Tagged: antigua, beach bar, caribbean, six plus, travel
I was sitting at a bar this weekend (which is typically the case) when the subject of travel to Antigua came up with a couple that was sitting next to us. My newfound friends were considering a spring break escape to somewhere they could sit on the beach and drink rum and after mentioning some islands, my better half piped up (which again is typically the case) and said “What about Antigua?” After contemplating this for a while over the latest daiquiri incarnation I was sampling, I informed the island-hopping rum-sipping couple that I would send them an email and let them know why they should really consider Antigua for their spring break getaway. Then I remembered that I had a travel blog and could just write an article about it … but with a twist. So here’s your advice, you two young love birds I just met this weekend, for why you may or may not want to travel to Antigua in the only semi-serious way I can think of that might or might not be mildly entertaining to someone somewhere.
Reason 1 – Too Many Beaches
Antigua has 365 beaches – that’s one for each day of the year. This is a fact the people who run the tourism shop in Antigua are proud of and something you’ll be confronted with in your travels throughout this island. Driving down the road – “Oh look, another beach we have to stop at.” Contemplating your plans for the day – “Busy beach or empty beach? Sunrise or sunset? Wavy or smooth? Ugh, too many choices.” All those beaches – what’s a person to do ….
Reason 2 – Polite People
They’re singularly British in Antigua (they gained their independence from the United Kingdom just 35 years ago) which means they’re extremely polite and well-mannered – personality traits that will lead you to believe they’re up to something subversive. If you don’t want to spend your whole week paranoid about why they’re so damn nice, steer clear.
Reason 3 – The White Powdery Sand and Crystal Clear Blue Water
Sure, they have a lot of beaches but they’re all covered in this white powdery sand that will only peeve you off when you realize the only sand you encounter back home is what your kids drag home from the playground. And yeah, I know “crystal clear blue water” is an overused cliché in travel writing but that’s the only way to describe water so clear it will make you hate ever diving into a lake anywhere again … ever.
Reason 4 – All the Harbors and Bays
There are harbors and bays all along the coastline filled with beautiful yachts acting as a constant reminder that you’ll probably never be on one of those unless you’re a stowaway. Somehow my 22 ft. pontoon just doesn’t measure up anymore.
Reason 5 – Beach Bars
Of course they have beach bars whose sole role is to remind you that life at home sucks when compared to sipping rum on a beach all day. Paradise is awesome. Real life – not so much.
Reason 6 – Shirley Heights Sunset Party
You’ll not only have to deal with embarrassing pictures reminding yourself of how much fun you had, you’ll also have the best sunset view you’ve ever experienced anywhere which will lead you to filling up your memory card with sunset pics. Plus, you’ll probably wake up with a hangover, sore muscles and ringing ears from all the rum, somewhat questionable dance moves and music you experienced throughout the night.
Plus ….
Still not convinced? How about the unique view of Montserrat with its active volcano (“That thing could blow at any minute and fill my rum punch with soot!”)? Did I mention the mountainous rainforest interior that will tempt you to actually be active on vacation? “I don’t need a reminder that I need to exercise more!”
You’re welcome.
January 8, 2016
I agree totally with this article. I have been to Antigua at least five times. I’ve lost count. But you forgot the ridiculous amount of food and cultural events depending on the time of the year. Also there is a supermarket called “Epicurian” hope I spelt it right. The supermarket has everything. Look it up your first day there. It’s close to town n well known. There is a food van in town literally parked on the street after 5pm serving local cuisine – yum just can’t remember the name. I could go on but you just have to experience it yourself!
January 9, 2016
Thanks for the kind comment! Great information, by the way. This article was just a glimpse at how wonderful Antigua is – looks like I need to round 2!
January 12, 2016
Thanks for all the big ups…we could NEVER afford this kind of advertising.
January 12, 2016
You’re more than welcome and thank you for your comment!
January 17, 2016
I have been to Antigua twice and loved it. The people are lovely, the food is delicious, all in all a wonderful place. My daughter was married there, her father in law lived in Antigua until his death. I hope to return there sometime in the future.
January 20, 2016
Thanks for the comment, Ruth! Here’s to hoping your return to Antigua isn’t too far off in the future!
May 14, 2016
You are probably referring to honey cutter food van lol
January 8, 2016
Lmao I’m not sure this will lore anybody away from this beautiful island I call home
January 9, 2016
Thanks, Keila!
