Villa Nicobar Comments




Five Star Rating

Nigel’s villa was heaven!

Review Submitted: Oct, 2022
Date of Stay: Oct 2022

"Cannot recommend Villa Nicobar enough. Antigua is just paradise but to stay there in Nigel’s villa was heaven. Our housekeeper Melre was so kind and considerate, our taxi driver Brenda helped us immeasurably and my lovely Haidresser TerryAnne ensured my hair stayed braided (and it still is 3 weeks later in the UK). The Villa, the pool, the jacuzzi, Shirley Heights, Sheer Rock, the city, the people - take me back to Antigua please.". Thanks Nigel. One love - Dell & Judith

Dell & Judith Oct 2022

Five Star Rating

Lovely villa with amazing view and superb housekeeper!

Review Submitted: Feb, 2021
Date of Stay: Jan 2020

"Villa Nicobar is stunning with a view to die for! Merle, the housekeeper, 3 days a week, is a joy and so very helpful, you feel so welcome and nothing is too much trouble for this lovely lady. We had a very relaxing month. Two weeks as a couple, two weeks with adult children. We did have two evenings early on when it was difficult to get to sleep due to the live music from the hotel below but I sent them an email and the volume went down to very acceptable levels. I wouldn’t like to drive up to the villa as it is steep and, in places, narrow when work trucks are around but my husband and daughter had no qualms at all. We had a taste of the real Antigua with none of the restrictions of a hotel routine. Would return in a heartbeat!".

Amanda P. Jan 2020

Five Star Rating

Stunning getaway

Review Submitted: Jan, 2020
Date of Stay: Dec 2019

"Villa Nicobar is a wonderfully designed modern home that offers vacation goers all that they need. There is a fantastic view, great outdoor dining space, a well-equipped kitchen, a pool and hot tub, ample space for relaxing, and comfortable bedrooms with their own bathroom. The location in the hills overlooking Deep Bay beach will take your breath away. Galley Bay beach is a short walk down the hill. And, if you want to walk to Hawksbill beach, that is possible as well. It’s only 15 minutes from Galley Bay beach.

Merle, the caretaker, is extremely friendly and helpful. She arranged for someone in our party to get a massage at the house and provided useful information regarding the public market in St. John’s and beaches on the island. Merle and her colleagues did a fantastic job tidying up during our week-long stay.

If you plan to go the public market or the fish market across the street, early Saturday morning will give you the best opportunity for a good selection of fruits, vegetables, and seafood. The drive into St. John’s is easy, about 10-15 minutes.

We highly recommend Villa Nicobar as a getaway from the hustle and bustle and daily life. It’s peaceful, stress relieving, and a great place to enjoy a vacation."

Chris E. Dec 2019

Five Star Rating

Incredible

Review Submitted: May, 2016
Date of Stay: May 2016

"We had the most incredible holiday at Nicobar. Waking up to the breath taking view every morning was something you only dream about. The villa was beautiful and the master suit was faultless. The outside area and pool was fabulous and a real sun trap. Merle the housekeep was very helpful and she made sure that we had everything we needed.
I would advise anyone to venture up to the fort opposite the villa. We walked up there just before sun set and the views were spectacular! One week was defiantly not long enough.
Thank you Nigel for a very memorable holiday. We can't wait to go back".

From Alexandra and Mathias May 2016

Five Star Rating

Superb

Review Submitted: May, 2015
Date of Stay: May 2015

"The house and views are everything we expected. Nigel was great to work with and Merle was a joy to have around as she took care of us. Galley Bay is very tranquil , close to Galley Bay Hotel where we had a wonderful brunch when we were not cooking in the awesome kitchen. Food shopping , beaches and dinners are not far away. Things to do; Shirley Heights on a Sunday late afternoon and evening is a must as well as going out on a boat to see the wonderful island and water. It takes a little time to get places because that roads are small but you are in paradise so you are on island time and in no hurry. Our family had a great time and we will defiantly be back. People are so friendly on the island and the house is perfect to hang out in or go out on day trips."

Roger D May 2015

Five Star Rating

Luxurious Accommodation

Review Submitted: 23rd July, 2014
Date of Stay: July 2014

"The villa is stunning, spacious and very well laid out. We loved for the four of us (two couples) all of this space. All the suites are equal size, comfortable with private bathrooms. We didn't have to draw straws to see who got the best room as they all had the same spectacular view. Pool was excellent and sunny all day (so nice and warm to get back and relax in the pool drinking mojito and sipping ice teas).

