Elite Island Resorts operates seven resorts, with five located in Antigua, one in Barbados, and one in Panama. As you might expect, they are true experts when it comes to Antigua, often sharing insider tips and publishing articles about the best places to visit on the island.
Four of their five resorts in Antigua are adults only, while one is family friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. The best part? Every resort is all inclusive, meaning that many activities, restaurants, and perks like Wi Fi are already included in your fare. Some restaurants may have an additional charge, and wine by the bottle might also cost extra.
Navigating all the different Elite Island Resorts can be tricky, but we’re here to help. Not only are we bringing you one of the most comprehensive guides on the internet, but you can also click the Request a Quote button and talk directly with us. Remember, reaching out is completely free, and even better, you won’t pay a single dime more when you book your next vacation through our services. We might even have access to special deals and promotions that aren’t available anywhere else.
In this guide, we’ll give you an in depth look at every Elite Island Resort in Antigua, as well as the ones in Panama and Barbados. Ready to join us? Let’s go.
Overview of Elite Islands Resorts
Elite Islands Resort operates five resorts in Antigua:
- Hammock Cove Antigua (adults-exclusive)
- Galley Bay Resort & Spa (adults-exclusive)
- The Verandah Antigua (adults-exclusive)
- Pineapple Beach Club (adults-exclusive)
- St. James’s Club & Villas (family-friendly)
And two others across the Caribbean and Central America:
- The Club Barbados
- Los Establos Boutique Resort - Panama
Out of all the Antigua resorts listed above, only St. James’s Club & Villas is family friendly. All the others are adults only and reserved for guests ages 16 and up. St. James’s Club & Villas is also the most affordable Elite Island Resort in Antigua, with rates starting around $440 per night, while Hammock Cove is the most luxurious, with rooms starting at about $1,300. These prices are for a single room for two adult guests.
Now let’s take a closer look at each resort and see who they’re best suited for. We’ve also included an average price based on a room for two adults in October. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, but these estimates give you a good idea of the most affordable and the most expensive resorts in the roster.
Elite Islands Resorts in Antigua
Hammock Cove Antigua
- Prices: around $1,300 per night.
- Info: Located in Northeast Antigua; Adults-Exclusive.
- Good for: those that want nothing but luxury that comes at a cost; if you want a beautiful and large room with a private pool; if you want top-notch dining.
Welcome to what might just be the most luxurious Elite Island Resort in the world. Hammock Cove Antigua offers rooms starting at around $1,300 per night, featuring private lounge pools, Michelin star caliber dining, and a personal Guest Ambassador who will make sure you have the time of your life. Every accommodation includes at least 1,080 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space and a private pool that varies in size. If you are looking for a five star resort to celebrate a special occasion, this is the place to be.
Hammock Cove Antigua also features three exclusive Michelin caliber restaurants included in your fare, along with the Tranquillity Body and Soul Spa, one of the best spas in the entire resort chain, offering five treatment rooms and complete two hour experiences that range from $385 to $500.
Activities include a three tier infinity pool, a two tier white sand beach with a scenic boardwalk, a fitness center, kayaks, yoga classes, and sports courts. You will also have access to your personal Guest Ambassador who provides concierge style service throughout your stay. All in all, this is a top tier boutique style resort for those who want nothing but the best of the best.
Galley Bay Resort & Spa
- Prices: around $1,100 per night.
- Info: Located in Western Antigua; Adults-Exclusive.
- Good for: romantic couples; if you want nothing but peace and quiet.
Refined and unpretentious, that is how Galley Bay defines itself. While other resorts might focus only on beaches and sunshine, Galley Bay blends a stunning beach with lush tropical gardens to create a truly romantic atmosphere. This resort is all about privacy, with only 98 guest rooms spread across 40 acres of gardens. It is not only one of the most romantic Elite Island Resorts but was also named by TripAdvisor as one of the top ten most romantic resorts in the Caribbean. Yeah, that’s a great place to enjoy a honeymoon!
Prices here are around $1,100 per guest, and this resort stands right next to Hammock Cove when it comes to offering the best of the best. Rooms range from 400 to 645 square feet, small and cozy in a peaceful and quiet setting. Galley Bay is also known for its farm to table culinary experience and three open air restaurants that are perfect for a romantic dinner. Every restaurant is included in your fare, although some may require reservations.
