Rum Therapy Blog Archives | Page 13 of 47

May 2, 2016May 29, 2019

Kalooki’s, Beach Restaurant & Bar

Kalooki’s, a beach restaurant & bar in Providenciales sits on a pretty stretch of beach in Blue Hills, on the north side of the island.

The location once was the site of a beach bar by the name of Horse-Eye Jacks, but was purchased by the current owners a few years ago.

A pretty location set among some lush foliage, Kalooki’s offers dishes with a Caribbean flare and from what we hear, a dash of Jamaican seasoning as one of the owners has Jamaican roots.

Although we didn’t dine there, we stopped by twice to enjoy a beverage on the deck with a beautiful view of the ocean.

On our first visit, we met a very friendly bartender named James. We asked him, of course, what rum drink we should order and he quickly said, “The Happy!”

We asked how the drink got its name and he told us a story. Wray & Nephew ran a contest to see who could come up with the best rum drink using their rum. James, who was originally from Jamaica created a mixture using peach, passion fruit, fresh lime juice , ginger beer and Wray & Nephew and won the contest! We asked him again why he named his drink “The Happy” and he said, “Just try it – you’ll see.”

Well, he was right. The cocktail was delicious, but powerful with the overproof rum and we were indeed happy.

The bar

Seating on the deck

View from the deck

View of the back

We enjoyed our time at Kalooki’s and would have enjoyed sampling a dinner of Jerk Chicken or Grilled Mahi Mahi or their Saturday night Beachside Barbeque, but we’re sure we’ll be back to Provo and will definitely return to Kalooki’s to “get happy”!

Have you been to Kalooki’s? Tell us about it!

Wanna find out more?
Check out their website and Facebook page!

Find Kalooki’s on our Turks and Caicos Map

To see more posts on Turks & Caicos and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

April 28, 2016May 29, 2019

Somewhere Café & Lounge, Providenciales

We arrived early at our accommodations for the week in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, stored our bags and asked for directions to the closest bar to hang out for a while until we could check in. “That would be Somewhere” was the reply. Thankfully, having done a bit of research before our trip, we knew that wasn’t just a smart a%# remark – there was truly a bar called Somewhere right around the corner!

Somewhere Café & Lounge is located directly on beautiful Grace Bay Beach.

It’s perfect location offers an amazing view of the gorgeous beach and it’s a prime place to catch a colorful sunset.

It wasn’t hard to get a table during the day, but by night the joint is hopping, and we had a substantial wait for a table after 7pm – which wasn’t hard to stomach, while enjoying a glass of wine in an Adirondack chair overlooking the bar and the beach.

The Rum Punch – very good. A mixture of orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine and rum; the enticing beverage was topped off with a healthy floater of Bambarra Rum.

The bartenders – entertaining and accommodating and although there wasn’t a huge rum selection – that Rum Punch…

Looking for a nice, casual place to hang out, enjoy the view and/or the sunset and enjoy a tasty drink while on Grace Bay? Somewhere might be just what your looking for!

Have you been to Somewhere Café & Lounge on Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos? Tell us about it!

Wanna find out more?
Check out their website and Facebook page!

Find Somewhere Café & Lounge on our Turks and Caicos Map

To see more posts on Turks & Caicos and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

April 21, 2016June 6, 2019

Festiva Sailing Vacations “Save The Reef” Campaign

Ahhh…sailing in the Caribbean. One of our favorite things to do – especially in what some call the sailing capital of the Caribbean – the British Virgin Islands.

We’ve sailed several times in the BVI so far – twice on an all-inclusive crewed charter with Festiva Sailing Vacations. Why do we going back to sail the BVI? We love it’s beauty, the variety of things to see and do, the sailing conditions and its vibrant underwater life.

But with the increase in popularity, there is an ongoing need to protect the islands above and under the water so we can all continue to enjoy the beauty of the area.

