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  • Time to hit the beach – that’s why you’re really here, no?

    Excusion-ed out? Or maybe you just came to kick back and watch the Caribbean world mosey on by.

    Well you’re in luck as there are 365 beaches in Antigua – one for each day of the year! So here’s our top 5 and reasons why:

     

    1.DARK WOOD: FOR THE SUNSET

    A long curve of flour-fine soft sand with minimal development and dazzling turquoise, calm and clear water, ideal for swimming – Dark Wood is hard to beat. It’s backed by a large lagoon and the lush green hills of southern Antigua, with a small snorkeling and shelling area at one end.

    Warm waters and shallow areas are perfect for young families and there is a great snack bar serving burgers and cold drinks and great beers – ideal! Pitch up and settle down for the day!

    For a fantastic sunset, this beach is also a cut above the rest…

     

     2. HALF MOON BAY: FOR THE WAVES

    Also one for Pirates of the Caribbean fanatics, this idyllic place is where Captain Jack and Elizabeth are marooned in the 2003 film. Located on the eastern Atlantic side of the island, waves are not so good for the young kids, however it has amazing surf and wild beauty. It has a lively beach atmosphere, but not so crowded that you have to fight for a spot.

    It offers little tree hideaways to give shade and even fire pits for cooking your own lunch if you’re feeling adventurous.

    It is also one of the best places on the island for turtle-spotting, diving and snorkelling, with a beautiful reef situated at one end. Adventurous ones can walk to the point and watch the powerful waves crashing into the headland.

    So if you love marine life, and prefer the crash of waves on the Atlantic side, then this beach is for you!

     

    3. TURNERS BEACH: FOR FOOD & ACTIVITIES

    A breath-taking powder sand beach and a top location for jet skiing. Activities include reef trips, snorkelling and jet skis and all equipment can be rented at the bar.

    It feels more private than other others, plus if you’re a foody and want some real Antiguan grub, head to Turner’s Beach Restaurant. Surrounded by an idyllic white picket fence, the restaurant has a raised deck and stylish furnishings. It serves a fab lunch, is right on the beach, and has a car park, restrooms and showers. A real West Indian menu including some great Antiguan classics – yum!

     

    4. VALLEY CHURCH BEACH: FOR THE LOUNGING

    The natural beauty of the palm tree-lined beach is phenomenal. Completely uncrowded, and since locals use the spot for casual boating and fishing, you’ll avoid too many tourists competing for the chairs and umbrellas available for rent.

    The beach bar at Valley Church serves tropical drinks and cooks up local Antiguan fare. And with restrooms, changing rooms and showers available to the public, Valley Church also makes for an easy day trip when venturing from other parts of the island.

    This beach is the best for lounging…

    4. GREEN ISLAND  – GARDEN OF EDEN: FOR WILDLIFE & WALKING

    A stunning island, off the coast of Antigua, well protected by the reef and very quiet; there is amazing snorkelling and marine life along the surrounding reefs, and the whole island is also home to hundreds of turtles.

    The beaches are small and secluded; it’s a gentle, peaceful and restorative place, perfect to recalibrate and feed the soul. As it’s a boat trip away from the mainland, less people know about it or make the effort to visit, which is why it is always so uninhabited. A real paradise.

    Not only can you kick back and relax, there is great opportunity to blow out the cobwebs and do some hiking. It’s possible to cover most of the island in a day, including a stop for lunch. Beautiful scenery and a light breeze, it’s definitely the best place in Antigua for this kind of exercise.

    An island so beautiful the locals call it the Garden of Eden…do you need any more reason to visit?!

     

  • The Ocean House Recommends: Island Excursions

    Once you’ve settled in, enjoyed the beaches, the views and are feeling generally more relaxed, it’s time to consider your island excursion options…

    We’ve done the hard work and tried them out for you, so here are our personal recommendations for the top 5 adventures to be had whilst you’re in Antigua:

     

    1. STINGRAY CITY – A guided tour and interactive adventure begins amongst the monkeys and parrots at Stingray City’s St John’s base camp. Upon arrival, you’ll be promptly whisked away by speedboat to shallow clear waters, white sands and fevers of stingrays. These friendly, interactive and amazing marine fish are more than happy to be fed, touched, photographed and snorkelled alongside. The close interaction with Antiguan wildlife offers a memorable experience for all the family and it’s hard not to be fascinated by these tactile and gentle fish.

    Seaton’s Village, St. John’s
    Tel: (268) 562 7297

    Email: [email protected]

    www.stingraycityantigua.com

     

     2. ZIP LINING WITH THE ANTIGUA RAINFOREST CO. – Located in Wallings, in the hills of the lush rainforest on the south-west coast of Antigua, is the expansive and expertly designed zip line & rope challenge course of the Antigua Rainforest Company. The full course offers a total of 13 zip lines, 3 aerial walk way bridges, 2 tree houses, 2 ‘Leap of Faith’ vertical descents, 9 elements of challenge course & 3 unique combination tours – need we say more! It’s an action-packed morning or afternoon out and one we want to do over and over again! The rangers are friendly, experienced and ease you in to an adrenaline-fuelled experience.

