My wife and I stayed at this hotel in October 2006, to celebrate both our 40th birthdays. We booked with virgin holidays, and stayed for 11 nights. We landed in torrential rain, but wasnt too worried, as weve been to Maldives previously, and landed in rain there. It soon clears up, and although our first day was virtually rained off, it was lovely and warm rain. We got about an hours rain daily, usually in the afternoon, but always cleared quickly. The hotel was bought on the very last day of out stay by Sandalls resorts, although this hotel still I understand trades as the occidental Grand Pineapple. In general terms, I found this hotel to be no more than average in all respects, apart from the beach location, which was beautiful. The food was good enough, but the most annoying thing was having to book your table every day at reception - even though you were all inclusive. We found that 90% of the staff seemed to be there because they had to be - not because they wanted to be. Not particularly happy, nor particularly friendly, guess its just another day in paradise for them. I dont include two or three staff on duty for breakfast, who were lovely, especially the lady who cooks the omelettes, she was so happy and pleasant, and would always greet you with a "hello, how are you this morning". Went on two trips - fishing trip in the morning with "charles" who was great. This trip leaves from the hotel beach, and was very cheap, and excellent value. Stayed out all morning, and didnt take suncream, so got burned, but caught a few barracuda which was great. The other trip which is really good fun is the catamaran trip on the "excellence" catamaran, the biggest catamaran in Antigua. Basically a days trip around the island, seeing all sights from the sea, snorkelling, stopping for lunch, and on another great beach (Turners beach), spotting Oprah Winfreys pad, Lord & lady sainsburys pad, and the unbelievable $25m residence of one Eric Clapton. The one thing they dont mention until you are on the boat is how rough the atlantic part of the trip is. We really enjoyed this - huge waves making the boat almost leave the water, and it was certainly making my bum leave the seat on the way down! It was exactly like being on a roller coaster. If you dont like the water, dont go on this trip - two people were ill, and there was a little two year old girl who was very frightened - should have been warned about the rough ride i thought. This excursion costs about $90, but you may only do one or two excursions on your stay - this one was excellent. If you go into st johns, apart from duty free shops etc, theres not that much to do or see apart from the cruise ships sometimes in dock, a couple of hours there is all you need. All in all, we had no real complaints at the Grand Pineapple, but then again, cant really rave about is. Very nice hotel, mediocre in many respects, would go back but probably wont as there a too many places to try in too many countries!





