Well, I gave this much thought and wondered if I should say much more than it was ok. The weather was less than perfect, but it wasn't snow, so we made due with what we got. The day we arrived, Jan. 22nd, the winds were high as was the surf. I wasn't prepared for this at all. They eventually died down for a a few days and then picked back up Friday night. Saturday it rained off and on all day and there was no sun to be found. The winds were high again and it made it difficult to do much of anything.

The winds howled through the cracks in the windows of our room and took some getting used to. The rooms themselves were spotless and had a tropical charm to them. The windows were ill fitted and the screens tended to blow out or fall out on their own. I was thankful there didn't seem to be any mossies to speak of while we were there, otherwise we would have been bitten to death!

It was a bit muggy at times and the a/c couldn't compete with the wind blowing in around the windows. We managed ok, made adjustments to our clothing and sleeping attire to cope with this fact. The location of the room was awesome though, we had a waterside room. The view was beautiful and we enjoyed that every day, sun, rain or wind, it was impressive.

We enjoyed the breakfast buffet the most during our visit. The omlette lady, Joanne made fabulous omlettes and we enjoyed them the most. Lunch was not bad, but I tended to go to the snack bar near the pool for lunch after 2 days of the lunch buffet choices.

Dinner, well that was our worst meal and it was difficult to find anything on the a la carte menu that we wanted to eat. When we did find something, it was either cold or took so long to get it that it we were past the point of being hungry. I am not sure why they do only a la carte for dinners most nights. I plan on making a suggestion to go to a buffet style dinner option for those that can't find anything worth eating or waiting for on the a la carte menu.

It was so bad, that by Friday I was fed up and talked to the food and beverage manager along with the hotel manager about the problems. They attempted to make up for the poor dinners on Sat. which is the night we were able to reserve our dinner at the Pineapple Grill. We were given the "upgraded" menu and told to have whatever we want. We actually did have a great time that night and told the manager the next morning.

The problems seem to arise from the resort overbooking and not being prepared for this fact. Also, the manager told me that they had a flu going around the island and some of his wait staff were sick with it. I knew service could be slower and things a bit more laid back, but the problems went beyond that and with the amount of money you pay, the overall outcome didn't meet what was paid.

The other thing I was disappointed in, was there was really not much to do on or near the resort. The tiny gift shop closed at 5pm, which meant the access to the internet was limited. The Saturday before we left was a miserable wet and chilly day. There were no activities planned to help pass the day and I think they need to look at having more things to do on the resort.

Overall it wasn't the vacation I had in mind. No one had control over the weather of course, but the overall experience at the resort was not stellar and that was something that could have been controlled and managed better. Most of the staff were pleasant and helpful and they made up for those that seemed a bit sullen. I don't blame the staff as much as I do new management. We heard similar complaints from others while staying there, so we were not alone in our disappointment.

I am sure there are many that have had an awesome time at the resort and this is in no way to say they are wrong. It was just not what I was expecting and it didn't live up to those expectations due to many factors. I wouldn't go back, but wouldn't tell people not to go because everyone is different.

