Whether you are a family needing a break or a couple looking to heat up your romance, Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua is y
...
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Whether you are a family needing a break or a couple looking to heat up your romance, Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua is your ticket to fun.�Sitting on Antigua's beautiful western coast, on a mile-long, pearl-white beach, this 40-acre resort boasts two pools, five restaurants, five bars and endless activities, all at a great, all inclusive rate.
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"All in all it was good. A little dated of a place but the beach was beautiful, food was okay, pools were nice." – Laxguy23544
62 out of 78 (79%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.Read All Reviews
All Customer Reviews
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April 23, 2012
Don't waste your money
The only thing good about this place was the beach. The place hasn't been updated since 1970, and that would be okay since it is clean. HOWEVER, the food stinks. No fresh fruit or even a salad at the buffet. Not many choices and most evenings, I ate nothing. The food is better at their restaurants that require reservations, but overall, forget about it. Even the burgers at the poolside grill are pre-cooked so when you get it, it's dried out. The people whom they license and sell items on the beach often get into arguments with the guests and start cursing up a storm. The front desk personnel lack any type of knowledge and very often give you bad information. They charge you $12 for a shuttle into St. Johns when you can just walk down the street from the hotel lobby and get a local bus for $1.50. Entertainment at night was just OK, but starts at 9 which is way too late. Sorry I spent my hard earned money on this place. The only friendly people there are the wait staff. Everyone else seems to have an attitude. The beach is beautiful.
From:Bergen County, NJ Age:45-54 Travel:1-2 trips/year
April 20, 2012
Mixed Feelings
The beach IS the best on the island. We visited others. The pools and the room were very clean. That said, the bed was hard and the room measured about 11x12. If we'd had bigger luggage, (2 carry on bags) I don't know where we'd have put it. Meals at the italian and seafood resturants were great. Some of the same food at the main dining room. What bothered us most was the general staff attitude which bordered on rude. About 75% of the contacts gave the impression we were inturrupting them. If you showed up at 6:25 for dinner they'd tell you it wasn't 6:30. If you asked for something they couldn't do, they would either dissapear or just dismiss you with a "NO", turn away and ignore you. Most people in service would come back with a civil "I'm so sorry but we've run out of that." and wait for your reaction.
We've stayed at several other simular carribean resorts and not experianced this feeling. We won't be going back here.
From:Northern New Jersey Age:Over 65 Travel:1-2 trips/year
April 13, 2012
Good value
We were looking for an additional inexpensive week of vacation in this year. (March 2012) We chose Cheap Caribbean for all the options they have with all-inclusive Caribbean resorts. We primarily chose Jolly Beach (JB) on Antigua since we have never been to this island and the beach looked great. The Beach was by far one of the best we have been to if you are looking for nice calm water, gentle slopping beach, warm water and a picturesque setting. (no local snorkling) By far this is the best part of JB. They also have two nice pools, one with a pool bar. If you want excursions JB can set you up. We chose an all day circum-navigational catamaran trip that included a sailing trip around the island, a 2-hour stop at a small reef to do some snorkling, a lunch and all the drinks you would want. Nice trip.
From the all-inclusive perspective, I would say that the food was good. We always ate a big breakfast and then didn't bother with a sit-down lunch. We had snacks or went to the poolside grill for a quick meal by the pool. If you don't want to eat at the buffet dinner JB also has three onsite restaurants that you can have dinner at via reservation. I suggest that you go early in your week so you can get the reservation times you want. We thought Bocciolo's (Italian) was the best with Lydia's (seafood) as our second choice. We did not care much for Utsav's (Indian). Other pluses at JB was that there was always some type of evening entertainment scheduled and even though this was an all-inclusive the drinks did not appear to be watered down, which we have encountered at other all-inclusives.
To sum it up I would say this is a nice 3.7 Star resort given that it is an older (35yr) resort which could use some cosmetic updating.
A very excellent beach. The ocean is gorgeous here. I never even went in the pool. plenty of chairs - you don't need to rush out and "save ones" early. They were accomodating with late checkout. The food was very acceptable. Nothing outstanding - but truely not bad. The service was very friendly and efficient. They do have a small casino and a game room with sports on a large tv. The TV in the rooms had all New York channels. The standard room was very small - two beds were twin beds. But the air worked and the patio was very nice and it was clean. Old but clean - and you do not hear any of your neighbors. So for the money - it was a very pleasant vacation. I do recommend it.
