Antigua Reviews - Antigua All Resorts (A-Z)

Antigua All Resorts (A-Z)

The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin April 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Neil and sue - Nuneaton (46,44)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

This was our first long haul holiday and the first one without the children.

We had one of the superior rooms in the middle block that went straight onto the beach and it was wonderful. Very few children were on the complex during our stay, and it was extremely quiet. It was perfect as all we wanted was to sit in the sun and relax. The rooms were lovley and clean as was the whole resort in general. No complaints about the food at all, on the whole it was excellent. Staff were friendly and polite. The little cart that went along the beaches each day delivering drinks to you was wonderful. We did dine at the dockside and rainbows but were more that happy at cocos. We went on the catamaran excellence for a day trip around the island and would thoroughly recomment this, its a superb day out, although we were a little spoilt as the day we went there was only 28 on board and nearly as many staff, its a superb day out.

If its total relaxation you are after then this is certainly a place to go to. We would certainly return.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Holidays - March 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Gemma Lally - Bristol (8, 22, 31, 36, 50, 54, 56, 62)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Well, where do I start ...

Absolutely fantastic, I got married at St James's and stayed at The Beach Club.

The beaches were wonderful, apart from the seaweed but this was cleared by 8.30 every morning. The eating places were lovely, staying at the Beach Club you are restricted to Cocos the majority of time apart from two days which you are entitled to attend one of two other restaurants at St James's.

The staff was all very helpful and willing to help you wherever possible.

Guest Services at St James are cool and helped me have a exceptionally brilliant wedding day - thanks Carolyn & Co.

Shirley Heights is worth seeing!

The whole holiday was fantastic, I could not fault anything (oh but the entertainment could have been better) and I will definately be returning within the next few years!

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin january 2007

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : baz 65, 64, 73,73

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

arrived back from holiday at the beach club at st james, went 17 jan - 1 feb 2007

had a good time, we did have a problem when we arrived, we booked through Thomson Holidays s with virgin & requested 2 rooms with twin beds, when we got there both rooms had king size beds, we had to wait nearly 3 hours before we knew what was happening, then we had a single bed put in each room, no bedspread on at all only a blanket, after speaking to the virgin rep she showed us her sheet & Thomson Holidays s had not passed on our request, it was suggested by a guest to email or write to hotel 1 month before going on holiday with any special requests which we will certainly do in future.

weather

rained heavy on day of arrival, can dodge most of it, had a couple of nights with heavy rain, 1 day (heli trip )was overcast & windy, had a couple of very light showers 10 mins max.

sun most days temp high 80s

rooms

upstairs (standard room) hugh, pleased we didn't upgrade to downstairs because of the number of children, if we had been on ground floor it would have been so noisy as they were usually up at 6am running around all the time, we were in mango (the middle block) in room 337, on the end room nearest beach reception, we got sun from sunrise till sunset ( it came in the side of balcony because we were on the end), the view from balcony was wonderful.

the room itself was very spacious with a small kitchen unit in passage with a fridge, sink & coffee maker, tea bags & coffee to perk (not a kettle) we also had a hairdryer, iron & ironing board, loads of storage space,lots of hangers & lots drawer space too, our room was sometimes not done till 5pm !!! maid also missed 1 day, some days some towels or bathmat were missing, but it didn't really matter.

bathroom 14' x 11' with 2 sinks & a 3ft wide bath.

balcony 14' x 11' 2loungers & table

room 27' x 11' with high vaulted ceiling

the view from papaya rooms might have been because they were higher than ours, they had about 9 steps from beach our block only had 3 steps & pineapple had about 5 or 6 steps, we were the lowest

food

on weds & sunday it is a la carte in cocos, on monday you eat in rainbow (buffet), on thurs eat at docksider (buffet) menus usually on display in cocos or in main reception (I am limited what I can eat & if there was nothing suitable on the a la carte nights I would have a word with maitre d, I prefer buffet there is always something suitable for me. look out for crab racing in cocos on a friday night. Dress code was NOT adhered to , it was sad that it was not enforced on an evening, lot of people coming in to dinner in shorts both men & women. lots of children running wild.

lunchtimes was ok if you go in before 1pm, after that there was usually a queue, people coming over from st james, cocos has a lovely outdoor lounge which seemed to be the only lounge outdoors.

comments from other people who had been 3 or 4 times before

they said food selection had really deteriated & they would not return.

pools

childrens pool usually none in

adults usually children in there

cocos, good enough for a swim if no one in, usually empty till after 11am

large pool, rather a disappointment, there are no views over the bay because of all the building work going on, they are building 2 blocks of 1 bed villas for timeshare & 1 block of rooms for st james right on the beach so all you can see are the roofs, there is a tremendous amount of noise all day long, pneumatic drills & hammering no peace at all, I would swim then go onto beach for a bit of peace & quiet, usually there are lots of unsupervised children so you can't have a decent swim, there wern't so many children our 2cd week.

beaches

beach club , i preferred there was always a breeze although it was sometimes rough, some seaweed, unpleasant to swim in, snorkelling poor.

mamora beach, calm but no breeze very hot, water murky, not v good to snorkel.

taxis

we thought v expensive to go from our hotel to dickenson bay for a trip was 70 $ similar price to get picked up for helicopter trip, 4 of us to shirley heights 30$, 4 of us to nelsons dockyard 30$, same rates apply for 2 people, most trips you have to make your own way there.

rep

seemed efficient, but was not, we booked 2 trips on days when other guests were going as we wern't bothered when we went, helicopter trip 30 mins,I had to tphone other couple, they didn't want to share, was going to cost us 70$ on top of the 300$ for the trip, our trip was for the afternoon, 10 mins before we left to get a taxi we had a tphone call to say trip was cancelled due to bad weather, we wondered if we had already left in taxi would we have got a refund for the 70$, probably not) I even had to tphone the heli company to find out when we were going (not good) If you decide to go on a heli trip make sure you say it has to have only 4 passengers, if not there could be 6 passengers & you will be crammed in.

I went to see rep on the friday & said we had decided to cancel trip, she said no problem, I had paid for both trips in full with my mastercard & she said she couldn't process it until the following weds at the office so I asked for written confirmation to say trip had been cancelled, was told no that virgin was a reputable company no problem, went out then went back to ask again she still said no, however when I went back to our room there was a note confirming trip had been cancelled, saw her at chillin checkout asked for refund slip she said she had it but couldn't find it!!! so I am now going to write to virgin with a complaint & a copy of the note, if they can take your money with a credit card I can't see why they can not give you an immediate refund

trip 2 the eco tour 100$ pp, same predicament re sharing taxi, I had to tphone other couple to arrange to share taxi, they said the rep had not confirmed their trip was going ahead so we paid 70$ for taxi to dickenson bay, boat was 45 mins late we thought we had been forgotten. when boat came there was no jetty, we had to wade out waist deep to get on boat, if our friends had come with us they would not have been able to get on the boat, I really think you should be notified when booking trip if you get on at a jetty or have to wade in the sea.

we both enjoyed this trip some snorkelling stopped for lunch at bird island, visited hells bridge, you have to swim to it, there is also tuition in snorkelling.

If i was going on trips I would book through tour desk at st james reception

timeshare

usually contacted at beginning of 2cd week, worth going to have a look, our tour lasted 45 mins no hard sell, at the end of it all you get a free beachbag, 75$ to spend in shop & 50 $ to spend in casino, we gambled a little & came out with 32$, our friends played safe, 25 tokens on odds & 25 tokens on evens, couldn't lose, they came away with 25$

people wth walking difficulties may find it difficult in beach club because there are steps to ALL rooms, ramp up to cocos

I know this is rather a long write up but I just like to think anyone going there in the future will be aware of the problems we had.

