The Verandah Resort & Spa

The Verandah is a very large and charming resort. There are two beach areas and the first one you see it not the better of the two so don’t despair, when you first arrive. The Beach grill is located at the first beach and was a highlight of the stay. We had great lunches there. I can’t remember the female chefs name but she made the BEST jerk chicken and ribs. Theodore is a server there and he was so amazing, fun and attentive. He remembered, on the last day of our trip, everything about us from our first day- even down to where we sat and our drink preferences. He was even more personable than many of the butlers we have had at other resorts. We had a premium ocean front room in one of the buildings furthest from the lobby. There are golf carts to transport guests but found them slow to come around when waiting at the stops in between. Definitely recommend calling ahead if you know you will need one. Our room was very spacious. The shower was tiled recently but plastic still remained between thresholds and was poorly finished. There is a large shower but a tiny, old shower head. The verandah could benefit from upgraded furniture or a hammock and really needs repairs and paint. These are the units facing the nicer of the two beaches and the view of them from the beach also reveals that it could use some repairs and paint. There were a few bottles of water and a cheese plate in the fridge but no mini bar items. When you check in - the extra fees are explained in detail. I didn’t find the “every other day cleaning” to be an issue but when charging so many extra resort fees- it grates a bit. They charge more for resort fees each day than other resorts on the island that we stayed at that offer “more” in amenities. I would love to see upgraded shower fixtures, maybe some wood beam features on the ceiling and repaired and upgraded Verandahs as that is the name. They should also offer better bags to guests than those cheap, ugly paper ones.

We don't usually go to all inclusive resorts but we found The Verandah to be a very pleasant exception. There are a good selection of specialty restaurants to compliment the general buffet. The staff without exception were all wonderful and very accommodating to all requests. The sea view facing rooms are well worth the expense.

If you are like me, you are probably reading a ton of reviews about the Verandah Antigua, wondering if you should book here. I did the same thing. My advice after visiting for 5 days, definitely book this resort. It was a wonderful, relaxing stay. The property is beautiful with 3 pools including an infinity pool, where we were the only guests there for one afternoon having the entire pool to ourselves. The layout of the property makes it feel less crowded, even though we believe the resort was at capacity. We loved the beaches especially Lovers Beach, often sitting in the morning sipping our coffee and watching the pelicans dive for breakfast. The restaurants were good. Set your expectations. If you are a foodie, you may not be impressed with the buffet, but we could always find something good to eat on it, especially for breakfast where Marina at the omelette station was wonderful and remembered my order after 2 days. We ate at Portofino’s for two meals and really enjoyed the Caesar salad to start and the chicken parm. Again set your expectations. If you are used to Italian from Little Italy or the North End in Boston, you might be disappointed. The focaccia bread that they start with though at the meal wasn’t my favorite. That being said, the food was solid. We did eat at Sail’s & Tails as well and my roasted chicken with pimento and rum sauce was piping hot and juicy. I would highly recommend that. My friend got the strip steak which could have been a bit warmer. The staff is what makes the Verandah Antigua special. Shout outs to Gem at the travel excursion desk, Theodore who we met one day one and made us feel some welcome, Natasha the server, Devon the driver, the General Manager of the property and really all the staff at the Verandah. They were so helpful and warm. There’s also an orange tiger cat Ginger who loves getting attention.

One of the most amazing vacations I've been on! This was my third trip to Antigua, and first stay at the Verandah. The resort overall was exceptionally clean, rooms were spacious, recently updated and well-appointed with small kitchen area with coffee maker, kettle, mini fridge and sink. Bathroom was large and featured a walkin shower. Our room (262/Yucca) had a large balcony with views of the sunrise. I traveled in a group with 6 ladies and there were plenty of activities to keep us all entertained. We enjoyed the foam party, bracelet making by the pool, karaoke and the managers cocktail party. We also did the Calypso Cat excursion. Plenty of variety in food options so that we never felt like we were having to repeat meals. All food was fresh and very tasty. TIP: at the Sea Breeze restaurant, there's a cook to order station at both breakfast and dinner. Have eggs made exactly how you like or a perfect pasta dish on italian night! Staff were above and beyond friendly and engaging - something we noticed was missing when we used the day pass to visit the neighbouring Pineapple Beach Club resort (same owner, but different management team, and it shows). Even staff who had no direct need to interact with you would smile and say hello! We got to know several staff members by name during our week there and at the end we felt like we were leaving friends behind. The main beach wasn't a favourite for lounging, but we found the watersports beach lovely and the pelicans and egrets were highly entertaining! Even though we were told the resort was at 70%+ capacity, it never felt crowded. We were always able to find loungers and shade and drink service was regular. The coffee shop is also a must to check out! As someone who doesn't drink alcohol, I had concerns that there would be options for me but I was pleasantly surprised - just be prepared that you can ask 5 bartenders for the same drink and get 5 different variations of that drink - all delicious though!! We also appreciated that it was adults only, making it a quieter resort overall. There are plenty of pool options also, with the main pool being a bit more active. Lots of activities and sports available on land and on sea. Definitely looking into a return trip!!

Awesome trip! Wonderful pools and beaches. Several restaurants and bars to choose from, nightly entertainment. There are shuttles available if you need assistance. Accommodations were very nice. Everyone was very friendly. Will definitely return.