From:Paramus New Jersey Age:45-54 Travel:1-2 trips/year
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What's the best excursion? How much should you tip?
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4 questions, 20 answers.
Promotion question7 answers
We have a 9 year old son. In most of your sale packages we are wanting to book, the room only holds 2 people. Is there any way we can book him in our room in these packages and pay for his flight separate?
We have been to Jamaica 3 times, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and are wanting to go somewhere different this year. Any suggestions??
1 year, 14 months ago
SVA
If you're looking for all inclusive resorts, you should look at Mexico, either the Riviera Maya or Los Cabos. You could also look at the Virgin Islands (we sell properties on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John), or St. Lucia if you don't necessarily need an all inclusive resort. If you use the gold "Create Your Own Vacation" box on the home page, select your dates of travel and your destination, you can also select the number of guests traveling and the site will provide you with the resorts that will allow more than two guests in the room.
KateCC
If you are speaking of the Jolly Beach Resort, you might rethink your choice. My wife and I just returned from a week there from 3/22-3/29, and did not see many children. We befriended a 14 year-old, mildly autistic boy from England, who's mother and grandmother brought him there thinking the kid's club and so forth would be fun. He was pretty bored the first couple of days. Then once he got to know the activities' staff and a few guests, he had more fun. The teen/kid's club was non-existent. Again, we didn't see a whole lot of children or things for them to do.
Azimuth99
Our room at Jolly Beach was too small to add another bed, but maybe there would be an upgrade. They have larger rooms and cottages.
He would have such a great time at Jolly Beach!
Miminy
The regular rooms are very small a third person even a 9 years old will be too crowded. There is no space to even put a sliping bag on the floor. You might want to book a 1 bedroom suite.
Sisi
Yes ma'am you can. They have suites for extended family members. It is beautiful there.
Bligady
YES YOU CAN AND YOU SHOULD GO TO ANTIGUA OR TRY THE BAHAMAS
CHUNKY
Try the Viva Fortuna all-inclusive in the Bahamas. They also have a circus trapeze flying venue that your son will love and the snorkeling there is great.
bdkhck
what s the best all inclusive vacation with snorkling, rainforrest to walk in, not so family oriented, hectic or classy4 answers
I 'm 53 yrs. old, have been abroad twice in my life an want to do again. stay maybe 10 days, relax no schedule, lots of activities like snorkling. exploring both beach shoreline, see the trees an nature. has to be all inclusive
4 months ago
barb
For All inclusive packages the most popular destinations are Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. You may want an adults only resort if you are looking for a quiet resort without families and children. For resorts with Casino's we have Aruba, Punta Cana, Bahamas, and St. Martin to list a few.
MeganCC
Just returned from my 3rd trip to Jolly Beach Resort in the last 2 years. Got to know some of the wonderful resort staff and local folks on the mile long white sand beach.
I feel so welcom here and it answers all my needs whether I want to scuba dive sail or snorkel or I just want to read under a palm tree!
Can't wait to return.
Miminy
Miminy
Try Panama Jones adventure tours or anything in Costa Rica. The Bahamas have great snorkeling, but no rainforests that we know of.
bdkhck
There is a room at the resort they call a casino with a few tables and slots. Rarely saw anyone in there. We took an all day jeep tour that was very interesting and hit all the high points. We also took a catemaren cruise around the island that had an OK snorkeling stop at lunch and a water perspective of the on land sights we visited on the jeep tour.. The jolly beach was all inclusive but not posh by any standard.The side trips were extra. We did not do the rain forrest / zipline but did pass through the area. Something I might have tried in my younger days.
TheBigC
Does this resort have a casino?8 answers
3 months ago
new york
It does not appear that this resort has a casino directly on their property, however, there were casinos in Antigua discovered upon searching the internet. A list of casinos in Antigua can be found by clicking the link http://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/antigua-and-barbuda.
MariaCC
I guess you could call it that. It was more like an adult game room. One roulette table, two or three poker tables and probably 15 or more slot machines. Opened at 6 pm, don't know when it closed. There used to be a casino across the street but it closed last year I was told.
carribeanlover12
yes
Nonickname123
Yes there is a casino. I did not go in, I'm not really a gambler. It's fairly small but has some slot machines, and table games. Looked like roulette, craps, and black jack.
jollyrobert
yes - a small casino with quite a bit of slots, only one blackjack table, one roulette and one other card table.. and only open after 6pm. tables not open on Sunday.
mammyO
Yes, but it is very small.
bdkhck
It has a very tiny casino. We did not use it. When I looked through the window I never saw more than 15 people in the whole place.