The decor was world class, with a large outdoor eating area. The best part for us was waking up in the morning and looking out at the ocean and the clear blue skies. The location of this villa is, after going around on the island, unique and unbeatable. It was only a short 15 minute ride into town to the open market of St John and all the groceries. The villa's location is in the quite setting of the well known private gated Galley Bay Heights, with two magnificent beaches down below, and roads to the property in great shape. To make our stay even more perfect was Merle, the housekeeper: gentle, efficient, and full of stories and smiles. We left a piece of our hearths at Antigua, a great island. Thanks Nigel, and we hope to be back soon."

Giancarlo, USA. July 2014

Five Star Rating

Luxurious Accommodation

Review Submitted: 24th April, 2013
Date of Stay: April 2014

We enjoyed a wonderful week at Villa Nicobar with its spectacular views over Deep Bay and luxurious accommodation. The living space and outside terrace/pool would give most 5 star hotels a run for their money and it is ideally located with easy access to St Johns and the rest of the island. Merle the housekeeper was really helpful and made our stay extra special. Our only complaint was that a week wasn't really enough!"

Richard & Family April 2014


Five Star Rating

Highly Recommended

Review Submitted: 17th April, 2013
Date of Stay: April 2013

Super stay at Villa Nicobar. The Villa has all the comforts one requires and probably some of the finest views in The Caribbean. The beach at Deep Bay is a good alternative if you want to get out of the house with the children for a few hours. Shops and restaurants all within easy reach. We also spent time at English Harbour and Galleon Beach, as well as Turners Beach( try restaurants Jacqui O's and OJ's).
The Villa accommodated 9 of us in complete comfort and proved a far better option than a hotel.
Merle was a delight and her local knowledge served us well.
Chef Vere cooked for us on 11 occasions and his food was top drawer. His willingness to cook separately for adults and children, and his inventiveness and variety were a pleasure.
Villa Nicobar provided the perfect Caribbean escape from the cold harsh English winter we have just experienced.
 

Tom W.


Five Star Rating

A Wonderful Experience

Review Submitted: April, 2012
Date of Stay: Feb 2012
Jodi: USA

Nigel

We had a wonderful experience at Villa Nicobar. I have to admit getting there at dusk was a bit of a challenge but after a few wrong turns and several calls to Merle we made it …and, wow, it was well worth the trip! The stunning views upon entering the villa are simply breathtaking. I would agree with other guests, the pictures on the website are great but even better in person! The main floor bedrooms (which is what we used; 2 couples) were extremely spacious with a fabulous walk in closet & bath in the master. The layout was perfect with the rooms at opposite ends of the villa for maximum privacy. The kitchen is very nice, well equipped with a beautiful granite island. We ate in a few nights & most lunches with no problem. Actually, other than feeling the need to explore the island, we probably would not have left the villa the entire week.

When we did venture out we went to Jolly Harbour for lunch, had an amazing dinner at Sheer Rocks at Coco Bay Resort (a must), also, Catherine's Café in English Harbour, and I think we hit pretty close to every grocery store on the island. We found the Epicurean Fine Foods (not the one in Jolly Harbour) had the largest, freshest, selection. But mostly, you could find us on the pool deck taking in the amazing views across Deep Bay, watching the boats/yachts come & go. Bliss! No review would be complete, however, without mentioning Merle. She is an absolute gem, so sweet and most helpful. I will not forget her smile.

Nigel, thank you for sharing your incredible villa!


Five Star Rating

Fantastic trip 5* Plus

Review Submitted: May 12, 2011
Date of Stay: March 2011
Susan, New York, USA

We had a great stay at Nicobar in April. We loved the villa. The only real problem was that the house, the view, the pool, and the nearby beach were so wonderful that we didn't explore much of the rest of Antigua! We did venture out for supplies, including a visit to the downtown St. John's market for fish and vegetables, and were always well treated.

Merle was very helpful and cheery; Chef Vere prepared us an excellent dinner one evening.

Altogether it was an exceptional experience that we feel lucky to have shared together in such a spectacular setting.




