Travel Tips

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

Passports are required. We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a passport validity date of at least six months past the date of departure from the island and check specific country of origin requirements. You may be denied entry into Antigua & Barbuda if your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after the date you are scheduled to arrive in Antigua. For information on obtaining or renewing a US passport, please visit the US Department of State. For information on UK passports, visit the HM Passport Office. Passports are the most expeditious and reliable form of identification when traveling domestically or internationally.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities for resort staff are included with your all-inclusive booking. Additional tips at the end of your stay are appreciated for staff members who provide excellent service. Outside of the resort, we recommend that all guests prepare or allocate 10-15% for gratuities, depending on services provided. On average, that equates to 50 cents per bag for porters and bellhops, and taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.

CREDIT CARDS

Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Due to ongoing issues with American Express credit card processing, please be advised that until further notice, American Express (AMEX) credit cards cannot be used to pay local charges and/or incidentals at the hotel.

TELEPHONES

Calling the US is easy from Antigua. Our resorts offer US Direct calling service, or ask us how you can connect with a US operator during your stay.

APPROPRIATE ATTIRE

We like to use the term: “Elegantly Casual.” Beach attire, such as bathing suits, cover-ups, and towels, is appropriate for the beach, but not while in town, shops, or restaurants. Most restaurants stipulate collared shirts and long pants for men and pant suits or dresses for women in the evening.

TIME ZONE

Antigua is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. Atlantic Standard Time is four hours behind GMT.

ELECTRICITY

The resort runs on standard 110V, the same as in the United States. The outlets take an American-style 2-prong plug.

DEPARTURE TAX & SERVICE CHARGES

The departure tax is included in the price of your airfare ticket. Service fees are included in your nightly rate. A resort fee of US$24 per room per night also applies to all bookings and payable locally at the resort, along with a statutory tourism levy in the amount of US$5 per guest age 6 and older, per night.

CURRENCY

US Dollars are accepted everywhere in Antigua.

The official currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar.

Recent exchange rate:
US $1.00 = EC $2.70

* US currency, travelers checks, and major credit cards (excluding AMEX) are accepted.

BANKING

Banks: Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank, Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua, Bank of Nova Scotia, First Caribbean International Bank Ltd, RBTT Bank Ltd, Royal Bank of Canada, Swiss American National.

Banking hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 1 PM; 3 PM – 5PM
Friday: 8 AM – 12 PM; 3 PM – 5 PM

MEDICAL FACILITIES

There are several general practitioners and specialists on the island as well as a hospital and a private clinic. If needed, recompression chambers are available by air ambulance at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas. Pharmaceutical services are also widely available.

GENERAL SHOPPING

For all your grocery, pharmacy, personal items, and provisioning needs, stop by Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy, the Caribbean’s largest and most extensive supermarket. Epicurean’s main store and pharmacy is conveniently located just outside the capital city of St. John’s.

Visit: www.EpicureanAntigua.com 

SHOPPING HOURS

Monday – Saturday
8 AM – 12 PM; 1 PM – 5 PM 

PERSONAL SAFETY

Antigua is relatively crime free, but we recommend that all guests exercise normal precautions; i.e. don’t leave valuables unattended in rental cars or on the beach. Place your valuables and travel documents in your room safe. Keep your guest room doors and windows locked, especially at night and when you are not in the room.

ILLNESS & ALLERGENS

The resort is located in a tropical environment. Although the resort does employ a year-round pest control service, the resort, its owners, employees, agents, insurers, and suppliers shall absolutely not be liable for any claim, injury, or illness resulting from exposure to Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, or any other insect-borne virus or tropical illness whatsoever.

The resort’s food and beverage outlets use wholesome ingredients, which may include peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, shellfish, shrimp, seafood, soy, milk, wheat, and other potential allergens. Due to the large scale of the resort’s food and beverage operations, the resort cannot guarantee that food items will not come in contact with potential allergens, even if a particular food does not normally include such ingredients. Guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions should be advised accordingly and take precautions. The resort is not able to accommodate individually tailored meals for specific guests based on their individual dietary needs. The Resort and its owners, employees, agents, insurers, and suppliers shall absolutely not be liable for any claim, injury, or illness resulting from food allergies or specific dietary needs or requirements.