All 4 of us thoroughly enjoyed our holiday & would certainly return to the beach club.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin - Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Rogers - Essex (48, 48, 20, 17, 12)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

The Beach Club is amazing.

As soon as you arrive you are given refreshing drinks and your bags and you are quickly taken to your room on a golf cart. The first 15 minutes really set the tone for the whole holiday. We had two standard rooms which in my opinion, and many others, are lot nicer than the superior rooms on the ground floor as on the first floor you have the advantage of the splendid vaulted ceilings. The rooms are quite sizeable with ample storage. The bathroom is one of the biggest I have ever seen in a hotel with his and hers sinks and a large bath with shower over. The rooms are cleaned each day and new towels are supplied. The staff are so friendly and eager to please. Every time you say thank you they say "your most welcome" which is really nice. The main restaurant (Cocos) is a lovely nautical themed place set into the hill overlooking the Atlantic.

Although this beach is quite breezy it is a godsend when you are eating as it is really refreshing without being overpowering. Breakfast is a buffet and so is dinner. Breakfast is the same each day but dinner varies daily and some of the dishes are really different from what you would expect. Lunch is also a buffet but there is also the option of choosing from the menu which offers burgers, ribs, hot dogs etc. In fact, if requested the chef would cook burgers especially for you at dinner it you did not fancy anything from the buffet. The beach facing the Atlantic is quite breezy and full of seaweed but great for sunbathing. However, the beach on Marmora Bay is much nicer and just a minutes stroll away from the rooms. Here you can do lots of water sports, sunbath or just swim in the sea. As it is a bay, there is hardly any current and the waves do not break so it is very safe. There are two jetties that can be used for sunbathing. These are good but the sea is very deep out that far so we much preferred the beach. There is a drinks cart and a beach bar that be used to get drinks from on the all-inclusive deal.

On Monday and Thursday nights you have to dine at the restaurants in the St James Club. These are ok but we much preferred Cocos. The tennis courts are good. As it gets very hot and you cannot be bothered to walk just hail one of the men driving the golf carts around and they will take you where you want to go in the resort. We won a meal at Piccolo Mondos. This restaurant is very nice indeed and well worth a visit- although the $35 surcharge may put you off. The check in and chill out service is very good and well worth it. But a word of advice go to the desk at around 9-9:15am as the queue gets very long and tedious in the heat. We took a tour of Nelsons dockyard and Shirley Heights. This is well worth it but do not go through Virgin. Ring up reception and ask for a taxi. The taxi is cheaper and the driver will give you lots of information. The trip costs us, with admission to the various places, $100.

We never actually went to the swimming pools but what we saw of them they were good. Beach towels are provided so now need to take them. In total, we had a fantastic time at this hotel and would have no hesitation in recommending it. The staff, service, facilities and atmosphere are fantastic - no wonder it is Virgin's Flagship hotel.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin April 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Ian, Gaynor, Jordan & Jemma (41,41,10, 9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Just returned from the Beach Club at St James and I cannot recommend it highly enough. To clarify a couple of points, The Beach Club is part of the St James Club and all the facilities can be used throughout the stay.

The only limitation to your AI stay are; there is a Beach Club restaurant (Cocos)which you eat in for the vast majority of the time, and you can get inclusive drinks from Cocos bar, the Mamora BBQ bar and the drinks trolley that goes around the beaches every hour, but not in the other 3 bars.

Dinner in Cocos is great a mixture of a la carte and a buffet selection. Twice a week you dine in different restaurants, the excellent Docksider Restaurant and the less impressive Garden Restaurant.

Lunch can be taken at Cocos or the BBQ bar on Mamora beach.

The food is generally excellent, loads of fresh fruit and fish and plenty of choice. My 2 children loved the food and thankfully there are hardly any chips!!

The standard rooms are great, lovely high ceilings and very effective air con. The premium rooms would be great too, direct access onto the beach, but less airy.

The rooms in the Beach Club are much nicer and larger than the St James rooms.

Everything else was fabulous, great service, friendly staff, the resort is spotless and excellently maintained.

If you go on the village tour you will get $125 worth of vouchers for a 30 minute session. However be warned they are very impressive and can be very tempting (too tempting in my case).

Good tours are the boat trip around the island and the jeep safari. Do not go horseriding with virgin, a very badly managed trip. A word of caution the deli in the Village is incredibly expensive $6 for a packet of crisps.

Overall a brilliant place to holiday.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin - Feb 2006

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Pat Daly (63,59)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We spent two glorius weeks at the Beach Club, St James at the beginning of February. Don't upgrade to a premium room as the first floor rooms are much nicer, the only difference is you don't have steps down to the beach, you don't have a fridge full of drink (but it's all inclusive anyway!!) and you don't get a bathrobe (take your own!). The upstairs rooms have fantastic high vaulted ceiling and the rooms are the biggest I have every stayed in in the Caribbean. The bath is huge (big enough for two with arms rests), double sinks, hairdryer and toiletries replenished every day. The room not only had air conditioning but also a ceiling fan and en enormous bed.

The Caribbean beach is just a two minute stroll through the villas and is very large, we had the same beach shade every day regardless of if we went to the beach at 9.00 or 3.00. The drinks cart comes round every hour with you cold drinks. The only downside to this hotel is that there are a large number of villas that are for rent on the complex and these are mainly taken by Americans who have to pay for their food and continually use Coco's dining room, so although the hotel is Virgin only the dining room isn't. The bar area needs complete renovation but unfortunately you don't have any choice as you can't get drinks at the St. James Club without paying.

The food is excellent and the maitr d' a very nice man. All the staff in the restaurant are great but the bar staff are very surly (this first time we've come across this in the Caribbean). You will get a note through your door from the villa people asking if you want to visit, it is time share but it's worht half an hour of your time. Each booking is individual and they show you round these five star villas, give you a sheet with the prices on and then they give you two vouchers. One for 75 dollars to spend in the St James shop and one for 50 dollars to spend in the casino. it's well worth a visit. Check in chill out is as usual excellent. Visit St Johns for your gifts and duty free (ladies especially the diamonds!!) this will cost you $25 for a taxi per couple and also visit Nelsons Dockyard. Extremely well worth it and this will cost $12 dollars per couple.

Do what we did and have a fantastic holiday.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin-Nov 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Karen & Mike Berg-Bristol (42,38)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We had a fab holiday at The Beach Club.we went with Virgin, and to be quite honest i dont think we can go with another airline again! 10/10 Virgin.we checked in the night before,no hassle.We had a ground floor,which we upgraded on.it was beautiful, walking striaght on the beach.We went for 10 nights, which was just right.Departure day, check in and chill out!the Vigin Airport Staff came to the hotel at 10.30am,so we could check in then,got rid of the bags.Back on the Beach to sunbath and have yet more Rum Cocktails!!!!! We would come back here,but lifes too short and we are looking to go to St Lucia,with Virgin again!!!

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin May 05

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by :

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

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

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin Holidays - May 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Nick & Mel (40 & 26)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

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 & 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 & coffee, iron, ceiling fan & 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 & 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 & Corrine that Nick & 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.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin - February 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Mike and Di Salisbury - Telford (48, 42)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

This was our first time in the Caribbean and we were very impressed with what we found. We booked a standard room which was very large and comfortable. The superior rooms were all located on the ground floor of hotel giving direct access to the beach from the terrace. As we'd requested a balcony anyway so we'd have more privacy, we couldn't see the point of paying extra for the superior rooms. Other reviews have mentioned that the superior rooms are no larger anyway.