Five Star Rating

A fabulous villa

Review Submitted: October 14, 2010
Date of Stay: September 2010
Denis: London, UK

My family would like to say a big thank you for a wonderful stay in your fabulous villa for ten days returning last Monday 4th October. Our 3 year old grandson, Oliver, could not be kept out of the great infinity pool and jacuzzi along with its hand shower which he frequently levelled at us.

Great views from the terrace and so much room everywhere for the five of us to relax around.

Merle was so good with Oliver and cooked us a great meal for our arrival as well as looking after our every need. We had Vere to cook for us on two occasions, what a brilliant chef he is.

The Deep Bay white powder sand beach was visited a few times to swim in the warm sea as well as a couple of visits to Darkwood beach and the usual tourist attractions but we could happily have remained within the villa for the whole time, it was that good.

Many thanks for all your pre holiday advice.
Regards
Dennis.


Five Star Rating

Perfect!

Review Submitted: August 17, 2010
Date of Stay: August 2010
Chris and Derry, Washington, USA

Aside from the beautifully elegant space that you’ve created - appointed to truly world class standards - and the magical attentions of Merle and her husband Rupert - I guess it’s the crisp, clear light of Villa Nicobar that we are missing now that we’re back home. The light, and of course the view. Gazing out across Deep Bay, while floating in your fabulous infinity pool or relaxing in the hot tub, it’s easy to imagine how Christopher Columbus, and the numerous explorers that came after him, thought that they had stumbled across paradise.

Thanks to yours and Merle’s impeccable organization, the rental car turned up promptly on the morning after our arrival and we began to explore. We may not have visited every one of the 365 beaches on the island, but we certainly made a dent in that list. From Nelson’s Dockyard in the south, to Jolly Bay in the West and from Long Bay in the east to Jabberwock Beach in the north - we found every turn in the road provided us with the surprises and delights that you had promised.

And your local restaurant recommendations were also spot on. We tried every one, and then some. OJ’s, perched on the west facing beach at Crab Point, overlooking the islands of Montserrat, Redonda, and Nevis / St Kitts, was bliss - as were the grouper and snapper that we ate there. But actually the food ‘chez Nicobar’ also took some beating, since Merle and Rupert kindly procured a regular supply of huge, live, lobsters for us to consume. (But here’s a tip for future visitors. Don’t give them names. Derry was a little put off when I called the first pair ‘Pinky and Perky’. Thereafter, they were just called ‘supper’).

Overall, we can’t praise Villa Nicobar enough. It was the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary. And since the wonderful Merle made us promise faithfully to return, then I guess the lobster population of Antigua isn’t off the hook just yet.

Thank you again for creating an unforgettable – and unmatchable – heaven.

Chris and Derry.


Five Star Rating

Amazing Trip

Review Submitted: February 10, 2010
Date of Stay: January 2010
Kerri Anne, Boston, USA

Hello Nigel,
We arrived back in Boston late Saturday night into the freezing cold wishing we were back at Villa Nicobar. We can not stop talking about our AMAZING vacation that we just had thanks to your wonderful villa. It seemed like so long ago when we found this place online and it was worth the wait. I know you advised feedback so I thought we would help out.

Basically everything was perfect. All 8 of us had a great time and will hopefully be able to return to the villa soon in the future. Merle, as you know is a great help. She helped us out throughout the week. She gave us info on where to go, how to get there, and what to do. She showed us how to get to the grocery store the night we arrived which was a huge help. We got a cab from the airport and now know for the future to tell the cab driver to go to Deep Bay Heights as everyone knows where that is. Just a little tip to tell people if they are taking a cab and have never been to the villa before. Also leaving the airport its $28 now if you are not a resident of Antigua.

We ended up returning the car that we rented early because we decided to have cabs drive us around. We used a guy named Vere which Merle recommended and he was above and beyond kind. He charged us real low prices and was super nice every time. We did 2 excursions....ziplining (which I would not recommend- they were rude and it was a small course) and Catamaran to bird island which was fun. It was a great walk and exercise to walk down to Galley bay for breakfast or down to deep bay beach over the rocks. Merle was not sure if we could walk down but it was great if you like to get some exercise with climbing.

