March 10, 2010 by antiguabliss
Number 280 of 365 Beaches
Who counted the 365 beaches? I would have loved to have spearheaded that effort and documented such information. Can you imagine? The first beach I saw in Antigua was Jabberwock Jan. 8, 1987 when I was heading from the airport to Dickenson Bay. The color of the sea was like wow. You must know I am from Massachusetts so the waters of Cape Cod and Nantucket are nothing like the Caribbean. The hues of blue, phew. As the week progressed Mom and I saw about 10 of the 365 beaches on Antigua. Each time I return I try to find a new secret spot….I am still counting…what’s your beach bliss? To book your beach bliss click on www.antiguacaribbean.com to see some of my special listings or email me at ann@antiguacaribbean.com
bathing beauties at beach 211 of 365
My favorite beaches in Antigua:
Half Moon Bay for surf
Galley Bay for shelling on the far north secret cove
Darkwood to ” bust a lime”
Dickenson Bay to power walk and people watch
Jabberwock to windsurf or watch the kite boys
Number 145 of 365
Tags: 365 beaches, Antigua's beaches, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, Darkwood Beach, Dickenson Bay, Galley Bay, Half Moon Bay, Jabberwock Beach, www.antiguacaribbean.com
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March 5, 2010 by antiguabliss
Long time friends Tony and Judy run a fun beach bar on Dickenson Bay. I have known Judy since 87 when we first met. She was braiding hair on the beach. When I move to the island I lived in her home. She is a wonderful woman and is hardworking. Tony, the son of famous Calypsonian, Short Shirt now runs the bar. Recently my daughter spent a few days at the beach. There are cabana rentals, jet skis and more. Enjoy a Coconut Crush at the bar. Beach bliss at Tony’s.
Tony's Beach Bar Dickenson Bay
Tags: Dickenson Bay, Judy McCoy, Tony's Beach Bar
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March 3, 2010 by antiguabliss
23 years ago I was living on Antigua in Cedar Grove. Each Sunday I would walk about 3 miles to Blue Waters. It was my exercise and my bliss. There was a little beach to the right of the grass jetty where I would sit for hours and read. I knew the manager and his wife and often had brunch poolside. A few years later I was married at the former gazebo that faced what we called Sheffler’s Beach. It was a magical spot. We had a small reception at the bar to celebrate. Through the years I went back many times once after a hurricane when the hotel was derelict. My daughter and I were guests there twice. We loved the property very much. Over the years I have recommend and referred many guests to Blue Waters. To me it is the quintessential Caribbean property. Two weeks back Marguerite my Antiguan daughter visited the property. Enjoy her photo essay. To book your vacation escape to Blue Waters email me at ann@antiguacaribbean.com.
Blue Waters Hotel
Photos Courtesy of Marguerite Wynter of Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations
www.antiguacaribbean.com
Tags: Blue Waters Hotel, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, Cedar Grove, Marguerite Wynter
Posted in Dining, Where to Stay | 3 Comments »
February 20, 2010 by antiguabliss
Photos Courtesy of Tradewinds Montserrat
In the late 80’s I took my first trip to Montserrat. I was working on the ill fated S/V Fantome. We stopped every other week in port. Montserrat was my favorite port of all. I loved hiking to Soufriere, a then dormant volcano and seeing the hot springs and smelling the sulfur air. The views were stellar. The waterfall was amazing to swim. Later I would have lunch at Vue Point Hotel and a swim at Isles Bay. Plymouth was a charming West Indian town with little shops and adorable buildings. After posting letters to the US I would stop at Emerald Cafe for a Guinness. Later I started my travel business then called Antigua Small Properties. I was living in Antigua and took weekend jaunts to nearby Montserrat. It was always a chill kind of weekend getaway.
Photos Courtesy of Tradewinds Montserrat
Around 1990 I started renting villas in Montserrat. I had one villa in Montserrat represented by Susan Edgecomb of Tradewinds and 2o villas represented by Leah and Neville Bradshaw. By 1994 the business was growing steady. Vacationers loved the island’s charm and went back again and again. Then, in 1995 the 400 year dormant volcano, Soufriere came to life. The rest is now part of Montserrat’s history. Half of the population left and who remain are forging ahead. Tourism is alive and well and it’s still a wonderful destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet island respite.
I have reconnected with Susan Edgecomb and have some amazing photos to share as part of her essay of life in Montserrat. On Feb. 11 Soufriere sent out her fury creating an amazing display. Enjoy Susan’s photos.
It is possible to spend a holiday on island, see the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, hike, swim and vacation. Day trips from Antigua are easy now or a few days getaway.
To rent a villa or see Montserrat contact Ann Phelan at 800-219-0118 . You may also plan your holiday direct by contacting:
Susan MacLeod Edgecombe
Tradewinds Real Estate
Box 365, Olveston, Montserrat
www.tradewindsmontserrat.com
Tags: Ann Phelan, Isles Bay, Leah and Neville Bradshaw, Montserrat, Plymouth, Soufriere, Susan Edgecomb, Tradewinds Montserrat, Volcano in Montserrat
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February 5, 2010 by antiguabliss
Galley Bay
I often read questions and comments about the beach at Galley Bay. I have been visiting this beach for over 23 years. I worked for a time for Elite Island Resorts as the Galley Bay Specialist online and have stayed at Galley Bay. It’s a great setting and the beach is divine. Sometimes when Mother Nature is in the mood, the sea can be rough and there can be some wave action. Here is a typical day at Galley Bay. Enjoy.
