My husband and I came back from the Verandah on 24 September after a week's holiday. We were totally impressed with the resort. We liked the fact that because it was not too big, it did not become in-personal. Larger hotels you cam sometimes feel lost and just a number.

Do not listen to the negative reviews on Trip Advisor, I made the decision to go based on the more recent reviews being positive. I think the early hiccups were due to building works. I am so glad that I wasn't influenced by the negative reviews.

If you are looking for a holiday where you want lots of night life, this is not for you, as the pace is different and that is what we loved. The hotel always provided entertainment. I particularly liked the magician.

I found all of the hotel staff to be extremely friendly and cannot believe that people have said they are un-friendly. I do believe however that "please" and "thank you" go a long way, and that if you are rude to staff, then maybe you don't get the best service.

Our room was very near to the restraunts and the pool so were extremely lucky (the location was ideal). The main pool was superb - always spotless and comfortable sunbeds (for a change). Not too overcrowded either, which was lovely.

The rooms were immaculate and spacious. Not ultra plush, but could not fault them. The bathrooms were huge, you could easily bathe your whole family in there.

We found the food was of a high standard. Nicoles gave fantastic service and made you feel special. They were extremely attentive. This is not a complaint, just an observation, the meals sometimes were a little bland, but of an extremly high standard. Use the beach bar in the day as well, lovely snacks. Fish fingers were great.

Drinks were great and lovely cocktails. Also used branded spirits, not cheap equivalents. No need to worry eiher about drinking bottled water or ice cubes (which always worries me) as they had some water filtering system.

Free internet use which I used when it rained one day - in guest services! The shop is very expensive. I bought a botte of rum at 25USD and could have bought it in St Johns for 10 USD. Cigarettes are very cheap in Antigua- 19 USD for 200. Either buy them on the plane or at the airport going home. The airport hoing home is not good for shopping, but at least it was air-conditioned!

We did 2 trips - went to St John's. There was not a lot there, obviously aimed at the cruise ships - diamonds and tacky souveniers. Found some of the locals were quite pushy almost to the point of getting nasty if you didn't buy souveniers from their stall. Went on the Virgin Catamaran Trip - this was excellent. A great way to see the Island and a lovely way to catch the sun! I would realy recommend this trip.

We also walked to Devil's Bridge on our first day there via the road and got lost. Do not be fooled when it is over-cast, we got extremely sun burnt. Go via the path from the beach - only 10 minutes!

I also had a massage whilst I was at the Verandah - Deep Tissue. I throughly enjoyed this and would recommend this to you if you are considering having one whilst you are there.

All in all, this was fabulous holiday and you will not be disappointed. But please bear in mind, it is a chill out holiday.

I have to honestly say, we have never ever considered going back somewhere twice because we like to try different destinations as that is part of the excitement , but we are considering it . Why run the risk of going somewhere which may not live up to this?

Stayed at this resort 19th Sep - 3rd Oct. Did consider changing to another resort after reading some negative comments - so pleased we didn't. We have been fortunate enough to visit different caribbean islands and can't fault the Antiguan people - so friendly.

Beautiful resort kept in immaculate condition. Did not find one rude member of staff at all. Found all staff friendly and helpful, a special thanks to Samuel, Neil, Lionel, Abbe, Margaret, Roberta, Nicole, Steve, Judian, Vera, Michael and Felisia.

Security not a problem at all, we were always last out of the bar late at night or should I say "Office" as we all renamed it and felt safe walking back to our room or around the resort.

Rooms are gorgeous and cleaned daily, there could be noise from the next room which I think the hotel may need to look at.

There is a dress code in the restaurants which we didn't know about, they were trying to enforce a shirt with a collar (polo shirt will do) but they did allow 3/4 trousers.

No charge at Nicoles yet which was really nice and service impeccable. Only critisim with the restaurants is lack of choices for people who don't eat much meat or vegetarians. The buffet was very basic, salad limited but after speaking with Guest Services this improved and the chef prepared a baked potato for me as and when required. They really do want to make things great so if you do have any queries call into guest services who do bend over backwards to help in any way they can.

We stayed for 14 nights which was fine because we met some great people (hi to John & Alicia, Matt & Michelle, Tom & Nicki, Alison & Sophie, Chris & Donna, Richard & Chris) and everyone else that met in the office. That said, had it just been the two of us maybe 10 nights would have been better as the resort is very quiet.

We did a tour around the island which was great and felt very secure.

If you want any further info, please get in touch as this is truly a fantastic resort well worth a visit!

We stayed at the Verandah for 1 week in October 2008.

When we first arrived we were greeted by the friendly staff and gorgeous setting. This set the scene for our week's holiday.

The waterview suite we stayed in was of a high standard, air conditioning was a god send and worked well. The bath was huge, ample room for a small family!

The resort itself was like paradise, extremely peaceful with well kept and manicured grounds.

The food at 3 restraurants (and the beach bar) was excellent- we recommend the pork loin from the beach bar with a mango or coconut crush- or maybe pina colada. The view from the beach was breath taking looking over the bay.

Breakfast in the morning was always excellent, Keevil can rustle up a mean omelette!

All the staff we came across could not be friendlier. Vera on the bar, Tyline and Sheddy in the restaurant and not to forget George at the watersports, who taught us how to sail!

The main beach was a good size, with adequate shade (could do with a little more) and the sea water normally clear allowing you to snorkel and see the marine life. There is a foot path that leads from the beach to Devils Bridge and takes about 10minutes to get there. Don't do what we did and go via the main road as it takes about 30-40mins!

As a final point, we had read a previous review about the tree frogs being disturbing at night. This cannot be further from the truth, they simply add to the already peaceful and magic of such a beautiful resort.

Taxis are freely available from the hotel reception, one particular taxi driver was extremely helpful and lovely person. We can highly recommend using Thea Williams for your journeys around Antigua.

To summarise The Verandah offers you a peaceful, safe and relaxing excellent value for money holiday. We would certainly recommend it to anyone planning a holiday to Antigua and will definetly be returning ourselves.

We stayed at the Verandah during the 1st week of September and had a wonderful time. The resort is very beautiful, the grounds are very well kept with gorgeous tropical plants and flowers. The maids put the most beautiful flowers in our bathrooms on the first day which was very welcoming. The rooms are really well equipped, spacious and are kept really clean. We went with our two teenagers who had their own room really close to the main pool and ours was close to them but overlooked the Bay.
Food in the restaurants was first class, we preferred Nicoles when it was open as the air conditioning was better, also the food was superb in there, as it was in buccaneers too.
It was pretty quiet in september. We never had trouble getting sunbeds in the morning or afternoon, either by the pool or beach. The free watersports were great fun, the kayaks were really good and you could paddle round for ages with no time limit, so you could really please yourself.
With regards to the staff, we found them all friendly to us in both the bar and the restaurants.
Know your cocktails before you go and be prepared to tell the bar staff whats in the drink you want cos there is no menu, but they have every drink you can think of so can probably make anything for you!
It was a relaxing holiday for us, we did the walk to devils bridge which is easy to get to and worth a visit, we also walked to Long Bay Beach, there are some beach hut shops there which sell trinkets t-shirts etc, the women who work in the shops are pushy but friendly -especially if you buy!
We had a great week on the Virgin 241 Deal, it was well worth it in our eyes, we had great accomodation, food and drink.
Make sure you don't dorget to take anything though cos the shop on site was pretty dear for essentials.
A great place to go for a quiet holiday (apart from the tree frogs at night! incredible sound)