We found the breeze on Coco beach a godsend given the heat whilst on the neighbouring Mamura beach there was little breeze and we found it too stifling. Top tip, take plenty of high factor sun tan lotion as it's not easily available on the resort.

We felt that the Virgin brochure understated the quality and facilities of the Beach Club. The all inclusive package was superb, all drinks were included - premium brands as well as local drinks. The food at Coco's was excellent - buffet nights alternated with waiter service.

We only did 2 trips - 1 to St Johns and 1 to English Harbour. St Johns is a must for shopping, whilst English Harbour, and in particular Nelson's Dockyard was very interesting. We made the effort to find the walk to Fort Berkley and this was well worth the effort, even though it was a very hot day!

We flew with BMI out of Manchester and were very impressed with the flights - the BMI aircaft was very comfortable and had more legroom than we can remember from our last Virgin Atlantic flight.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin nov 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : hayley williams 31,33,2,6

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

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.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin - Oct 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Denise and David Powell - 50's

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

The location of the Beach Club has been given in other reviews so we won't repeat those details here. The flight with Virgin was very good, though the 31 inches of leg room in economy (steerage?) on a scheduled flight did not compare well with other scheduled carriers. We had upgraded to economy plus for the return (night) flight. The plane was full and the additional space and larger seat were certainly worth the extra money.

We had upgraded to a superior room at The Beach Club, understanding that the rooms were larger. This is not so. we had a chance to look at the standard rooms and they are the same size. The only difference is that the upgraded rooms have two hand-basins in the very large bathroom rather than just one, there is an iron and board in each upgraded room instead of having to share with other rooms on that floor and the fridge has several bottles of water and cans of soft drink in - replenished after 7 days together with a bottle of rum - whereas a standard room just has an empty fridge. You'll have to make your own mind up whether this is worth the extra cost bearing in mind that the resort is all inclusive.

The idea of the holiday was to chill out after a really stressful year and a family illness. In this it was a successful holiday. In our travels, we've seen better beaches and better sunsets but never met such friendly and delightful people as the Antiguans. We even went to church one Sunday and had an enjoyable and entertaining view of local life.

One thing we did appreciate was that the resorts apparently put money back into the infrastructure of the island, money which is needed, for Antigua is still a third world nation. Although it is doubtful that we would go back, we will always be glad we went. Well done, Virgin and The Beach Club.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin - February 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : David & Janet Baker - Ashtead 50's!

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

First time in the Caribbean and struck lucky first time. A truly excellent hotel with first class helpful and friendly staff.

The food was excellent and despite what others had said we found the 2 nights when Cocos Restaurant was closed and we ate in Docksiders and St James' Club Restaurant to be equally as good. One note of caution though. Beware on these nights the limited availability of sensible eating times. We were offered 7pm or 9pm - one too early and one too late. We went along at 8pm anyway and were able to get in with no trouble, though others we spoke to said the 9pm slot turned out to be 9.45pm.

Drinks are readily available at Cocos Bar, and during the day the Beach Cart travels to both Atlantic and Lagoon beaches all day serving sodas, beer and some spirits. The Atlantic beach is less crowded though windy and there is some weed in the sea. The lagoon beach is sheltered and sandy, but can get hot. Both beaches have palm trees for shade.

The triple destination trip on the catamaran to Green Island for BBQ lunch, plus Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights is worth the money. You can buy a video of the day for US$40. Don't bother with Eastern Caribbean Dollars - everything is priced in US$. The hotel reception will change US$100 a day from TChq to Notes. The half-day shuttle taxi at $14 pp is also good value. Book at Reception at St James's. This takes you in to St John's and collect you at 12 noon. This was enough for us, but if there are 4 of you and you want longer in St Johns, it's cheaper to hire your own taxi and arrange a pick-up time.

Checking in at Gatwick is easy and if you can take advantage of the 'twilight check-in' the previous afternoon. This not only saves queuing with everyone else on flight day, but you get first choice of seats and any available upgrades. Also take advantage of the similar morning hotel check-in as this saves hassle at the cramped and hot Antigua airport. Take drinks with you from the hotel in case of delays. If you buy a Virgin Phone Card this will not work from the room, but does work from the English Phone Box in the car park by the lagoon beach. Careful though as the whole phone box teeters when you get in - very disconcerting!! Will definately return.

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The Beach Club - St James, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin Holidays - 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : 40, 46

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

The Beach Club comprises of 3, 2 storey buildings that are part of the St James Club. The St James Club occupies a small peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean. The Beach club is situated on the Atlantic side and as such is subject to more wind than the calmer (and hotter) Mamora Bay side. You will have access to both beaches and all the facilities of the St James Club.

Food: Your main source of food and drink will be Coco's Bar and Restaurant situated at one end of the beach club. The food is very good and the staff are excellent. Everything served with a big smile. Breakfast is buffet style and so is lunch although you do have the option of selecting items from a menu such as burger, hotdogs & sandwiches if the buffet does not appeal. Dinner alternates between buffet style and a set menu on certain nights (they post the dinner menu at breakfast so you can see in advance what to expect). Again the food is very good with plenty of variety. Adjacent to the restaurant is the bar that overlooks the beach and ocean (this is also where you can to claim fresh towels for the beach). On two evenings you will be able to eat at the Rainbow Restaurant and Docksiders. The excellent Piccolo Mondo's (if you want to treat yourself) can be enjoyed for a supplement of $35 per person. I would recommend this is the food, location and service are excellent (we went twice in 7 days).

Rooms: We had a superior room which in on the ground floor with a patio. A few small steps down from the patio and you are on the beach. The sea is literally a (small) stones throw away. The room was very spacious with a large double bed, small table and chairs, a sink with coffee and tea facilities, fridge (stocked with 3 bottles of water and some cans of coke, sprite, and ginger ale. A large bottle of rum is also included. Bathroom was large but quite basic. Everything was very clean and the maid service was very good although on days when other guests were arriving she did not come round till at least 4pm.

Facilities: Coco beach is purely for swimming and sunbathing. Mamora Bay is where all water sports are located. Kayaking, Pedaloes & Sailing are most popular although you can go water-skiing as well. Thankfully there are no jet-skis to disturb the peace and tranquillity. The water here is very calm and excellent if you have children as it gently shelves out for about 20-30 feet before getting deeper. There are two jetties into the bay with sun decks at the end if you want to sunbathe and avoid the sand. The Mamora Bar will serve you drinks but you will have to pay extra for these as they are not covered by the Beach Club all inc deal. The bar is near what is called the Village, an area of small 2 bedroom villas overlooking the bay.

Note: There is a dress code for the evenings i.e. after 6.30pm where guys will have to wear long trousers and collared shirts. On a number of occasions this was flouted (usually by Americans) wearing shorts and sandals. No-one seemed to mention anything to them though so I guess this is a very relaxed rule.

All in all this was an excellent resort in a great location.

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Blue Heron - (Rex Resort) - All Inclusive - Antigua

Operator and Date: Letsgo2 - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Jayne & Paul - Cheshire (42, 42)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Holiday 13th July 07 - 27th July 07. Booked on line initially booked with dreamticket big mistake the price they quote as final price with ref number is not the correct price it was £300 approx more but you are not told this lost £150 deposit and booked with Letsgo2 and still saved £100.

Flew with BMI nice flight went on time. Advised by travel agent to take Caribbean Dollars US dollars are the prefered currency plenty of banks and cash machines in St Johns. Hotel adverstised as no children under 16yrs - not the case but apparently anyone who had pre booked their booking was honoured.

Hotel on superb beach white sand clear waters very peacful that is until the jet skis arrive usually on the days the cruise ships come in. Lovely room basic with air conditioning fridge coffee machine hairdryer. Staff very polite and friendly.