That’s why we were pleased to hear from Festiva Sailing Vacations that they are donating 5% of their profits for the entire month of April, 2016 to the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) located in the British Virgin Islands to assist in marine restoration and coral nurseries.

According to ARK, the contribution will assist with the on-going maintenance of their coral nurseries. There are two nursery sites with a total of 1,000 corals growing, which will be out planted later this year to enhance some of the BVI reefs. Afterwards, they will continue growing coral and hopefully add a few more nursery sites ensuring healthy reefs for years to come.

Have you been wanting to find out more about an all-inclusive sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands? Be sure to check out Festiva Sailing Vacations website and contact them for more info.

Want to see some of what you can see and do on a sailing vacation in the BVI? Check out our series called Sailing the British Virgin Islands on a Crewed Charter!

This is a sponsored post. Although we were compensated by the company who sponsored it, the views are solely our own and we only recommend products or services we believe our readers will enjoy.

April 19, 2016May 29, 2019

Jimmy’s Dive Bar, Provo, Turks & Caicos

When we heard the name of this bar tucked into a corner of Ports of Call in Providenciales, T&C, we knew we had to make a stop to check it out.

Oddly enough, as soon as we stepped through the door, we realized we stopped in during our first trip to T&C in 2008. Deja vu…We hadn’t remembered the name, but definitely remembered the bar. We sat in the same booth as we had 8 years before and ordered another Turks Head.

Jimmy’s Dive Bar is actually owned by Jimmy Ardavany, an easy to talk to guy who came to Providenciales from New York and started his bar about 9 years ago.

Asked how he landed in T&C, he said he decided to “get the hell” out of New York, get a business for himself in a tropical location and ended up in Providenciales.

Apparently Jimmy’s bar is doing well with locals and visitors alike to last as many years as it has on this pretty island.

Located in an area surrounded by glitzy hotels and resorts, Jimmy’s Dive Bar is a comfortable, non-pretentious place to hang out and enjoy some local beers, a rum or rum drink from his decent rum selection and some laid back conversation with other vacationers or his friendly bartenders and other staff, such as Gloribel – who eagerly told us about a rum she recommended from Venezuela.

We talked to Jimmy about island life and the realities of owning a business on an island and he said, “If you want to make a million bucks owning a bar in the islands, be sure to bring 2 million down with you!”

All joking aside, we enjoyed his bar with it’s Caribbean beach bar-like funky decor,

– eclectic musical play list and nice outdoor seating areas.

We didn’t order any food this time, but we enjoyed the drinks and the atmosphere and will definitely stop by to say hi to Jimmy again next time we’re in the area.

Have you been to Jimmy’s Dive Bar? Tell us about it!

Check out their Facebook page here

Find Jimmy’s Dive Bar on our Turks and Caicos Map

To see more posts on Turks & Caicos and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

April 5, 2016May 29, 2019

Homemade Ginger Beer at Cloggy’s, Antigua

Recently, while in Antigua, we found ourselves exploring the dock, shops, amazing boats and sailing vessels around Falmouth Harbour in the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, and came across this sign.

Homemade Ginger Beer? Yes, please. We entered the second floor waterside establishment that also had an incredible view of the harbor, mega-yachts, sailing vessels and racing boats. The bar/restaurant’s name was Cloggy’s, and we were determined to sample the homemade ginger beer, even though it was only 10:00 in the morning.

We pulled up a stool at the bar and began chatting with the bartender, who was a bit distracted, trying to set up for the day, but pleasant and informative. We asked about the Homemade Ginger Beer and she mentioned that it was best sampled in a Dark ‘N Stormy. We agreed and ordered two.

We asked for a seat on the deck so we could check out the view of the harbour, but without a lunch reservation we were our of luck! So – they sent us to a small lounge on the deck where we could enjoy our beverage while checking out the…yachts.

