Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua: An Ideal Elite Island Resorts Destination

A relaxed but luxurious resort. Seaside restaurants. And one of the prettiest beaches on an island that’s said to have one for every day of the year.

The Pineapple Beach Club on Antigua, part of the Elite Island Resorts collection, is billed as the most laidback adults-only, all-inclusive property on Antigua, a favourite destination for Canadians seeking sun and sand.

Guests can snorkel in clear, blue, Caribbean waters or a sail a Hobie Cat into the sunset. Windsurfing, swimming, tennis, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and more. Guests can arrange dive excursions through the St. James’s Club, another Elite Island Resort on Antigua. Golf isn’t included but there are two courses not too far away.

The Pineapple Beach Club has two pools, a fitness centre and a spa, where you can arrange massage and full body treatments as well as pedicures and manicures.

They also have group exercise programs, including yoga and beach volleyball. Guests can take nature walks around the resort’s 30 acres of land or to the nearby Devil’s Bridge National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nightly entertainment includes steel bands, karaoke, DJ’s, local performers, guest participation contests and more.

The resort has a number of great dining options. Pineapple Grill serves a la carte grill options, while Chef Pietro’s dishes out a la carte Italian specialties. Topaz has buffet breakfasts, lunches and themed buffet dinners, while the Pelican Snack Grill offers light snacks by the pool throughout the day. There’s no surcharge for any of the restaurants, and they have a manager’s cocktail party in the Garden Gazebo. every Monday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.

They also have several bars, including the Sly Mongoose Bar and the Aqua Bar, near the beach. The Outhouse is one of those fantastic, fun bars that one often finds in the Caribbean; with tons of character and a hint of Jimmy Buffett. It’s a great spot for bbq ribs, jerk chicken and other casual meals. If you find a drink you want to try at home, you can take advantage of the resort’s mixology class.

Rooms vary from pool terrace rooms to garden view to beachfront to oceanfront. Thinking of splurging? Try the one-bedroom Chairman’s Suite, with its three balconies, wet bar and 52-inch flat screen television so you don’t miss the big game.

The resort has daily shuttles to the delightful capital city of St. John’s for a fee. Guests also can take a Sunday shuttle to Shirley Heights, famous for its views and Sunday night parties.

Car rentals are available at the resort if you want to explore some of those 365 beaches. I rented a car on the island when I visited and absolutely loved the freedom it provided.

The resort also can arrange a wide array of excursions, including boat tours to nearby islands such as Barbuda or Montserrat.

One nice treat is you’re only a half-hour from the airport, so there’s no long wait to get your toes into that famous Caribbean water. All rooms have refrigerators, which is another nice bonus.