Food - breakfast buffet sometimes cold or been sitting in pan for a while and sometimes pans not filled up. Lunch set menu which was a little bit repetative after the first week but 2nd week buffet lunch on some days. Dinner - buffet or set menu once again sometimes cold and not very quick at replenishing food set menu nice. Drinks local brands cocktails mainly rum and coconut one brand of draught beer. Bar is advertised to close at 11pm however most nights closed at 22.20pm and one night as early as 21.40pm until we complained. entertainment was steel band, DJ, Band way to loud could not have conversation so evenings were a big let down.

St Johns 25mins on bus catch outside hotel number 22 6 carabbean dollars for 2 (approx £1.50) takes you to bus station return via bus station still number 22 taxi will cost approx $20 US one way. Good duty free shops we were there for the carnival which was spectacular.

Now for the bad points the Rep met day after arrival was only interested in telling us about tours and that they only use the best which offer best value for money - NOT true we booked the Classic jeep tour $95 US (£45 each) we were with another couple and their children from different hotel stopped on a hill for a drink fruit punch could nothear guides comentary as he was driving and talking stopped to show us some local fruit started to rain so put sides down still got wet stopped again to look at more fruit this time we stopped on a hill big mistake as driver got out jeep started to roll down hill the other gent in jeep reached through and pulled handbrake on the jeep had rolled in to a workers rake which was on the side of the road so we spent 20minutes arging about the rake the other worker with her had a big machettie chopping the buses perhaps not best person to argue with although we were never threatened. We ended back on our beach at 13.10 at the beach bar next yo our hotel for chicken and chips and one beer a waste of money and the itinary was not what was advertised!! Complained to Rep who was not interested rang company for us so my husband could speak to them he asked for some of our money back but we did not get any joy so as we promised them we told them that we would ensure that we would name their company as giving us poor value for money TROPICAL ADVENTURES we told others in the hotel but apparently it depends on who your rep books with so Ours uses this comapny another couple went on same trip with another company BO tours and had a fantastic day and followed the itinary so if you want value for money and a good trip we would not recommend TROPICAL ADVENTURES ask for BO TOURS.

Weather was hit and miss very warm but rain most days 2nd week the better week although it did not rain all day just showers apart from one day we also had some spectacular thunder storms. Sand flies are a big nuisence recieved lots of bite and mosquitos although no malaria take plenty of insect repellent. Again as rep was only interested in selling tours we asked about phoning home as I needed to make important phone call she said was cheap to ring from room don't listen better to get phone card which is cheap and easy to use.

My husband went diving went with Jolly Divers excellent arranged itself did not want to rely on rep they are based at Jolly harbour (catch number 22 bus again). Finally at meeting rep said she would book our taxi for return transfer to airport took our voucher. We were waiting for the pickup14.30 taxi to the airport from 14.15 It still had not arrived at 15.00 difficult to contact rep Receptionist finally got through my husband spoke to her only to be told it was hotels fault and basically she was not interested again Taxi finally arrived at 15.40 our flight was 17.05 we arrived at the airport at 16.05 took ages to check in only one couple in front of us Our flight had already started boarding we stood in the large queue for passport and security only to get to the door to be told we had not paid our departure tax of US$20 or EC$50.00 to be paid in cash so we had to go to another window then queue again we boarded the plane at 16.50 only then to be late departing at 17.30.

Would we go again? Yes if bar and entertainment sorted at hotel worth going all inclusive as quite expensive to eat and drink; Refuse to book any trips with rep, would not recommend TROPICAL ADVENTURES nor dreamticket.

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Blue Waters - Antigua

Operator and Date: Lets Go 2 - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Nigel and Fran Burchett

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

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.

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Club Colonna - Hodges Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: Sunsail - November 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Chris, Van, Debs - Bristol (29,20,43)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Review:

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.

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Club Colonna - Hodges Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: Sun Sail - First choice holidays - 2004

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Alan & Debs (36 & 45)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

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.

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Coco Bay Resort - Antigua, Antigua

Operator and Date: Caribtours - December 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Gilly - London (58,56,22,20)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

We stayed in two beachfront villas which were lovely, huge windows with louvred shutters and doors opening onto balcony with hammock. Ceiling fan but there was always a lovely breeze coming through the shutters at night. Housekeeping very good. Downside - no chairs in room for sitting after dinner, needed another light to read by. Didn't risk sitting on the balcony at night because of mozzies. Don't believe the people who tell you there aren't any - there are, and also sand flies. We liberally applied repellant every evening and all got bitten, some more than others. The public areas are where you get eaten! Pool was lovely but got very crowded. Beaches good, lots of loungers and shade. Restaurant disappointing for dinner and service could be slow, buffet for breakfast and lunch which was fine. Bar needed to use brand-name drinks! Most of the staff were very friendly and helpful. Generally very relaxing but possibly overpriced and spoilt somewhat by indifferent food.

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Coco Bay Resort - Antigua, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Harry & Sue Smith 52 - 45

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

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 & 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 & Casino at nearby Jolly Harbour Fully air conditioned & 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 & friendly ones !!

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

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Coco Bay Resort - Antigua, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin - March 2004

Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Nicky McCrudden (27, 36)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Hotel check-in was very good (though we confused them by arriving before everyone else -we'd flown from St Lucia).

The reception staff were friendly and very helpful as were all the other staff! This continued all week.

We booked a seafront cottage and thought this would be one the beach, but the resort is on a cliff edge - so we couldn't get to the beach directly from our room. (We later saw the rooms in the Plantation houses - these were great and in hindsight we'd have like these!). But the room was very nice and the view from the balcony was fantastic (I didn't know sea could be that bright blue).

The only draw back was the lack of air conditioning - it meant our room could get rather warm and the mosquitos and insects thrived (our room in St Lucia was air-conditioned and we were not bitten at all - unfortunately we were both bitten alot in Antigua). The mosquito net had several holes and the staff happily changed it (to one with slightly fewer holes).

The beaches were out of this world! The beach immediately attached to the hotel was nice, but be warned, there are quite a few rocks lurking in the sea on this beach. But if you walk to the end of this beach, you can get to the next bay - Ffryes Bay. This beach is gorgeous and better for swimming!!!!

The bar and the cocktails were wonderful - again staff were fantastic. The restaurant was open air (this may have contributed to our bite collection). Breakfasts were great (Cereals, fresh fruit, bacon and eggs cooked to order - any style). The evening meal was very nice - though may not be to everyone's taste - no fail safe favourites like burgers, pizza, roasts etc. As it's table service it did mean I was a little reluctant to try new things (as you couldn't go and have a second helping like you would in a buffet). Also it means you have no control over your portion sizes. If you want afternoon tea - be sure to get there quick!

Shirley heights is worth a visit - we went on the Sunday night, when they have live music. The sunset is supposed to be fantastic (it was cloudy when we were there). Although Sunday is busy, the steel band is great. (But be warned the food and drink isn't the best value).

On our last night we tried the Sheer restaurant (that you pay for), it was nice, but in our view a little expensive - one bottle of wine (cheapest on the menu), one water, two starters, two soups and two main meals came to over £80). We'd have been just as happy in the main restaurant.

There wasn't any entertainment whilst we were there - there was supposed to be a steal band one evening but they didn't materialise. There were plenty of loungers around the pool, but the bar area was a little sparse on furniture.

We got married in St Lucia, and I'm glad it wasn't here. There were four weddings whilst we stayed and all were on full view of all guests - two were between the bar, restaurant and pool - meaning other guest were right in the middle of the ceremony. Not exactly private.

Would definatley go to Antigua again, but perhaps not rush back to Coco Bay (unless they installed air con.)

