A week in Antigua Continued...

Day 4

Enjoy a light breakfast at your resort and plan for an early afternoon visit to the quaint Vintage Tea House. This high tea experience is filled with a Caribbean vibe and will be a special visit for guests travelling with expats, or those more senior relatives. Their desserts are divine and be sure to ask for my favourite Caribbean drink, the hibiscus (or sorrel) iced tea.

Return to your resort to relax and soak in the sunset. If you’re staying at the Royalton Antigua, the sun sets just beyond a small hill over the ocean which creates a really nice glow. Have dinner at your resort.

Set your alarm tonight to wake up to see the sunrise. Even if you’re not a morning person, try at least once to see it on this tropical vacation. The sunrise brings a new day and will fill you with energy!

Day 5

You’re in full swing vacation mode now, so enjoy the day to the fullest! You’ve started to unwind from the pressures of life back home, and have recovered from the big day of flying. Today is the day for adventure! Book in advance and plan to take the Salty Dogs ATV Tour. This is a guided tour only (not ATV rentals for self-exploration). It is a great way to see the interior of the island and get a real sense of the lush tropical landscape. The highlight for me was to be the driver through the rolling hills and along the coast. Remember in Antigua, you drive on the left hand side of the road. This experience is for two people maximum in one ATV vehicle; you can take turns driving or one person can be the chauffer. I really enjoyed the experience and although we explored during the afternoon, I recommend a morning tour if available. Afternoons in Antigua, and the Caribbean generally, can be hot, and at times of the year (July - October) very humid. A morning ATV experience will be relatively cooler, leaving you free to spend the afternoon cooling off by taking a dip in the pool or ocean.

Plan for a romantic or private family dinner at your resort. Ask your hotel concierge team to make either a reservation for you, or to curate a unique experience. If you’re spending your honeymoon at Sandals Grande Antigua, plan for a romantic beach dinner for two, complete with photographer to ensure you capture those special memories as you embark on this new chapter in your life - having cleaned up so nicely after your rugged ATV adventure! At Sandals Grande Antigua there are two sides to this expansive beachfront resort, identified as the Mediterranean and the other as the Caribbean side. You are free to spend time anywhere you please at the resort, however, where you stay can influence your experience. The Caribbean side is quieter and more traditional, while the Mediterranean side is newer and offers a more lively atmosphere.

Day 6

Today is an opportunity to revisit some of the activities you’ve enjoyed most during the week. Try another dish at your favourite lunch restaurant, play some games with your fellow travellers, or enjoy some water sport activities. I spent this time SUP’ing (stand up paddle boarding). I actually spotted a stingray while doing this on the calm waters of the Royalton Antigua. This is one of the best day - you’re oriented and know what you love doing most in Antigua. I recommend you celebrate by venturing off the resort for dinner this evening. Try out a splendid, local favourite, the Papa Zouk restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended and do ask for a table near the entrance for the best breezes. This restaurant is very near to Cocos Hotel, Royalton Antigua and Sandals Grande Antigua. My favourite dish is the House Mixed Seafood with sides of okra and plantain. I love trying the various seafood on offer - ask for today’s catch selection. The appetizer shrimp fritters are the best on the island by far!

Day 7

Your final full day in Antigua. You may find yourself asking how has the time passed so quickly? You’ve made many memories and got to experience much of this lovely island. One last tour that I think is essential for every visitor to Antigua is the Eat and Lime Food Tour. This is a Saint John’s City Tour. Plan in advance to spend your late Friday morning and lunch on this active walking tour. I suggest skipping breakfast entirely, alternatively have something light, this tour is quite filling. My favourite stops were to meeting Eddie at his smoothie food truck and the mixology demonstration at Quin Ferara. Try a new food, make a new friend and don’t be shy! Locals and tourists alike are friendly in Antigua and as a smart traveller you’re savvy to wear comfortable walking shoes, pack a refillable water bottle and dress according to the weather. Occasional rain showers are expected and common in rainy season (July - October).

Another practical tip - before leaving for your foodie tour, do yourself a favour and pack this morning for traveling home tomorrow. This way you can leave clothes out to wear for dinner and tomorrow afternoon at the resort. Packing today means you’re ready and able to enjoy every minute of the day before you check out. If you’re staying at Galley Bay, ask me to make you reservation for the day use pavillions, for your day of departure.

Return to enjoy your resort, and a final dinner at the hotel. If you’ve loved staying at Royalton Antigua, I recommend you choose dinner at the Caribbean restaurant for dinner. This way you’ll enjoy a last meal with flavours inspired from all over the region. Appetizers are small, consider indulging in two - my recommendation is the coconut shrimp.

Day 8

Pack your clothes from dinner into your luggage, and lay out your clothes in your day bag for the flight home, then hit the beach. You can wash everything when you’re home, so get your toes in the sand one last time while saying “goodbye, until next time” to your favourite resort staff members. A cash USD gratuity is always appreciated, although tipping in Antigua is optional and discretionary. If you’ve collected local currency during your trip, gift it generously to your favourite resort staff and don’t take home Eastern Caribbean Dollars - the local currency in Antigua and Barbuda.

Take your pre-arranged transportation from your hotel to the airport while reflecting on your week spent in Antigua. What meals did you enjoy most? What were your favourite conversations shared with family and friends? When you close your eyes, how do you envision your time here. Reflect on what made your visit special and remind yourself, that while the vacation may be over, your memories of visiting Antigua will last forever.

Ask me, your Virtuoso Travel Advisor, in advance of your trip to pre-arrange private transportation for you and your travel party. Private transportation is more relaxing and can sometimes be faster than the group transfers included.

I hope you’ve found my A Week in Antigua itinerary helpful and informative. However you spend your time in Antigua & Barbuda I’m confident you will have a most enjoyable stay.

If you did, click here to request my A Week in Barbados itinerary too. I’ll happily send it your way. (link coming soon!)

If you’re considering a visit to Antigua invite me to research, customize and plan your trip. I am a certified luxury travel advisor and a specialist in travel to Antigua. You can reach me from anywhere at travel@princeadventures.com or by phone, 1-519-362-3672.

Jakki Prince is a luxury travel advisor and Virtuoso member. Having personally travelled to over 58 countries she is a trusted guide to thousands who call upon Prince Adventures for their every travel need. Her ultimate destination is Antarctica including camping out on the White Continent.