St James’s Club & Villas Review: Award-Winning Family-Friendly Resort Option in Antigua
Searching for a family-friendly resort in Antigua that won’t cost they earth or leave your kids feeling like you’ve taken them to a remote island and cut all ties from society? Our St James’s Club & Villas review shows just why this could be the spot for you.
If you’re worried that jetting off to one of the smallest Caribbean islands with your kids could cause some consternation in your group, then our St James’s Club & Villas review might just be for you.
Getting the balance of your family holiday in the Caribbean right can be tricky. You want to have a restful experience and recharge the batteries, but then you also want to spark joy together and generate lasting memories. “They won’t be young forever you know!” That’s what everyone says, right?
Well, together with Elite Island Resorts, we think we have experienced St James’s Club & Villas enough to say that you can stay here to have your epic Antigua family holiday cake and eat it. But let’s dive in deeper.
St James’s Club & Villas Review: Resort Overview
On the face of it, when we tell you that St James’s Club & Villas is located on a peaceful 100-acre peninsula, it may not sound like a hub of activity that is going to keep your active nippers entertained. But stay with us.
While that location may not lend itself to family fun times, it does offer two beaches in one place – so bring enough buckets and spades for bundles of beach days.
Elsewhere, just like the adults-only Elite Island Resorts properties in Antigua we featured previously, there are a host of things to do here. No less than six swimming pools, 10 restaurant and bar options, a spa and a fully equipped gym area. That’s before we’ve even talked about the plethora of excursions, water sports and boat tours on offer.
But before we explore all those exciting elements in more detail, let’s examine the key features.
What Are The Rooms Like at St James’s Club & Villas?
Each of the 251 rooms at St James’s Club & Villas in Antigua come with a selection of amenities all curated to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch.
At the resort, you have the option to stay in Club Rooms, Junior Suites, Royal Suites or Villas. Although the rooms do tier up in terms of spaciousness and (some) amenities, even if you choose to go for the lead-in room category on your trip, you will still have plenty of space to kick back in comfort.
At 40 sqm, the Club Rooms are plenty big enough for smaller families. However, for a larger group or family of four holiday in Antigua, we’d say you would be better suited to a Suite or Villa.
Plus, if you’re travelling as a group of families or friends, we’d recommend thinking about upgrading to the villa area. Here you’ll find an opulent array of villas all set out in a village-esque arrangement
But how about we get out of the rooms for a bit? Who’s hungry?
What Are the Bars and Restaurants Like?
One of the great things about St James’s Club and Villas is the selection of bars and restaurants on offer. All told there are six restaurants and a super cool cafe to pick from.
Fine dining and buffet selections make up some of the venues, but parents will be happy to learn that kids’ menus are available throughout.
Whether you fancy a taste of home or would prefer to immerse yourself in the local food scene, you can do it all from this choice of restaurants:
- Rainbow Garden
- Coco’s Beach Restaurant
- The Docksider Restaurant and Bar
- Mamora Bay Grill
- Eleven/11
- Piccolo Mondo
Where to Eat at St James’s Club & Villas?
Now that we know what restaurants are available at this four-plus-star family resort in Antigua, let’s take a closer look at the offerings at each venue.
Rainbow Garden
Taking inspiration from its tropical surroundings, Rainbow Garden is the main buffet restaurant at St James’s Club. Well, we say it’s a buffet stop but, while that is the case for breakfast and lunch, dinner time is a la carte service – so you can get that elevated feel.
However, with that change of approach in the evening comes a tightening of the dress code too. The day vibes are super casual, but in the evening no t-shirts, cutoffs, or flip-flops are allowed.
Coco’s Beach Restaurant
If you’ve been tapping your feet to try some authentic Caribbean cookery in its heartland, then Coco’s is for you. Located on the upper deck of the resort, you’ll be treated to spectacular views out over the Caribbean Sea to go with your plates of Antiguan favourites. This beautiful space is open for breakfast and dinner and, even better, it’s also included on the all-inclusive offering.
The Docksider
A specialist seafood restaurant sitting right on the waterfront of Mamora Bay. In truth, with the nautical style al fresco dining area, you could lift this venue and place it on a Grecian marina, it would still be right at home.
Make sure you check out The Docksider on Thursday night. This is Caribbean Calypso Night and, as you can imagine, the menu takes on a very local appearance. But there’s also steelpan music, cocktails and plenty of vibes.
Beach Bar & Grill
Also known as Mamora Bay Grill, this relaxed all-inclusive eatery is open from 10:00 to 18:00 and offers an assortment of light lunches including hamburgers, fish sandwiches and other quick bites. Great for keeping their strength up.
Mamora Bay
We mentioned a super cool cafe area and Mamora Bay is that. More than just a simple coffee spot, get your hands on delicious sweet treats and snacks at a treehouse-style coffee shop. The kids will love grabbing a treat from this all-inclusive venue that has been beautifully incorporated into the tree canopy.
