half after we landed. To me there is no valid reason why we stopped off at St Thomas apart from the yanks wanting us on their database, period.

After a short flight we landed in Antigua and were put in taxis off to the hotel, on arrival we were greeted by members of the staff who were very friendly and were shown to our room immediately. Our room was of a decent size with a queen size bed with air conditioning and a fridge, however no mini bar. The bathroom was equipped with a power shower, which was very welcoming after the journey. The only small complaints about the room were the patio doors leading onto the balcony didn't shut properly. Also the front door of our room led onto a communal balcony which overlooked the roof of the kitchen and the extractor outlet that was noisy and a bit smelly. Apart from that we thought the room was ok.

The food was buffet style, the breakfast we thought were very good, plenty of selection to choose from including cooked, cereal and fresh fruit. Lunch again was buffet style on inclusive days or on non inclusive days you could choose burgers or Mexican etc. Dinner again had the same set up, generally we thought the food was pretty good. The waiting staff were very polite and attentive and that also went for the bar staff as well.

The Bar area was ok, however you couldn't sit at the bar it was just tables and chairs, the drinks were in my opinion a little over priced compared to other parts of the island, a bottle of beer would set you back around £1.80-£2.00 and so called cocktail around £3.00. We found a little local bar which was a 10 minute walk away called ";Magnum's";, it was pretty basic with a pool table but the locals were incredibly friendly and better company than some of the guests ! Plus the drinks were half the price of the hotel ! I would describe the guests at the hotel as mainly ";middle class"; and the people we met were very nice, however we did encounter some rude people.

There are other activities at the hotel including Mountain Biking at all levels, Tennis coaching and tournaments, five a side football for kids and adults and an excellent kids club for all ages. We didn't take children, but if you wanted to they are very well looked after. There is also a Scuba Diving school at the hotel if you wish to learn or do a try dive, the staff are very helpful. I actually attempted to sail but wasn't very good, so if you fancied having a go it's all there for you. I found most of the ";Beach Team"; to be friendly, if you speak to them they generally reply ! The hotel is fairly isolated, but for a fiver you can jump into a taxi and it can take you to Dickenson bay or St Johns within 15 minutes.

We ate at the ";Coconut Grove"; restaurant in Dickenson bay and it was very nice, the food was good (the lobster was unreal) and the setting idyllic, in fact the Times newspaper voted it the most romantic restaurant in the Caribbean, you won't be disappointed. The price was reasonable as well, 2 drinks a 3 course meal each with a bottle of wine and water, £70-£80. We also went to the ";Beach"; bar and restaurant for a few drinks and to be honest I found one of the barmaids to have ";attitude"; so we didn't go back, but don't let that put you off, again it was very nice.

We hired a car from Thrifty the company that is based at the hotel, it was a Toyota Yaris for 3 days and it cost $US 200. The guy we booked the car off didn't have a clue and when we went to pick it up the car wasn't there ! You may want to try another company; in general we were satisfied with the car.

There are some great beaches on the island, a short walk from the hotel and you'll find the Jabberwock beach, where people kite surf. We went one day and were the only people there, you will not find sun beds or umbrellas on this beach. By car go East and you'll find Long beach, allegedly the best on the island and I can see why, fine white sand like talcum powder. Nearby you'll find Half Moon bay and to the South West Jolly Harbour and Turner's beach, all in their own way special but there are lots more to discover.

Shirley Heights on a Sunday is a must visit, see the sun set over Nelson's Dock, whilst listening to a Steel or Reggae band drinking a rum punch, although if you don't like crowds then this place isn't for you. Betty's Hope is an old sugar plantation worth taking a look at, as is the small museum in St John's. St John's itself is mainly catered for the Cruise Ships, although if you go on a non cruise ship day you should find a bargain. A trip to Montserrat is also a must, slightly pricey $US 120 per person, if you go on a Thursday the ferry leaves later than the rest of the week. We went with Jenny tours and found them to be ok, Thomas the tour guide on Montserrat is a great character and there is not a lot he doesn't know about the island or the Volcano.

We loved Antigua and would go back, probably not with Sunsail, not because we didn't enjoy ourselves, but we don't sail. As non sailors we had a great time and did our own thing and found the hotel and holiday in general to be good.

