Elite Island Resorts is a great choice for:
- Couples seeking a romantic stay at luxurious all-inclusive resorts
- Guests wanting to explore Antigua
- Families or friends looking for fun
Elite Island Resorts might not be great for:
- Travelers looking to save on a Caribbean trip
Welcome to the beach resort that basically dominates the beautiful island of Antigua.
Elite Island Resorts, similar to Sandals Resorts, has a huge presence in the Caribbean. We’re talking about a beach resort chain with seven very different properties, with five in Antigua, one in Panama, and another in Barbados. They follow the all-inclusive model, meaning that your base fare covers accommodation, most drinks, meals, Wi-Fi, and tons of activities. Your fare doesn’t cover a few specialty restaurants, wine by the bottle, and some guided tours or premium activities.
Most of the Elite Island Resorts are adults only, meaning that you need to be at least 18 years old to visit them. One of them accepts children above 12, and there’s also one in Antigua that’s family friendly. That’s one thing that sets Elite Island Resorts apart, since their properties can feel very different from one another. While one in Antigua might be perfect for a romantic couple, another on the same island is better suited for a group of friends looking to party, while their resort in Panama is an amazing choice for those who prefer mountains over beaches and have that spirit of adventure.
Prices also vary a lot. Expect to pay around 430 dollars per night for a room for two in their most affordable resort, while the fanciest ones cost about 1,200 dollars per night. Hammock Cove Antigua, for example, debuted a couple of years ago and features elegant restaurants, including premium steakhouses, all included in your base fare. Every room even comes with an indoor private pool. Now that sounds pretty good.
Elite Island Resorts also has a huge presence in Antigua, which is the main subject of this guide. Five of their seven resorts are located there, and there is one for every budget and type of traveler. Two of their most luxurious resorts are perfect for romantic couples, but they also have a property that is well known for its late night parties and another that is family friendly, featuring a kids club that welcomes children between the ages of 4 and 12.
So, what makes Elite Island Resorts different from other beach resorts out there? Most guests agree that their properties are smaller and more intimate, with a strong boutique-like feel to their layout. Elite Island Resorts also focus on being more localized, diving deep into the culture of each destination. For example, the resort in Panama features a main restaurant centered on Panamanian cuisine and offers tours that highlight the local culture, while the ones in Antigua celebrate the island’s dances, food, and traditions.
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.
Reviews of Elite Island Resorts
The Good
Antigua Experts: Elite Island Resorts is huge when it comes to the beautiful island of Antigua. They have a strong presence on the island, with five of their seven resorts located here. Two of their most luxurious resorts, Hammock Cove Antigua and Galley Bay Resort & Spa, are also found here, along with their only family friendly property. All of their Antigua resorts are about 30 minutes from the airport, and there is even a golf course nearby for those who want to practice their swings.
Each Resort feels very different: It is quite impressive that Elite Island Resorts feel very different from one another. While Sandals focuses exclusively on adults only beach resorts, Elite Island offers a few properties that are perfect for couples looking for a romantic vacation, one that is great for singles who want to party, and a family friendly resort in Antigua that welcomes children. There is even a resort in Panama that sits on top of a hill, ideal for travelers who prefer mountains over beaches.
Romantic: Yes, their resorts feel different, but we would say that all of them are perfect for a romantic vacation or to celebrate a special occasion. Most of their properties are adults only, and they all carry a wonderful sense of romance in the air. That comes from their open air restaurants, suites that feature indoor swimming pools, and the option to enjoy a candlelight dinner on the beach under the shimmering stars. If you are looking to create unforgettable memories with your soulmate, you cannot go wrong with Elite Island Resorts.
All inclusive: Elite Island Resorts is all inclusive, meaning that your base rate covers plenty of great perks. You get your accommodation, gratuities, most drinks and meals, Wi-Fi, land sports, and most water activities. Wine by the bottle usually is not included, and the same goes for motorized water sports, guided excursions, a few specialty restaurants, and menu specific items like lobster in certain dining venues. Still, you can pay a single price at an Elite Island Resort, enjoy it to the fullest with all the live shows, cocktails, and complimentary restaurants, and have an amazing time without spending anything extra.
The Bad
Additional costs: Even though Elite Island Resorts is considered all inclusive, there are some things that are not included in your rate. For example, transportation from the airport to the resort is not included, some restaurants may charge extra, premium drinks may also cost extra, and certain activities require an additional fee. Tap water is available, but bottled water costs extra. Other than that, a resort fee of 24 US dollars per room per night applies to all bookings and is payable locally at the resort, along with a statutory tourism levy of 5 US dollars per guest age six and older, per night.
Elite Island Resorts in Antigua and Prices
Let’s take a quick look at the Elite Island Resorts in Antigua and their average prices for two guests. It can be tricky to pin down an exact rate, since this depends not only on the resort you choose, but also on the season, room category, and other factors. Still, this should give you a good idea for comparing prices between the different resorts and help you plan your future trip.
Elite Islands Resort operates five resorts in Antigua:
- Hammock Cove Antigua (adults-exclusive; around $1,300 per night)
- Galley Bay Resort & Spa (adults-exclusive; around $1,100 per night)
- The Verandah Antigua (adults-exclusive; around $460 per night)
- Pineapple Beach Club (adults-exclusive; around $440 per night)
- St. James’s Club & Villas (family-friendly; around $450 per night)
And two others across the Caribbean and Central America:
- The Club Barbados (adults-exclusive; around $430 per night)
- Los Establos Boutique Resort - Panama (Guests need to be 12yo+; around $600 per night)
Remember that Famvia has a special in-depth guide that covers each resort in more detail!
