Travel Tips & RESORT FAQ’S
Resort FAQs
IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE, WHAT HAPPENS TO MY RESERVATION?
Click here for Elite Island Resorts’ hurricane policy.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO ANTIGUA?
Yes. We strongly recommend that all members of your party travel with a passport with a validity date of at least six months past the date of your departure from the island. You may not be allowed entry into Antigua & Barbuda if your passport has less than 6 months of validity from the day you are scheduled to arrive in Antigua. A passport will be required for all US and Canadian citizens to travel to the Caribbean. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport please click here. In our current times, passports are the most expeditious and reliable form of identification when traveling domestically or internationally.
HOW FAR AWAY ARE YOU FROM THE AIRPORT?
We are approximately 30 minutes from the airport.
CAN MY ROOM BE UPGRADED?
Yes, call Elite Island Resorts at 800.858.4618 if you booked directly with Elite or the resort. Or, call your Travel Advisor or Tour Operator if you booked through a third party. Upgrades (based on availability) are included in some packages; otherwise, inquiries can be made at the reception of the hotel upon arrival. There is an extra fee per night for room upgrades, payable locally.
What is the housekeeping schedule for guest rooms and villas?
Kindly note that housekeeping services are provided to guest rooms every other day during your stay. This aligns with our sustainability goals of reducing water, electricity, and detergent usage on our precious island.
IS INTERNET ACCESS AVAILABLE?
Resort Wi-Fi is included as part of the daily resort fee.
IS THERE AN ATM AT THE RESORT?
No. The closest ATM is located in English Harbour, approximately 30 minutes by car. The ATM only accepts Visa cards. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the island.
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY OF EACH ROOM CATEGORY?
Hillside Suite King = 2 guests
Waterview King = 2 guests
Waterview 2 Queens = 3 guests
Waterfront King = 2 guests
Waterfront 2 Queens = 4 guests
Superior Waterfront King = 2 guests
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ROOM CATEGORIES?
Hillside Suites offer lovely resort and garden views.
Waterview Suites provide resort and partial water views.
Waterfront Suites provide direct, unobstructed water views.
Superior Waterfront Suites offer our best water views along with great locations offering easy pool, beach, and restaurant access.
Two-Bedroom Villas provide resort, garden, and slight water views.
Two-Bedroom Plunge Pool villas provide resort, garden, and water views.
CAN I HAVE A COURTESY ROOM IF I LEAVE THE HOTEL LATE IN THE AFTERNOON?
Late check-out from your room can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability on the day of your departure. This can be arranged by reception. Please note: shower rooms are available for use at a nominal fee of US$25.00. Availability of a shower room is subject to hotel occupancy and room availability.
WHAT TYPES OF BEDS DO YOU HAVE IN THE ROOMS?
Our Suites and Villas offer very comfortable hospitality-grade mattresses and bedding, and your choice of King or Queen Beds. Please be sure to select your desired bedding configuration at the time of booking.
is this resort and its rooms accessible for people with mobility issues?
The Verandah is uniquely located on a spectacular bluff overlooking turquoise water and two white-sand beaches. Due to the unique nature of this resort, The Verandah may not be fully accessible to those with mobility issues or related special needs. Fully modified disabled rooms, such as you may find in the United States, are not available. Ground floor rooms are available. However, some areas and facilities at the resort may not be accessible to disabled persons.
ARE NON-SMOKING ROOMS AVAILABLE?
All rooms are non-smoking.
DOES MY ROOM HAVE A FRIDGE?
All Suites have mini-fridges. All Villas have full-sized fridges.
ARE THERE ALARM/CLOCK RADIOS IN THE ROOMS?
All rooms have alarm/clock radios.
ARE THERE HAIRDRYERS, IRONS AND IRONING BOARDS IN THE ROOMS?
Hairdryers, ironing boards and irons are available in every room.
ARE THERE TELEPHONES IN THE ROOMS?
All guest rooms have direct-dial telephones with worldwide service. Complete telephone and fax services are available at the resort.
DO THE ROOMS HAVE CEILING FANS?
Yes, all rooms have ceiling fans.
WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE IN ANTIGUA?
The voltage is 110v as in the US. The outlet style is also American.
IS USE OF THE IN-ROOM SAFE INCLUDED?
Yes, it is. The safe key and lock will be handed to you upon check-in.
CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER?
Yes – tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is also available, but is not included in the resort’s all-inclusive program. We do try to reduce the usage of single-use straws and plastic containers due to limited recycling and landfill space on our beautiful island.
DO I HAVE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS AT THE RESTAURANTS?
Dinner reservations are easily made at the resort after check-in. Certain dining venues are casual and do not require reservations. Our larger restaurants typically encourage reservations, especially during peak travel periods.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE AT THE RESTAURANTS?
During the day, resort casual is perfect for all dining venues; but please, no wet bathing suits. For evening dining, casually elegant is fine for most venues (tailored shorts, collared shirts, sundresses, and so forth). For Nicole’s Restaurant, we kindly ask that men wear long pants, collared shirts, and closed-toed shoes; and women wear pants, blouses, and dresses. T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops and beachwear are not permitted in Nicole’s Restaurant.
DO YOU CATER TO VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS?
We offer a wide variety of menu and dining choices, which include some vegetable and vegetarian dishes. However, our vegetable and vegetarian dishes may include ingredients that are not vegan, as we do not cater specifically to a vegan diet. Due to the all-inclusive nature of the resort, we are not able to arrange private meetings with the Chef, or create individualized menus or meal plans for our guests. Thank you for your understanding.
I HAVE A RESTRICTED DIET DUE TO ALLERGIES, DIETARY RESTRICTION, OR SPECIAL DIETARY PREFERENCE. HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY STAY?
We frequently receive questions regarding special dietary needs, restrictions or preferences. In an all-inclusive setting, we are not able to accommodate individually tailored meals for specific guests. We do offer a wide variety of meal choices, which include salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and vegetarian options. However, due to the all-inclusive nature of our resort and kitchens, we are not able to cater to specific individual needs such as vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free, religious observance, or similar custom-made dishes.
WHEN IS THE MANAGER’S COCKTAIL PARTY?
Every Tuesday at 6:30pm at the Main Pool Bar (weather permitting).
ARE ALL MEALS BUFFET?
Our restaurants offer a variety of buffet and a la carte dining choices.
IS THERE A SURCHARGE TO DINE AT ANY OF THE RESTAURANTS AT THE RESORT?
Yes. At Nicole’s, our fine dining restaurant, there is a per-person surcharge of US$40 for guests on the all-inclusive plan.
WHAT TYPE OF NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT IS OFFERED?
The Verandah currently offers a variety of relaxing, Caribbean-style entertainment several nights per week.
HOW FAR IS IT TO THE NEAREST SHOPPING AREA?
English Harbour is just 30 minutes away from the resort. Taxi cost is US$72.00 round trip.
IS THERE A GIFT SHOP AT THE RESORT?
Yes, the resort has a lovely gift shop that offers souvenirs, logo items, convenience items, snacks and more. The gift shop is located near the main pool area and is typically open from mid-morning to early evening. Hours change seasonally. Please stop by the gift shop for exact hours of operation during your stay.
ARE THERE ANY NICE RESTAURANTS LOCATED NEAR THE RESORT?
Antigua boasts a wide range of fantastic restaurants. Popular local restaurants are easily reached via taxi from the resort, and are located in various parts of the island such as English Harbour, St. John’s, along the island’s northwest coast, and near the VC Bird International Airport. Stop by and see one of our Guest Services team members for information about local restaurants, reservations, and taxi service. Kindly note that off-property restaurant and business hours and operating days may vary seasonally, and in accordance with local health and safety regulations.
ARE BEACH TOWELS PROVIDED?
Yes, beach towels are provided for your convenience.
IS WATERSKIING INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?
No, Waterskiing is not an activity available at The Verandah Antigua.
IS SNORKELING AVAILABLE OFF PROPERTY?
We have snorkeling trips daily, available at a fee. The snorkeling gear at the resort is included and you can snorkel off our two beaches free of charge.