Activities include a guided garden tour that explores the resort’s farm to table philosophy, cooking demonstrations, beachside movie nights, and rum tasting sessions. You will also find yoga classes, sports courts, a fitness center, a spa, jogging and bike trails, snorkeling, kayaks, and more. There is also a lagoon style freshwater swimming pool surrounded by waterfalls and gardens. If you are looking for a quiet and romantic resort with cozy rooms and beachfront hammocks, this might just become your new favorite place.
The Verandah Antigua
- Prices: around $460 per night.
- Info: Located in Northeast Antigua; Adults-Exclusive.
- Good for: beach lovers; explorers; if you want a big room.
The Verandah Antigua is a boutique style resort located on 30 acres of palm studded beachfront, with rooms for two guests starting at around $460 per night. It is located near Devil's Bridge National Park and has several hiking trails, making this a perfect spot not only for a romantic vacation but also for those who love to stay active and explore.
This resort offers several room options, starting at 700 square feet and going up to 1,400 square feet, with the most expensive rooms featuring private plunge pools. It includes ten different restaurants and bars, with only one not included in your fare: Nicole’s restaurant, which costs $50 per guest and offers fine gourmet dining. Other than that, you can enjoy a variety of free restaurants that focus on Italian cuisine, seafood, pizzerias, and more.
There are four pools, including a waterfall pool, and two beautiful private beaches lined with palm trees. Activities include kayaking, sailing, beach volleyball, mini golf, a fitness center, a spa, pickleball courts, and local evening entertainment. The Verandah is larger and less personal than Hammock Cove, but it offers some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Pineapple Beach Club
- Prices: around $440 per night.
- Info: Eastern Antigua; Adults-Exclusive.
- Good for: party lovers; groups of friends.
Looking for a luxurious resort with a more casual vibe that is perfect for those who love to party? Pineapple Beach Club might be for you. This adults only resort features a quarter mile beach that is great not only for romantic couples, but also for singles and groups of friends who want to relax or maybe meet that special someone. Rooms start at around $440 per night, making this one of the most affordable Elite Island Resorts in Antigua while still being considered a top tier destination.
The property features 180 rooms divided into five different categories, ranging from 300 to 390 square feet. There is also the Chairman’s Suite, the only one of its kind, which sits at the top of the resort and measures an impressive 1,000 square feet.
When it comes to dining, the resort offers around ten different restaurants and bars, with only one requiring an extra charge: Orchids Restaurant, a fine dining steakhouse, costs $50 per guest. The others include Italian and Caribbean options, barbecue spots, buffets, and more, all included in your fare.
Guests can also enjoy a wide range of water activities, sports courts, two freshwater swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, and some lively parties for those who want to keep the fun going, with live bands and beach bonfires at night.
St. James’s Club & Villas
- Prices: around $450 per night (or around $560 if you add two young children)
- Info: Southeastern Antigua; Family-Friendly.
- Good for: families and children.
Welcome to THE family friendly Elite Island Resort in Antigua! St. James’s Club & Villas is a resort that welcomes guests of all ages to a beautiful resort with a private club atmosphere. It features a Kids Club, six swimming pools, two beaches, and above all, a warm sense of hospitality. St. James’s is one of the most popular resorts on the island and a great destination for families who want to have fun, get a tan, and enjoy great food. It’s a large 100 acre resort located on a beautiful peninsula that you can explore by golf cart or on foot. Oh, and here’s a fun secret: although St. James’s is part of the Elite Island Resorts group, it’s actually managed by Marriott.
Rooms are divided into Standard Rooms, Suites, and Villas. Standard Rooms feel like a classic hotel stay and start at 425 square feet, while the Villas are massive homes for groups of friends or large families, reaching up to 1,900 square feet.
St. James’s Club & Villas offers five main restaurants and a beach bar and grill. The only one with an extra charge is Piccolo Mondo, which costs $50 per guest and serves Italian cuisine with a Caribbean twist. There are also seven bars and a coffee shop, making this one of the resorts in Antigua with the widest range of dining options.
Activities include a complimentary Kids Club for children ages 4 to 12, tennis and pickleball courts, a spa, a fitness center, and even access to a golf course located about 30 minutes away for an additional fee. If you are looking for a family vacation in Antigua that combines fun, relaxation, and great service, then St. James’s Club & Villas is the perfect choice.
