Antigua...any tips?

[ANGEL]

We've just booked an ill-inclusive for a week next year (what? not Florida for a change??;)) and would love to hear any advice/tips anyone has for going to the island!:wave:

[athurstance]

Antigua is a lovely island. Nelson's dockyard is well worth a visit. Also the markets are worth a look - I bought some gorgoeus sarongs and summer dresses for real bargain prices. Good quality too they have been worn and washed loads of times and still really good condition.
We didn't stay in Antigua - we've had 2 day visits when on cruises - so can't comment on accommodation.
We found the local people really friendly. We hired a taxi for the day and that is a great way of getting around - they know all the best roads and sights. They also keep any of the road-side sellers away from you very effectively if you're not interested. We didn't find the sellers particularly pushy but there are a lot of them.
The beaches are gorgeous and there are so many of them.

[pboniface]

English harbour has some nice local bars and some big yachts in there.. las time I was there, Larry Ellisons (Oracle) Racing yachy was there, thats a lovely bit of kit... and reg grundy's (of Australian TV fame) yacht (http://images.google.co.uk/url?q=http://www.bnycharters.com/yachtsearch.php%3Fboat_id%3D542&sig=__Q4ncBt1ikS_i5YVeRxGk_YzSUc8=) (if you can call it that, its bigger than your average villa :)) were both moored in English Harbour. There are some nice bars around there.

A quick trip to either Carlisle Bay and you have probably the best restaurant on the island.

Carib is a nice lager, Wadadli is nicer. The local rum is also eminently drinkable.

Get out and spend some money in the local community, it needs it more than the all-inclusive resorts do.

[mitch84]

Can I ask roughly how much a weeks AI costs? I really fancy Antigua but think its v expensive?

[Mazzy]

Just tagging on to pick up tips for DH, as he is going over to Antigua next March to watch the cricket. :D

[speedwayfan]

I've been to Antigua 3 times staying on different sides of the island. The first thing I would recommend is booking this:

http://www.antiguaadventures.com/bio-eli.html

It's a fantastic boat tour and the chap who runs it is very knowledgeable. You will learn more about Antigua from him than anyone else on the island. He does book up early so would recommend you do it in advance.

Let me know where you're staying and I can perhaps give you some more info - each side of the Island is very different.

SF

[Hal]

We spent a week a Rex Halycon Cove some years ago. The Rex was awful, however, it was next door to Sandals Antigua "No. 1 Honeymoon Destination in the World" - and we found out that we could buy day passes to Sandals which gave us full acess to all their facilities incl food and drink for $50 pp per day from 9am til 6pm. So after we found this out every morning we could be found queuing outside Sandals waiting to be let in. LOL.

If you fancy a break from AI, there is an excellent restaurant called Home (see thehomerestaurant.com).

Antigua town itself had rats in the street etc.

One of my old bosses went to the St.James Club five years ago but bailed after 3 days, flying to Orlando to the Grand Flo instead. He thought Antigua was too quiet for him and his family.

[Nicksgirl]

Antigua is the most wonderful place. We went a few years ago and it was one of the best holidays we have ever had, I have never relaxed so much in all my life.
You will love it, as for tips, I dont have any the place is too wonderful.

As for another post it being expensive, try Thomsons it is so reasonable on All Inclusive.

You will have the time of your lives.

Antigua is amazing. xx

[ANGEL]

Wow thanks for all that!:)
We're staying at St James (the beach club part i think) which I don't think is very far from Nelsons Dockyard, where Mark wants to go. We'll definately be getting out and about a bit as Mark isn't one for staying on the beach too long (unlike me)...its just somewhere Ive always wanted to see!:)

We're going through Virgin Holidays and I have no idea of the price for a week but Im sure you could price it on their website, we got a special deal I think a couple of weeks ago when we had to cancel our October Florida holiday this year:( It was also cheaper booking it online.

I like the idea of hiring a taxi for the day, sounds great......just off to check out that link too for the boat trip!:)

[speedwayfan]

The Beach Club (owned by VH) is much better than St James accommodation, which is more expensive. However, if you like swimming in the sea, walk over the St James club side for the watersports and calmer waters. Your drinks on this beach are also included.

The rooms are excellent and all overlook the beach. The rooms face the Atlantic side of the island so it can be quite windy on the beach but great for cooling off. Normally you eat breakfast and lunch on the Atlantic side but twice a week use the St James restaurants.

We have stayed there twice and enjoyed it both times. The food and the service were both excellent. I would recommend a room on the higher floor, just for the views.

You're very close to Nelsons Dockyard and Shirley Heights, it can be very busy at Shirley Heights but if you like music and a lot of noise you'll enjoy it, otherwise stay away.

I'm sure you'll have a great time.

SF

[ANGEL]

thanks so much that sounds great!:) Like the sound of Shirley heights too:)