Antigua

Antigua has a fantastic climate and is one of the driest of all the Caribbean islands.  It is home to some of the most stunning beaches I have seen, they really are your powder white sand and aqua blue seas.  Antigua is hard to beat as a beautiful beach destination but you must venture off to visit Nelsons Dockyard and English Harbour.  If you are there on a Sunday night Shirley Heights is a must to watch the sun go down with the sounds of the steel bands in the background rum punch in hand!!!  Here are some of my hotel recommendations:

Carlisle Bay

Sister hotel to London’s One Aldwych, Carlisle Bay is a boutique property contemporary in style with 82 cool spacious suites with a sitting area or bedroom that faces the sea. Facilities include the chic Blue Spa, ultra modern gym and an open air yoga and Pilates pavilion.  There is also a stunning swimming pool, PADI dive centre, tennis courts, supervised kids club and a luxury screening room to watch movies.  To top it off a restaurant serving exciting pan-Asian food which has one of the best reputations on the island!

Jumby Bay

A little corner of Antiguan paradise set on its own 300 acre private island accessible only by boat Jumby Bay is an exclusive hideaway.  It recently received a multi million pound makeover the 40 suites and 11 villas are the ultimate in luxury, Caribbean style at its very best including amazing open air bathrooms.

Curtain Bluff

Curtain Bluff stands atop a peninsula  on the south coast, flanked by two gorgeous white beaches.  Run by the same family for many years the high level  of personal service give the guests  a feeling that they are members of a private club!  Beautiful rooms and suites all offering ocean views, watersports including diving, a new spa, Pilates, yoga, squash and tennis  are all on offer.  A 25,000 bottle wine cellar ensures that there is always an appropriate vintage to accompany a fine meal!

Coco Bay

CocoBay Resort is a colourful collection of 53 rustic West Indian-style cottages set on a beautiful headland on the sunset side of the island.  The rustic cottages are scattered throughout the tropical gardens, each cooled by a ceiling fan (air conditioning available on request) and simply furnished.  Relax on your hammock and enjoy the views from your private verandah the seafront cottages also benefit from private plunge pool.   Exotic cuisine with a European twist is served in the all inclusive restaurant where breakfast and lunch is buffet style and evening meals are served a la carte.