The Veranda Resort

From the Hideaway Report

February 2012 Hideaway Report

A new resort with appealing options for families is The Veranda, an all-inclusive property managed by the same group as the Grace Bay Club. Open since early 2010, The Veranda occupies a choice spot on the beach, with 800 feet of oceanfront. The 168 accommodations are located in three buildings. Studios and most of the one-bedroom suites are set within the main Veranda House, a pleasant if undistinguished four-story structure. These are nice enough, but they are decorated in a bland contemporary style, and couples will find better options elsewhere. I do not recommend them.

The two- and three-bedroom suites are a different matter. These are housed in two “villages” of charming two-story buildings, which appear to be a cross between the Caribbean and Nantucket, with creamy yellow clapboard siding augmented by balcony railings and window frames done in a complementary shade of blue-gray. The interiors come with traditional colonial-style furniture, rich fabrics, full modern kitchens, washer-dryers, flat-panel TVs, Sony PlayStation 3s and Wi-Fi.

Choicest among The Veranda’s offerings are the eight beachfront cottages, steps away from the ocean and each with its own plunge pool. These are done in the same appealing style as the “village” buildings - with the addition of a white picket fence! The interiors provide the same amenities as the “village” accommodations.

Aside from easy proximity to the beach, other attributes that make The Veranda a fine choice for families include a dedicated pool for children and an attractive Kids Club, where parents can leave children ages 3 to 12 for supervised activities. Teens can sign up for kiteboarding, scuba and other excursions.

Another plus for those with children is that meals in the main restaurant, Marin, are served buffet style - with themes from Chinese to Mexican - so all can eat at their own paces in a casual atmosphere. The other restaurant, Grill Bleu, offers an appealing multi-ethnic à la carte dinner menu that includes tandoori dishes and fresh local fish - we had an especially good yellow snapper with capers - but is better suited to grown-ups.

Those who can’t put aside their regular workouts will appreciate the fully equipped fitness center, while guests in pursuit of something more relaxing will find a full range of treatments in the Sabai Spa, with products by Elemis.

Amenities