How was the homemade ginger beer? Excellent! Such a strong gingery flavor and so different than the canned version we were used to. Reluctantly we paid our tab and moved on, determined to make a reservation to sample a meal at this on-the-water establishment the next time around. If you’re in the area – we recommend you at least sample the homemade ginger beer at Cloggy’s and check out the view of the mega-yachts and imagine racing on a boat like this…

Have you ever tried Homemade Ginger Beer? Have you ever been to Cloggy’s? Tell us about it!

Find Cloggy’s on our Antigua Map

To see more posts on Antigua and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

March 9, 2016June 6, 2019

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

Guest post by Susan Trantham, Living the Life Travel

The world is more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel. If you are part of that twenty percent, a world of Special Needs/Accessible Travel awaits you.

Special Needs/Accessible Travel can be defined as the ongoing effort to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. Whether it is a short term or long term disability, you are entitled to enjoy travel together with your family and friends.

Special needs travel includes:

People With Disabilities
Slow Walkers
Families With Young Children
Returning Veterans
Elderly
Pre- and Post- Surgical Patients
Occasional Mobility Conditions

Travel professionals who are accessible travel advocates certified by the Special Needs Group www.specialneedsgroup.com, have unique, specialized knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a wonderful, hassle-free and memorable trip.

Whenever possible, do a little prep work ahead of time so when your next travel opportunity arises, you’ll be ready. Here are a few suggestions to help get you started.

Outline Your Travel Needs
Take time to evaluate the logistics of your trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater, street fairs or sporting events at home?

Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aides? How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?

Travel, whether solo or in a group, is no time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aides for tours and excursions. In fact, most of Special Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling.

Plan Ahead
If you already own a scooter or portable oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours’ notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms.

Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions. Again, documentation and paperwork are required.

Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important.

Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.

Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs.

When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.

Ask the Right Questions
When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible.” Find out what “accessible” means to them.

For example, are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room? Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?

Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars? Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals? Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort? On shore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?

Simply stated, don’t take anything for granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how to find the necessary equipment!

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

A special thanks to Susan Trantham for her expertise on accessible travel! Through her company Living The Life Travel, LLC, Susan is available to help coordinate travel for anyone with or without special needs to make sure they have the vacation of a lifetime. Contact her by phone at (810)513-6759, and check out her website at www.LivingTheLifeTravel.com for more information.

March 4, 2016May 29, 2019

9 Highlights of our Stay at St. James’s Club, Antigua

As soon as we were welcomed through the gates at the private, all-inclusive tropical hideaway, St. James’s Club on Mamora Bay, we knew we were going to enjoy our time at this charming Antiguan property.

We’d spent our first few days on Antigua relaxing in the tropical tranquility of the Verandah Resort & Spa – another Elite Island Resort and we had heard that St. James’s Club was equally as impressive, although each with their own appeal and personality.

In short – we had a wonderful, relaxing stay. There’s so much we could share (and hundreds of photos!) from our time there, but we’ll touch on some of our favorite memories of the resort through our list of “9 Highlights of our Stay at St. James’s Club, Antigua.”

1. Location.
St. James’s Club is located on the south end of Antigua and sits on a large peninsula between the ocean and Mamora Bay. Because of it’s location, it’s very private, there’s little traffic and the beaches are uncrowded.

2. The Royal Suites.
The St. James’s Club offers a variety of accommodations from regular guest rooms to 3 bedroom villas. Our accommodations during our stay? A Royal Suite, which featured a beautiful overlook of Mamora Bay, a private balcony, a large, well appointed room and a bottle of chilled bubbly to enjoy upon arrival. Cheers to that!

3. It’s All-Inclusive.
The all-inclusive plan allowed us to relax and enjoy all of the amenities (including non-motorized watersport equipment and lessons!), and all of the food and drinks we wanted without carrying around cash or worrying about the cost.

4. The Grounds.
The lush grounds are meticulously landscaped, tropical and great to wander through.

5. The Pools.
Although we normally gravitate to beaches, we found ourselves spending more time than usual soaking up the sunshine in and around one of the 6 beautiful pools on property.

