Captivating St Lucia and Charming Antigua Part 2

A short domestic flight between George F.L. Charles Airport and V.C. Bird Airport and we arrived in Antigua, quite a contrast from St Lucia. Where there is a raw and tropical element to St Lucia, Antigua enjoys a more charming feel but is every bit as beautiful. You are immediately drawn into the less frantic way of life here.

We stayed at the Cocobay Resort, an adult only all-inclusive resort and it really did offer barefoot laid-back luxury. The resort consists of colourful cottages set amidst the hillside, rustically decorated to characterise the ambience of the resort and island. From yoga on the beach (managed to talk my husband into it and he loved it) to kayaking, this resort had me hooked from day one. The resort also houses the well-known Sheer Rocks restaurant which is definitely worth a visit. Whilst I am normally not a fan of all inclusive, this is a more upmarket version offering a choice of courses for lunch and dinner. No complaints from us!

Whilst St Lucia offers you the more dramatic sheer beauty from the mountainous landscape, Antigua offers you 365 stunning beaches. After travelling around the island and visiting several beaches, my favourite is Half Moon Bay as it reminds me of South Africa. There is also a very reasonably priced beach hut selling freshly caught cooked fish, fantastic food and the staff are very friendly.

The roads are not great in Antigua either but I would recommend hiring a car to see the island. We drove along Fig Tree Drive to the south of the island, a beautiful drive where banana and mango trees line the roads. If you are staying along the west of the island, you will travel along this road to reach English Harbour, which is a stunning natural harbour based in the south of the island. Nelson’s Dockyard steeped in British history a UNESCO World Heritage site is also based here and is definitely worth a visit.

Nearby, the quintessentially Inn at English Harbour Hotel is located with only 28 rooms on 19 acres of land; this is a 5* property offering a true colonial experience. It comprises of the main building at the top of the hillside and the guest rooms are located closer to the beach. A very elegant resort and they have the same clients returning year after year.

We visited Shirley Heights on a Saturday evening away from the madding crowds of Sunday night and the views are incredible and the sunset spectacular.

A wonderful few days relaxing in Antigua and suddenly our holiday is at end and it’s time to return home and catch up on my Christmas shopping.

Highlights:

Shirley Heights Sunday night party but also visit on an alternative day and watch the sunset without the crowds. English Harbour and Nelsons Dockyard. Half Moon Bay Fig Tree Drive Devil’s Bridge Day trip to Eco Montserrat Explore Antigua by sailboat or catamaran

Alternative accommodation to consider:

Blue Waters Resort & Spa Carlisle Bay Hodges Bay Resort and Spa Sandals St James's Club and Villas

We travelled to St Lucia and Antigua at the end of November 2019 and prices are considerably cheaper than travelling in January to March which is peak season. I would avoid travelling through the hurricane season between June and mid November.

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, please don’t hesitate to get in touch as the Caribbean is perfect and I’ll know just where to recommend to you!