This Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Resort in Antigua Has Beaches, Cocktails — and Serious Pickleball

The paddle hits the ball with a crisp echo as the sun rises over the bay. You’re not at a sports complex — you’re on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, in the heart of Antigua, and the game you love is now part of your vacation. At The Verandah Antigua, pickleball has become more than an amenity — it’s part of the rhythm of life.

This isn’t a resort that dabbles in the sport. It’s one that embraces it fully — from purpose-built courts to an atmosphere designed for play, relaxation, and everything in between.

You leave your cottage in the morning and follow the footpath down to the courts. Four state-of-the art, newly built, outdoor hard courts sit tucked beside the trees, lit for evening matches and always ready for play. There’s no sign-up drama, no extra cost. Just paddles, a game, and the freedom to play as much or as little as you want.

The Verandah has emerged as one of the most inviting destinations in the Caribbean for pickleball players — not just because of the courts, but because of the lifestyle that surrounds them. It’s quiet, adults-only, and all-inclusive, with a focus on barefoot luxury and easygoing movement. You can start your day with a match, cool off in the waterfall pool, and be on a paddleboard before lunch.

The Rooms at The Verandah

The resort’s rooms are bright, cottage-style retreats, spread across a gently sloping hillside with views of the gardens or the bay. Interiors are spacious, with vaulted ceilings, local touches, and large verandas for lounging in the breeze. The layout makes it feel more like a village than a resort — private, quiet, and connected to the land.

And the food? You’ll find a variety of dining options from buffet to romantic, but the pizza — thin, wood-fired, and perfectly crisp — is an unexpected standout. It becomes a ritual: a game of pickleball, a dip in the pool, a drink at the Wavy Wicket (one of our favorite hotels bars in the Caribbean), and a pizza shared under the palms.

The Verandah isn’t just for pickleball. It’s a launchpad for active Caribbean days, with kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing all included. Two calm beaches offer easy swimming and room to wander, and the resort’s wide paths and leafy spaces make it just as easy to do nothing at all.

I love the feel here, the quiet, the endless sounds of nature. It’s just a wonderfully relaxing place to be. And yes, it’s all all-inclusive, meaning you can focus on the important things — that next swim, the perfect rum punch. 

But what really makes it special isn’t just the amenities — it’s the way it all fits together. The game, the food, the rooms, the water — they flow from one to the next. You can be competitive in the morning, still by afternoon, social by night. No pressure. No planning. Just play, rest, and repeat.

Why It Works for Pickleball Players

The Verandah is one of the few all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean with dedicated pickleball courts — not repurposed tennis spaces, but actual courts designed for the game. 

Because this is a place for serious pickleball – and pure Caribbean vacations. 

The resort’s adults-only model brings a calmer atmosphere, and its layout makes it easy to move from match to pool to cocktail without skipping a beat. This is a place built for easy days and active travelers. If you’re coming solo, you’ll always be able to find a willing playing partner. You might even luck out and play with the island’s legendary Pickleball Queen. 

How to Get to Antigua 

Getting to Antigua is easier than ever. The island is served by nonstop flights from several major U.S. cities, including Miami, New York, Charlotte, and Atlanta, with flight times ranging from 3 to 5 hours. From the airport, The Verandah is about a 30-minute drive along the island’s scenic eastern coast. It’s a quick journey — and one that feels farther away from the world with every mile.

For more info, visit The Verandah Antigua.