Have just returned from a relaxing week at The Verandah - just what we needed after the winter snow in the UK.
The resort is fairly new and very well maintained. The grounds are lush and you can enjoy a stroll around them in the warm Caribbean breeze.
The resort was quite full but never seemed crowded. There was always room at the beaches, pools and restaurants.
The accommodation was clean, spacious, and maintained daily. The views from the ocean front villas are stunning, with large verandahs to enjoy far reaching views over the Atlantic.
There are plenty of water activities as well as a large gym, tennis courts, volley ball, table tennis & beach games. There is also an organised schedule of daily activities from caribbean dancing, water aerobics & organised walks. But if you don't want any of this you can just relax around either of the beaches or swimming pools.
The food was very good. There was plenty of choice in the 3 restaurants, catering for a wide range of international visitors. The service in each was friendly and attentive - it was a pleasure to dine.
The entertainment was well organised and varied (magician, fire eater, singers, steel band etc) but a cardigan was needed for the evenings at the outside bar.
A perfect retreat for a relaxing break where the only big decisions are where to eat & what drink to choose from the extensive range!
We did not go the spa as the prices were high even with a discount voucher. We preferred to stay in the sunshine.

Just returned from St JamesClub in Antiqua and we could not have complained if we had wanted to. Every thing was perfect. Hotel, food, excertions, rooms, water sports, you name it , it was perfect. 10/10.
You must do a trip around the island on a catamaran and snorkel in the warm caribbean sea.
We have been to other islands but this was better.

If you go to Antigua, you must go to Harry's bar on the eastern side of the island in Half Moon Bay (in fact it is called Smiling Harry's (Samuel L Jackson's).
Harry looks identical to Samuel L Jackson. Not only he is most charming and friendly but also he serves excellent Antiguan original food (including fresh fish if he can have access to). Try it with Suzie's chili sauce (best chili sauce in the world - introduced to me by Harry).
The bar is pretty basic but this is the charm of it - unlike those in the all modern hotels on the island.
Harrys' bar is even worth renting a car for, not to mention that to know the island you really need to hire a car for a day or so.
If you want to contact Harry, his postal address is PO Box 133, Mill Reef Club, Antigua.
We went to Antigua for 10 days, stayed at Siboney Beach Hotel in Dickensen Bay (NorthWest of the island) and Cocos on the southwestern side of the island. We made the right decision as both places turn out to be perfect for us, less touristy (we do not like crowd) and have wonderful beaches and original food.
S Petty-Saphon
Cambridge, UK

People need to realize that they are in the jewel of the caribbean while in Antigua with its 365 beaches for each day of the year. All the whining about "service" "stealing" "attitude" exists everywhere else on this planet. Antigua's history alone should be enough to excuse the small percent of people who get ticked off watching foreigners come in and "demand" rudely their requirements as set out in their own countries. I think its time to grow up and start realizing that Antigua has beautiful land, beautiful people and beautiful attributes and that you have to see past your personal pettiness. If you can't handle the pace, which they dictate, then you need to go stay in a Hilton in Vegas, or Holiday Inn in New York and then you might as well not even leave your home if that is the case. Stop all the complaints and realize 2/3's of the world lives in poverty and feel somewhat blessed that you can afford to land yourself in this beautiful country. You need to also take a look at the people who are complaining and realize that many of these are people from countries who were involved in oppressing Antiguans for many years....start respecting Antiguans and then THEY WILL show you a good time when visiting.