Where have I been lately?
(Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua -Part 1)
During the month of February of 6 of the past 8 years, we have spent at least 10 days at Pineapple Beach Club in Antigua.
To us, it’s Heaven on Earth. Here’s a brief description……
“Pineapple Beach Club Antigua is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort nestled along a quarter-mile stretch of pristine white-sand beach in the tranquil Long Bay area of Antigua. Spanning 30 acres, the resort offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Caribbean charm.
Situated in Willikies, approximately 30 minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport and the capital city of St. John’s, Pineapple Beach Club provides a serene escape with panoramic ocean views and lush tropical gardens .
The resort's architecture reflects traditional Caribbean style, enhancing its laid-back, island ambiance. Pineapple Beach Club is perfect for couples and groups seeking a romantic, relaxing, or adventurous getaway. Its all-inclusive nature, combined with a variety of activities and dining options, caters to diverse interests while maintaining a serene and intimate atmosphere. (180 rooms)”. https://www.pineapplebeachclub.com/resort/
In a way, the aerial view above doesn’t do it justice. We stay in a Beachfront Room on the ground floor (units are 2 high, with no elevator, and with outdoor stairs). If you look at the picture above, we stay in the lower level of the building on the right. By the end of 2025, all the rooms at the resort will have been renovated. Beachfront rooms were renovated late in 2024, and the results are great.
How do I get there?
For starters, we don’t drive to the airport and leave the vehicle there. We think there’s too much risk of theft or damage, and we don’t want to have to contend with winter traffic on a deadline. We really like a private car service, like the one that Red Car offers. redcarservice.com They’re based near our home, they’re on time, priced reasonably, and their drivers are always competent and polite.
Here’s a pic of our drop off at Pearson in chilly February!!
Airlines: I book through Westjet Vacations, which offers a nonstop flight (~5 hours) from Toronto Pearson twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays. Air Canada flies direct from Pearson 3 times per week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. However, it tends to be about $1000 more each for 2 people, 2 weeks, beachfront room, Premium Air. Add to that the fact that we’ll do almost anything to avoid flying Air Canada, and you’ll see that it’s always going to be Westjet for us! They’re not perfect, but for us, they’re the far better airline. Our American friends can also get a direct flight to Antigua from many places such as New York, Atlanta, and Miami. We’ll talk more about Premium Air vs. Economy next week. https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/vacations
Once you get to the airport in St. John’s, Antigua, (ANU) Customs is pretty quick, unless multiple flights are coming in at the same time. If you’ve booked a transfer with a vacation package, the platform is a 5 minute walk from the terminal. This will be when you really experience how hot and humid it is there! But what the heck, it’s vacation!!
We tend to bypass the shuttle even if it’s included. Since we’re first off the plane, we get baggage first (usually 2 checked pieces each…… as one needs to pack pool noodles, snorkel gear, a tray for my laptop as my husband gets the desk in the room, and a pile of clothes, half of which we actually wear.) After all that, we have usually been first at the shuttle, then we have to wait about 30 minutes for everyone else. We don’t have that long to live, so this year, we got into the short line for a taxi at the Terminal.
How Taxi Selection turns into a preferred vendor: By chance, we got into an SUV driven by the owner, Shem Johnson. I asked him about his unique name and he told me that he was named after Shem in the Bible – Noah’s eldest son! Shem is a great driver, was born and raised on Antigua, and is the most prompt responder to WhatsApp messages I’ve ever seen! His pricing is very reasonable, and we’re so lucky to have found him.
First impressions of PBC:
Drop off at the resort is in front of Reception. There are always gentlemen there to help unload luggage (even our bulging array of suitcases!) Then you’re given a lovely glass of rum punch and a cold cloth to help cool off. Check in is quick and efficient. That’s when one of my favourite moments comes, seeing which room we’ll get. We email in advance (both as individuals and as a travel advisor to the Director of Sales) to advise of our room preference. (ground floor, rooms 111 to 123-closest to the beach, private porch) There’s no guarantee that we’ll get what we requested, but we’ve yet to be disappointed.
Then we proceed outside, and we’re off to our room with our luggage. Tours of the resort are offered by the bellboys, but since we’re not newbies, we get straight to the room.
…… the view from our porch……….
Our arrival ritual begins……….. Steve goes to the beach and brings 2 loungers onto our front porch. We’re not sun worshippers, so we lounge on the front porch and read a lot. Then I start to unpack, get us extra towels, and Steve goes to visit the bar and bring us drinks. (and visit with his favourite staff members if they’re on shift)
Then we usually walk on the beach and check out the entrance sign – our original first view of the resort. It is as breathtaking every time as it looks.
Next week, I’ll talk more about Pineapple Beach Club – what we do there, why we love it, and why it’s quirky.
Happy Travels!!