A long time ago I had a life on Antigua. Alas, a career opportunity presented itself in the US. Now, I return to Antigua each year to see new properties and bring my Antiguan child to see her family. This year we planned our trip very late in the summer which from a planning perspective wasn’t too smart (peak hurricane season). Thankfully we escaped any weird weather and a delighttful time.
Each day we woke and had fresh fruit purchased at the Sat. Market. We had sugar apples, mangoes, fresh Antiguan Black Pineapple and Guinips. We also drank fresh green coconut water each day. Coconut water is good for your digestion and is full of electrolytes. Good stuff! We had dinner at Roti King for Trini Roti. This flaky burrito like pastry is chocked full of curried meats or conch. We had chicken. I could not even eat half. Get the fresh local juices or a Ting to wash it all down. We had Doubles at One Stone Ital Food Stand in Cobbs Cross. Doubles is like Roti but filled with chick peas and curry in a whole wheat wrap. One Stone is pure Ital/Rastafarian Vegetarian. Fabulous! I was on a lobster mission having my first salad at Gibson’s. For 90.00 EC I had a lovely salad with fresh veggies. It was on the small side for lobster portion but the views made up for that. Gibson’s in on the sand of the most picturesque beach. We had lobster salad at Inn at English Harbour seaside. This charming British West Indian Hotel is fabulous. It’s old style with views of the historic forts and hills of Freeman’s Bay. After lunch we chilled on the beach where I had a blissful nap. Dinner was at Bay House. Perched high on a hill overlooking Dickenson Bay I cannot imagine a more romantic setting. The tree frogs sang a chorus while we dined on sumptuous foods. There was one problem with my menu choice but the management rectified it promptly. We had drinks at Russel’s on Fort James and enjoyed Sunday night jazz. Coconut Grove is a fabulous setting for cocktails. This seaside spot is pure romance.
The highlight of my trip was hiking to Greencastle Megaliths. Located near the village of Jennings these rock formations are believed to be manmade. Some people believe the megaliths were placed by early inhabitants for their worship of the sun and moon or as devices for measuring time astronomically. Others choose to believe they are geological rock formations. The entire landscape is covered by lemongrass. The views were staggering after a long arduous hike.
Antigua has a huge building boom sadly in the hotel realm. Hopefully the government has a vision to protect their natural resources so many including myself love to see.
Please call me at 800-219-0118 so I may plan your trip to lovely Antigua. With easy air from most US cities and very good prices it’s a not to miss holiday stop.