January 9, 2016
I went to Antigua it is a beautiful island. A place that should be seen.
January 9, 2016
Glad to hear you liked it, Vera! Thanks for the comment!
January 9, 2016
Love it!!! Dis ya mek me day (This made my day)
January 9, 2016
Thank you … and thanks for the translation! 🙂
June 9, 2018
You are so phenomenal for freely giving great reviews about your visits to Antigua. We appreciate you greatly. Thanks again
June 11, 2018
Dave, thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Cheers!
January 9, 2016
This is awesome. I think I wanna live there. Antigua here I come
January 9, 2016
Appreciate it, Jason! Have fun in Antigua! 🙂
January 9, 2016
The only thing is, we aren’t completely British. We are completely friendly Africans and we’re friendly from birth. Give thanks for the promo.
January 9, 2016
Excellent point! Thank you!
January 10, 2016
The writer mean culture. We are certainly neither complete British nor African
January 10, 2016
Apologies for any confusion.
December 27, 2017
Really considering going, not sure where to stay.
Help me, I want to go 1/12 .
Look on trip advisor, still not sure, doesn’t have to be fancy. On the beach although fancy is fine, not anything g more then 500. Night
January 9, 2018
Lucia, if you haven’t found a spot, please email me at info (at) beachbarbums (dot) com. Thanks!
January 9, 2016
Love this
January 9, 2016
Thank you!
January 9, 2016
Ok amma be there.
January 9, 2016
You’ll love it!
January 9, 2016
Cool,send more info,please !!
January 9, 2016
I’ll email you this weekend. Thanks for the comment!
January 11, 2016
BLESSINGS. ONLY. ONE. PLACE. BETTER. DAN. ANTIGUA N. BARBUDA. IT’S. CALLED. H_E_A_V_E_N. BLESSINGS
January 11, 2016
Good point about Barbuda – maybe that should be the focus of my next article! Thanks!
January 9, 2016
Antigua Nice;’
January 9, 2016
Yes it is! 🙂
June 4, 2018
Sweet like paradise, Antigua Nice.
Home sweet home.
June 4, 2018
Sweet like paradise, Antigua Nice.
Home sweet home.
June 4, 2018
Thanks for the comment!
January 9, 2016
Thank you for your honesty. Antigua has some of the best beaches, friendly people, safe, great restaurants, lots of history, duty free shopping, friendly people and simply beautiful.
January 9, 2016
You’re more than welcome, Cheryl! And this article was just a taste of what Antigua has to offer. Thanks for your comment!
January 9, 2016
Nice
January 9, 2016
Thanks, Ken!
January 9, 2016
Excellent article!! Makes me want to go home even faster!
January 10, 2016
Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate the compliments from people who call Antigua home. Cheers!
January 9, 2016
Agree with all your comments! Need to enjoy the round-the-island trip – see the beaches, snorkelling and that famous ‘rum-punch’ to get you plastered on the way back! The sea is to die for!!
January 10, 2016
Thanks, Chris! Of course I can’t forget the rum punch. 🙂 Sounds like I might need to do a Part 2!
January 9, 2016
oh mi oh mi……. you just reminder me I need to get home..Left da island of Antigua in 2006 (et was only to be a short bit) But alas me still not home… Dont forget the fresh fruit every where..
January 10, 2016
You’ve been gone from home for way too long! Time to go back and grab some of that fresh fruit!
January 10, 2016
Simply the best come and enjoy we’re open to all
January 10, 2016
Antigua is the best. Thank you for your comment!
January 10, 2016
My homeland love it to death. …can I share to my page Miss. Regal Internationa Beauty contest in Antigua August 13th 2016/ 60th Anniversary of our Carnival.
January 10, 2016
Yes, please feel free to share and have fun at your Carnival!
January 10, 2016
Me know! Antigua me come from….
January 10, 2016
A beautiful island to come from!
January 10, 2016
thank you for putting my country on the map
January 10, 2016
The pleasure is all mine! Thank you for having such a beautiful country!
January 10, 2016
I read this wondering who is bad mouthing my country. But I was pleasantly surprised! Antigua is awesome! And, one correction, we are Africans – thanks Natasha.
One Love
January 10, 2016
Thank you, Aisha!
January 10, 2016
We leave on Sat. for 2 months at Jolly Harbor Villas. This is our 9th year.