Elite Islands Resorts in Barbados and Panama
The Club Barbados
- Prices: around $430 per night.
- Info: Barbados’s West Coast; Adults-Exclusive.
- Good for: those looking for small and intimate locations; if you want an adults-only and all-inclusive resort in Barbados; rum lovers.
Ready to join The Club? This is a small and peaceful resort in Barbados, and the only adults-only all inclusive resort on the entire island. It’s known for its relaxing yet social atmosphere and some unique perks you won’t find at other resorts on this list. For example, The Club features an elegant piano lounge where you can enjoy live classical music in the evening, and a dedicated rum lounge for guests who want to sip something distinctly Caribbean.
The resort features 157 rooms that range from 330 to 550 square feet. When it comes to dining, guests can enjoy two restaurants, a beach grill, and four bars that serve a mix of international and Bajan cuisine. Some of the most popular spots include the Piano Bar and the Rum Shop Bar, where you can play billiards or join the Rum & History Tour. For something extra special, you can even book a romantic dinner under the stars for an additional cost.
Activities include kayaking, snorkeling, dance classes, a three tier swimming pool, sports courts, mixology classes, and fun themed parties that celebrate Bajan roots and rhythm. This resort feels upscale yet laid back, making it an excellent choice for adults looking to relax and enjoy the charm of Barbados.
Los Establos Boutique Resort
- Prices: around $600 per night.
- Info: Located in Boquete, Panama; guests need to be 12yo+.
- Good for: if you prefer mountains over beaches; if you love outdoor adventures.
The only Elite Island Resort in Panama might also be its most unique. This 16 acre boutique property sits high in the mountains and offers a spectacular view of Panama’s iconic volcano, Volcán Barú. Here, you trade beaches for a cozy and intimate mountaintop escape. It’s located in the Boquete region, home to some of the country’s oldest coffee plantations and processing mills. One of the best perks? All tours and excursions are included in your stay.
Guests can choose from traditional rooms and suites to charming cottages that look like something straight out of a movie. Accommodations range from 425 to 549 square feet, each offering beautiful mountain views. There’s one main restaurant on site serving authentic Panamanian meals, and several local dining options nearby for an additional cost.
Included tours feature experiences like the Rainforest Coffee Tour, Bird Watching, the Caldera Hot Springs Tour, and Canopy Zip Lining, among others. The resort also features a spa with a swimming pool and a fitness center. As you can probably tell, this is the perfect destination for travelers who love nature, outdoor adventures, and a peaceful mountain retreat.
Our Awards for the best Elite Island Resorts in Antigua
Let’s have a little fun and give out some awards to the Elite Island Resorts in Antigua. They are all so different that it can be hard to decide which one is best for you, and we hope our guide has helped a bit with that. This section is for answering questions like “Which resort is the best for you?” on the spot. Let’s give it a try.
What is the best Elite Island Resort in Antigua?
We have to give that title to Hammock Cove Antigua. It’s the newest resort, just about three years old, and features incredible rooms with private pools, elegant restaurants, and a peaceful atmosphere. Everything here feels top notch, though it’s definitely not a budget friendly option.
What is the most romantic Elite Island Resort in Antigua?
Our pick is Galley Bay Resort & Spa. It’s the most secluded of the group, with charming boutique style rooms, a beautiful beach, and gorgeous tropical gardens. The open air restaurants are stunning and the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or any special occasion.
What is the best Elite Island Resort in Antigua for singles and groups of friends?
Easy choice: Pineapple Beach Club. It’s one of the most affordable resorts in the group, which makes it easier to plan a vacation with friends. It’s also known for its lively parties and laid back atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a fun and social vacation.
What is the best family-friendly Elite Island Resort in Antigua?
Well, there’s basically one choice: St. James’s Club & Villas. But hey, it’s a great one. The resort features several swimming pools and dining options, along with a Kids Club for children ages 4 to 12 and plenty of activities for both kids and adults.
What is a good Elite Island Resort in Antigua for a first vacation?
Let’s go with The Verandah Antigua! It’s not an expensive resort, with rooms starting around $460 per night, and it offers beautiful beaches, spacious rooms and plenty of hiking trails. It’s a great choice for a romantic getaway that combines some of the best features Elite Island Resorts are known for.
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!