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Coco Bay Resort - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Sovereign Direct) Sovereign

Opinion submitted in Jan 2004 by : Gary & Rachel (33, 29)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

The Cocobay Resort is perfect for the "Get Away from it all" style of holiday. The rooms are very rustic and the standard of food was excellent. Staff were very friendly and the views from the pool and restaurant area are fantastic. There is not much to do at the hotel itself, but if you are the sort to bury yourself in a book by the pool it is perfect.

Service and standard was excellent during the first week of our stay, but this deteriorated during the second week, as did staff morale. This was because of a cost cutting excercise by the hotel which resulted in some staff being laid off. The result was the service in the restaurant went from being top class to slow and sloppy.

I also had a problem with hotel security during my stay - a nearly new pair of trainers were stolen from my room by staff. We were extremely careful with our key and the room was always locked. The cleaning staff were not so strict and left the room open unattended at times.

The hotel did not deal with this theft very well and point blank refused to compensate and take any responsibility. After many e-mails to them after my return they wanted to wash their hands of the problem. This was infuriating, so we then went back to the holiday company Sovereign who managed to secure a 50% replacement cost from the hotel, and Sovereign matched the amount secured from the hotel to effectively pay me the cost to replace the stolen trainers. The whole incident and the dismissive attitude of the hotel left a nasty taste in the mouth and really put a blot on the copybook of a great holiday.

So beware - security is quite loose and not much effort was made to sort the theft out!

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Coconut Beach Resort - Antigua

Operator and Date: Virgin July 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Donna Franklin & Mark Raven (46, 42)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Went for just under 3 weeks and had a superb time. We went for a Junior Suite which was very spacious with a huge balcony on the 1st floor. Wouldnt advise the ground floor as they are a bit dark. Great views and a beautiful beach. All fully inclusive with a buffet breakfast and lunch and a'la carte evening meal. We were a bit disappointed that the fully inclusive didnt include a 24hr service. The bar is only open until 11pm which is a shame as by the time you have had dinner etc it didnt leave a lot of time to relax around the bar with friends. The staff are soooo helpful and Jahilda and Zauda's cocktails are a must!

If you want a get away from it all holiday then this is the place to go.

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Coconut Beach Resort - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Holidays - March 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Joan and Mike Taylor (53)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

My second trip to Antigua but loved this one.

Lovely, quiet hotel (not suitable for clubbers but wonderful if you want/need to relax) with large rooms, a/c, fans etc and the food was very good. Breakfast & lunch usual buffet style but dinner was excellent - choice of starter, main & pudding from 3 or 4 of each course and all cooked superbly, tho puds a bit limited. Staff were outstanding & rooms spotless. Some of our fellow guests had stayed at larger, posh resorts in Antigua (as had I on my previous trip and my husband on his 7 trips) which can be impersonal - not a charge you could ever level at this hotel.

Will be back!

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Coconut Beach Resort - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Holidays. January 27th 2007

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Pat & Vernon Hamer (63,65

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

This is a wonderful, quiet resort. Lots of people that we spoke to ,were returning for the 8th or 9th time. This tells you that it is a popular resort.The beach is super ,the food excellent and the staff couldn't do enough for you. Rooms were large , with generous balconies and hammocks & tea & coffee making facilities.We thoroughly enjoyed our time there but it may be a little quiet fot the younger generation.

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Coconut Beach Resort - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Dec 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Jan Woodbridge

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Just returned after 2 weeks at the Coconut Beach Club, found the hotel staff very friendly, rooms kept clean, slightly dissappointed with the food, and felt as it was All Inclusive not value for money.Downside of this lovely holiday was the mozzies and sand flies,no matter how much spray you use, or how much you cover up, you get bitten, even places that never see daylight!!!! as it was the end of their rainy season I think if I returned it would be early in the year.

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Coconut Beach Resort - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virginholidays(all inclusive) - Jan 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Trevor + Heather---Sandy Beds (54,50)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

We arrived to a very friendly welcome and a very strong rum punch.This is a small complex with 44 rooms on 3 storeys on its own ,right on a beach,wonderful.It is also the closes to the capital St Johns,although only really for a morning souvener shopping.We requested a high room and was not dissapointed,we had a fabulous view over the beach and sea.But be warned that the ground floor rooms can be dark and no view due to Palm trees.Air con in all rooms plus fans ,though still mananged to get bit by mossies despite using spray.

Due to the smallness of the place it provides for a great mixing with fellow holiday makers(NO CHILDREN).The food was excellent,buffet in the daytime ,al a carte in the evenings.A great bar(beach service as well)and entertainment 3 nights.The staff are all so friendly and obligeing .Our only down comment was that they need someone to oversee the staff at the evening meal,but having said that we were not rushing to go anywhere apart from the bar.

overall the whole holiday with virginholidays was excellent.Would go again.

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Colonial Club - Antigua

Operator and Date: sunsail - Jan 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : 50/55

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Having been to the Caribean before, on all inc. basis we were not sure how we would find this holdiay, but have been to Greece with Sunsail and enjoyed that. The worst part of the holiday is the awful long haul flight having to touch down in St.Thomas on outward bound journey this was very time wasting even though it was for security reasons. Everyone on board agreed it was totally a waste of time, some people were staying in St.Thomas, but the rest of flight going to Antigua so why did we need to get off, no one knew. The flight attendants included. They say its different every week! AIR 2000 not very good planes for long haul not impressed, we seemed like cattle.Would choose BA or Virgin next time.

But once at the resort the holiday was excellent, the food is very good, the facilities to use on the water are absolutely brilliant, and you could use them as many times, with or without tuition. The staff were very experienced, young and good fun and made the resort, nothing was too much trouble for them. We were there for 2 weeks and really enjoyed it. We hired a car for 2 days and went all round the Island, everyone very friendly and no problem. Antigua is a great place to chill out, and if your into sailing etc Sunsail is the place to go. We will go back.

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Galley Bay - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin- august 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Antony Johnson- Redditch (27,28)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

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.

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Galley Bay - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Gill & Steve (40+)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

return visit after fabulous 2003 holiday. totally relaxing, peaceful, brilliant food and marvellous staff. Antiguans love their guests and are proud of their island. We'd recommed 'Excellence' tours (round the island last year, Barbuda this)- great day, wonderful atmosphere and sights you have to see. Monserrat tour is exhaustng - lots of waiting around, but the sights are awesome once you get there - helicopter probably better than by sea.

Gally Bay is wonderful. Almost all guests said they'd be back, most had never known peace and tranquility like it - new visitors came through to the beach and went 'WOW'. We've stayed two years runninmg after never having returned to the same holiday destination before - which says it all. We will go back to our two weeks of paradise.

PS - don't miss carnaval if you're there the first week in August - it's awesome!

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Grand Pineapple Beach - St Johns

Operator and Date: Virgin - May 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Rachel & Lee plus 30 guests!

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We chose the Grand Pineapple Beach for our wedding, and we were certainly not disappointed.

It is one of the friendliest hotels I have been to. Everything was taken care of with regards to the wedding, we had absolutely no stress or panic at all (Novella the wedding coordinator is fab).

The hotel has a wonderful Caribbean feel to it, and nothing is too much trouble. The drinks flow freely and the food was pretty good too.

We were allocated an ocean view room and it certainly was! The 72 odd steps made sure that I could still fit into my wedding dress!

I would thoroughly recommend this hotel and resort to anyone. It really was the holiday of our life.

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Grand Pineapple Beach - St Johns

Operator and Date: First Choice - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Gem, Ben

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We stayed at this hotel from the last week in Sept for 2 weeks and can honestly say it has been the best holiday we have ever had! Please ignore all the bad reveiws you read about this place as they are just not true!

