Coconut Beach Club, St. John's

...2006. We stayed at the Coconut Beach Club, and thought the place was brilliant. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax and do very little, at the best price in Antigua, this is the hotel for you.

The hotel is located beside Yepton Beach on the west of the island, about 20 minute's taxi from the airport in St John's (the capital of Antigua). Our package deal was with Virgin Holidays so transfers to, and from the airport were included ...
...the airport is the 'redcaps'. They are locals, wearing red caps, who 'helpfully' start loading your bags onto a trolley without your permission, the second you take them off the baggage carrousel, to take them out to the taxi rank. Of course they want payment for this service, so you have to insist they leave you alone as soon as they start to grab your bags. The taxi area is literally seconds away from baggage claim so no matter how many bags you ... more

I'm not a massively well travelled individual, in fact I've only been outside of Europe on one occasion, and that was when my wife and I went to Antigua in October 2006. We stayed at the Coconut Beach Club, and thought the place was brilliant. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax and do very little, at the best price in Antigua, this is the hotel for you.

The hotel is located beside Yepton Beach on the west of the island, about 20 minute's taxi from the airport in St John's (the capital of Antigua). Our package deal was with Virgin Holidays so transfers to, and from the airport were included in the price. One thing to look out for at the airport is the 'redcaps'. They are locals, wearing red caps, who 'helpfully' start loading your bags onto a trolley without your permission, the second you take them off the baggage carrousel, to take them out to the taxi rank. Of course they want payment for this service, so you have to insist they leave you alone as soon as they start to grab your bags. The taxi area is literally seconds away from baggage claim so no matter how many bags you have, or even if you have no arms, you do not need to use the redcaps!

Our room wasn't quite ready when we arrived, but we were directed to the bar to get a quick drink, and our room was ready in 10 minutes. We opted for the all inclusive option with all food and drink included in the price, though room only deals are also available.

The deluxe room we requested on the 3rd floor was massive and very clean, and had a kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom, 2 air conditioning units and 2 balconies, including an amazingly simple but fantastically comfortable hammock. Gently swinging on the hammock reading a book was a great way to relax. There are no televisions in any of the guests rooms, so beware if this is unbearable for you (I thought it might be, but it wasn't an issue at all through out the holiday), though the TV would usually be on in the bar so you could still catch up on the news (and the football scores). The lady who cleaned the room did an excellent job, and was very friendly, and would also entertain you with her singing, free of charge!

You always got a friendly welcome at the bar, and were encouraged to get drunk at all times! The food provided was excellent. A great choice of hot and cold breakfasts, fruit, cereal, breads etc. We often had so much for breakfast we didn't need lunch! In the evening the meals are a la carte (expect Saturdays when there is a BBQ, and Tuesdays when it's a buffet after the managers cocktail party by the pool) and are first class. I can be a fussy eater but there was always something on the menu that I could eat, and it was always of an excellent standard, as were the waiting staff. Neil was always there with a warm welcome to show you to your table. A point to note though, you need to book the time you want to eat in the big book at the reception in the morning, this is so everyone doesn't arrive at the same time. The dining areas are covered/sheltered, yet still in a sort of outside area, so you are covered if there are any heavy rain showers, but you still have the feeling of dining outside.

The hotel is right on the beach, literally a few yards away, and it's a nice size, clean, has lovelt soft sand and is generally only used by the hotel guests. The bar staff would occasionally patrol the beach with drinks to save you from getting up to go to the bar! Just another great bonus. The hotel provides sun loungers for guests use on the beach, and also beach towels which you just pick up free of charge from reception, and then return when you've finished with them so they can be laundered. There was only one time in our 10 stay that they ran out of fresh towels, and they did have their stock replenished in an hour or so. The sea is lovely and clear and very calm. I particulary enjoyed the strange experience of swimming in it one time during a rare heavy downpour of rain. The hotel also has a small pool by the bar if you prefer to swim/lounge there rather than the beach.

Different day trips could be organised through the hotel, to circumnavigate the island on a catamaran, or to visit the neighbouring island of Barbuda, or simply to visit the island capital of St. John's. We took a trip around the island on a catamaran and the boat picked us up from the beach right beside the hotel, we just had to walk into the sea, to about shin height and then up the catamaran's lowered steps!

We went to Antigua to get married and the hotel offered a package to take us through the whole process effortlessly. One of the managers, Nolda, along with her assistant Bonnie, took us to the relevant registry office and high court to get our documents sorted before the wedding, and made sure everything went smoothly on the day (including organising the steel pan player to play 'Here Comes The Bride' - a nice touch). She also helped us out after the wedding; picking up our certified wedding certificate from the High court on her way to work, and making sure our wedding photographs arrived on time. We are very grateful to Nolda and Bonnie (who also was one of our witnesses!) and also my best man on the day Selwyn (hotel gardener), who would always stop for a chat when he saw us (and to climb a tree and cut us down a coconut!) and he even made us a wedding gift!! I've never experienced such kind hotel staff, and they made our stay in Antigua, and our wedding, completely memorable.

The hotel, and Antigua in general, won't be for everyone as it's very quiet and sedate. However, if you are looking for a totally relaxing holiday with no distractions, plus a hotel with the personal touch, first class service and great value for money, this can be your only choice in Antigua.

This review is also available on dooyoo.co.uk 

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