    Fig Tree Drive, Wallings

    Tel: (268) 562 6363

    Email: [email protected]

    www.antiguarainforest.com

     

    3. ADVENTURE ANTIGUA ECO TOUR – This beautiful, well-thought out and informative tour, which takes place on a boat and in the water (via snorkel), provides a wonderful journey though Antiguan ecological history. It is factual, entertaining and engaging. The warm, clear waters, protected by over twenty little islands, countless reefs, flats and mangrove nurseries are calm and there are plenty of opportunities to spot Antiguan birdlife. The crew discuss local flora and fauna and the scientific turtle project at Jumby Bay, as well as folklore and fables. For those who wish to enjoy spectacular views of the North Sound and the north coast of Antigua, we suggest taking the easy nature trail from the beach at Great Bird Island, up to the summit, and if you really want to get off the “beaten track” there is also scope to explore a cave.

    Tel: +1 (268) 726 6355

    www.adventureantigua.com/the-eco-tour

     

    4. WEST COAST TOURS – Now for something really fun – WCT Antigua Reef Riders offers a unique opportunity for you to captain your own 10 foot 2-seater inflatable Reef Rider! Hold on tight as you and your friends explore the beautiful west coast of Antigua out to the stunning Cades Reef. Put on your snorkel, mask and fins (provided) and dive into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The boats are small enough to moor inside the reef lagoon to get you closer to the amazing marine life including stingrays, lobster, parrot-fish, surgeon-fish and wrasse, as well as the beautiful coral reef. It’s an ecological tour with an adrenaline rush, for those looking for a bit of both!

    Jolly Harbour

    Tel: +1 (268) 728 5239

    www.antiguareefriders.com

     

    5. MIRAMAR SAILING – Famous for fabulous sailing, the Caribbean couldn’t be a better place to charter a private yacht. You only have to look at the gushing Trip Advisor reviews to see how popular Miramar Sailing is for private charter. They offer a range of options from 3 hour to full day cruises and we would definitely recommend the 8 hour Private Full Day Cruise, which includes lunch (with wine!) aboard, canapes at sunset, snorkelling and fishing. It’s an unforgettable experience – the ocean is tranquil, the wind cooling, the sun bright and the silence, golden…

    Jolly Harbour Marina

    Tel: +1 (268) 721 3456

    Email: [email protected]

    www.miramarsailing.com

     

     

     

     

  • Top 5 Restaurants on Antigua

    Antigua is not only home to 365 white sand beaches but also to many superb restaurants and laid back beach bars. Below are our Top 5 Recommendations for the foodie to savour & enjoy.

     

    1.CATHERINE’S CAFÉ is in our view the best all around restaurant on the island. It serves excellent French Caribbean cuisine with polish and pluck and the service is attentive, friendly and personal. Best of all it is located on the beautiful Pigeon Point beach so this is a perfect place to enjoy a long leisurely lunch moments from the sea while sipping the great selection of wines. In the evening the venue also comes alive with jazz nights and great ambiance. We highly recommend a visit.

     

    Catherine's cafe

    Catherine’s cafe

    Pigeon Point Beach, English Harbour

    Tel: (268) 460 5050

    Email: Catherinescafeantigua@gmail.com

     

     

     

     2. JACQUI O’S BEACH HOUSE is a stylish Caribbean restaurant right on the beach – think turquoise Caribbean Sea and swaying palm trees. Super friendly staff and delicious fresh food make this a must during your stay. Lance, the owner, is extremely hospitable and nothing is too much trouble. The Sunsets right in front of your view and are to die for. In the later afternoon the music gets turned up and the mood becomes even more relaxing. It is famous for the Sunday Fun-day parties. Think St Tropez vibe in Antigua! Beach loungers are also available so feel free to go for lunch and spend the entire day there are the beach is stunning and the water crystal clear.

    Crab Hill Beach

    Tel: (268) 562 2218

    Email: [email protected]

     

    3. LE BISTRO RESTAURANT – No list of Antiguan restaurants would be complete without this, the old dame of Antiguan cuisine. Le Bistro was started 30 years ago and has stood the test of time, serving wonderfully tasty food which is always of a very high standard. It is a French Restaurant, as the name suggests, where the atmosphere is a little more formal than your average Caribbean restaurant – you can even spot people wearing smart jackets! Only open for dinner, it is located in lovely breezy garden and the staff are very well trained and friendly.  It was awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of excellence in 2014 – high praise & an award it definitely deserves.

    Hodges Bay, St Johns

    Tel: (268) 462 3881

    Email: [email protected]

    www.antigualebistro.com

     

    4. SHEER ROCKS RESTAURANT  is a trendy hangout for guests to relish. Perched into the hillside of Cocobay Hotel the restaurant has some of the best views available from any dining spot on the island. You can while away the afternoon with a long lunch complete with day beds & plunge pool watching the sun slowly creep down to the water. In the evening, it transforms to a very romantic place to dine, by candlelight and watching the silvery moon reflect off the sea. A Travellers Choice Winner 2015 it deserves its reputation as a wonderful place to dine.

    Cocobay Resort, St Mary’s

    Tel: (268) 464 5283

    Email: [email protected]

     

     

    5. CECILIA’S CAFÉ is a chic restaurant / cafe situated on the water’s edge with magnificent sea views and easy access to a soft sandy beach. The vibe is super chilled, typically Antiguan, and has a diverse menu which changes every day and focuses on local produce. Run by a former Swedish model it has a great breeze and a good wine list. Try their Old Fashioned rum punch and fish. It is also close to the airport so is the perfect way to end your holiday enroute to the airport.

    Dutchman’s Bay, Coolidge, St George

    Tel: (268) 562 7070

    Email: [email protected]

     

     

     

     

    Other restaurants/beach bars worth a visit are the institution that is Cloggy’ Café in Falmouth Harbour and any of the restaurants at the Carlisle Bay Hotel, where you can combine lunching and Spa-ing for complete relaxation.