We flew with First Choice and upgraded to the Star Class Premiew service which was good value for money, would certainly recommend it, the hotel is only 30 min away from the airport and we had no problems with immegration or our baggage.

The hotel is beautiful and the staff are very friendly and always said hi and asked how you were.

We upgraded our room to a beachfront (number 226) and think we had the best view of all! It was right in the middle of the beachview block of rooms and the view of the sea was amazing! Its well worth upgrading. The room was large and nicely furnished and the maid kept it very clean and we always had clean towels by lunchtime.

The food was wonderful too, the Pineapple Grill restaurant wasnt open for the 1st week we were there as it was quiet but they served the food in the Topaz restaurant instead (the Topaz restaurant is nicer than the Pineapple Grill as its by the sea, whereas the Pinapple Grill is inside and the air con very cold!)

There was always lots of choice of food and so much cake!

The night time entertainment was very low key, with local bands and limbo dancing/fire eating but that didnt spoil our holiday as we got so tired laying out in the sun all day we didnt want any late nights, the free flowing champagne was also very nice1

The beach is fantastic, its a public beach but has security guards 24 hours a day, there are a couple of beach vendors but they are not persistent and very polite.

You MUST visit Marys Outhouse and see Mary and yes the other reviewers were right - she does cook the best ribs!

Overall, we would certainly recomment this hotel and are hoping to go back next year. We cannot find one bad thing to say about the place and are very upset to be back in England - we didnt want to leave!

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Grand Pineapple Beach - Long Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin - May 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Susanne - Teesside 40, 36, 6, 1

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Resort fab, staff brilliant. No kids club advertised but daily activities on offer from nature treks to crab racing. Food couldnt be faulted, something for everyone no matter what time of day. Kids loved the pool and the beach - there is a well stocked activity centre for games to keep them out of the sun. Choices of sunbeds around pool or on beach or both. The only minus point was that the shop didnt hold enough stock of buckets/spades - if you have room I would recommend taking your own (thats if you have kids).

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Grand Pineapple Beach - Long Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin Holidays - Jan 2006

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : Carol & Ken - Haywards Heath (45, 47)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Antigua Airport is chaotic and we had to queue nearly an hour to get through immigration. Don't let the redcaps take your luggage as it is only a few yards from the baggage belt to outside the arrivals hall!

We paid for a transfer to the hotel as it was not included in our holiday package, but it was easy to get a taxi and we were told it would be US$28 before we accepted the ride.

Hotel reception staff are friendly and we were offered a rum punch at check-in! We were given an upgrade to an Oceanview Room which was lovely and spacious with a huge bed and views over the pool and sea.

The main problem with this hotel is that you have to book a table in any of the restaurants EVERY night and you can only book a table at one of the speciality restaurants (Chef Pietro's or Pineapple Grill) the day before. The main restaurant (Topaz) is very good, offering a wide selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The a la carte meals there are particularly good and they do a buffet on two nights of the week. I would give Chef Pietros a miss as the menu is very limited. Birds are a problem at breakfast so make sure you don't leave fruit juice or water uncovered on your table while you go to get food.

The drinks are very good with named brands of alcohol (plenty of cocktails to try!) and both the red and white wine served in the restaurants is good. The service at the Piano Bar was usually slow as they certainly work on Caribbean time!

Mary's Outhouse is a great place to go for lunch - Mary doesn't talk much so just help yourself to drinks from inside the kitchen area in the fridge. Salad and hotdogs are laid out with plates and plastic cutlery and Mary will be cooking the chicken & ribs on the BBQ! Don't wait to be offered, just go right ahead and take what you want!

The beach is lovely with clear blue sea and white sand although there can be seaweed when it is rough. Walk along to the end of the beach by the Long Bay Hotel for the clearest water and the best place for snorkelling around the rocks.

There are stalls set up on the beach selling jewellery, T shirts, sarongs, etc so you should not be bothered too much by beach sellers while you are sun bathing. If you decide to buy anything make sure you haggle. The shop at the hotel is very expensive - newspapers are US$7! There is a library that is well stocked with books and magazines so you don't need to weigh down your luggage with a lot of reading material.

There is not a lot to do around the hotel but the walk to Devil's Bridge is well worth it. It only takes about half an hour each way and is not too strenuous. Make sure you take a camera to take shots of the waves breaking against the rocks. I would recommend you go on a day when the sea is rough to get the best effect.

Overall the hotel was good and the quality of food and drink made it good value for money.

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Grand Pineapple Beach - Long Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin - October 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Paxton and Plumb (22, 24)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

We spent the last two weeks of October in Antigua, and the weather was a bit unpredictable.We experienced some tropical storms, which apparently got a lot worse after we left!

It was the start of the season when we arrived and some of the facilities were shut. There were advantages to this, such as the availability of sunloungers at the pool and beach. The staff were all very helpfull and made you feel very welcome.

The room itself was basic, but it was clean. The bed was huge. The cleaners visit daily and keep you well stocked with fresh towels. The hotel also offers beach/pool towels on a daily basis to save room in your case. Ladies, please remember that the electricity voltage is very low in the Carribean and so electronic products from home will not work well over there. However, there are hair dryers in the rooms.

The beach that the hotel is positioned on is gorgeous, with beautifull white sand. The beaches in Antigua are all public, but the pineapple being the only hotel on Long Bay means that it is fairly quiet. The beach has different non-motorised water sports, but the snorkelling is not brilliant.

The food is freely available at this hotel, beware you will probably put on weight! The main resturant, The Topaz, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The themed buffet nights are good. The breakfast is excellent, with everything that you can think of. There are also two other resturants, Chef Pietro (an italian) and The Pineapple Grill (local cuisine), which you book the day before. The lasagne in the italian is particularly nice!

The nightlife here is low key. We spent many evenings going for walks along the beach. However, the drink flows constantly, and there are a wide selection of cocktails to try. The staff will also make your favourites from home if you ask nicely. We definately got our money's worth!

We went on several day trips during our stay. Bird Island, horse riding on the beach and a island cruise on a cat. We also hired a jeep to do some exploring by ourselves. Unfortunately, we had some belongings stolen from the vehicle although we disguised them and parked in a busy area. So be carefull of that!

Lastly, I reccomend that you visit Mary's Outhouse if you stay at this hotel. It is a old shack on a hill above the hotel where a lady called Mary hibernates. If you visit you will be able to try some of her specialities, such as BBQ chicken and ribs, and chilli beans. You can also help yourserf to drinks, it has great relaxed atmosphere.

Hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did!

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Grand Pineapple - Long Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Allan Barker - London (32,30)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Lets get the bad stuff out of the way first. On arrival we were allocated a room, which we found was occupied. Thus we were allocated (upgraded) to an oceanview room.The room was in a good location on the beach, about 20 yards from the ocean although was in the block yet to be refurbished so had a noisy old air conditioning unit through the wall.

Considering the a la carte lunch and dinners the drinks service was very erratic to say the least. On numerous occasions we had to wait at least 15 minutes to even get a glass of water, and in most instances had to ask for wine as the table had not been set with wine glasses present. I originally thought it was a personal thing although after speaking to numerous other people it seemed to be the norm. The food is of good quality in most cases.

Whatever the brochure says there is are only essentially 2 bars, one of which is used by 90% of the people 90% of the time.

The hotel itself is quite isolated with nothing apart from devils bridge to walk to nearby. The beach area is very good and sea calm and clear.

A taxi into town leaving every day at 9am, returning at 12 noon costs $10US each. We hired a car for the day to tour around antigua and the island looks great.

Overall I would definitely go to Antigua again, although to a different resort.

