I stayed at Jolly Harbour in a villa managed by HBK Villas this April, having stayed there twice before (8 years ago and 6 years ago). The main problem is that the owners of the HBK villas clearly invest nothing in the properties, and over the time we've visited the resort, standards have really slipped. Our villa this time really was not great - terribly ill equipped kitchen, hideously uncomfortable beds and numerous issues such as a broken safe, a patio door that didn't lock, a broken fridge that didn't cool and which sounded like it was about to take off, and a broken toilet. We actually requested to look at some other available villas and were given the keys to look round two - these really were dated too and as they were on the North Finger (South Finger is much better) we stayed put. Some issues were resolved though constantly trying to get things sorted is hardly conducive to a
relaxing holiday in the Caribbean.

Now...on to the pluses. Jolly Harbour really is great... there's a relaxed, friendly atmosphere everywhere you go. The supermarket is well stocked, Castaways does tasty beachy cocktails and there's a great Italian restaurant just by the golf course (not to be confused with Mellini's which really wasn't great).

In short, definitely visit Jolly Harbour, but do not stay with HBK Villas - there are plenty of other companies renting out villas in the resort so go with one of them!

south not north
beach bar
supermarket
italian restaurant

We stayed at villa 335a on a 1st trip to Antigua with friends. Had a jolly good time!
The villa was lovely - clean, maintained to a high standard and very well equipped. The neigbours were very friendly too! .
Beach is lovely and only 2 minutes in the car or golf cart. The shop on site is well equipped but can be pricey so a good idea to take some favourites from home!
The office staff were helpfully and cleaning service was great.
I am planning to go again with family and would reccommend this villa.

My sister and I stayed at Jolly Harbour Villas (227C, privately owned) for one wonderful but too short week. I am really sad I had to leave at all and think about going back every day. The villa was great with only a few minor glitches (shower head broke, one air conditioner leaked, and villa floor had not been cleaned). Sandra at the HBK office was very helpful and got these issues addressed as quickly as she could but it still took 2-3 days. I would recommend brining your own beach towels as they don't have enough to go around despite the $25 cash deposit. Overall the villa cost was very reasonable for nice 2 BR accommodations in a good location. Security is very good and you feel safe anywhere in the resort at night. The Epicurian was not cheap but had everything we needed. We had planned to cook at the villa at least some nights but had too much fun going out! We rented a golf cart for only two days, found it very convenient and fun, then after turning it back in we sure missed it, especially when the rain would come pouring down or when we were tired from walking all day in St. John’s - probably could have used it the whole week and it would not have been a waste. We went to Shirley Heights Sunday night and that was awesome - do not miss it even if you don't do anything else the whole week! We spent a day going to Ffrey's Beach...Darkwood...Turner's and it was well worth it – just beautiful. Take the bus – it’s very inexpensive but if you stay till after sunset the buses stop around 6 p.m. and you’ll have to get a taxi back. There is a place at Ffrey's with rental chairs, drinks and food on the far left end plus Dennis' on the far right. Went to OJ's for lunch and sunset was wonderful as well with drinks at Gibson's (I think it was Gibson's - too many rum punches by then to be sure!) . Went to Al Porto's for dinner two nights - great pizza and wonderful staff (Hi Stacey and Nix!). Be sure to look for Alex Sealey on the beach at Jolly Harbour - he always wears white pants - great massage therapist, driver, and all around good guy who is smart, very knowledgeable about the whole island, professional and trustworthy. Castaways was good for snacks, drinks, lunch or dinner and convenient as well but if you get annoyed by any of the guys off the beach (Vallentino or James) trying to sell you on their tour packages (or anything else), just be blunt if you are not interested. And if that doesn't work, get Richard/Castaways management to run them off! We spent one day in St. John’s and that was worth the experience but I probably would not go back – at least not for shopping – only for lunch at Hemingway’s. Last but not least, do not hesitate to do the snorkeling tour with Creole Cruises. Glen (call him Glenny and see what he does!) was great as was his crew Mario and Travis (that Travis can sing but don’t let him know you are listening or he will stop!). It was a very intimate small group of about 12 passengers which made it nice. Lobster lunch was awesome and Glen makes the best rum punch anywhere! Overall it was a wonderful trip and I would do it again tomorrow if I could.

had lovely week, villa absolutely fine, well equipped, comfortable etc... 15-20 min walk to restaurants and well equipped supermarket. Great ribs at Peter's Steakhouse, although terrible reheated meal at Mellini's (1 of the 2 italian reastaurants!). If you want to have lovely meal go across the main road to Sugar Ridge - restaurant on top of hill, 10 out of 10 meal and service.

Hired car and saw alot of the island, weather great as were the beaches, all very clean and locals helpful and friendly if you make the effort.