My wife and I just returned from the Grand Pineapple on the east coast of Antigua. Our one week from January 9th to the 16th of 2006 was very warm; we got good colour. It's a beautiful setting with a near perfect beach and well manicured grounds. The entire beach takes 3 1/2 minutes to walk, end to end so if you're looking for miles and miles of sand like Myrtle Beach or St. Pete's you won't find it in Antigua, but the sand is very light and fine. I enjoyed the fact that the water gets deep relatively quickly and you don't have to wade out far to get a good swim. Don't be alarmed, it rains every day, but only for a few minutes then it's back to the baking sun.
While I'm mentioning swimming, I must address one down side a found at this resort. I'm a snorkeler and scuba diver and have been for years. I love to dive deep (30 - 50 ft.) while holding my breath. I cant' speak about the waters here all the time, but for the week we were there, the water had churned up the sand and the visibility was poor. There are many reefs which are easily swimable from shore, but as I said, not much to see. It did clear slightly as the week went on, but nothing like Grand Caymen or Manzanillo Mex. However, the water was warm and enjoyable. Being on the Atlantic side of the island, it was fairly rough every day and always a stiff breaze. We took out a kayak, but didn't venture too far with the wife as the waves would break on the many reefs.
There's plenty of sun, yet plent of shade available for when the sun gets too much. The two pools are smaller than some of the other larger resorts, but well kept and warm.
There's a nicely equiped gym placed so you get a bit of a work out getting to it, but no saunas, steams or hot tubs.
The food is excellent with the water being served in the diningroom very agreeable to the north American traveller. My wife has one of those stomachs that will instantly let her know if something's amiss and she had no difficulty the whole week. My only other point of contention with the resort, I should insert here. It's intirely all inclusive so I did find it rather annoying to have to wait to be seated at all 3 meals. There was only 1 kindly lady seating the masses and nobody moves very fast in Antigua. (pronounced correctly An-tee-ga by the way)
We took the power catamaran (the Excellence) around the island which was a blast. I wanted to do the sailing one, but my wife talked me out of it and after speaking with many, the power is better. It's a lot of fun out on the ocean, it goes faster so there's more time to snorkel and see the harbours and sites. As for the sailing adventures, the sails only get hoisted briefly and when under power, it's rougher for a longer period of time because it's much slower.
We enjoyed the beach volleyball and ping-pong, but if you're after a rip-roarin' go all the time party, this isn't the place. It's relaxed, picturesque with vertually nobody to bother you on the beach. Once in a while a local artisan or entrepenuer will ask if you'd like to see something, but that's rare.
Don't miss walking (go yourself) the mile and a half to "Devil's Bridge" and take your camera. The crashing, boiling cotton white surf on the peacock blue ocean is magnificent. Wear something you don't mind getting wet and walk near the edge; live a little!
The locals are friendly and never in a hurry (unless they're driving a vehicle).
SUGGESTION: Take an old board with you and put your names and where you're from on it. Take a good Robertson screw and a driver and mount it somewhere up at Mary's outhouse when you have a delicious (included) lunch up there on the cliff. It's the most picturesque dining spot you'll ever find and you'll add you're sign to hundreds of others which are fun to read as you munch on chicken and ribs with a rum or a Wadadli (local beer).
SUMMARY: It's a wonerful, wonderful country and we will go again, but next time we'll try the west coast of Antigua. Maybe the water is a tad calmer over there and better suited to kayaking etc. The colour of the water is astounding. Make sure you have a polorizer filter for you camera lense.
Go, the Grand Pineapple is lovely!

We have just returned from a 2 week holiday in the Caribbean. One week at the Rendevous in St Lucia (fantastic) and the second week at the Grand Pineapple Beach in Antigua.

We had a relaxing week but we will not be going back and I would not recommend the hotel. The actual property and the beach are lovely and well taken care of, but the service is almost non-existant. It is either a problem of not enough staff or they have employed the wrong staff.

The food in all three restaurants is very average. You need to stand in a queue for half an hour first thing in the morning to book a table for dinner and then you need to stand in another queue to be seated for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Some people seemed to enjoy it but for us, especially after such a fantastic week in St Lucia, it is definately a Butlins in the Caribbean. Very disappointing and not worth the money.

Read plenty of bad revues don't know what they expect for their money it'a not Ritz Carlton! We had garden view room, basic but clean and tidy, aircon noisey so didn't use at night, ceiling fan was fine. Topaz food was fine don't miss Caribbean Buffet GREAT! If you don't like aything in the menu Dale the restaurant manager will do his best to fulfill your request. Pineapple Grill is popular so book early.
Beach was cleaned every day we think one of the best on the island. From hotel manager to garden staff all were very helpful and caring.
For the money good value