So, what should a good all-inclusive resort offer you? Well for starters your accommodation, though it could be quite basic (always check when booking what room type has been quoted, as some are better suited to a single traveller). You should be offered three meals per day with snacks at an allotted time, like afternoon tea and free soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages. Some also offer beach sports in the price, like hobby cats and kayaks.
Antigua does many things well, some things beyond expectation and then there are the things that a frequent visitor takes for granted, for which they are hard to beat. For us, the All-inclusive options are one of those expected items when considering your holiday choice and add-ons, but we have found repeatedly that the places visited have surpassed our hopes and annoyingly made us overindulge, as the range of offerings was so good and so plentiful!
**Don’t miss out on these treats by being too strict with your diet, as you can easily offset the ‘intake’ with a run or walk on the beaches, a hike or one of the many exercise options available in the resorts throughout the day, therefore balancing things out with your ‘exertion’**
To avoid information overload, we have put together a short guide which specifically details four all-inclusive resorts across all budgets, which should offer an insight into what you can reasonably expect, what they do best and where to find the best deals.
Cocobay Resort
This is an adult only property, with the romantic vibe you would expect for a resort that is known for weddings and honeymoons. Most of the cottages come with their own plunge pools and there are 2 infinity pools in the main grounds with amazing views of the Caribbean Sea - the sunsets are hard to rival due to the resort’s positioning. The all-inclusive offerings here include a mini-bar in the room, the contents of which are included in the price. Water sports included are snorkelling, kayaking and sailing. The bars and restaurants require men to wear a collared shirt and long trousers/pants. Wifi is available in public areas and rooms for a fee. There is an onsite spa which can also be booked, but treatments are not included in the room costs. The food is buffet style for breakfast and lunch, with allocated tables and waiter service from a set menu in the evening. The food ranges have reviewed well, with lots of fresh local fish, salads, pasta dishes, vegetables and meat dishes like meatballs too, plus lots of breakfast options. Beverages are available throughout the day. Afternoon tea is served at 4pm, where there is a selection of finger sandwiches and homemade cakes with tea and coffee.
Keyonna Beach
Another adult only property, located on the beach with plenty of space and the option of staying in one of the private cottages with it’s own plunge pool. These cottages also come with a mobile phone to allow you to call the bar for a drinks service, should you be inclined and all the rooms (not just the cottages) have an outdoor shower. There is also free Wifi in all rooms and in the public area and an onsite spa offering a wide range of treatments (at an additional cost), as well as a complimentary boat tour for all guests. The food is plentiful and reviews as very high quality and comes in the form of both buffet self-service and à la carte meals, with snacks and beverages throughout the day. The all-inclusive rate also includes free a mini-bar in the room, the contents of which are replenished as requested. Afternoon tea is also available with finger foods and hot beverages.
Jolly Beach Resort
The Jolly Beach Resort is a good all-rounder, popular with couples and families alike. There are a variety of rooms available from the super-saver to suites, but most rooms do not have a fridge. For the food options, there are 3 bookable restaurants in addition to the main buffet area, offering seafood, Italian and Indian menus. A couple of times a week there is also a BBQ and the seating is extended down the pathways alongside the beach walls. At dinner the drinks are served to you at our table and throughout the day beverages are in free flow, with afternoon tea around 4pm. Wifi is available for free in the main areas, but a surcharge applies if you want it in the rooms. There is also free water sports available each day including kayaking, pedalos and the hobby cats.
St. James’s Club and Villas
This resort is considered one of the favourite luxury properties in Antigua, with everything from standard rooms to suites and private villas. The water sports on offer to guests, included in the price, are kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and windsurfing. Plus for land lovers there is also the complimentary use of the tennis courts and fitness centre. There is a full onsite spa facility which is available for an additional charge and some of the restaurants offer an upgraded menu for a surcharge. The Rainbow Garden restaurant is open air serving international à la carte cuisine in the evenings (except on Monday’s) and buffet style breakfasts and lunches (menu options are available). Monday evening is the Gala buffet with live music and all the dining times offer a children’s menu. Please note that men are required to wear long trousers/pants, closed toe shoes and a collared shirt for dinner.
As an alternative resort to these you might also take a look at the Verandah Resort and Spa.
For all the above resorts, please visit our partner’s links to get quick price comparisons where you can search for the best deals for these properties.
We hope that this mini guide has given you a little taste of what is available in Antigua, but whatever option you choose remember - Roll with the Rum Punches!
More details of all villa’s, resorts and hotels can be found in ‘Where to stay” on our homepage