I wanted to pass along a few of my recommendations for ANTIGUA for your upcoming vacation. This is a gorgeous island with very friendly people so do get out an explore. I love many of the wonderful beaches here and think you will too! My number one suggestion is to get out on the water at least one day. There is no other way to explore the hidden beaches-many have no road access and all beaches are technically “public,” even Armani Beach, where you can occasionally see Giorgio Armani and his guests sunning and enjoying the beach as well.
BOATS……..
Cocovibestours.comis a good way to have a private boat day that you are able to customize your full or half-day itinerary. Captain George will pick you up directly at your resort’s beach (complete with a jug of his amazing RUM PUNCH 🙂) and take you private beach hopping, snorkeling…and to a fun bar or lunch spot if you like. There are several options here includingAna’s in Dickenson Bay-a casual beach bar spot for some toes-in-the sand delicacies such as a chicken roti or lobster roll. Or you can venture to Prickly Pear island650 meters off the north coast for great local foods (lobster, conch, salads & rotis), and drinks on this stunning little island with pristine white sand. Here you can also snorkel the surrounding reef. Rates run about $100/hour, minimum 3 hours for a private tour day with George-worth every penny! Tell George Island Girl Vacations sent you 🙂
Other larger catamaran options include: Tropicalad.com with the Mystic Catamaran tour. Many of these tours include lunch, and open bar and multiple snorkel spots. I personally would steer clear of the “Island Circumnavigation” tours if you tend to get motion sickness (I know about this firsthand). You do get to see many of the unspoiled beaches and rocky cliffs of Antigua, but you definitely need your sea legs for this one. The large catamaran boats will be less expensive, typically $65 per person-depending on if lunch is included. Bring cash for tips as well-typically $20-$25 per couple based on your experience.
The main town of St. Johns has a shopping district called Heritage Quay with your typical restaurants (Hemingway’s is a local favorite), artist studios, local souvenir shops and rum shops. English Harbor Rum (5 and 10 year) are particularly good and made on-island. Not a bad way to spend half a day-particularly if it’s a cloudy one. It is a good idea to inquire with the concierge as to what “ship days’ there might be-if any. Antigua does get some cruise ships and town is particularly hectic on those days. Arrange a driver from the resort to drop you off and pick you up for the return trip back to the resort at a designated time/spot.
Excursion Day……
An excursion to Shirley Heights on Sunday (the most popular), or Thursday is also a good way to get a great sunset view of the island over English Harbor. There will be local bar-b-que, drinks, arts and crafts for sale as well as local steel drummers from the high school. There was a 13-piece steel drum band when I was there-pretty cool! The drive is steep, winding, and in my opinion a bit treacherous to drive yourself-particularly on the return trip in the dark because there are not many street signs. I have only driven this once, and we have hired a driver ever since 🙂 Your concierge should be able to arrange this trip for you, around $50 per person roundtrip.
Restaurants……
Generally I like to explore a few of the local restaurant spots even when we stay in an all-inclusive resort, so here are a few suggestions for Antigua:
Sheer Rocks-a unique special-occasion spot on the rocks of CocoBay resort-very romantic and excellent food. On OpenTable. $$$
Casa Roots-a casual farm-to-table lunch and dinner spot in Runaway Bay, steps from the water-near Dickenson Bay on the West Coast. Reservations suggested: 1(268)722-2000 $$
Le Bistro-French Caribbean fusion, wonderful special occasion spot on the North side of the island near Hodges Bay. Reservations required, on OpenTable. $$$
Cecilia’s Highpoint Cafe-Lunch Friday-Monday //Dinners Fridays and Mondays. Eclectic-seafood, pasta, salads. Beachfront and Waterview. Recommendations required 1(268)736-7070
The Fox House, a local favorite farm-to-table on the West side-and near CocoBay resort & Coco’s resort. thefoxhouseantigua.com
Miracles of the Caribbean, a local favorite…homemade specials: lobster, roti, mahi, creole…key lime pie. Miracles.biz to make reservations.
Papa Zouk, local favorite “hole-in-the-wall” spot famous for their full snapper dishes and vast selection of rums. Near Dickenson Bay. Reservations recommended 1(268) 464-0795.
Enjoy your trip!
Julie Ann Bouldin, Owner
Island Girl Vacations
513-314-1576