Eleven-11
As the name suggests, you can go right through at Eleven-11. Dine on everything from international classics like burgers, pizzas, salads and pasta to classic Antiguan dishes. All of that great grub is set out on tables that boast exquisite waterfront views. This place is sure to be a hit with the little explorers
Piccolo Mondo
Seeking some refinement? Piccolo Mondo is the Italian-inspired fine dining experience at St James’s Club & Villas. As you would imagine from its placement as an elevated experience, Piccolo Mondo is only open for dinner and there is a $40 surcharge per person to eat here.
Expect high-end flavours like veal, scallops and fresh seafood, as well as some dazzling wine selections – this is an elegant Italian restaurant after all.
Best Things to Do at St James’s Club & Villas
As you might imagine from a resort placed picturesquely in between Willoughby Bay and Mamora Bay, water sports play a huge role in the activities at St James’s Club & Villas.
The best news is, as part of our St James’s Club & Villas all-inclusive package offer, you get unlimited water sports – and that’s after you’ve had your fill of the six resort swimming pools. But what water sports are available?
Water Sports at St James’s Antigua
Imagine spending every day of your family holiday in Antigua out on the glistening waters of Maroma Bay, splashing around while you learn a new skill together. The water sports at the resort include:
- Pedal boats
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Marina & Catamaran Cruises
Are There Any Excursions?
During your time at St James’s Villas, you will have the opportunity to book on to some of the best excursions in Antigua. From island safaris to catamaran rides and even zip-line adventures.
However, if are thinking of getting a tour on your island itinerary, we would recommend the Stingray City & Tortoise Tour. You can choose to do these experiences separately or combine them into one adventure.
But getting the chance to snorkel alongside, feed and touch the majestic stingrays is an experience you will never forget. Plus, as the water is only (roughly) waist-deep, less confident swimmers can also get involved in the fun.
Activities for Kids at St James’s Club and Villas
As you would imagine from a family resort in Antigua, there are a bunch of kids facilities available throughout the resort. The award-winning kid’s club is open all day every day. In the club, you little ones will find a world of play and island adventure with sand areas, toys and playgrounds.
What’s more, because the club is overseen by a trained entertainment team, your little ones will learn about the island too. That means you can get a well-earned break from parenting duties to kick back in the sunshine or maybe grab a soothing spa treatment.
The club is open to potty-trained 4-12 year olds. Younger or non-potty-trained kids can still join in the fun, but they will need a parent present.
In addition to the club, there’s also a children’s swimming pool in the village area that is open to little ones who are 12 years and under. Not to mention the virtues of having not one but two beaches on your doorstep.
Is St James’s Club in a Good Location?
St James’s Club & Villas is in the perfect position for your family stay. Forgetting that you’re sandwiched between two stunning beaches, you’re also well-placed to enjoy some of the top sights in Antigua.
But, it’s a fact that Antigua is one of the smallest countries in the world, so you’ll never be too far away from a top attraction. So where should you be heading on a day out?
Going Golfing
Plus, sports fans out there will be happy to learn that the resort is within swinging distance of two golf courses. The Cedar Valley Golf Course, designed by Ralph Aldridge, is an 18-hole, 6,157-yard, par-70 course, meanwhile, the Mill Reef Club is a 9-hole course. Both are around 30 minutes drive from the resort.
Nelson’s Dockyard & Shirley Heights Lookout
Nelson’s Dockyard is one of THE things to do in Antigua. Luckily, St James Club is only around 5 miles from the area. Here you’ll find all manner of maritime relics from the time when Admiral Nelson was stationed on the island.
But, alongside all that Nelson paraphernalia, you’ll also be able to explore Shirley Heights. We suggest timing your trip to Shirley Heights on a Sunday afternoon. Every Sunday, at around 4pm, the stunning views from the lookout area are accompanied by the sounds of a steel band – there are also food trucks and cocktails to enjoy.
You can chow down on true Caribbean snacks, sip fruity cocktails and savour the incredible view of the sun setting over the harbor. The perfect end to the week.
Is Antigua Good For a Family Holiday?
As we have seen, Antigua is a great location for a family holiday and the island’s popularity is starting to soar again after a tricky post-pandemic period.
You could be one of the people enjoying this stunning island with those you care about most. And we can help you there.
Discover St James’s Club For Yourself
There are miles of family smiles to be had at this awesome resort. From the beaches to the choice of restaurants, bars excursions and amazing things to do. No matter how restless your clan gets, you’ll never run out of entertainment.
Plus, with our latest offer, your Caribbean family holiday doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
Learn even more about St James’s Club & Villas, then decide for yourself whether it sounds like the perfect spot for your team. Or, if you’ve heard enough, click the button below to grab your free quote today!