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Grand Pineapple - Long Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: (Virgin Discounts) Virgin Holidays - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Hayley and Clinton - London (21, 27)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

When we landed in Antigua the airport was a complete nightmare, it was so busy and everyone was trying to fill out immigration forms. Once these were completed we queued for ages to get through immigration and finally collected our luggage. From here we had pre-booked transfers and so waited at the taxi rank for a taxi. This didnt take too long considering there were so many people!

When we arrived at the hotel and checked in we were told we had been upgraded to a oceanview room which turned out to be lovely, very clean and spacious and right next to the pool and beach!

The beach was amazing with clear water and white sand. The hotel wasn't overcrowded either which meant that you always got a lounger by the pool or on the beach.

The food was really nice with breakfast being served in the Topaz restaurant (bagels, fruit, toast, omelettes, bacon, sausages etc...) they had something for everyone. Lunch was either in the Topaz restaurant, at the snack bar or you could take a walk up to Marys outhouse along a gravel path to sample some of the best chicken and ribs ever! Dinner was in the Topaz every night, sometimes buffet style, or you could pre book the Pineapple grill and Chefs Pietro on the nights they were open. We found the dinners to have a good selection and overall satisfying. The staff were very polite and friendly too.

The entertainment in the piano bar finished about 11.00 (karaoke, singers etc...) and there was a disco in the Pinapple grill but as there is so much to do in the daytime you found most people went to bed pretty early. However on a Sunday everyone goes up to Shirley Hights for plenty of drinking and dancing, this is a must as it was excellent!

The only thing with this hotel is it is quite far from anywhere so it cost about £37 return for most trips by taxi! It would be wworth hiring a car if you do plan a lot of trips!

We also went on the helicopter tour of the island and scuba diving which were both excellent. The staff at the hotel book this all for you and again are very helpful.

My overall opinion of Antigua was that it was probably the best place i have been to, the islandwas beautiful, people very friendly and it was just a brliiant experience. I would definately go back!

My opinion of The Grand Pineapple was that it was clean, the staff were helpful and frendly and the food more than satisfactory. The beach was amazing and the pools of decent size. Basically i cannot fault the hotel at all, it catered for all of our needs and more. The location was not ideal but as i said before this was not too much of a problem.

I would recommend Antigua to anyone considering it and definately do scuba diving, it was brilliant!

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Grand Pineapple Beach - Long Bay, Antigua

Operator and Date: Kuoni- July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Fiona and Kenny (both 35)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Our holiday to Pineapple beach was amazing. The hotel sits on an idyllic beach with beautiful turquoise waters.

Hotel was excellent. The food was was of a very high standard and the staff were exceptionally friendly- in fact I have never been anywhere as friendly as this!!!!

We found that although there were many activities on offer we chose to relax on the beach and were never bored.

At lunchtime we enjoyed visiting the outhouse restaurant which was up a dusty track overlooking the bay. Here we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and bbq. There was plenty of chicken, ribs and hot dogs and beer which was full of beer that you helped yourself to!!!!

Fantastic place and I would go back tomorrow!

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Hawksbill - Antigua

Operator and Date: March 2007

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : A Sands - Surrey

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

I just got back from Hawksbill and I was dragged to the plane kicking and screaming. It was the first time I had been to the Caribbean and would definitely recommend it, from reading the previous reviews I didn't know what to expect but the place was amazing. Someone previously said that the place was too noisy, the rooms don't have windows just blinds and mosquito nets, but waking up to the sound of the waves and birds is paradise to me.

The food in the hotel was great, breakfast was buffet which varied from fresh fruit to full English to cereals. Lunch was either a sit down mean or a beach BBQ which was great and found myself at everyday. Dinner varied from waiter service to a buffet and both were great. On waiter service nights the menu had 43/4 main course options so there was something for everyone.

We did 4 trip on our stay, on the Sunday night we went to Shirley Heights which I would thoroughly recommend, the only downside was the bus to bring you back picked us up at 7:45 which for us was too early as the bands had just started, taxis are pretty cheap and can be arranged from hotel so maybe that would be a better option. Condor at the tour desk was a real help with our plans and we organised everything independently.

Another trip we did was a circumnavigation tour of the island stopping off at Green Island for snorkelling and lunch, if there is one thing you do on your stay that would be the one I recommend. The staff made the trip and the journey back from Green Island the music came on and the rum punch was poured. The other 2 trips we did were deep sea fishing and stingray city.

The staff into the hotel were friendly and helpful sometimes your glass of wine came 10 minutes later, but hey you in the Caribbean learn to relax, we certainly did and cant wait to return.

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Hawksbill Bay - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays Direct) Thomson Holidays - Nov 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Bob anbd Sheila Dyke (60)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

If this wasn't our best ever holiday, it was close to it. We chose the Hawksbill resort for the chance to go on a clothes-optional beach in late November. Just one of the four beaches (Eden Bay) is c-o. All the beaches are good, but Eden Bay is a delight. So clean! Must be half a mile long at least - soft sand, coconut palms, warm sea, about 30 sun loungers (not all occupied) and an ice-water dispenser. We had the odd warm rainshower, but in our circumstances, it hardly mattered!

The resort is all inclusive. We really appreciated the cooking and the variety of food, sometimes buffet style, sometimes waitress service. The grounds are a delight, and Sylvia on the staff does a brilliant (free) garden tour with fascinating info on local plants and culture. There are a few rough edges. After an 8 hour flight from UK, the airport is a chaotic shambles, with (2) unnecessary and irrelevant forms to fill in on arrival. Some aspects of the hotel are a bit well-worn, and there's no gym or fitness room. Most rooms don't have air con. Ours had a ceiling fan, which was just OK for the temperatures we got. Take mosquito repellant and anti-histamine cream (and a cross-point screwdriver and masking tape to improve the fit of your room's insect screens!). But where is perfect? (Eden Bay, that's where!). Take some EC dollars as well as US for spending outside the resort, to avoid any suspicions about the exchange rate when spending US and getting EC dollars in your change. And do go to St Johns - the capital. The hotel do a reasonable taxi-shuttle there for the morning, which is just right. We are going back for certain!

Bob 'n' She

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Hawksbill Beach Resort - Antigua

Operator and Date: Kuoni - Feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Jerry Pollentine (54,55)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

We flew BWIA out of Heathrow, randomly picked to have our cases searched and it was a no frills flight. I would certainly go with another carrier if possible in the future. However the leg room seemed good 33". Kuoni told us the baggage allowance was 20kgs but when I checked out BWIA,s web site it was 2 cases each but no more than 32kgs each case. Upon landing there were 2 other large jets on the tarmac BA and Virgin and it took 1 hour 20 minutes to get through immigration. Make sure you are given a pink form which is a customs declaration form on the plane.

Arrived at the Hawksbill and greeted with an ice cold towel and a glass of bubbly. Our room in the main block "superior sea view" was big with a ceiling fan, mini fridge and a coffee filter machine. We were initially concerned that without air-con it would be stifling but let me re-assure potential visitors that it really is not necessary due to an ever present easterly breeze. The food we thought was a very good standard with a lot of thought gone into presentation. Dinner was served at weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays to the table with buffet style the rest of the week. There are 4 beaches where you had to pick you spot to go in.On the nudist beach it is very rocky but there were 2 spots where you could enter the water safely. Nearly all the staff were very nice and tried very hard to help with some small problems we had.

The swimming pool is ridiculously small and seemed pointless. They have a cricket match on Sundays, staff v guests great fun and its only a tennis ball.