Reef Deck Pool

Coco’s Pool

Tiered Pool

6. Dining Options
There are 4 restaurants on site – Rainbow Garden, Coco Beach Restaurant & Bar, The Docksider Grill and Piccolo Mondo, where you can enjoy an evening of fine dining overlooking Mamora Bay (there’s a surcharge per person for dinner at Piccolo Mondo). Between the 4, we had no problem finding a variety of cuisines and settings and some delicious options. In addition, there are 5 lounges and bars – AND a beach cart that drives around serving up beverages to those so relaxed and sun-kissed that they can’t make it to the nearest bar!

Dinner by the water at The Docksider Grill

Steak Salad for lunch at Coco Beach Restaurant & Bar

Rainbow Garden

7. The Resort Was Not Crowded
Even though we visited during high season and the large resort was fairly full according to staff, it never felt crowded. We appreciated the opportunity to find quiet spaces to relax and unwind, the restaurants were never overly noisy and we never had to wait long to use the watersport equipment. The only time it seemed busy was at night in the lounges when there was live music playing – and that’s when we appreciate a lively crowd!

Beach chairs on a dock overlooking Mamora Bay

Plenty of space to play – or just relax

Coco Beach

Watersports Equipment on Mamora Bay

8. The Staff
We had the chance to meet St. James’s Club General Manager Antoine Brown, an engaging man that has assembled a great staff that genuinely seems to care about making guests stay something special – and in our experience, the staff can make a huge difference in how you feel about your stay at a resort. Antoine sat with us and chatted about the history of the resort, the continued upgrades being made, amenities being added (a new 3,000 sq. ft. Fitness Center has opened since our visit) and an additional Antiguan resort that Elite Island Resorts has just taken over and are in the process of refurbishing! We saw Mr. Brown frequently during our visit, always greeting guests and staff and making sure everyone was satisfied.

9. Great Base
Although you never really need to leave St. James’s Club during your stay in Antigua because you literally have everything needed on property for a great and relaxing stay, the location is a great base for those, like us, who like to experience some of the island outside of the gates. You can rent a car at the resort for a day (or more) of exploration and we did just that, checking out the yachts in Great Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, sampling Antigua Black Pineapple at a roadside fruit stand and seeing some of the gorgeous beaches, such as Turner’s Beach, on the west side of the island.

Antigua Black Pineapple

There you have it – just a taste of the time we enjoyed at St. James’s Club on beautiful Antigua. Have you stayed at St. James’s Club or another Elite Island Resort? Tell us about it!

To find out more about St. James’s Club:

Visit their website: St. James’s Club
Find them on Facebook
Check out their tweets on Twitter
And see more photos on Instagram

Find St. James’s Club on our Antigua Map

To see more posts on Antigua and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

February 17, 2016June 6, 2019

The Two Best Reasons To Take the Skyride to Paradise Point, St. Thomas

At first glance, the Skyride to Paradise Point in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas could appear to be a bit of a tourist trap. Situated not far from the main cruise ship dock, the entrance beckons to the millions of visitors that stroll through Havensight Mall during a cruise stop every year.

Yes, there are shops at the top of the attraction, as well as performing birds and nature trails to explore, but in our opinion, there are two really good reasons to spend $21.00 (price of an adult round trip ticket as of this writing) to take the Skyride 700 ft. up, to the top of Paradise Point.

It takes approximately 14 minutes to board and ride to the top. Along the way, passengers are treated to views of the harbor, surrounding islands and beautiful homes on the hill below.

After the short, comfortable and scenic ride, passengers disembark and are welcomed to paradise.

And the two reasons we feel it’s worth taking the Skyride to the top of Paradise Point?

First off, from the top, visitors are treated to absolutely amazing views.

The views of Charlotte Amalie, the cruise ships in port and areas far beyond are simply spectacular. Sit and watch as sea planes land and take off, boats come and go and people – looking like ants far below, walk around in the warm sunshine.

The second reason?

