The Verandah Antigua is the kind of resort that comes to mind when you stop and ask yourself, “Hey, I want to spend some time in Antigua at a nice place and certainly don’t want to spend thousands of dollars per night.”
It’s part of the Elite Island Resort chain and gets everything right, even if it’s not as luxurious or fancy as Hammock Cove. That’s understandable, considering that a night here starts at $450, while Hammock Cove costs almost three times as much. So, what do you get? You’ll find spacious suites starting at 700 square feet, two beaches, some nice restaurants, and a very attentive staff. This is the kind of resort perfectly made for couples or adults looking for a peaceful vacation, offering an awesome 8/10 experience and leaving you with a big smile on your face.
What we like about The Verandah Antigua
Let’s start with the rooms, which are a really good way to impress guests once they arrive at The Verandah. Rooms here are either suites or villas, and they’re very spacious, starting at 700 square feet. That’s more than many other resorts in Antigua that cost more per night, by the way. All rooms have a balcony and huge bedrooms with a king-size bed and plenty of space to store your stuff, including a big wardrobe. You’ll even find a kitchenette if you want to wake up and make breakfast yourself. The rooms have an old-school vibe, with lots of wood and brown touches, which I actually really like. It makes you feel like you’re staying in a cozy cottage right next to a quiet beach.
The Verandah Antigua is an all-inclusive resort, meaning that most food and drinks are already included in your base rate. In fact, only one of the six restaurants incurs an extra charge. You don’t need to spend a dime more to enjoy cocktails, beer, and specialty coffee, plus complimentary access to some great restaurants focused on Caribbean cuisine, Italian dishes, a beach grill, and a pizzeria. Nicole’s, the resort’s fancy restaurant, costs $50 per guest. The staff is friendly, and the food is considered great, with tons of options and quality that stand above other all-inclusive resorts in the area.
The resort also has four pools, and I’m pretty sure the main one is the biggest in Antigua. There are plenty of loungers, and you’ll almost never have to fight for a spot. There’s also a beautiful pool with a waterfall and an infinity pool with a shallow second level, where loungers are set right in the water. So yeah, there’s a pool for every taste, and they’re all perfect for catching a nice tan.
There are two main beaches to visit. One of them is really nice and feels like a private cove where you can chill and relax. The other one isn’t as great, with slightly murky water and a dock in the middle. I’d call that one a bonus beach since the main one is definitely the star here. The main beach also has plenty of palm trees that provide some much-needed shade, and you’ll love all the greenery around you.
What we don’t like about The Verandah Antigua
The Verandah Antigua is a big resort, with over 180 rooms that are quite spread out. Remember, your room here is basically like a small house measuring around 700 square feet. Since the rooms are spread apart from each other, the entire resort covers a pretty good distance. This means it’s not the best option for guests with mobility issues, especially since there are some steep slopes in certain areas. You can definitely call reception and ask for a golf cart to take you around, but keep in mind that the resort can feel quite spread out.
Conclusion
The Verandah is a great resort for those who want a spacious room and a sense of seclusion, where couples can relax on their balconies and watch the beautiful beach in the distance. It can feel quite spread out, and you’ll need to do a fair bit of walking, but it’s still a gorgeous destination that both couples and friends can enjoy.