January 10, 2016
Love the Jolly Harbour area! That’s one of the places I would love to retire to. We stayed at Jolly Beach Resort the last time we were there. Have fun!
January 10, 2016
Shirley Heights Beach Party…. The most fun I have had in my life….EVER!!
January 10, 2016
Couldn’t agree more, Karen! Wouldn’t visit Antigua and miss that party!
January 10, 2016
I love it!!! My home!
January 10, 2016
Thank you for your comment! You have a wonderful country to call home!
January 10, 2016
This is the land of my birth….Antigua nice
January 10, 2016
It’s a beautiful place to call home!
January 11, 2016
While I love Antigua and agree with most of this article I think it’s important to mention that it’s not always safe. Westerners (admittedly some of them not very smart) have been victim to some really awful crimes in the last 5 years.
January 11, 2016
Thank you for your comment – this is wise advice for any destination, no matter how beautiful it is.
January 11, 2016
Me Nah Lie (Antiguan dialect/Creole for “I’m not lying”) … As an Antiguan, when I saw the Title, I immediately raised my eyebrow and said “WTH?!?!?” … AWESOME article!!! LOL .. Loved it and I’m glad you had an awesome time here. Hope you return soon so you can be bothered by all those beaches, drinks and parties 😀 #ilivewhereyouvacation 😉
January 11, 2016
Hahaha! Thanks for the translation – still hard for me to understand that island dialect sometimes! 🙂 And thank you for your kind comments. I can’t wait to revisit again sometime soon!
January 12, 2016
Brilliant, all so true, and now this dialogue will just keep going, eat your heart out Asott.
January 17, 2016
After tons of research, Antigua is where I decided to get married 7 years ago. Have not been able to make it back there, but as soon as I can afford it, we will be back for an anniversary with our children.
April 21, 2016
Antigua sounds amazing! We are coming for our honeymoon in August all the way from Scotland! If you could recommend a few things that we have to do, what would you recommend? We’re staying on the West coast.. Any bar/restaurant recommendations? Thanks 🙂
April 22, 2016
Nicola, first of all, congratulations on getting married! You’ve picked a wonderful island to spend your honeymoon on. An absolute must is the sunset party at Shirley Heights on Sunday afternoon/evening. It’s the biggest party of the week on the island and is attended by locals and tourists alike. The view is amazing, the people are happy and the vibe is unbelievable! I’ve been twice and it would be hard for me to think of a better night I’ve spent in the Caribbean than Shirley Heights. English Harbour/Nelson’s Dockyard (south coast) is a lot of fun with restaurants and shopping plus you get a lot of the history of the island or at least the maritime aspect of it. Do a day trip to Barbuda if you have the time – it will be well worth it! As far as restaurants/bars on the west coast, a lot of that depends on what you like to eat, your budget, style, etc. A must is OJ’s Bar and Restaurant on the southwest coast – if we’re on the island, we’re going to OJ’s. The view is amazing and the foods is just as good. Send me an email at info (at) beach bar bums (dot) com and we can discuss it more. Thanks!
January 10, 2018
What a great blog! I can identify with your description of the “crystal clear blue water,” the white beaches, the foods, the Steel Drum bands, and of course the rum punch. The Island is my friend’s home so during my stay, I was able to merge closer to the people’s culture on a few of the beaches. A great place for a vacation.
January 11, 2018
Thanks, Catherine! It’s always great when you have friends on island so you can experience it in ways the normal tourist typically wouldn’t be able to. Appreciate your kind words!
June 3, 2018
I lived in Antigua for a year with my husband and two boys ages 10 and 12. It was a wonderful experience! I highly recommend Antigua. The people are friendly, helpful, and full of gratitude. We lived near the airport so my husband could be next to AUA his medical school. Great area and could walk to school. We then moved closer to the beach near Sandals and it was a breathtaking experience every morning and every evening walking on the beach to watch the sun rise and the sun set. I was able to get a working visa prior to arriving in Antigua without any issues. My children went to Island Academy and enjoyed it! It is know for it’s music and arts program. They loved the experience and friends they met. Antigua also has a baseball program that welcomed my oldest son with open harms and they took part in the Pre World Series hosted by Antigua.
Ii give Antigua a 5 start rating…Enjoy exploring the island:)
June 4, 2018
Jeanne, thank you so much for taking the time to leave your comment. It’s so great to hear that living on the island of Antigua is as wonderful as we imagine it would be. Glad to hear you enjoyed your time on the island!
Tom