Paradise Point is known for it’s version of the delicious frozen rum drink called the Bushwacker. We first sampled this potent rum delight many years ago during our first trip to the top op Paradise Point and never forgot it…

Coconut rum, chocolate, Kahlua, Amaretto and Bailey’s – what’s not to like? And Paradise Point makes a good one. Or maybe it’s the combination of the Bushwacker with that view? Either way, we’ve enjoyed 3 trips to the top (with a Bushwaker, of course!) and probably would do it again if the opportunity arises.

Have you taken the Skyride to the top of Paradise Point and enjoyed a Bushwacker? Tell us about it!

Find the Skyride to Paradise Point on our St. Thomas Map

To see more posts on St Thomas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

February 16, 2016May 29, 2019

Antigua Black Pineapple

Not long after we arrived in Antigua, we overheard a couple chatting about a species of pineapple grown on the island called the Antigua Black Pineapple.

We weren’t surprised that pineapple grew on Antigua – with it’s beautiful green, rolling hills, it appeared to be quite fertile. What surprised us was that we’d never heard of this species of pineapple that was said to be renowned for its crisp texture, low acid and high sugar content. In fact those that grow the Black Pineapple variety are said to choose quality over quantity to retain the extremely sweet taste in the golden yellow fruit. Touted, in fact, as the sweetest pineapple in the world! We wondered what it might taste like in a Frozen Pineapple Daiquiri, or perhaps a Pineapple Rum Punch? Anyway, we decided we had to try to find one and sample it.

Our journey to find this Antiguan delight took us to the south end of the island to an area called Old Road – apparently known as the fruit basket of Antigua.

We’d been told to keep our eyes open for fruit stands on the side of the road and sure enough we found several – all prominently displaying their stock of the local delicacy.

We stopped at a stand called Clemie’s and made a bee-line to the pineapple, but were suddenly sidetracked by a luscious array of fresh fruits and vegetables, including bananas and mangos – all grown in the nearby the fields.

After chatting with a group of women sitting on the side of the fruit stand about how to choose a ripe Black Pineapple, we looked through the stock on hand and picked a good one – we hoped.

Since we wanted to sample the pineapple immediately, we said yes when asked if we would like it prepared.

We were handed a Styrofoam container with several toothpicks poked in the top to give us quick access to the delicious looking fruit. We popped a piece in our mouths and savored it. How was it? SO sweet and delicious! But you should really try one yourself – just to make sure you agree.

Want to find out more? Claremont Farms also offers a tour of their Antigua Black Pineapple fields that we unfortunately learned of after our return. Find out about it here.

Have you tried Antigua Black Pineapple? Tell us about it!

Find Old Road on our Antigua Map

To see more posts on Antigua and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

February 7, 2016May 29, 2019

Enjoying the Tropical Tranquility of The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua

Imagine sitting on your private verandah enjoying the sight of a beautiful blue bay and the ocean beyond, while listening to waves gently lap the shore with bananquits cheerfully chirping. Sounds relaxing, doesn’t it? Oh, it was.

This was just a part of what we experienced at The Verandah Resort & Spa during our recent visit to Antigua.

The Verandah Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort located on 30 lush acres on the eastern coast of Antigua. Comprised of private cottages and villas nestled in verdant landscaping, the surroundings create the feel of escaping to an oasis of tropical tranquility. Not pretentious at all, the resort has a Caribbean casual feel – with class.

Front entrance

From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed. We were presented with a glass of cold rum punch and a lavender scented towel for refreshment and after checking in, we were whisked away to our waterfront cottage to begin our stay.

Lobby

We loved the look and the relaxed vibe of the resort. There are walking trails interspersed between the lovely cottages and villas – all with their own private verandah and many overlooking the bay and ocean beyond.

The cottages are set apart from each other for privacy

Beautiful walking paths

One of the cottages

Our suite overlooked a beautiful blue bay and we absolutely loved sipping a cup of coffee every morning while enjoying this view…

The view from our “verandah”

There are two beaches on property – one that offers a variety of watersport equipment such as kayaks, SUP boards and Hobie Cats.