Tjtoolie
Yes, but it's tiny and doesn't offer anything but slot machines most nights. I stayed there for 6 nights and only say the tables "open" once.
Notahappycamper
saw some reviews involving bugs1 answer
I read in some reviews that members were complaining about bugs and mosquitoes and sand fleas. Is that issue corrected or is it still the same.
3 weeks ago
jm
We do not have any reports on file from our clients regarding this matter.
MariaCC
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Room Information
464 guestrooms in white-concrete, two, three, and four-story buildings with corrugated red-steel or red-tile roofs arrayed around 40 acres of tropical gardens. Each guestroom is equipped with air-conditioning, balcony or patio, cable TV, direct dial telephone, hair dryer, and in-room safe.
We love that the super, all inclusive rate includes an abundance of activities that keep everyone, even teens, in the family happy at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa. �
What We'd Change
While the dress code at dinner can be a bit formal, who doesn't want their fellow diners dressed properly when enjoying an elegant meal at these beautiful restaurants?�
Why You Should Go
With two different kinds of pools, daytime activities for kids, and fun evening activities like Calypso Night, this resort is great for both families and couples. ��
Available Amenities
Activities/Tours Assistance
Banquet Facilities
Beach
Volleyball
Business Center ($)
Casino ($)
Child Care/Babysitting Services ($)
Conference Facilities
Cribs Available on Request
Currency Exchange
Fitness/Exercise Room
Gift Shop
Kayaks
Kids Club
Lounge Chairs/Umbrellas
Nightly Entertainment
Scuba Certification ($)
Snorkeling
Swim-Up Bar(s)
Internet Access ($)
Swimming Pool(s)
Tennis Court(s)
Tropical Gardens
Windsurfing
Sailing
Fishing
Aerobics
24 Hour Front Desk
Wedding Services
Parking On-Site
Basketball
Dance Classes
Water Polo
Ping Pong
Billiards
Non-Smoking Rooms Available
5 Restaurants
5 Bars/Lounges
Darts
Porter/Bellhop
Meeting Rooms ($)
Honeymoon Packages $$ -- Pre-arrange directly with resort
Wireless Hi-Speed Internet Access ($)
Amenities Subject to Change, with or without notice
Complimentary Full American Breakfast
Free Parking
Additional Fees for some amenities may be required
Car Rental Available ($)
Nearby Excursions & Attractions
Dive Shop Close by
Golf Nearby
Horseback Riding Nearby
Jet Ski Rental Nearby
Kayaking
Live Entertainment in Area
Medical Facilities Nearby
Motor Boating Nearby
Parasailing Nearby
Restaurants/Bars Nearby
Sailing Nearby
Scooter/Moped Rental Nearby
Scuba Diving Nearby
Snorkeling Nearby
Map of Local Area
A true tropical paradise, Antigua offers 365 superb white sand beaches surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks which makes this island the perfect diving and snorkeling destination.
Jolly Beach Resort and Spa
Bolans Village, PO Box W2009
+268 462 0061
Hotel Description
Fun for All and All for Fun at Jolly Beach Resort Antigua
Whether you are a family needing a break or a couple looking to heat up your romance, Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua is your ticket to fun.�Sitting on Antigua's beautiful western coast, on a mile-long, pearl-white beach, this 40-acre resort boasts two pools, five restaurants, five bars and endless activities, all at a great, all inclusive rate.
We think the Fantasy Pool is appropriately named, with its lush gardens, cascading waterfall, relaxing whirlpool, and convenient swim-up bar. Or, if you are looking for tranquility, head over to the Quiet Pool, perfect for floating the day away, listening to your own heartbeat.�The beach at Jolly Beach Resort offers an endless expanse of turquoise water just begging you to grab a kayak or Hobi Cat. Snorkel gear and paddleboats are also featured in the all inclusive rate. For the athlete, the resort offers four tennis courts, a basketball court and even a cricket field, where you can show off your skills at the wicket.
Parents, you will appreciate the activities the friendly staff prepares for your child at the Jolly Kidz Club. And your teenager will enjoy the Moonlight Scavenger Hunt at the Jolly Teenz Club.�For couples, we highly recommend the Palms Wellness Massage for Two at the Palms Wellness Center. This beach-side luxury is one of a complete list of spa services, like stone therapy and body wraps, which are sure to help you find your island Zen.
