Pineapple Beach Club Antigua – All Inclusive

Pineapple Beach Club promotes itself as “the most laid-back all-inclusive in Antigua” and that just might be right. The vibe is undeniably fun and relaxed, and it's clear that guests come for a chilled-out, grown-up getaway. It draws a mix of couples and friend groups -- singles won’t feel out of place here as they might at some of the more romantic all-inclusive resorts on the island. While there are plenty of nice restaurants and amenities on hand, the overall atmosphere of Pineapple Beach Club is that it’s unpretentious. There’s none of the staging or faux-elegance that can make some resorts feel generic or contrived. Guests seem content to do their own thing and just simply relax (sometimes that means clustering with their mobile devices in the free Wi-Fi zones).

While the property is 30 acres, it feels intimate because most of the rooms and amenities are clustered together. There are sprinklings of local charm throughout the lush property, including traditional Caribbean plantation-style architecture, a homey reception area that feels more like a tropical living room than a typical hotel lobby, and scattered “relaxation stations” with hammocks strung between palm trees. There’s even a turtle sanctuary near the lobby that provides daily feedings. The quaintness is balanced by freely flowing drinks and fun features like the funky hilltop Outhouse BBQ & Bar for those seeking some afternoon fun. For guests whose primary vacation goal is to kick back and unwind, Pineapple Beach Club might be the perfect answer.

Tucked at the end of a long, quiet road in the island’s northeastern corner, Pineapple Beach Club skirts the beautiful turquoise waters and white sands of picturesque Long Bay Beach. Set on 30 acres of tropical land, it feels tranquil and secluded. Other than its sister resort across the street, there’s little  development in the area. Devil’s Bridge National Park, home to the famous Devil’s Bridge rock formation, known for its crashing waves and impressive sea spray, is nearby. Guests can reach the formation by car in five minutes. Those who are feeling more adventurous can access it via hiking paths from the resort in about a half-hour. A 35-minute drive will get you to the town of English Harbour if you head south, or to V. C. Bird International Airport if you head northwest. The capital city of St. John’s is a 40-minute drive from the resort.

The rooms at Pineapple Beach Club are casual and clean. They feature simple furnishings and either subtle accents of sea-inspired colors or island-inspired artwork, like photographs of open windows looking out onto tropical beaches. All rooms include some kind of outdoor space. Air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making equipment, and mini-fridges come standard. Mini-fridges can be stocked for a fee. Closets hold safes, irons, and ironing boards, while bathrooms have hairdryers and Elite Botanica toiletries. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms at an extra cost.

The entry-level rooms are set in two-story plantation-style buildings away from the beach. Courtyard Rooms feature shared balconies or porches and partial garden views, while Gardenview Rooms offer full garden views. Gardenview Rooms on the ground floor include private porches, while second-floor rooms have shared balconies. Rooms at these two levels come with warm rattan furnishings and somewhat dated bathrooms with shower/tub combos.

Upgrading to the top three price levels buys guests rooms that are brighter and have more updated decor, with a mixture of rich mahogany and rattan furnishings, including four-poster beds in some rooms. They also go a step beyond the beachy artwork, providing actual views of the beach and the glittering sea. Like the Gardenview Rooms, upgraded Beachfront Rooms have either private porches or shared balconies depending on their floor, and are set in two-story buildings right on the beach. Oceanview Rooms are set further back in three-story buildings on a hillside. These rooms offer the most space at the resort, and they all have private balconies. Many of them also offer easy access to the main pool via a series of wooden staircases. The aptly named Waterfront Rooms have large private balconies with panoramic sea views. These rooms have showers only. 

Pineapple Beach Club may be laid-back, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on the amenities. There’s a wide range of options for keeping adult guests fed and entertained while they’re enjoying their vacations. There are five eateries in total, plus two additional bars. Topaz is the resort’s main, open-air restaurant, serving buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner and afternoon tea with great views of the beach and the sea. Guests can also opt to make dinner reservations at one of the two a la carte restaurants. Chef Pietro Restaurant serves hearty Italian dishes in an open-air setting of checkered tablecloths and tableside serenading by what can best be described as a Rasta mariachi band. The air-conditioned Pineapple Grill offers Caribbean/international fair. Guests should note that certain menu items like steak come with an extra fee, as do bottles of premium wine and Champagne. Otherwise, all restaurants and bars are part of the all-inclusive package. Room service is not available.

Straddling the beach and the main pool, Pelican Snack Grill offers light lunch, as well as afternoon and late night snacks. The most popular eatery at the resort is the funky Outhouse Bar & BBQ, and for good reason. A truly unique option in a sea of resort eateries that all start to seem similar, the quirky restaurant sits atop a hill overlooking the sea and the rest of the resort. It looks as though someone cobbled it together piece by piece (in a good way). An eclectic mix of rustic picnic tables, hundreds of wooden boards signed by past guests, and even an old English telephone booth combine to create a one-of-a-kind setting. It’s only open in the afternoon, so guests should arrive early to get a taste of the famous ribs and jerk chicken.

The tiny Aqua Bar serves drinks by the beach, while the large Sly Mongoose bar provides easy access to both the beach and the main pool. It also has a huge open-air lounge that offers board games, a pool table, and table tennis, as well as evening entertainment including DJ nights, karaoke, and steel drum bands.

The lovely freshwater main pool is a freeform oasis with two levels, waterfalls, and a hot tub. There’s also a smaller pool right next to the beach. The beach itself is a major draw of the resort, offering a long stretch of white sand on stunning Long Bay. There are plenty of sunloungers to go around, as well as a few colorful Adirondack chairs and a collection of tethered sea hammocks for those who want to relax directly in the water. Free non-motorized water sports include sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and snorkeling.

A small spa features two treatment rooms for massage, wellness, and beauty treatments (fees apply). Guests who want a workout can choose between the modern fitness center, offering cardio equipment and free weights, or the two tennis courts. A tennis pro is on hand to give free beginner lessons. The resort also offers daily fitness activities, aqua aerobics, and nature walks to Devil’s Bridge.

Free parking is available in a small gravel lot. Wi-Fi is also free, but only in certain designated public areas.