Watersports on the main beach

The other, referenced as “the quiet beach” by other guests we met, offers lounges interspersed in the palm trees, a sand volleyball court and a beach bar & grill called the Rasta Bar.

The “quiet beach”

In addition to the two beaches on property, there is another beautiful Antiguan beach within walking distance outside of the resort called Long Bay.

Long Bay

We appreciated the additional beach option and enjoyed looking through the small kiosks with local vendors behind the beach.

Not that you ever need to leave the resort. The all-inclusive package includes your meals and drinks,

non-motorized watersports, beach lounge chairs and umbrellas, pools and fitness room, tennis, mini-golf, shuffleboard, ping-pong and more.

18 hole miniature golf course

We especially enjoyed the evening entertainment at the main bar where guests would congregate to enjoy live music, drinks, and the company of other guests in the warm tropical breeze.

Enjoying the evening entertainment

And speaking of pools. Although we usually can’t be torn away from the beach, the Verandah had some lovely pools – a total of three, I believe, and the main one is huge and a beautiful focal point in the center of the resort.

Main pool

Adult only pool

The adult only pool was a nice touch we thought, for those not vacationing with children.

The highlights of the resort for us:

1. The suites. We loved the look and feel of the spacious individual cottages, each with a private verandah.
2. The resort doesn’t feel crowded. Although it was high season and the staff told us they were quite full, none of the amenities ever felt crowded. There were always available chairs on the beach and at the pool and the dining areas were fairly quiet – even though there were a good number of families with small children vacationing while we were there.
3. The walking paths. We love to explore and take in the surroundings and at The Verandah there are plenty of beautiful paths to walk. And, if you end up getting tired while walking or are in a particular hurry to get somewhere, wait at one of the golf cart stops and someone will be by to pick you up.

4. The grounds. The tropical grounds are beautifully landscaped.

5. The staff. Overall, The Verandah has assembled a top-notch staff that seems to truly care about their guests – and we truly appreciated their efforts.

A few tips if you decide to book a vacation at The Verandah Resort & Spa:

1. Consider booking a waterfront suite. We found it very relaxing to look at the water from our balcony everyday.

2. If you are traveling with a family or a small group, be sure to look into the 2 bedroom villa options.

3. Include a transfer to and from the airport in your travel arrangements if this is your first stay on Antigua. There are very few road signs on Antigua and if you have not visited before, it can be a challenge to find the resort – especially at night. The Verandah does, however, offer daily car rentals if you want to explore the island for a day.

4. Get dinner reservations for the Buccaneer and Nicole’s (extra surcharge) as soon as you can so you don’t miss out. We were only at The Verandah for 3 days and unfortunately missed out on experiencing The Buccaneer and Nicole’s because we didn’t plan ahead.

4. Consult the Tour & Excursion desk to find out what they offer. Although we’d rented a car for the week, we went through the Tour & Excursion desk to book a shuttle to Shirley Heights on Sunday afternoon for the BBQ and sunset party. It was a great way to experience Shirley Heights. We were able to enjoy the party, a few rum drinks and the company of other Verandah guests but didn’t have to worry about getting ourselves back to the resort.

5. Check out the other attractions nearby. Take the short hike to Devil’s Bridge, interact with stingrays on an excursion to Stingray City and explore Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation to learn about sugar production and it’s role in Antiguan history.

We had such a good time at The Verandah Resort & Spa that we were almost reluctant to leave and head to the next resort, but were we glad we did! Stay tuned to find out about our visit to St. James’s Club, another wonderful Elite Island Resort, located on the southern tip of the island!

To find out more about The Verandah Resort & Spa:

Visit their website: The Verandah Resort & Spa
Find them on Facebook
Check out their tweets on Twitter
And see more photos on Instagram

To see more posts on Antigua and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.