With five restaurants, you'll have plenty to choose from to fulfill your desire for tasty treats. For a lunch that's quick and delicious, wrap your towel around you and grab some jerk chicken at the poolside Coconut Grill.�Eat up, because you'll need to replenish your energy for the lively nightlife at Jolly Beach Resort, including Calypso Night, when you can sit beside a beach bonfire and listen to the beat of steel drums, while island winds caress your face.
Other Details
Location
Approximately 30-minute drive from V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU); 20-minute drive from the capital of St. Johns; 13 mi from Nelson's Dockyard National Park; 14 mi from Shirley Heights Lookout; 19 mi from Devil's Bridge; 21 mi from Harmony Hall.
A $28-per-person departure tax due at the airport, payable in cash only.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-In:�3pm. Check-Out: noon.
A three-night minimum stay required at this resort.
A valid credit card may be required upon check-in for possible incidentals not included in your hotel reservation.
Dining Note
The a la carte-style restaurants are on a rotating schedule, with a different one featured each night.
All Inclusive
Features:
Room Accommodations
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Snacks (Grill), and Dinner
All House-brand Beverages and Cocktails
Five Restaurants and five Bars
One Mile White Sand Beach
Two Fresh Water Pools
Jolly Kidz and Teenz Clubs
Gym and Exercise Classes
Four Tennis Courts lit for night play
Basketball and Netball Courts
Hammock Lounge
Non-motorized Watersports
Daily Activities
Nightly Entertainment
All Taxes and Service Charges
Not Included:
In-room Safe
Bottle Water
Racket and balls for tennis
Photoshop
Laundry
Airport Transfers
Spa and Beauty Salon treatments
Internet and WiFi access
Wedding and Honeymoon Packages
Banquet and Conference Facilities
Shopping On-site
Scuba Diving
Local Tours and Excursions
Car Rental
Taxi Service
Golf at nearby Jolly Harbour or Cedar Valley
�
Dining
Name: Hemispheres
Type: Buffet
Hours: Breakfast, Daily 7am-10am; Continental Breakfast, Daily 10am-11am; Lunch, Daily noon- 2pm; Dinner, Daily 6:30pm-10pm
Description: Main restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and theme-dinner buffets with open-air seating and colorful table linens under glass.
No reservations are necessary.
Name: Ristorante Bocciolo
Type: Italian
Hours: Daily 6:30pm-10pm
Description: Dinner-only Italian restaurant with an antipasti bar and an a la carte menu featuring house-made pasta.
Reservations required. Dress code: long pants and collared shirts for men.
Some supplementary menu items are not part of the all-inclusive plan and are subject to a small surcharge.
A la carte restaurant opening times may vary. Please check availability at our Restaurant Reservations desk.
Each a la carte restaurant has a bar.
Name: Utsav
Type: Indian
Hours: Daily 6:30pm-10pm
Description: Cuisine from India served in an intimate, open-air setting, featuring small rooms with blue cushions on built-in white benches.
Reservations required. Dress code: long pants and collared shirts for men.
A la carte restaurant opening times may vary. Please check availability at our Restaurant Reservations desk.
For your convenience, each a la carte restaurant has a bar.
Open for dinner and Sunday brunch with a la carte dinner choices, such as grilled swordfish, shrimp Caesar salad, crab/salmon cake, seared red snapper with passion-fruit sauce, seafood pasta, and beer-battered conch.
Grilled dishes available for surcharge: garlic shrimp, beef tenderloin and lobster. Reservations are required.
A la carte restaurant opening times may vary. Please check availability at our Restaurant Reservations desk.
For your convenience, each a la carte restaurant has a bar.
Name: Coconut Grill
Type: Grab-and-go
Hours: Daily noon-4:45pm
Description: Open-air lunch spot between the pool and beach; offers burgers, jerk chicken and french fries.
Beach
The resort sits on a one-mile-long Caribbean beach on Antigua's western coast.
Pools
The resort includes two swimming pools, including the 8,000-sq-ft Fantasy Pool, complete with swim-up bar, cascading waterfall, gazebo and whirlpool; and the Quiet Pool.
