A Look at the Verandah Resort and Spa Antigua

If you’ve been researching Antigua as a vacation destination then no doubt you’ve seen the images of the white bungalows all line up on a cliff overlooking a beautiful bay filled with the most incredible shade of turquoise water. The bungalows are all part of the all-inclusive Verandah Resort and Spa.

Verandah Resort and Spa Review

There is something for everyone at the Verandah Resort and Spa. From girl getaways, family vacations or romantic trips and weddings, they have the amenities and features for you.

Verandah Resort Location in Antigua

Located on the northeast corner of the Island of Antigua near Devils Bridge, the Verandah Resort and Spa is a mere 30-minute drive from the V.C. Bird International Airport.

Situated on an inlet of Dian Bay, the resort provides a scene of calm turquoise waters at the resort’s two beaches.

Verandah Resort Waterview Suite

After a short golf cart ride through a windy road lined with bungalows, I was standing in front of my vacation home, a white cottage divided into two suites.

When I walked inside, it was hard to look at anything else but the view from the large screen doors located at the back of my suite. I dropped my bags and opened the door to the private balcony of my suite to enjoy the view. I was met by a bunch of very friendly little yellow and black birds, who were not shy and kept landing on the balcony rail and inching their way closer and closer to me. As it turned out, they were not interested in me at all, but the possibility of food inside my unit. NOTE TO SELF-keep patio door closed at all times during stay.

The queen size bed decorated with a towel heart and lots of little flowers was very comfortable. There were two night stands with lights next to the bed and a closet with plenty of hangers, an ironing board and a safe in front of it. The bedroom area was completed by a large chest of drawers and large mirror.

Everything You Need in Your Suite

The Kitchenette included a microwave, sink, coffee maker, kettle and small fridge. There were plenty of dishes and cutlery but no dish soap or counter towels. The housekeeping staff did clean up my coffee cups each day, but it would have been nice to clean up on my own during the day.

The living space in the suite included a desk, couch and chairs for lounging. The flat screen TV hung above the desk between the living area and bedroom and could be adjusted depending on where you wanted to sit and watch.

There was a huge bathroom, with two sinks, a soaking tub and shower. There were lots of quality toiletries in the suite as well which were larger than usual toiletries left in hotel rooms.

Verandah Resort and Spa Beaches

Main Beach

The main beach at the Verandah Resort and Spa is located at the far end of the resort and down a steep staircase.

I’m not sure why, but there is no bar at beach level at this beach. You have to walk up the stairs to beach bar located at the top of the stairs or wait for someone to come and take your order.

For parents with children, this was a trek as they lugged all their gear down the stairs and had to juggle kids and drinks going to and from this beach. The main beach is where all the watersports activities are, which include paddleboards, kayaks, small catamarans and other activities. There are plenty of beach chairs and shade on this beach and water is shallow and calm.

If you walk up the path at the end of the beach, it will take you to a road which leads to Devil’s Bridge. Turn left at the top of the hill onto the road and follow it down to this natural attraction. Caution: stay on the road as there are cliff drops into the ocean.

Rasta Beach

Located at the front of the resort near the reception buildings, Rasta Beach is where you can find the Rasta Bar and the resort’s pier where boat tours launch.

This beach is smaller and more tranquil. However, it has a bar on beach level which is more relaxing than climbing stairs to and from the bar. I love that Verandah offers boat excursions right from the resort.

Verandah Resort and Spa Pools

Main Pool

The resort’s main pool is located in the centre of it all. Next, to the resort’s main bars and restaurants, it is the favorite spot for the majority of guests. I found, however, that there were very few shady spots available at this pool, so I took refuge at the adult pool area. Umbrellas are available bu limited and during certain times of the day are in direct sunlight.

Adult Pool

This pool is more of a small oasis than a swimming pool. Not great for athletic quality swimming, but for cooling off and relaxing, it was my favourite spot on the resort. The sound of the waterfall in the pool was so relaxing and calming.

Verandah Resort and Spa Restaurants

I was touring around the island for most of my vacation in Antigua, but I did eat at the main restaurant buffet each morning and one meal at the Buccaneer restaurant. The buffet had lots of options and a few tastes of the Caribbean during both breakfast and lunch service. The Buccaneer had an a la carte menu, again with lots of delicious options. I had the Fish Special (Mahi Mahi) above, crab cakes for an appetiser and skipped dessert.

Other Features of the Verandah Resort & Spa

Fitness Facilities

The list of features and amenities at Verandah are long. They had a full-size fitness area with all the machines you could possible need during your vacation.

The Spa

There were plenty of spa services available including this outdoor couples massage area. From manicures, peducures to bridal services, you will find everything you need is available at this spa.

Mini Golf Course and Games Room

There is a full 18-course mini golf course on the site, tennis courts and even an outdoor (but covered) games area with foosball, ping pong, shuffleboard and more. Like I said, there were lots of activities for everyone.

Family Friendly Area and Suites

The resort has a kids club with an outdoor play area for the kids. There is a group of bungalows located near the kids club which include private pools on their balconies. These suites are popular with families due to their location to the club and family-friendly amenities.

Verandah Resort Entertainment and Bars

The main bar appeared to be where it all happened. Located by the main pool, it was the place to be for coffee breaks, drinks by the pool and nightly entertainment. Since my bungalow was located right in front of the main pool, I was a bit concerned on my first night when I got back to my suite and could hear the live band singing inside. However, at 11 PM on the dot each night the music stopped, and I had a perfect night’s sleep.

For more information on the Verandah Resort and Spa visit their website here. To see Trip Advisor reviews on the Verandah Resort click here.

Planning a trip to Antigua? Check out these posts for more ideas:

• Antigua Travel Tips You Need to Know Before You Book
• Dream Luxury Resort Secrets of the Inn at English Harbour Antigua
• Guide of things to do with one day in Antigua

Travel assistance provided by the Ministry of Tourism of Antigua however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own.