First thing to point out is that we are travel agents. We travel many times a year to many different places, therefore we have some idea about longhaul travel and what to expect. I'm pointing this out so that you understand that I'm not just being negative. The positives I'll write about later.

The flight outbound with First Choice Airways was so delayed I feel they should have just cancelled. We were due to fly out at 1030am and actually departed 0630pm. We were informed of what was going on but felt that perhaps such a late departure was just to much considering we had to fly first to St Thomas in the USVI and clear immigration (I'm sorry but what was the point???). We disembarked cleared immigration and then got straight back on the plane! This was supposed to take an hour - it ended up being two and a half. Needless to say we arrived in Antigua so tired we didn't actually care anymore. Taxi transfer to hotel (poorly organised and mayhem).

Please be aware Antigua is not cheap, so dont book it if your looking for a cheap getaway. Do Dom Rep instead.

Sunsail operate as a watersports hotel. Please do not expect anything other than.
The standards are terrible and rooms are very very basic. For the amount of money paid for this type of holiday one would expect nicer rooms at the very least. Food is edible - but I think catering for the sports person who will burn it all off during the day on the water. Breakfast boring - lunches (on non inclusive days way over priced EC$35 per person for a burger!!!. Dinner (what can I say buffet style) - again although edible nothing outstanding. Drinks way over priced.

Kids clubs I noticed were fantastic. If you plan to leave your kids in the club I would not worry at all. They love the work they do. The watersports equipment good and the instructors very good. (They all reminded me of surfer dudes down in Newquay). If you were not interested in sailing or learning how - they did not want to know you. Guests generally posh types and very competitive. Pool - large and very cool. Sunbeds aplenty as most guests are on the beach or in the sea doing windsurfing etc. Reception unhelpful.

On Sunday we went to Shirley Heights. Stunning location overlooking English Harbour and Nelsons Dockyard. Steel and reggae plans play through the night as the drinks flow and the burgers are on the BBQ. Debs had her hair braided (totally conned over EC$300! Although it looks really good).

Monday we spent the morning in St Johns shopping. Loads of jewellery stores catering for the cruise ships which dock daily. A lovely, bustling town with a beautiful cathedral.
Tuesday we hired a car in search of the stunning 365 beaches on the island. Boy did we find them. Travel down towards Carlisle Bay and stop off for a dip in the azure waters off Darkwood Beach. Possibly the best beach I've ever been on. You can see St Kitts, Nevis and smouldering Monsterrat in the distance. Stunning. Other beaches to try, the one at Curtain Bluff hotel, and Turners beach.
Wednesday we went horseriding for 2 hours at sunset. Well worth the EC$120 per person. We rode on the beach and down the bluff at the entrance to St Johns harbour and on to Fort St James. We had a drink as the sun went down. Then back on the beach for the trip back. Stunning!
Thursday hired a jeep and went back to Darkwood beach - and stopped at Jolly Harbour on the way back.

If you love fine dining then listen up. The best sea food to be had is at the Bay House Restaurant at the Trade Winds Hotel. 15 minute drive from Club Colonna. We also dined at The Beach recommended by one of the tour guides. Lobster like you've never had. And finally, the jewel was the Coconut Grove Restaurant at the Antiguan Village - Dickensons Bay. The most romantic setting (there are no words that could possibly decribe the whole experience!!!!!!!!!!!!). Seafood linguini that was just out of this world. Its fair to say that the 3 have us have never eaten such lucious food as we did at the 3 restaurants abovementioned. Please do give at least one of them a try.

Sunsail not for me. Too competitive and the people lacking in flair and personality. I think the most worrying thing is that most guests would not leave the hotel and go and explore even just for a day. Antigua is a stunning island with lovely people. The beaches and dining opportunities are endless. Pricey - yes, but if you like nice things then go for it. Only do this hotel if you really want to do watersports and nothing else. Otherwise try Sandals (if you are a couple) or even the Rex or Royal Antiguan. I would also recommend going room only and lavishing out on fine dining. They really have got it right here. Oh and do get out to Barbuda or Monsterrat for the day - even though pricey - it will be worth the money.

Negative about the hotel and flight only... (my mistake shouldn't have gone with Sunsail - knowing who they cater for). It really is an expensive holiday for what you get. But I would love to go back to Antigua. It is just a dream.