Child Care
Jolly's Kids Club�offers daytime activities, both outdoors and indoors, for age groups 3-12, including:
Jolly Birthday Club
Chefs Corner
Toys Workshop
Kidz Soiree
Nature Walks
Beach Picnic
Seashell Hunt
Caribbean Story Time
Treasure Hunt
Bingo
Pirate Night
Disco Night
Pizza and Movie Night
Hawaiian-style Luau
The Kidz Club is open Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-5pm and Sat 10:30am-5pm.
The Jolly Teenz Club, for ages 13-16, features:
Nintendo Wii
Microsoft Xbox
Two 36" flat-screen televisions
Foosball
Skee Ball
Indoor Basketball
Air Hockey
Ping Pong
Stereo System
DVD Player
Kayaking Lessons
Beach Volleyball
Bonfires
At night the Jolly Teenz Club transforms into the Dream Room, for get-togethers and dancing. Evening activities include:
Pizza and a Movie Night
Disco Night�
Bonfire Night�
Moonlight Scavenger Hunt
Mystery Night
The Jolly Teenz club is open Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm, 2:30pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm.� Weekend hours are 10:30am-2:30pm.
Daytime and evening babysitting is also available at a small additional cost.
Water activities
Unlimited non-motorized water sports; kids' instruction in windsurfing and sailing lessons are offered daily by experienced water sports staff. Includes:
Hobi cats
Aqua finns
Windsurfers
Kayaks
Paddle boats
Snorkels and fins
Sports
The resort has four lighted tennis courts, two basketball courts and a cricket field. Tennis equipment is available from the clubhouse for a small rental fee.
Bars
The resort features a swim-up bar, entertainment bar and a bar inside each of the three a la carte restaurants.
Splash
Two-story, weathered-wood structure with bar with covered seating, panoramic seaview from upper level and a swim-up bar on the lower level. Daily 11:30am-5pm.
Entertainment Bar
Part of a three-structure, open-air complex with wooden roofs supported by wood poles next to an expansive plaza. One structure shelters the bar, another shelters the bandstand and the third shelters the dance floor. �Featuring live music and entertainment nightly.�Nightly 10pm 12:30am.
Long Bar at Hemisphere's
The Long Bar at Hemispheres offers drinks and refreshments. Daily 10:30am-12:30am.
Night Life
Live music and entertainment is featured nightly in the entertainment bar. Some of the regularly featured events may include:
Beach Bonfire
Super Stars Steel Orchestra
Family Night
Antigua Night
Mr. Jolly Beach Karaoke
Folk Night
Calypso Night
Ideal Couple Competition
Disco Night
Spa Services
The Palms Wellness Centre offers a range of services, from stone therapy and soothing wraps to body scrubs and deep-tissue massage, as well as a Palms Wellness Massage for two on the beach. A Palms Pampering for Kids treatment menu is also available.
Spa and beauty treatments are not included in all-inclusive rates, and reservations must be made a day in advance.
The Palms Wellness Centre also offers a full gym and a beauty salon.
Wedding Services
The resort offers two packages. Extras, like a photographer/videographer, live band and a horse-drawn carriage are available at additional cost.
The Dream Wedding Package
Available for free with a booking of a Superior Room or higher room category for seven nights or more based on double occupancy. Includes:
A spa credit for a Couples Massage at Palms Wellness Centre Spa (this offer cannot be combined with any other Spa discounts)
A credit for a Wadadli Cats Cruise (except Sundays)
The Silver Wedding Package
Free with a booking of six rooms for stays of seven nights or more. Includes:
A spa credit for a Couples Massage at Palms Wellness Centre Spa (this offer cannot be combined with any other Spa discounts)
A credit for a Wadadli Cats Cruise (except Sundays)
An intimate dinner for two (please confirm during interview with wedding coordinator)
Continental Breakfast served in your room (the morning after your wedding)
Two Jolly Beach Resort & Spa souvenir mugs
"Just Married" shirts
Complimentary use of the cyber room to email your wedding announcement to 10 persons of choice
�
Honeymoon Bonus
The Dream Honeymoon Package cannot be combined with any other spa discounts, wedding or vow renewal packages. Honeymoon Packages are only valid upon the presentation of marriage certificate for weddings within three months of stay at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa. Includes:
A spa credit for a Couples Massage at Palms Wellness Centre Spa (this offer cannot be combined with any other Spa discounts)
A credit for a Wadadli Cats Cruise (except on Sundays)
Notahappycamper
