A Family Adventure in Antigua

Antigua: Beaches, Views, and Local Delights

Our family embarked on a memorable trip to the beautiful island of Antigua. This blog post will share our experiences, from exploring stunning beaches and indulging in local cuisine to discovering hidden gems and enjoying unexpected surprises.

Arriving in Antigua: First Impressions

After a smooth flight, we arrived at our Airbnb at Barrymore Estates. The property offered breathtaking views and a peaceful ambiance. The nearby Casa Roots restaurant provided a convenient dining option, though it had limited opening hours.

Exploring Antigua: Beaches, Food, and Local Life

• Beach Days: We spent many days relaxing on the beautiful beaches. We even invested in inflatable floats (purchased from Amazon) for a unique beach experience. We learned the importance of anchoring our floats due to the sometimes rough waves.

• Dining Delights:

  • Bay House Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful dinner with stunning ocean views.

  • First Choice Supermarket: Buy groceries for breakfast and lunch, saving money while enjoying the convenience of cooking in our Airbnb.

  • Bella Vita Restaurant: Savor Italian cuisine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

  • Fred's: We delighted in tasty waffles and ice cream, a local favorite. We visited Fred's several times during our stay.

  • Local Bush Tea: We enjoyed refreshing and authentic local bush tea, adding island flavor to our mornings.

• Local Experiences:

  • St. John's: We toured the capital, visited the stadium, and delved into the island's history. We discovered that the stadium is important for cricket matches and parades.

  • Laviscount Island: We watched the intriguing tortoises in their natural environment.

  • Antigua Distillery Limited: We bought locally made Skull Duggery wine.

  • Heritage Quay: We shopped for souvenirs and local crafts.

  • Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery: Admire stunning artwork, including paintings with real gold accents. I bought a turtle carving as a keepsake, adding to my collection of turtle-themed souvenirs from our travels.

  • Betty's Hope: We explored the historical ruins of this sugar plantation with breathtaking ocean views. We even saw Keke Palmer.

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  • Sweet T's: Had a casual dinner with the kids, though the food was just average.

A Surprise Helicopter Ride!

A highlight of our trip was an unexpected helicopter ride to Barbuda Beach. It was a thrilling experience for the entire family and a truly unforgettable surprise.

Tips for Your Trip to Antigua

• Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

• Consider renting a car for greater flexibility in exploring the island.

• Pack mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes can be active.

• Embrace the local cuisine: Try fresh seafood, local fruits, and traditional dishes.

• Support local businesses: Purchase souvenirs and crafts from local artisans.

Our Antigua adventure was filled with unforgettable moments. We hope this blog post inspires your exploration of this beautiful island.