Honestly, I would have been just as happy relaxing all day long and not leaving Deep Bay Heights/Villa area without the excursions, but it was nice to try new things. We ended up buying a blender for the Villa because we bought a bunch of stuff to make mixed drinks and Merle had said there was one, but it was never replaced so we picked one up at the store while we were out for the villa so others can enjoy it. I hope that helps you out with feedback. All 8 of us would like to thank you again for our amazing vacation. I really hope to return to the villa soon in the future. We have been telling everyone about Villa Nicobar and how relaxing it is. You are very lucky to own such an amazing place, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest!
Hope to return soon & thank you again,

Kerri Anne


Five Star Rating

One of our best trips ever

Review Submitted: December 9, 2009
Date of Stay: November 2009
Mike and Anna, USA

I just wanted to send a note to let you know that we had an absolute amazing time and your Villa was everything and more than your web site shows, the views were amazing! Nigel, I've been very fortunate to say that I've traveled many places world wide and I have to tell you that this past trip will hold very fond memories and I have to say that it was if not one of our best trips. I remember reviewing your site prior to our trip and noticed from the testimonials listed that there was quite often mention of Merle, I can now "clearly" see why, she was absolutely fantastic and went out of her way many times to make sure we were doing O.K. and always there to help and make sure we had a great time. We had a daily routine happening and part of that was always looking forward to seeing her smiling face and kind words, we instantly felt at home once meeting her and felt like family.

The other amazing part of our trip was Chef Vere, Merle managed to contact him and made the arrangements for him to come in every other night and I have to tell you that I now know how it feels like to live like a King, his professionalism and talents will leave memories with us that will last a lifetime. I know those are strong words but we truly feel this and besides the professionalism and talents, most appreciated was his personality. I would absolutely recommend Chef Vere to any of your clients looking for someone to come in during there visit and know for sure that they will have no regrets.
We definitely plan on returning and look forward to seeing our life long friends (Merle/Vere) again.
Thanks very much for everything and we'll be in touch.
Thanks again

Mike and Anna


Five Star Rating

Top Marks

Review Submitted: November 24, 2009
Date of Stay: November 2009
RSP, USA

Nigel, your villa is beyond lovely. Truly. It's even more stunning than the photos online could possibly illustrate. Michael and I loved the villa and also appreciated the attention to every last detail within the property. In addition, the information and instructions you sent in advance were so helpful and covered any question we could have had. We loved driving around and as you predicted, found everything and more at the Woods mall. Our favorite beach location was Valley Church because it had the Nest Beach Bar and Restaurant on site. Loved their coconut shrimp!

As I'm sure you know, Merle is an absolute gem. She greeted us warmly and the villa was absolutely spotless. We could have eaten off the floors on any occasion! Merle was extremely attentive and seems to a have a personal love for Villa Nicobar. It's not just "a job" for her. She was always checking to see if we needed anything. The other Antiguans on the island weren't too friendly. Maybe they don't like Americans. Who can blame them? :)

Vere is a treasure and his meals were wonderful. My husband Michael is a photographer and took tons of photos of the villa, Antigua, and also Vere's food. I'm attaching some of the photos of Vere and his meals in case any of your other renters inquire. Just send them the pics and they'll be hungry instantly.

We had a really interesting experience at the Grand Royal Antiguan. We went into the resort with the thought of trying out the beach. It was an absolute ghost town. There were zero guests but over two dozen security guards, along with many expensive vehicles. I asked one of the security guards, "Are there any guests here?" and he responded, "Oh yes, there are many guests. But they're all very private. They're in their rooms and you won't ever see them." Michael and I laughed about that the whole trip. There is some serious trafficking or laundering going on at that hotel. I'm a writer and Michael is a photographer. As soon as they saw his camera and my notepad, they shooed us off! Sketchy, but also made for a great story for our friends. :) I understand that the owner is Trini. I have a bunch of friends from Trinidad and have to ask them about it.

With your permission, we'd love to submit photos and information on Villa Nicobar to some of the American magazines like Coastal Living, Caribbean Villa, etc. I'd also like to post a review

Five Star Rating

Outstanding View

Review Submitted: January, 2014
Date of Stay: December 2013
Germany

We had a great time in Antigua staying at Villa Nicobar. The view from the large terrace is outstanding. The villa was in an excellent condition, all utilities worked without any problems. The housekeeping was very friendly and kept all rooms clean and tidy.
You feel right at home with the location of the villa in this beautiful area. All rooms have a generous size and are well furnished. Werner