What’s included in your base rate at Elite Island Resorts?
Elite Island Resorts is an all-inclusive chain, meaning much is included in your base rate. Your price covers:
- Your Room
- Gratuities
- Most meals – only a few restaurants cost extra
- Most drinks, including local beer, soda, juice, and coffee
- Nonmotorized water sports like kayaking and snorkeling
- Land sports such as volleyball and tennis
- Live shows and evening entertainment
- Kids Club at St. James’s Club & Villas
What’s NOT included in your base rate at Elite Island Resorts?
Although your base rate covers a lot and you can enjoy your vacation without paying extra, some things are not included, such as:
- Transportation to and from the resort
- Some specialty restaurants
- Certain premium drinks or wine by the bottle
- Motorized water sports
- Guided tours (except at Los Establos Boutique Resort, where several tours are included)
- Spa and hair salon services
- Laundry
- Golf
- Resort fee of $24 USD per room, per night; a statutory tourism levy of US$5 per person, per night
Is Elite Island Resorts for you?
That’s the question that goes through everyone’s mind before deciding on a trip, right? “Will I have a great time at this place?” The good news is that the Elite Island Resorts are very different from one another and cater to a variety of needs and preferences.
For example, if you’re planning a romantic getaway, Hammock Cove Antigua or Galley Bay Resort & Spa are great options. For a trip with friends, Pineapple Beach Club is ideal, and for families with kids, you can’t go wrong with St. James’s Club & Villas.
Elite Island Resorts also appeal to those looking for a more intimate experience that truly captures the atmosphere of Antigua. Many resorts feature live shows and dance classes inspired by local culture, and restaurants often add a Caribbean twist to their menus.
We’d say that Elite Island Resorts are mostly for couples seeking a romantic vacation, but friends and families can still have a lot of fun. It’s a great place to celebrate a honeymoon, an anniversary, or another big occasion, especially in their newest and most luxurious resorts. It’s not a cheap stay, but it’s a great destination even if you just want to go for three or four days.
Antigua Weather
Antigua is known for its 365 sandy beaches and great weather year-round.
December to April is the high season and the coolest, driest time of year, with an average daily maximum temperature of around 83°F. The wet season runs from mid-June to mid-November, with short spells of heavy rainfall and nighttime thunderstorms.
September and October often offer the most affordable rates but also have the highest chances of rain. The good news is that the weather never gets chilly or too cold. January is the coldest month, with averages of 78.8°F, while June through October have average temperatures of 86°F.
If we had to choose the best month to visit Antigua, we’d go with April. There are low chances of rain, plenty of sunshine, and it’s not as hot as in August. It’s also when Antigua Sailing Week takes place - a full week of world-class sailing and parties.
Elite Island Resorts Additional Info
Passport
Always bring your passport when traveling abroad to Antigua and the Caribbean.
Elite Island Resorts recommends that all members of your party carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from the island. You may be denied entry into Antigua and Barbuda if your passport has less than six months’ validity from the day you are scheduled to arrive.
Dress Code
During the day, resort casual attire is appropriate for all dining venues, but bathing suits are not allowed inside.
For evening dining, casually elegant attire is fine for most venues. Think tailored shorts, collared shirts, sundresses, and so on. For the most formal restaurants (usually those with an extra charge), men are expected to wear long pants, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes, while women should wear pants, blouses, or dresses. T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and beachwear are not permitted in these formal dining venues.
Resort Fee
A resort fee of US$24 per room, per night applies to all bookings and is payable locally at the resort. A statutory tourism levy of US$5 per person, per night also applies to all bookings.
Gratuities
Gratuities for resort staff are included with your all-inclusive booking. Additional tips at the end of your stay are appreciated by staff members.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available for free to all guests staying at Elite Island Resorts. Guests staying at Pineapple Beach Club need to pay for Wi-Fi to use it in their rooms.
Laundry
Laundry bags are provided in all guest rooms, and laundry service is available for an additional charge.
Elite Island Resorts FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my Elite Island Resort?
Elite Island Resorts don’t offer free transportation to or from the airport. When you exit Customs, you’ll see a long line of government-approved taxis ready to take you to your chosen resort. Likewise, at the end of your stay, taxis assigned to the resort can gladly transport you back to the airport for your departure.
Are Elite Island Resorts in Antigua close to the airport?
Yes, most Elite Island Resorts in Antigua are only about 30 minutes from the nearest airport.
Do I need to bring an AC adapter to Antigua?
No, you don’t. Antigua uses 110 V electricity, the same as in the US, and the outlets are the same American style.
Can I use a US driver’s license to explore Antigua?
No, you will need a temporary local driving permit for US$30, which can be obtained at the resorts. Car rentals are also available at the resorts, and daily rates start at approximately US$55.
How does housekeeping work at Elite Island Resorts?
Housekeeping services are provided to guest rooms every other day during your stay.
How far away are the golf courses from the Elite Island Resorts in Antigua?
Golf isn’t included in your base rate, but there are two courses available in Antigua, usually located 30 to 45 minutes from the resort.
Which alcoholic drinks are included in your Elite Island Resorts rate?
All restaurants and bars serve branded liquors, a selection of house wines, and local beer.
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!
