One of the best things to do at an all-inclusive resort is to sit back, grab a beer, and relax by the pool as you watch the sun set in the distance.
Now, imagine doing this at one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, a brand with a strong presence in Antigua where top tier properties serve caviar and premium steaks at no extra cost. Yeah, Elite Island Resorts offers an experience that is hard to beat. This guide is made for guests who want to take a deep breath and say, “you know what, we actually need to spend a few days there.”
After creating a planning guide and another article that explores each resort in detail, it is time for Famvia to dive into the fine dining options and special activities offered at the Elite Island Resorts in Antigua. We are going to do things a little differently this time, since each of the five resorts in Antigua is very different from one another. We will first answer some key questions related to dining and activities before taking a closer look at each property individually.
Ready to start planning your next vacation? Send us a message and let’s talk. We are experts when it comes to beach resorts and one of the few travel agencies with in-depth guides about Elite Island Resorts. We can help you choose the perfect resort, find the best rooms, and even save money in the process. Sending us a message costs nothing, and even better, you will not pay a single cent more when you book your trip through our services.
The All-Inclusive rate at Elite Island Resorts
Elite Island Resorts is considered an all-inclusive brand, but not everything is included in your base rate. For example, some resorts may have restaurants that cost extra, and motorized water sports usually come with an additional fee. Still, most dining venues are complimentary, and activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and various land sports are included in the price.
Dining Overview at Elite Island Resorts
Food is generally considered high quality at Elite Island Resorts, especially at their top-tier properties like Hammock Cove Antigua. Some resorts include all their restaurants in the base rate, while others have one that costs extra and offers a more upscale dining experience. These extra-cost restaurants are usually open for dinner only and typically charge around 50 dollars per guest.
The all-inclusive alcohol
All restaurants and bars serve branded liquors, a selection of house wines, and local beer, all included in your base rate. Wine by the bottle costs extra.
Reservations
Some restaurants might require advance reservations. While some venues accept walk-ins, others require prior booking, which is usually the case for restaurants that charge extra.
Dietary Needs
Due to the all-inclusive nature of Elite Island Resorts, they are not able to cater to specific individual needs such as vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free, or religiously restricted dishes. However, they do offer a wide variety of meal choices, including salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and vegetarian options.
Room Service
Room service is available for an additional fee and is usually offered from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
Dress Code
During the day, the dress code around the resort is beach casual. Please ensure bathing suits are dry and covered when dining during breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.
In the evenings, the dress code is casually elegant. For dinner, men should wear collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and closed-toed shoes, while women should wear blouses, dresses, tailored shorts or pants, and shoes or sandals. T-shirts, ripped shorts, bathing suits, and flip-flops are not allowed for evening meals.
Upscale restaurants that charge extra may require a sharper dress code.
Activities Overview at Elite Island Resorts
Many activities are included in your base rate at Elite Island Resorts. All non-motorized water activities, such as kayaking and snorkeling, are included. Land sports, including tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, are also included. In addition, live entertainment, all pools, and the fitness center are available at no extra cost. Evening entertainment includes steel bands, DJs, karaoke, local performers, guest participation contests, and more.
Guided tours come at an additional cost, and the same applies to motorized water sports such as jet skiing or speedboat rides.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are included in your base rate, and you are free to snorkel at the local beaches. Snorkeling trips are also available daily for an additional fee.
Golf
Golf is not included among the activities offered by Elite Island Resorts. However, there are two golf courses on the island, usually about 30 to 45 minutes away from the resorts. The resorts also have taxis available to take guests to the courses.
Casino
There is no casino inside the resorts, but a casino in Antigua is located about 20 minutes from the properties.
Kids Club
St. James’s Club is the only family-friendly Elite Island Resort and the only one with a complimentary Kids Club. Kids Club activities are typically available daily from 9:15am to 5:30pm. All activities are held outdoors and are subject to weather conditions. Children ages 4 to 11 who are potty-trained and able to communicate are welcome to participate. Babysitting is not available.
Dining and Activities at Antigua’s Elite Island Resorts
Hammock Cove Antigua
- Must-visit Restaurant: Lighthouse Restaurant
- Paid Restaurants: None
- Highlights: The impressive three-tier swimming pool; the cigar lounges for guests who enjoy premium cigars and drinks.
Hammock Cove Antigua is often considered the best Elite Island Resort… ever! It features a Michelin-style dining experience, with all restaurants included in your base rate. The three signature restaurants are Sir Rob’s, Irina’s Bistro, and the Lighthouse Restaurant. Sir Rob’s is the premium local steakhouse, Irina’s Bistro is a casual beachfront spot, and the Lighthouse is an upscale restaurant serving Caribbean cuisine, perfect for a romantic evening. Keep in mind that a sharp dress code is required for the Lighthouse.
When it comes to activities, the resort offers paddleboats, kayaks, yoga, six pickleball courts, a fitness center, a two tier beach and boardwalk and an impressive three-tier infinity pool at the center of the property.
Paid experiences include one of the best spas in Antigua, cooking demonstrations, the Art Tunnel at Hammock Cove that highlights a local artist each month, the Colombian Emeralds International offering fine jewelry, a romantic private dining experience in a gazebo, the Chairman's Scotch & Cognac Club, and Sir Rob's Cigar Social. If you love premium cigars and top Caribbean rum, these are must-visit spots.
