Anybody been to Antigua?

[disney4me4ever]

We were called last night by DVC to tell us that our exchange request hit a match for the St. James Club in Antigua. From what I've seen, it looks beautiful. I'm hoping we can take it, just waiting to hear from the dogsitter is she's available that week. Anyway, wondering if anybody's been to Antigua and/or St. James Club Villas and could share info. Thanks!

 

[Starr W.]

Antigua is beautiful, being an Anglophile I love the British history of the island. St. James Club used to have an excellent reputation, but it's been years since I have looked down in that neck of the woods(since having kids, it's been off my vaction list, as it takes too many plane changes to get there from Detroit).

 

[jekjones1558]

Only been there on a cruise, but loved the tour a local cab driver gave us. I, too, love the British Caribbean islands.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We also were on a cruise, and visited Nelson's Dockyard National Park. Also went on a scenic tour of the island and from the hills, the views of the Caribbean were spectacular. It's a beautiful island.

Bobbi

 

[mbw12]

Do you mind me asking how far in advance you had put your request in.....and how long it took for them to let you know about an availability???

 

[kimpossible]

Have to say it is one of my favorite islands. Have fun!!!

 

[Dean]

By reports the timeshare side there is very good but the hotel side leaves a little to be desired. I think you either love it or hate it. I do know someone that reserved the hotel for their honeymoon, checked in then left and stayed at another hotel.

 

[disney4me4ever]

I checked on TUG and the ratings were high, but if I remember right, no one had reviewed since 2005, which is why I wondered if anyone from here had gone. I put in this request last March, and requested either St. John, Antigua, Turks/Caicos or St. Martin. We absolutely love the Caribbean, so hopefully this will be a good match.

 

[nucpharm29]

Went to Antigua on our honeymoon and absolutely loved it!! Great beaches (365 if I remember correctly--one for each day of the year) beautiful water, and lovely people. We stayed at the Sandal's resort, though, so I have no review of St. James.

 

[Dean]

No new reviews on TUG but 3 reviews on redweeks, two of which were from 2006 and very positive.

 

[jdvm]

I used to spend a lot of time with my job in Antigua but it's been quite some time ago. I have friends who have a place there now. I ADORE Antigua. The people are just wonderful And the island is absolutely gorgeous. I always had a car so that's something you might want to consider. I stayed at what is now the St. James's Club many years ago and I thought it was fine. Not luxury, but fine. That was before it was turned into the club so I can't give you a current opinion on it. I will say that if you are extremely active, I wouldn't want to stay in Antigua more than a week. But if you want to kick back, enjoy the scenery and the ocean, it doesn't get much better.
Good luck
John

 

[disney4me4ever]

Thanks so much for all of your feedback everyone! I will be sure to post a review when we get back. We're basically looking for just R & R, so I think we'll be fine with not alot to do.

 

[mikayla73]

I checked on TUG and the ratings were high, but if I remember right, no one had reviewed since 2005, which is why I wondered if anyone from here had gone. I put in this request last March, and requested either St. John, Antigua, Turks/Caicos or St. Martin. We absolutely love the Caribbean, so hopefully this will be a good match.

When you put your request in last March was this the time you requested, or was it the only time available? We also love the Caribbean and while we have our next year and a half or so of vacation planned out, it is never too soon to start thinking ahead (good DVC motto) especially for II exchanges. We were also thinking about Mexico, but we'll see.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Are you guys looking at the same Antigua that I am? These resorts may be nice, perhaps even the beaches, but have you ever walked around St. John? If you have, I would love to know what you find attractive about it.
I spend time there every now and again for work, and I dread it. Then again, I'm out with the local Joes, not in the confines of a luxury resort.

MG

 

[disney4me4ever]

When you put your request in last March was this the time you requested, or was it the only time available?

I gave MS a window of mid Feb to the beginning of April--high season. We generally try to do 2 vacations between now and May, one of them being at BCV. The other one we try for somewhere in the southwest or Caribbean.

Then again, I'm out with the local Joes, not in the confines of a luxury resort.

We usually always stay at a 5 star resort; if I venture out, fine; if not, I'm good with that too, as we mainly go for the sun. In fairness, this will be one of the few times that we will be going to a venue that isn't known for it's shopping, casinos, etc., so I may feel differently once we see it.

 

[mikayla73]

Thanks for the info. Be sure to let us know how it turns out!