Day 1
Upon arrival we were quickly processed through customs and immigration. Our wonderful driver, Paul, was waiting for us with a sign and vehicle full of goodies. Once we were at our host hotel, the Sugar Ridge, we checked in with ease and were taken directly to our rooms with our luggage. Most of us grabbed our swimsuits and were back in the lobby in no time to transfer to Turner’s Beach for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Dinner our first evening was at our host hotel. The general manager of the resort, Terrence Linton, hosted us at Carmichael’s which is located hilltop overlooking the resort and bay. The food and company were both excellent.
Day 2
Today we had a full day of touring various hotels including The Catamaran Hotel, Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort, South Point Falmouth, St James Club & Villas, Grand Pineapple Beach Resort, The Verandah Resort & Spa, Coco’s Hotel and Keyonna.
After a short break in the afternoon we went to Seafood Friday’s at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel in the English Harbour. The English Harbour is what I would call the historic district of Antigua. Many of the buildings are beautifully refurbished 18th century buildings that take you back in time. Seafood Fridays is held outdoors along the waterfront there is food and beverages available for purchase, music is playing and if your heart desires you can dance the night away. We had the privilege of being hosted by the entrepreneur herself, Eloise. If you are in Antigua on a Friday I night I highly encourage you to visit the Copper & Lumber Store hotel and say hi to Eloise.
Day 3
Our second full day in Antigua was also filled with hotel inspections. Today we visited Cocobay Resort, Jolly Beach Resort, Buccaneer Beach Club, Siboney Beach Club, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa and Rex Halcyon Resort.
This afternoon we had a couple hours of pool time at our host hotel the Sugar Ridge Resort before going to dinner at Dennis Cocktail Bar & Restaurant at Ffreyes Beach. Dennis Cocktail Bar is a small, charming outdoor restaurant overlooking Ffreyes Beach. Dennis, the chef was acting as both chef and part-time server. It was wonderful being able to talk directly with the chef and hear about each of the menu items available. I choose to order the snapper, without the head, J it was delicious. Dennis is an excellent chef and even had his very own hot sauce proudly for sale.
Day 4
After tirelessly working the last two days it’s time for Sunday Fun Day! Today we are boarding the Excellence Catamaran for a circumnavigation tour of the island including snorkeling, rum punch, lunch, rum punch, a couple beach stops and more rum punch.
After a short break from the sun we transferred to Shirley Heights for a BBQ party. There was plenty of fresh made food, a bar, live music, dancing and stunning views.
http://www.shirleyheightslookout.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=75
Day 5
Sadly our last morning arrived all too quickly. I took advantage of every last minute in Antigua relaxing in the infinity pool reflecting on the great time I had in Antigua and planning my next visit.
I have an album with pictures of the various resorts we toured. Let me know if you have specific questions on any of the properties or if you’d like to discuss your personal preferences and I can make a few suggestion of what will suite you best.