The following is a sample of the facilities that are available within the Jolly Harbour Marina Resort (Correct at time of print, all comments are our own opinions):

Jolly beach, Supermarket, Pharmacy, Bank, Sports facilities, Golf, Gas/petrol, Chandlery, Diving and Snorkelling, Boat Trips, Laundry, Restaurants

Jolly Beach

Open all hours (!), and never very busy, just 100yards from the villa (you can see the sea and sand between the palm trees from the deck!). Safe bathing, although at certain times of year the sand does shelve steeply and the water becomes deep quite quickly.

There are free sun loungers and parasols available for hire for the day, for a small fee.

There are various beach toys available for hire, by the hour:
Jet skis, Hobie Cats, water bikes and “sausage rides” to name but a few. You will be also, undoubtedly be approached by vendors offering fresh coconuts, necklaces, CDs, boat rides etc. Do not feel obliged to buy.

There is a freshwater shower between Castaways and the beach vendor stalls – handy for getting sand off your feet!

Ice creams and drinks are available for the beach from Castaways (happy hour 5-7pm – all drinks at the bar half price!)

Supermarket

“The Epicurian”, located opposite the Casino in the centre of Jolly Harbour.

Open everyday of the week, usually from 8am till 8pm.

Stocks a surprising range of goods, not particularly cheap for named US and European brand names but OK for local brands. Takes cash or credit cards (sometimes they ask for photo ID eg passport or driving licence, but not always!).

They will let you borrow a big trolley to transport vast amounts of shopping effortlessly (that water sure is heavy!) back to the villa – you have to leave a deposit, which you reclaim when you return the trolley.

There is an ATM situated inside the supermarket.

Pharmacy

Open from 9am-10pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun
Situated:
Tel: 268 462 5917

Bank:ABIB

Open from 8am-2pm Mon-Thurs, 9am-1pm Fri
Situated:
Tel: 268 480 2281

Swimming Pool, Tennis courts and Squash Courts

The swimming pool is free to use and is open from 8am-8pm. There is no lifeguard. There are locker rooms and showers behind the BBR Sports Bar next to the pool.

There is a charge for using the tennis courts and squash courts, on an hourly basis. Racquets and balls can also be rented. There is a reception desk near the locker rooms, for making court bookings.

Golf

Jolly Harbour Golf and Country Club is a major attraction to many visitors to Antigua. Its 18 hole, par 71, championship golf course allows non-members to join and play on daily passes. There are also opportunities to join tournaments, hire equipment and take lessons with resident golfing professionals. Tel: 268 480 6950

Gas/Petrol Stations

If you do hire a car, make sure you return it with the same fuel level as it was delivered with. There are several gas/petrol stations on the main road from Jolly Harbour to St Johns. There is a fuelling station in Jolly Harbour on the same jetty that you would use to get fuel for your boat.

Boat Chandlery

If you need any nautical equipment there is an adequate chandlery called Budget Marine. It is situated in Jolly Harbour, on the road that leads over toward the properties on the North of the resort, above the Burton Laundromat.

Diving and Snorkelling

Even in the shallows, there are amazing fish to be seen, all unfazed and happy to swim alongside! However please keep a look out for Jelly Fish and Sea Urchins (black and spikey) as these will sting if touched or trodden on. In general we would not advise touching anything but in particular do not stand on rock or coral..

If you want to take things further, there are several companies offering diving and snorkelling experiences – why not take your PADI diving certificate in the warm clear waters of the Caribbean? Contact Jolly Dive on 268 462 8305. or visit Jolly Dive shop in Jolly Harbour

Boat Trips and Excursions

Offwind Boat Charters for fishing trips or boat charters with a skipper, tel: 268 460 9210

Wadadli Cats, for boat trips around the island, tel: 268 462 4792

Burton's Laundromat:

If you don't want to do your own washing Burton's will do a service wash and dry usually on the same day, provided that you get it there early enough!

Restaurants

In no particular order, these are the restaurants we have tried with our kids, so far, in Jolly Harbour and beyond! We welcome any comments you have, about these or other restaurants not included here.

Castaways:

On the beach, just 100yards from the villa! The closest restaurant to the villa – great for sundowner drinks – happy hour between 5-7pm when all drinks are half price (we love the ice cold pina coladas, they even do a “virgin” one for the kids, without the rum!). Limited menu with daily specials, not particularly cheap but it’s a great location and SO close to the villa it’s most convenient! They also do ice creams and drinks if you are on the beach and need refreshments! Need plenty of mozzie repellent here – even before sundown in the late afternoon.

Melinis:

Italian restaurant on the water in Jolly Harbour centre. Nice place to sit and watch activity in the harbour. Good cappuccinos, great pizzas and ice cream. Again, not cheap.

Dogwatch Tavern:

American style cuisine situated next to a lively bar with pool tables.

Darkwood Bay Beach Café:

Simple and rustic. Excellent for bacon sandwiches and marinated chicken and chips at lunch time and cold drinks on the beach! Access by road or from the sea. When approaching by boat from Jolly Harbour keep at least 150 metres from shore until you are opposite the café. There is a submerged tube to the left of the café as you approach shore that will damage your boat. Drop anchor in the shallows opposite the café.

Gibson's:

A quaint restaurant on Turner's Beach at the opposite en to Turner's cafe/grill.

Carlisle Bay Hotel:

Top class dining and fine wines at top class prices in a very beautifully appointed tropical hotel setting. Have lunch and you can use the facilities for the rest of the day – pool, loungers, manicured beach with palm trees for shade. Tranquil and immaculate (unless we are there with our kids!). Access by car (taxi or rental) or by boat – there is a pontoon with room for several small boats to moor up.