Antigua

The Land of Silky Soft, White Beach for Every Day of the Year 

Because I am from the Caribbean, I never wanted to explore the other countries because I felt that the landscape, food, and culture would be the same. Due to social media, I discovered so many locations, activities that are worth it despite their likenesses. Antigua is among one of the many 13 countries in the Caribbean worth visiting at least once in one’s lifetime. After having to reschedule the trip twice in 2020, we finally made it to the land with 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. 

Formerly a British colony and today there are a plethora of reminders in the form of old sugar mills dockyard and parishes. What was intended to be an ordinary 4-day weekend turned into a fantastic gateway. The well-established infrastructure simplified of journey through the historical sites, beaches restaurants and excursion.  I would avoid travelling in the summer months the sun was a bit unbearable; but that did not prevent us from having the best time possible. 

Their natural fruit is the pineapple. Expect to have it at almost every meal. They are the tiniest that I have ever seeing. We hired a driver to tour the island; I would say that it is the best way to explore. From my experience living in the Caribbean, I would never recommend driving.  

Hotel: 

We stayed at Cocobay Resorts, an all-Inclusive adult-only romantic resort. Consisting of 2 white sand beaches, 3 pools, the Rafters restaurant part of the inclusive package, the Sheer Rock the a la carte restaurant and the wellness spa center. The all-inclusive package offered breakfast, lunch, afternoon bites, pool-side refreshments, dinner, and unlimited drinks. 

We booked the Azure Private Pool Suite which offered the most dramatic ocean views, a private balcony with hammock, private plunge pool, outdoor double ended slipper tub, and chairs. We also had a complimentary signature arrival airport pickup. Don’t miss out on the romantic package deal offered by the hotel which included Floating Breakfast or Tapas in the Black Rock, Romance or your private Room Pool, Couple’s Spa Treatment and Romantic Private Dinner. 

The experience was an absolute bliss. The staff at this property catered to all needs. The azure color of the beach is sublime. The food was incredible, and the small menu changes daily. We loved every moment of our stay. 

Things to do: 

From the many watersport adventures, visiting historical sites to relaxing at the immaculate beaches, Antigua offer enough for a fun filled week holiday. We managed to experience as many as possible see below our top activities: 

Shirley Heights: best to go on Sunday night right before sunset for spectacular view, live reggae music and some BBQ. 

Devil’s Bridge: Caused by sea water erosion from the colliding surf of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It used to look like a bridge before part of it fell into the sea. Slaves would cross the bridge and drown themselves believing their spirits would live on and they would return one day a free man/woman. 

Visit Barbuda: A 20 min flight or a 1.5-hour boat ride away; Barbuda has just one settlement, the village of Codrington. There are tours available every day except Sundays. 

Heritage Market: Visit the market for everyday life experience of locals 

Nelson Dockyard: Once a British warship is today the only working Georgian dockyard in the world. UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Hit the beach: there are 365 silky soft, white beaches to choose from. 

Betty’s Hope: Fully restored windmills complete with sail established in 1674 and reestablished as a tribute to the slaves it exploited. 

Creole Lobster Tour: Cruise to secluded islands such as: Maiden Island and Bird Island, unwinding on a beach while freshly prepared lobster on a grill is served with rum punch and other drinks. Lobster season runs from July 1st – April 30th so chicken or fish are serve as alternatives. 

Hobbie Cat sailing: the option is offered at various hotel, but I only saw or heard of only one operator during my stay going to various hotels to offer the activity. 

Now I know why Antigua and Cocobay Resort is revered.