Any advice re booking in Antigua in May?

[Judith Frye]

Hello everyone. I am trying to book three consecutive weeks on the island of Antigua next May 2-23. (I already booked the frequent flier mile tickets.) They don't necessarily have to be in the same resort. I already have the first week reserved through RCI at Rex Halcyon Cove, and I have an ongoing search set up with RCI for both of the next two weeks. I decided, after reading a lot of posts on this BBS Forum, to spread some of my usual RCI-deposit weeks around and try out the independent companies, so I've asked DAE if they can get me a week there during the timeframe I need, and I've set up a request with SFX.

I do own a resort that trades with Interval, Oyster Bay in St. Maarten, but for the last several years I've been going there instead of exchanging it so I've let my Interval membership lapse. There is no way to set up a request with Interval without paying a membership fee, right? Could I call them and say I'll pay a membership fee and an exchange fee if they have a week that I want available?

So am I giving myself the best chances to get the trades I want? Do I just have to be patient and wait until early 2009 when people deposit their 2009 weeks?

We have been to many Caribbean islands but never to Antigua. We're a little fussy about where we stay - for example, we don't want less than a one-bedroom, and we want to be on a nice beach - so I limited the requests to certain resorts after reading reviews on TUG and TripAdvisor. Thanks for any advice on places to stay and/or how to successfully trade into them! Judith

 

[susiequeve]

Antigua should be an easy trade in May. Jolly Beach Vacations (timeshare portion) I believe only have 2 bedroom units. The beach there, is absolutely amazing and there were no crowds. Not a 5 star resort but we were very comfortable in the two bedroom except for the rock hard beds. (which I hated and DH loved). Good luck.

 

[Anne S]

I always see Antigua Village Beach Club online when I search. Mostly studios, but occasionally a one bedroom pops up.

 

[Judith Frye]

Thanks. I got my second week at Rex Halcyon Cove through RCI, so now I'm just looking for one more week. Judith

 

[Judith Frye]

Update four months later - and question

Hello again everyone. I got two consecutive May weeks in Antigua quite quickly, but nothing has come through for the third week that I want. The other two searches were with South Africa weeks, and now what is left is Royal Islander St. Maarten (week 25). I don't understand VEP very well but is there any chance that the Royal Islander is too strong for the three resorts I am naming in the search? Those are Rex Halcyon Cove (where I got both weeks so far), Antigua Village Beach Club, and Jolly Harbour Marina and Golf Resort. It just seems strange that I haven't yet been successful for that third week. Perhaps few people wait to pay their maintenance fees until this month and I'll get some action soon? If anyone thinks I should call RCI, advice would be welcome on how to pitch this question. Thanks, Judith