We hired a jeep for 5 days through the hotel guest services. Two bits of advice rent from an outside agency you will get a better quality vehicle for the same money and 5 days was probably too many. You will get lost, we noted only 3 signposts on our trips out but you only have to ask and people were very helpful. Spend a couple of hours at Half Moon Bay absolutely gorgeous and good snorkelling too. I have to add a word about the Kuoni rep she did her job but no more.She had no warmth about her and some attitude.

Taking everything into account we had a lovely holiday and I would recommend the Hawksbill. It is not for anyone looking for an in your face loads of entertainment,bingo,karaoke type holiday. No tv,s or phones in most rooms,it is a laid back quiet do your own thing holiday. I think its worth more than the 3 stars it,s got but not quite 4.

Leaving the country everybodys case was opened and searched!

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Hawksbill - Antigua

Operator and Date: (Hayes & Jarvis Direct) Hayes & Jarvis - mar 2004

Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : A & S Chalk - Maidstone 49,50

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Looking at earlier reports was not too encouraged but the later ones show a distinct improvement. When you first check in (cold towels and champagne) and look at the views you know you are in the right place, the beaches and gardens are beautifull. Rooms are large and clean with kettles and tea & coffee. Our room only had a fan and not air con but was still cool.

Went to bed listening to the nearby sea every night (somebody complained about the noise of this!! amazing).

All inclusive meals and local drinks were of a good but not haute cuisine standard and you could upgrade your meal some nights at a small fee (lobster etc).

I think this resort is classified as 3 and 1/2 star which is well deserved.

Plenty of space for everybody to be on their own if wanted. Nightlife very low key, would not suit teenagers and the nearest town (St Johns) ten minute taxi ride)

Would certainly go again for the peace and tranquility, suited me down to the ground but we are all different.

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Jolly Beach Resort - Jolly Beach

Operator and Date: First Choice - Jan 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Carl & Stephanie Jones (39,36)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Review:

We went in January 2007 for a week. We wish we had booked two weeks. The resort has everything for everyone and is constantly kept clean and tidy. The pools are lovely and most of the staff were very friendly.

Outside of the complex there are very few shops so it was difficult to find gifts to take home.

The food in Hemispheres is good and there is a great choice (don't leave your plate unattended because the birds will eat your food whilst your gone, this includes inside as well as outside) and the Indian Restaurant food was excellent with very friendly staff.

We went to the Italian for one evening and were very disappointed with the quality of food & left after the first course. Although we're not keen on seafood, we heard from other visitors that the seafood restaurant was excellent.

The beach is absolutely beautiful. Beware of people selling excursions (someone staying at the resort paid £50 to go on a trip that didn't exist). You are better off booking excursions with the holiday reps even if it costs a few quid more.

The time it took to get through immigration on arriving in Antigua was ridiculous (it took 2 hours)and the airport seemed rather disorganised (the staff were sitting in front of computers which were not switched on and they wrote everything by hand. On leaving it was almost as bad.

Accommodation - we stayed in a standard room which is small and very basic (cracked tiles in the bathroom, not enough wardrobe space, only one pillow each) but it did have air conditioning and it was very clean. We found it very noisy during the night (due to large air vents in the door and bathroom window so we felt we were sleeping outside). If we were staying for 2 weeks we would have paid for a room upgrade but as it was just a week we made do.

Overall we had a lovely holiday with great weather. We would recommend the resort but would advise a room upgrade.

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Jolly Beach Resort - Jolly Beach

Operator and Date: (Virgin Direct) Virgin HOLIDAYS NOVEMBER 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : LORRAINE 45, MICK 44, DANIELLE 20, RICHARD 21 - ROTHERHAM

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

this was our first time in the carribean and hope it wont be our last! We went for our son`s wedding and renewed our wedding vows whilst we were there.

Rooms;

we stayed in the super economy rooms which were cleaned every day, certainly adequate, and air conditioned. Ample space to hang clothing and free tv and a spacious balcony.

Our son, prospective bride and 2 children had a free upgrade as part of the wedding package which consisted of 2 double beds and other comforts which were far better than our rooms.

Hotel

all staff were friendly and, as expected, laid back (this is the carribean!!). Free transport to and from the local golf course (£40 for a round of golf and a buggy).

Restaurants

stay away from the italian!! This was booked for our evening meal on the night of our son`s wedding and the food was awful and the service far too slow. This was the only down side of the whole holiday.

The indian and fish restaurants are both worth a visit serving excellent food with friendly and efficient service.

Hemispheres is the main restaurant serving a variety of good quality food.

Wedding

what can we say? Beverley, aisha, and elvis are all extremely friendly, helpful, and accomodating. The day went off perfectly but we would recommend anyone getting married has the service in the gazebo by the pool which was where we renewed our vows. The resulting vid and photos are worth it. 11 guests at our wedding (including the bride and groom`s 2 children!!!!) Who all enjoyed the day along with other guests looking on from the sandy white beach.

We certainly wished we`d married in such a lovely place 25 years ago.

Beach

lovely long white sandy beach but the sea becomes quite deep quickly and you may be stung by something in the water, but whatever it is appears quite harmless. All pools are lovely and there are plenty of sunbeds both by the pools and on the beach. Many beach vendors but they do not hassle you and, if you haggle, you`ll get a bargain.

We have been on all inclusive holidays before but this has to have been the best by far. Nobody in our party was ready for home and all wish we were still lazing in the hot carribean sun!

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Jolly Beach Resort - Jolly Beach

Operator and Date: Frist Choice

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Sarah and Mat (28 &21)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

We stop at the Jolly Beach resort from 25 Aug - 08 September 2006 for our wedding, 8 of us went all together and im so glad i got married here.

The Wedding

The best! we got married on the beach side gazabo it was amazing, it was so relexing and the wedding staff counldnt do enough for us. after the wedding and the photo have been do you get between hour to hours half before you meal but we have booked the italian so we just got the wine which had been given and sat on the beach and watch the sunset. after our meal i had to change out my wedding dress as i so hot, when we got back to our room there was petals over the bed, in the sink, bath.

The rooms

We booked the standard room but got upgraded to the kings room as we think if you get married there you get upgraded.

Our room was massive the bed was massive and had a seating area, fringe, tv, coffee machine, iron and board.

our family stop in the supersaver room which are quite small but our family was fine about said there was big enough for them.

all rooms had air con

All the room where being decorated when we was leaving.

The food

All the resturant was good, there was eight of us and to find something what everyone like it hard. I liked the indian and my husband like the seafood best. there do range of different foods in each resturant and all the staff are so friendly and everytime you said thank you they say your welcome and there very big on lady frist.

The pool bar we ate there nearly every day for lunch try the jerk chicken is so nice.

The beach

The beach is paradise like what see on tv. there are underbella but need to up early to get one and the go quick and there all english that get up early to get one. the few stalls on the beach and few people that go up and down try sell you thing. if buy one of one them and just say no they will leave you alone, we got quite friendly with the beach vendors and there all so nice and end of day there all just to earn a living like the rest of us.

The jet ski the yellow one are the fasters but on the red one are good for people who never been on one.

The Trips

We went on the excellent which takes you all around the island pick people up from different hotels and then stop off at private beach which only cant to by boat, the sevre a meal on the boot to it was very nice. and there drinks for everyone, just been careful as i burnt really bad!

Shirley Height

We went to shirley height but didnt go with the hotel trip, we actully went with one of the locals from the beach (he called sound say hello from us if you see him) you get free drink voucher and try the rum it so strong, we didnt get see the sunset as it was to cloudy but it didnt matter that one of the best nights we had. with steel band everyone dancing.

This is best holiday we been on and we booked it again for July next year same place same hotel and i always said i never do that.

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Jolly Beach Resort - Jolly Beach

Operator and Date: May 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Keith, Shirley

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average