We really enjoyed our 3 days at North Beach. During our ten day vacation in Antigua/Barbuda, this was where we "blew the budget" and spent a little more. We feel it was worth it.
It's "all inclusive" but not in the typical sense. YOu have to ask for anything you want. If you need more food, you need to ask. If you want to have a drink, you have to first track someone down and then ask for it.
The place is beautiful, great setting. Our cottage itself was one of the first ones built there. I'm not sure if we were paying more or less than the other guests, but among the couples who were there (and one family) we had perhaps the least appealing cottage. After travelling all that way, it was a bit of a let down, to see the other guests staying in the nicer cottages.The other cottages were larger and up on stilts and set away from the main kitchen building, but we were right next to it. Our bed was just a Queen bed, and when I asked about adapting the mosquito net so it wasn't closing in on our sides, Reuben suggested we could upgrade to a Kingsize cottage but it would cost more. We were already paying $400USD per night, so we declined.
This was such a remote location, but ironically, this is where we connected the most with other travellers. The shared exclusive experience itself becomes the thing you all have in common.
I've seen some reviews on here that complained that there isn't a great place to swim. I disagree. Yes, there's sea grass, but it's no big deal, you can still wade out and swim. I've seen others that complained about the state of the cottages. They're simple, but you're not there to stay in your cottage. Get out and explore!
Good food from Mr. Lennox. Some nice surprises and fun from Sir James. James stood up at dinner one night and offered up some poetry and song in honour of one couple engaged to be married. It was very sweet, very old school, very unplugged entertainment that suited the place. He also prepared many coconuts for us to drink during the day.
We paid Reuben $20USD per couple to take 6 of us over to the Pink Beach, and it was a highlight. Quite an incredible beach to spend a day on.
Went for a hike along the shore and saw stingray swimming along in the water, along with a turtle. Lots of birdlife. It really does feel like you're exposed and remote, and on the edge of the caribbean.
The bugs are a factor. Sand flies and mosquitos. They absolutely need to build a screen porch area so you can sit outside after sundown without getting eaten alive. After dark, most people are driven inside the airconditioned and lighted dining space next to the kitchen. But it would be so much nicer to be in the breeze, hearing the ocean, and yet being protected from the bugs with a good screen porch.
I definitely recommend the experience of North Beach!