This was our second stay at AYCM Resort, my husband Patrick and I absolutely loved our stay the 1st time that we just had to come back the following year, staying at the AYCM Resort was really a no brainer!
Service / Staff:
The staff are so incredibly friendly and professional, a real warm welcome and family feel! They genuinely want you enjoy your stay and experience Antigua for all it has to offer. All were so helpful with information, advice, tips etc.
On arrival we were greeted warmly by Kasif whom remembered us from our stay last year, we were given an automatic upgrade with breathtaking views of the harbour, our upgrade room had a kitchen which was a great bonus. Needless to say, Patrick and I were blown away by the exceptional service and the picturesque views our balcony had to offer.
We also caught up with some of the amazing staff we had met from last year, to name a few, Atroni, Meechi, Bernadette, Nakisha all of whom gave exceptional service.
The General Manager Devin was so hospitable and ensured we had a great time, went above and beyond his call of duty!
Rooms:-
The rooms are clean, with large bathrooms and showers offering spacious showers with great water pressure. Bernadette did an amazing job of leaving nice fresh warm fluffy towels for us daily. The rooms come with a large balcony offering spectacular scenic views with table and chairs perfect for catching a meal or drink and watching the sunrise or sunset or just catching a snooze.
Amenities:
Gym facilities with good machines, wifi, tea & coffee available in reception area
Surroundings:-
The hotel is perfectly located in English Harbour, perfect location as you can easily walk to Nelson's Dockyard for the national park (5mins walk) great history and amazing sites, as well as Shirley Heights(10 min drive).
Bus 17 stops right outside the hotel which goes straight into St John's cost approx 2.75 EC. Also there is a local supermarket with international produce called Covent walking distance approx 5-6mins. There is also a smaller one within the hotel grounds.
Dining
There are a selection of local bars, and restaurants, Flatties, Trappas, some close up earlier when off peak so do double check. I must say our favourite was the local spots for value, taste as well authentic local dishes, also these do stay open all year which is a plus.
You must check out Grace before Meals who serves breakfast and Lunch and some homemade hot pepper sauce, serving amazing dishes average cost $15 US for 2 including drinks very reasonably priced. Jackie's also services some amazing local dishes as does Caribbean Taste.
If you fancy a local hearty breakfast try Mrs Allen who has a stand just outside of the petrol station again a gooden!
Things to do locally:-
Check out the local fish fry on Friday evenings at Nelsons Dockyard which is a sporting Fish event with prizes awarded for largest catches. In the evening they have live music and fresh fish along with other foods / drinks served nice vibes and good food for reasonable.
Pigeon Point beach is about a 10 minute stroll beautiful beach with great views and a nice local vibe on weekends.
Shirley heights on a Sunday afternoon/evening is a must great live music and BBQ entry fee as well as BBQ / drinks paid for separately.
If you fancy beach hoping, you're spoilt for choice, you can hire a car and take an adventure on the roads.
Also we accidentally came across a tropical Garden, called Greengold Tropical Gardens, 4 acre botanical garden ranging with tropical plants worldwide grown over 28 years. The owner Rodney George has an incredible wealth of knowledge and gave us a personal guided tour...learnt so much! Such a treasure
located east of Betty's hope along the road to Long Bay and Sting Ray City.
Car Rental:
Taxi's can work out to be pretty expensive, so a more cost effective option may be car hire, we found Bigs Rental in the same compound as the hotel to be really helpful and prices comparable.
Needless to say, we will be back for sure....cannot wait!
Thanks to all the team at AYCM for making our stay special!
Debbie & Patrick :)