You can practically feel the warm gentle breezes coming off the azure blue waters of the Caribbean while you're sitting at you computer trying man up and push to 'book' icon on your screen for a trip to the West Indies island of Antigua. Well to quote the Nike ads, 'just do it.' I've been to this wonderful island twice in the past thirty years, and it still has the charm of beach bars, reggae, and pampered luxury. The huge difference that's developed over the past three decades is the infusion of more luxury hotels and resorts. Recently I stayed at the brand new (completed in late 2009) Sugar Ridge Hotel. This is a small boutique resort with about 50 rooms, usually four rooms to a bulding and all with views of the sea. Some have outside soaking tubs, but there are also two swimming pools on the property.
Summer deals: Between now and mid September, the Sugar Ridge has some great deals on extended stays. Check out this website page for the deal that fits your lifestyle...from weddings to eco adventure to girlfriend getaways. The resort has two restaurants, a spa, a couple of cool bars and is nestled on a hillside, boarded by sugar cane fields and late afternoon sunsets that are perfect Kodak moments. Their shuttle service can take you to bustling Jolly Harbor Marina just two minutes away from where numerous boating excursions, scuba diving and sport fishing trips depart. The Marina complex even boasts an 18 hole golf course, tennis and squash courts. For the history buffs, explore the heritage of Antigua at Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights. Throughout the year, the island has dozens of events including Carnival, cricket and Sailing Week. i ran into a gentleman from Newport, RI who keeps his boat in the marina for half the year living aboard, then sails it back to Newport for the summer. There are over a hundred places to stay on the island ranging from luxury boutique hotels, to apartments,guest cottages, inns, and villas.
History to Carnival: Check back in the next couple days for Part 3 on Summer in Antigua and I'll share some of the highlights of my recent visit including the world famous Sailing Week, museums, and historical sites all on the International Travel Insights Examiner site.
For more tourism information: www.antigua-barbuda.org.
Comments
sounds wonderful!
It is a good combination of history and vacation paradise.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!