A Guide to Antigua Resorts and Vacation Destinations

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Jolly Beach Resort

Among the many choices of Antigua resorts is Jolly Beach.  This Antigua beach resort has a mile long stretch of sparkling clear waters and white sand. Situated on the Western side of the island, it is near Jolly Harbour and provides all inclusive travel packages for couples and families.

While most islands in the Caribbean, Antigua included, will have beautiful beaches and sparkling waters, Jolly Beach is no exception with it pearl-white sand and turquoise-blue waters. This is the number one appeal for Jolly Beach with the number two appeal being a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere. There is plenty to do and enjoy, but you can do it at your own pace.

The Antigua resort offers all the basic amenities and is clean and comfortable, but is not considered a five star resort. Because of this, it is more affordable for the average couple and family. Jolly Beach Resort offers a variety of Antigua vacation packages that should fit a variety of budgets and include some things that other resorts may not offer.

What to Do At Jolly Beach

Watersports are very popular at Jolly Beach and include kayaking, scuba diving, sail boating, windsurfing, paddle boating, surf biking, snorkling, and motorized water sports. Scuba diving, in particular, is a reason why many come to Antigua because of the sister island of Barbuda which is a coral island and can be a wonderful day trip for diving.

Other sports are also popular such as beach volleyball, tennis (with 4 courts), golf at two nearby courses, table tennis, and water polo. Make sure you bring your own racket and balls for tennis if you plan on playing more than just a little, as you will have to pay for their use. There is also a fitness center with certified instructor that will lead exercise classes. Bike riding can also be a way to see the landscape and wildlife.

You can swim in one of the two pools. One with a swim up bar, more bustling with people while the other is more private catering to adults. If you are not staying at the resort, there are many villas and apartments just a short stroll away from the harbour with nice patios with dining areas. You can have great views of the hills and sea.

Palm Wellness Centre has a Spa, Gym and Beauty Salon and will give you treatments with herbs and natural ingredients varying from stone therapy, wraps and scrubs for your body, and deep tissue massage

Tour island by bike or taxi.

Cultural dance shows, local live music are provided by the resort as well as other surrounding areas.

And if you are bringing kids, activities are provided by this Antigua resort. The Jolly Teenz Club for 13-16 provide activities such as video games, computer access, socializing at bonfires, organized sports. It also offers scuba or kayaking lessons. The Jolly Kidz Club for ages 3-12 provide appropriate games and activities, such as picnics, luaus, story time, birthday parties, workshops, and treasure hunts.

Jolly Beach Accommodations

Spread across almost 40 acres, there are almost 500 rooms, suites and cottages. It is huge, but spread out so that you will never feel crowded or cramped. You can choose from the following: Supersaver, Standard, Superior (sleeps 4), King Superior (great for honeymoons), Junior Suite (has a separate living area), or a Beach Front Cottage with all the amenities the resort has to offer. All rooms have a terrace or balcony and all provide air conditioning.

Rates start at around $200 per couple per night depending on when you book. The summer months are discounted and the resort’s less popular time to travel to Antigua. Vacation packages include breakfast through dinner including snacks and afternoon tea; house brand beverages and cocktails, all taxes and service charges, both kidz clubs, non-motorized water sports, access to the gym and fitness classes, access to both pools, tennis, basketball, and netball, access to the Hammock Lounge, nightly entertainment and other daily activities.

Weddings and Honeymoons at Jolly Beach

Jolly Beach Resort can be a fantastic place for weddings and/or honeymoons. You can have your wedding in a gazebo facing the ocean, or right on the beach itself. The reception is often held in the nearby pavilion near the sea (Hammock Lounge). It is a popular Antigua resort to hold weddings with close to 300 held every year (no weddings are held on Sundays).

Wedding packages include a person to preside over the ceremony, a cake, marriage license, bouquet, boutonniere, breakfast and dinner for the newlyweds, mugs and t-shirts that say “just married.” It does not include a band, photographer, buffet, or other extra costs of the reception.

You can actually have the ceremony itself for free if 5 guest rooms are reserved for the event for a minimum of 7 days, not including the couple.

Honeymoon packages are also available that include massage oils, flowers and champagne when you arrive to your room, discounts for cruises and other romantic getaways.

Jolly Resort Restaurants
Hemishpheres: Buffet dining in or out doors breakfast through dinner

Coconut Grill: Casual and fast food by the pool

Lydias: located at the crab Hole Village, more formal serving mostly seafood including their famous lobster that is cooked on the grill and calamari. and reservations are required. Also has a buffet brunch every sunday overlooking the beach

Utsav: requires reservations and serves exotic Indian dishes such as shrimp and coconut chicken both spiced with ginger.

Ristorante Bocciolo: Italian food

Along with the restaurants are the resort bars that may serve a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Splash Pool Bar, Long Bar at Hemispheres, Utsav, Lydia’s,  and Bocciolo.

Jolly Harbour: A Close Place to Visit

While you may stay at the Jolly Beach Resort, you still may want to visit Jolly Harbour, especially during special yachting events and races. Jolly Harbour  offers a full service Marina with nice boatyard with 24 hour security. It is also within 30 minutes from St. Johns and V.C. Bird International Airport. You can sail to the sister island of Barbuda within about an hour and a half.

Jolly Harbour used to be a 500 acre salt bond but has evolved into a expansive boat yard. There is an active Yacht club with racing on Saturday afternoons

Other Close Places to Visit

Another close place to visit that is really close to Jolly Beach is the three-story Grand Princess Casino. It is the largest on the island.

There are small shops, the above mentioned golf courses, and it is close to St. John’s, Antigua’s capitol.

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