Caribbean Wind & Sun is booking vacations to Galley Bay. Call 800-219-0118.
Tags: Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, Galley Bay, Galley Bay Beach
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January 29, 2010 by antiguabliss
First off, I have never bonefished. I often gaze at the men standing in the flast of Bonaire and think, “wow, they gotta be the most chill folks I have seen”…they stand quietly and patiently waiting for that oh so elusive fish. It’s a tranquil scene. I have had a few clients over the years who are in pursuit for this fish. They will travel far and spend a pretty penny for a chance to bonefish. I just had the good fortune of meeting Phil Harley, an Antiguan fisherman who organizes bone fishing tours on island. His catch and release policy is honorable and his desire is to take his clients to the flats in Antigua to sample what may be one of coolest islands to Bonefish. Phil takes his anglers over to Shell Beach and the North Sound. He uses top of the line Sage and Shimano tackle. Half day trips are recommend and are 375.00 for 1-2 adults . He keeps his groups small and intimate. Phil is the consummate professional plus he is fun and easy going guy. Phil’s guests are in search for Tarpon, Jacks, Barracudas, Permits and of course Bonefish.
From bottom fishing with live bait to spinning among the mangroves or fly-casting the flats. Phil’s 19 foot centre console pro-fishing boat will reach most of the best fishing, or you can walk the flats where necessary.
To contact Phil check his website http://www.philsecofishing.com/. For accommodations click on http://www.antiguacaribbean.com or call 800-219-0118. I will head out with Phil soon and will later share my first experience at this “chill” sport..
Photos Courtesy of Phil Harley
Tags: Antigua Fishing, Bonefishing in the Caribbean, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, Phil Harley
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January 27, 2010 by antiguabliss
January 30th Ministry of Sound hits Abracadabra in English Harbour featuring Shik Stylko and DJ Offshore. Abracadabra is Antigua’s premiere party spot. Ministry of Sound has been one of the hottest dance clubs in London for years.This is a not to miss evening that is sure to run into the wee hours.
Photo Courtesy of Abracadabra
Tags: Abracadabra in Antigua, Ministry of Sound
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January 23, 2010 by antiguabliss
Lobster Salad
After…jump in the sea…
Unspoiled and amazing..Johnson’s Point..
Gibson’s is located south of Jolly Beach in Johnson’s Point. The setting is casual and the food quite good. Service can be slow so ask for a bread basket and a Ting (Grapefruit soda) or another libation. I believe Sunday’s is their roast lunch, a British thing. After, head into the sea…Johnson’s Point is sublime for swimming and views…
Beach Blissssss
Tags: Gibsons Restaurant, Johnson's Point, lobster in Antigua, Ting
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January 23, 2010 by antiguabliss
In the midst of the horrific tragedy unraveling in Haiti I have just learned of the senseless murder of Nina Elizabeth Nilssen near Pidgeon Beach in the English Harbour area. Just as a country is healing after the horrific murder of Drew Gollan and prior to that a Welsh couple, the nation is facing societal scrutiny as the world learns of yet another murder. Details are not fully clear but Ms. Nilssen was enjoying a bbq on the beach with her family when she walked down to Windward Beach. Police patrols were in the area of Pidgeon Beach but did not walk down the path to Windward. They cannot be everywhere and sadly Ms. Nilssen died alone with her assailant. I cannot speculate nor will that bring back a young life. I pray for her family..I pray for comfort and peace..and I pray for a nation that has a dark cloud looming overhead…
Tags: Murder in Antigua, Nina Elizabeth Nilssen
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January 17, 2010 by antiguabliss
Help Haiti, that’s all that’s on my mind. I have had a Caribbean connection since 1987. I lived in Antigua, married a West Indian and lived the life in what was sometimes a third world existence. I lived without running water and plumbing. I lived in Grays Farm (Cook’s Hill), one of Antigua’s roughest neighborhoods. I saw the day to day existence of poor people and understood their resilience and determination. Later, I was part of a relief effort for Montserrat after a deadly hurricane. Next I saw the disaster caused by a dormant volcano that came to life. I realize how precious life is and how fragile many areas of the Caribbean are in reality. My family has Haitian connections. I am certain many of you do too. My sister in law married a Haitian. My former gardener is Haitian. Haiti is part of the Caribbean community and during their darkest hour, they need our help.
Lastly a brilliant vivacious lovely young woman, Britney Gengel is missing. I worked in the small town where Britney hails and know her family and the community. Britney along with her professors and fellow students traveled to Haiti from Lynn University to offer relief work. During the earthquake her fellow students were at the pool and escaped. Britney and others were inside Hotel Montana and up to today are missing. The hours tick away and chances of survival are slim. It is pure horror for her family. This is indeed harrowing times for too many.
Please take time to look at the many organizations that need your help. Please during this tragic time consider donating whatever is possible, even 5.00. Anything will help. Together creating positive focus and effort sending out thoughts and prayers of hope and recovery is paramount. I believe in any miracle possible and hope you do too.
The most concise source of support listings can be seen on: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/
Tags: Britney Gengel, CNN, Earthquake, Grey's Farm, Haiti Relief, Hotel Montana, Lynn University
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