Have recently visited the St. James Club and initially thought the resort had everything to offer - good beaches, excellent facilities and activities, spacious grounds and clean, welcoming rooms and bedrooms. Unfortunately the service and the food in the restaurants didn't always meet those same standards. On several occasions we had to wait a ridiculously long time to be served, especially in the Coco's Bar and Restaurant. On our last visit there, despite complaining that we had received only one course in 90 minutes, we were treated so poorly that we decided not to frequent that restaurant again. We were given the excuse at the time that the restaurant was overbooked - a nonsense considering all bookings were made in advance, so they should have known their limitations. The food in the majority of the resort also became very repetitive and consequently less appealing. The exception to this was the Piccolo Mondo Restaurant where the food and service were superb (but at a supplementary cost to those on an all-inclusive package). For those who enjoy fine dining and excellent surroundings this is a must !! If the rest of the resort took their example from here then the St James Club would have 5* status.

We had a great time at the Beach Club at St James.
We arrived at St James' reception to be handed a welcome drink, much needed in the heat, and a quick check in. However, we had to wait til 4.40pm, about 90 minutes, before our room key was handed over. They are very laid back and I believe the room wasn't ready. It is a short walk beyond some of the St James villas to the three blocks which comprise the Beach Club. We were upstairs with an enormous balcony, while the ground floor rooms allowed you to step out onto the lovely beach. The accommodation was excellent. Spacious, clean and more than adequate. There was a ceiling fan and air conditioning and free use of a safe and a huge bed..

There are two parts to this complex. St James customers can use both lots of facilities while the Beach Club people are restricted to where they can eat and drink. However, this made no difference to us. We ate at Coco's, the best restaurant on the complex. We got to use the Rainbow Garden and Docsiders restaurants at St James on occasions but didn't rate them that much. We were allowed our all inclusive privileges (10am-1am) on the two nights we used those facilities.

You could have lunch at Coco's or on the beach on the 'lagoon' side as we called it. Drinks were also available from that bar, but a drinks cart passed through frequently during the day. You just had to stop the driver and get what you want.

Watersports were free, just book up, and sunbeds and free beach towels were in plentiful supply. The atmosphere was first class throughout. The staff were superb and chilled, there really is no rush and you should follow their example. Entertainment was low key, but very good, a singer while you had lunch or your evening meal. . . .and crab racing

Food was good, plenty of choices, once or twice a week they will serve you, other times it was buffet. Drinks were brand labels, if you wanted pernod you got pernod...and there was plenty of champagne to be had.

One side of the complex is on the atlantic and offers a lovely beach and a welcome breeze. 100 yards on the other side is a calm sea, bizarrely no wind, very hot and where you can find the watersports, Round and about there are several swimming pools, one adult only- so something for everyone.
There is nothing close by, so if you do not want to go on trips or hire a car, you are going to have a lazy vacation.

It takes about 30 minutes to get to the Beach club from the airport, and if you go with Virgin, you can check in at the complex allowing you to go the airport, not laden with bags, much later. By the way, the Virgin rep was top class. Elequent, helpful and to the point,.
I should also mention the Jacaranda bar at St James, where sports fans will enjoy a host of premier league football or other major sports events whenever it is on.

Finally, although the local currency is caribbean dollars everything is charged in US dollars, or they convert US to their own at 2.68 caribbean to the US. You choose, I think next time I would go for US dollars. Remember they charge 20 US dollars OR 50 EC dollars departure tax on departure. This cannot be paid with a credit card- cash only.

We had a memorable time in paradise...I will be happy to answer any queries.

My family and I just returned from St James Club in Antigua. What an awesome resort. Located on Mamora Bay, the view is unbelieveable. Upon are arrival we were greated with smiles and Island Punch. Check in was short and informative. The grounds are beautifully manicured and well kept. We stayed in a two bedroom villa which gave us more than enough room for four people. The food was good although pricey. I highly recommend the Docksider for dinner. The offered the best menu . The resort does offer an All Inclusive Meal Plan which includes three meals a day and drinks. At $75.00 pp/pd it didn't make sense especially if you don't have lunch at the resort. The nightly entertainment was good, With the expection of the Steel Drum Band. They were excellent! As for service, everyone was soooo accomodating and friendly. Shout out to Thomas for driving us around the resort and the Rainbow breakfast staff. You guys rock!! Also much thanks to John and Linda, the Scuba instructors. They were so paitent and attentive. Great expereince especially for first timers.
Overall, this resort is one of the very best resorts that we have visited. I highly reccommend it if you are looking for a fun, relaxing vacation.

Went for our honeymoon and enjoyed every minute. The food was excellent and the food in the Piccilo Mondo was outstanding. Nice and quiet in Septemeber with about 3rd full which meant you always got a good seat in any one of the three resteraunts.
Best bit, lying under a palm tree on the beach and a small golf buggy drives up the beach and serves you a cold beer, nice touch. Some staff appear aloof but on the main can not do enough for you. All inclusive is the way to go, champagne with every meal included. Weather nice and hot and I recommend the helicopter ride round the island. If you want a nice quiet resort, good food, nice beaches and just want to relax and be pampered this is the place for you.
If you want some sport there is snorkelling, scuba, tennis, hobe cat sailing, windsurfing and a gym.
Went with Hayes and Jarvis and our rep at St James,Callie from Bo Tours, was a true professional and looked after us as if we were family, Thanks Callie.