Welcome to what might be described as a very authentic Caribbean resort in Antigua. What do we mean by that? Well, this is a laid-back resort, with lots of activities inspired by Caribbean customs and dancing, great food, sun all year, and where flip-flops are basically part of your body.
While other Elite Island Resorts focus more on romantic atmospheres and luxury, Pineapple Beach Club offers it all. It has moments for honeymooners, plenty for groups of friends, and even solo travelers who want to catch a nice tan. It’s the jack of all trades among Caribbean resorts and a great choice for anyone looking for an all-inclusive vacation.
What we like about Pineapple Beach Club
Pineapple Beach Club used to be Sandals Grand Pineapple before Elite Island Resorts bought it and gave it a complete overhaul. Nowadays, it’s a compact resort that offers a ton of fun activities, and more than many other resorts on the island, which tend to have a “romance is in the air” vibe.
Pineapple Beach Club has plenty of water activities, six Pickleball courts, two tennis courts, and evening beach parties. It offers something for everyone, from couples and singles to big groups of friends and basically anyone just looking for a good time. Well, anyone except children, since this is an adults-only resort. Just a heads up, the resort is built on a hillside, so expect some stairs when heading to the more peaceful areas. Good news though, at the top of the hill you will find one of the quietest and best pools at Pineapple Beach Club.
The beach here is also very good, and even better than the one at nearby The Verandah Antigua resort. It is long, with half of it private and the other half open to the public. The water is calm and protected by a band of coral, making it a great spot for snorkeling. There are also plenty of complimentary water hammocks where guests can sit back and relax while enjoying a pina colada.
Food here is very good and considered better than what you find at many other all-inclusive resorts. There are four bars and six restaurants, with only one that comes at an extra charge. Options include a buffet, an Italian restaurant, a Caribbean restaurant, and one focused on barbecue. The food is great, even if it is not quite as superb as what you will find at other Elite Island Resorts like Hammock Cove and Galley Bay.
As you can see, this is a great resort if you want to enjoy one of the best beaches in Antigua and stay somewhere that offers a little bit of everything. It might not be the top choice for a super romantic vacation, but it is perfect for anyone visiting a beach resort for the first time or for travelers who do not want to spend thousands of dollars per night.
What we don’t like about Pineapple Beach Club
Pineapple Beach Club is great, but it does have a few issues. One of them is that the rooms can feel a bit outdated. They are not as big as the ones you find at the similarly priced The Verandah, and not as cozy as those at Hammock Cove or Galley Bay.
Another downside is that the beach is half private and half public. I would definitely recommend sticking to the private section, since the public area often has vendors selling all kinds of things and, honestly, it can be a bit of a nuisance when all you want to do is relax.
It is also disappointing that free Wi-Fi is only available in some public areas, and you need to pay extra to use it in your room. That is a letdown, especially considering this is an all-inclusive resort where rates start at over four hundred dollars per night. Come on, Pineapple, Wi-Fi is essential nowadays and does not cost much, so why hide it behind a paywall?
Conclusion
Pineapple Beach Club is a great resort that suits all kinds of travelers, from friends who like to party to honeymooners. It has a beautiful beach, good restaurants and plenty of fun activities. Having to pay for Wi-Fi in your room is disappointing, but that should not be enough to stop you from enjoying this charming Antigua resort.
