The Caribbean is always calling me
The Caribbean has been a favourite destination of mine for many years with my husband regularly being told that’s where I want to retire to. So imagine my delight on finding that from over 1600 Travel Counsellors in 7 countries, I won one of the 20 spaces.
The trip was planned for mid May and all I needed to do was arrange to get to Gatwick in readiness for my Virgin Atlantic sponsored flight. After an evening getting to know some of my fellow travellers in the restaurant at Sofitel Gatwick, a firm favourite airport hotel for me, I met the larger group the next morning at the Virgin check in area. The group was split nicely so half travelled economy and the other half premium economy and we would switch on the way back so we got to experience both. It’s 6 years since I last flew Virgin but after this experience I am sure I won’t leave it so long next time. The economy experience was comfortable and with some nice surprises as we were presented with ice lollies, afternoon tea and then sweeties before landing. The kind of thing many airlines used to do in ‘the good old days’ but have stopped in times of cost cutting. The premium economy seat coming back too was a great experience with a comfortable wide seat, good menu choices and a 2 way leg/foot rest for added comfort.
Whilst the flight was good it didn’t prepare us for the very warm welcome on arrival. It’s good to know the treatment I can expect for my guests once they disembark. The Antiguan tourist board ensured we were fast tracked through immigration so that once we were reunited with our luggage we could meet our hosts in the arrival hall with refreshing cold towels and water. A swift transfer to the waiting vehicle and we were on our way to the first hotel. I won’t give too much away about the properties we stayed at but if after reading this you want to know where would be best for you, do get in touch. We stayed at 3 hotels and visited 4 more so I have plenty of information.
The first property was our base for 4 nights. Hodges Bay the new, stunning, contemporary design hotel on the north coast. The second was Curtain Bluff. A more established property with Antiguan character and charm welcoming repeat clients as they have fallen in love with the location and easy lifestyle. We ended our stay at Carlisle Bay. An all suites property on the turquoise blue water with the backdrop of the forest which was simply beautiful.
Having visited these and other properties one of the things I learned whilst in Antigua for a week is there really is something for everyone. I had never really associated Antigua with tennis. But if you want to learn this new skill or develop your existing game, courts and professionals are readily available for you. As are beaches. One of my favourite facts is that Antigua has 365 beaches. One for every day of the year. It makes retirement sound even more enticing!
Something else I never knew about the island was that it has mangroves. The North Sound Marine Park is home to beautiful mangroves, calm waters, starfish, sea cucumbers and upside down jelly fish. A fantastic afternoon was had kayaking. With a rainforest those that wanted to could head out for a hike. And some of the more adventurous in our group chose to zip line at Antigua Rainforest Zipline which we had passed a couple of times whilst touring the island. We did the 4x4 island tour which was great fun and really informative. Also colourful, as we found the locals are lovers of colour so the houses are pained in interesting combinations such as purple and yellow, green and pink...you get the idea. On our tour we visited Shirley Heights lookout with fabulous views of English Harbour. We were a couple of weeks late for the Antigua Sailing Festival, but if you are a keen sailor that would be a great time to visit. We went back to Shirley Heights to party. In typical caribbean style the locals do like to dance, eat, drink and be merry. So the Shirley Heights Bar-B-q nights with the rhythm of the steel band whilst watching the sunset is a really good place to get started.
Snorkelling, swimming and watersports galore are on offer all around the coast so there is fun to be had everywhere. And those that want to understand more of the country’s history, I’m sure you will enjoy a trip to Betty Hope sugar plantation. One of many old sugar mills dotted around the island but this has sympathetically been turned into a museum so we had a somber few hours learning of Antigua’s past. Our visit in May coincided with the published ‘rainy season.’ But having seen 5 minutes of rain only twice in 7 days I think it’s fair to say that Antigua is an all year round destination. So something to consider next time you are considering your next getaway. Let me know.