IS PARASAILING OR JET SKIING AVAILABLE?
No, we do not offer parasailing or jet skiing.
IS GOLF INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?
Golf is not included. There are two golf courses on the island.
HOW FAR AWAY ARE THE GOLF COURSES?
Cedar Valley is approximately 35 minutes away and the taxi cost is approximately US$72.00 round trip. Jolly Harbour is about 45 minutes from our resort and the taxi cost is about US$90.00 round trip.
HOW MANY TENNIS COURTS ARE THERE AND WHAT TYPE OF SURFACE ARE THEY?
There are two hard-surfaced tennis courts and they are lit for night play.
IS THERE A TENNIS PRO AT THE RESORT?
There is a tennis pro instructor available by appointment for private classes, for an added fee.
DO YOU PROVIDE A SHUTTLE INTO TOWN?
Daily shuttles to the capital city, St. John’s, are available for s small fee. Shuttles are also available on Sundays for visits to Shirley Heights.
CAN I RENT A CAR?
Car rentals are available from the Lions Desk at the resort. Daily rates start at approximately US$55.
CAN I USE A US DRIVER’S LICENSE?
No, you will need to get a temporary local driving permit at a cost of about US$30, payable locally at the resort .
DO YOU HAVE VALET OR SELF-PARKING?
We have a parking lot available for self-parking near the reception area.
CAN I BOOK TOURS AND EXCURSIONS FROM YOUR RESORT?
Yes, we have a Tour Desk at the resort where you can book any excursion in Antigua. The desk is usually open from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week.
DO YOU RENT BIKES OR MOPEDS?
No.
CAN YOU ARRANGE DAY TOURS AND EXCURSIONS?
Absolutely! We have a wide range of excursions available. The Tour Desk will provide all the information you need and will reserve the trips for you.
ARE THERE FERRIES OR EXCURSIONS TO OTHER ISLANDS?
There are excursions and boat tours to neighboring islands such as Barbuda and Montserrat.
do you offer pickleball?
Yes! We have three world-class Pickleball courts for your enjoyment.
DO YOU ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION TO NEARBY CHURCHES ON SUNDAYS?
The Guest Services staff will be happy to arrange this for you.
WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR BEAUTY SALON/SPA OFFER?
Among the many fabulous treatments that our Tranquility Body & Soul Spa offers are stress-relieving massages, body wraps, pedicures, manicures, hair styling, and much more.
WHERE CAN I FIND GROCERIES AND GENERAL SHOPPING NEEDS IN ANTIGUA?
For all your grocery, pharmacy, personal items, and provisioning needs in Antigua, stop by Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy, the Caribbean’s largest and most extensive supermarket. Epicurean’s main store and pharmacy are conveniently located just outside the capital city of St. John’s, and they also have a location in Jolly Harbour. Visit www.EpicureanAntigua.com for more info.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW CONCERNING ILLNESS AND FOOD ALLERGIES LIABILITY?
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. For information on Zika virus, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/fs-posters/ . 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.
WHAT IS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN?
At check-in, guests are required to present valid government-issued identification (passport, driver’s license, ID card) along with a valid major credit card. This helps us confirm your arrival, and helps protect our guests by assisting with our fraud prevention measures. At check-in, a US$350 pre-authorization will be processed on your card to cover any incidental purchases or similar expenses. Incidental purchases may include things like tours, excursions, gift shop purchases, and dining in our specialty restaurant. We understand that not all guests incur additional charges during their stay, but this process assists the resort with fraud prevention. The pre-authorization is released at check-out, assuming you have not charged any purchases to your room.
HOW CAN I BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFERS?
Upon your arrival at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua, you will exit Customs and you will see a long line of governmentally approved taxis waiting to take you to the resort. Likewise, at the end of your stay with us, there are taxis assigned to the resort that will gladly transport you back to the airport for your departure. If you require anything else, please contact a Reservations Specialist at Elite Island Resorts at 800.858.4618 for further options.
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 by staff members who provide excellent service. Outside of the resort, we recommend that all guests prepare or allocate 10-15% for gratuities, depending on the 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 pantsuits 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 AND 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 is 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.