Galley Bay Resort & Spa
- Must-visit Restaurant: Ismay’s
- Paid Restaurants: Ismay’s ($50)
- Highlights: the three open-air romantic restaurants; bike trails; activities aimed at couples.
Galley Bay is located between two of the best beaches in Antigua and is known for its open-air restaurants and romantic atmosphere. Three open-air restaurants serve Caribbean and Continental specialties, while classic hamburgers can be enjoyed at the Barefoot Grill. The three signature restaurants are Sea Grape, Gauguin, and Ismay’s. Ismay’s offers a top-tier romantic open-air setting and excellent European dishes. Meals at Ismay’s cost $50 per guest.
Activities include access to a three-quarter mile white-sand beach, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, tennis, volleyball, yoga, access to a fitness center and a Bicycle & Jogging Trail. The resort also has a lagoon-style freshwater swimming pool, complete with waterfall and surrounded by gardens.
Other highlights include morning garden tours to see ingredients used in the resort’s restaurants, the Indulge Spa, cooking demonstrations, room tasting sessions, and romantic movie nights on the beach. As you can probably imagine, this resort is perfect for relaxing activities and leisurely walks, with several small-scale experiences designed for couples.
The Verandah
- Must-visit Restaurant: Nicole’s.
- Paid Restaurants: Nicole’s ($50)
- Highlights: lots of swimming pools and four new pickleball courts
The Verandah is a great option for first-time visitors to Antigua, offering fair prices and a gorgeous beach lined with palm trees. The resort features five restaurants and a full-service beach bar and grill. Its signature restaurants are Nicole’s (fine gourmet dining), Seabreeze (Caribbean), Pappa Ricco’s Pizzeria (Pizza), and Portofino (Italian). Nicole’s is the resort’s upscale restaurant and costs $50 per guest. The Verandah also has several bars and a specialty coffee shop.
While many other resorts have one or two pools, The Verandah offers four swimming pools, including a waterfall pool, a main pool, and a Rasta Beach pool with loungers. The resort also features several pickleball courts, a mini-golf course, paddleboards, kayaks, water hammocks, Hobie Cat sailboats, a fitness center, snorkeling opportunities, and the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa.
Some paid activities include catamaran trips, the Pink Panther Safari (which explores Antigua with an all-female crew), fishing, and excursions to Devil’s Bridge, Shirley Heights, and the Betty’s Hope sugar plantation.
Pineapple Beach Club
- Must-visit Restaurant: Orchids
- Paid Restaurants: Orchids ($50)
- Highlights: lots of activities; evening parties and shows.
Pineapple Beach Club is a great resort for singles and groups of friends, and is probably the most laid-back option among the Elite Island Resorts in Antigua. Restaurants include Orchids, Topaz (buffet), Chef Pietro’s (Italian), Pineapple Grill (Caribbean), and The Outhouse (barbecue). Orchids is the resort’s upscale restaurant, a fine-dining steakhouse that typically costs $50 per guest. The resort also has three bars and a place serving specialty coffee.
As a resort that is perfect for groups of friends, Pineapple Beach Club offers a wide range of activities. Water activities include stand-up paddleboards, floating water hammocks, snorkeling, Hobie Cat catamarans, kayaks, and pedal boats. On land, there are six pickleball courts, two tennis courts, a croquet lawn, beach volleyball, a fitness center, and the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa. The resort also features a quarter-mile beach, three pools, and is known for lively parties and live music at night.
St. James’s Club
- Must-visit Restaurant: Piccolo Mondo
- Paid Restaurants: Piccolo Mondo ($50)
- Highlights: Kids Club for children ages 4 to 12; lots of bars.
St. James’s Club & Villas is a family-friendly resort in the Caribbean and a great option for those traveling with kids while still looking to relax in the sun. It has five signature restaurants and seven bars, giving guests plenty of options to choose from. Restaurants include the Rainbow Garden buffet, Coco’s Restaurant for Caribbean cuisine, The Docksider for international dishes, Eleven-11 for a burger or salad, and Piccolo Mondo for upscale Italian. Piccolo Mondo is the only restaurant that costs extra, typically $50 per guest.
At St. James’s Club & Villas, guests have access to two beaches and six swimming pools. Two pools are exclusive to Royal Suites guests, while one is adults-only. Activities include snorkeling, pedal boats, kayaks, pickleball, tennis, and volleyball. Guests can also use the fitness center for free or pay extra for the spa. The beaches here are beautiful, though they can have quite a bit of seaweed.
Families have complimentary access to the local Kids Club, where children ages 4 to 12 can enjoy fun and creative activities outdoors.
Why book Elite Island Resorts with us?
Hey, glad you asked! The people behind Famvia are experts when it comes to all inclusive resorts and having a great time. Not only are we one of the few websites and agencies with in-depth content about Elite Island Resorts, but we’ve also been doing this for a while and have exclusive guides and articles about every single Sandals Resort and Beaches Resort out there.
We can definitely help you navigate all the different Elite Island Resorts and pick the perfect one for you and your family. These resorts can feel very different, from price points to what they offer, so a travel agent can really help you figure out the best choice. You don’t pay anything for contacting us, and even better, you won’t pay more when you book a vacation through our services.
So, you know what to do! After reading about all these amazing resorts in the Caribbean and Central America, be sure to send us a message. Who knows, we might even be able to score you some great deals and promotions for your next vacation. Until the next one!
