ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TRAVEL GUIDE - CARIBBEAN

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Avoid Antigua's Best Resorts And Stay In Locally Owned Hotels   by Jason Law
Way Of Living In Antigua   by Jane Wyvern
Browse accommodation options on Antigua Island

Avoid Antigua's Best Resorts And Stay In Locally Owned Hotels   by Jason Law

Deep Bay Antigua

In this article I will ask you to forget the all inclusive resort, and instead look for lovely local establishments offering a totally laid back alternative. A real hideaway dream spot compared to the characterless chain resort frequented by those people who believe that where they are staying is the real Caribbean.

All over the Caribbean there are independently owned small hotels, and guesthouses offering a far more relaxed alternative, far closer to the real Caribbean experience. They may not offer an International buffet experience but you will be able to eat out in local restaurants, eat fresh caught seafood as it is landed.

There are two things in particular you should note. The first is that every dollar you spend will go into the local economy and not to the Marriott, Hilton, Meridian International Chains far away from Antigua. The second thing which affects your personal economy is that you will pay per room, and not per person, and in this way you will save a small fortune.

Here is a list with a brief description of some of the best locally owned hotels in Antigua.

Cocos is 12 Caribbean Style Bungalows overlooking Jolly harbour Beach, with a pool, sailing, and kayaking. A great restaurant which predates the hotel, this is very secluded with stunning views of the sunset, but no air-conditioning

Admirals Inn was built in Nelson's time, and is right by the water's edge in Nelson's Dockyard National Park Good restaurant, and close to other places to eat and drink. This is the place if you like sailing, but again no air conditioning.

Siboney Beach Club is on the beach at Dickenson Bay, and is an all suite hotel, with one of the best restaurants. It has beautiful gardens and a lovely pool, all beautifully maintained.

Country Inn Cottages is a five minute drive into the hills from Falmouth Harbour. You can choose the cottages for total privacy, or large families can choose the main house. There are restaurants close by for eating, and a pool, again with beautifully lush gardens.

Catamaran Hotel is set on Falmouth Harbour next to a marina, and has 14 rooms. All rooms have their own kitchen, and there are accessible restaurants, although there is no pool.

This is just a few examples of what can be found, so there is no need to have a bland stay in Antigua's best resorts, go local instead, it will cost you less, and you'll have more fun!!

Way Of Living In Antigua   by Jane Wyvern

Antigua is a popular tropical paradise destination for vacationers from around the globe. Antigua is not all about lounging under the warm tropical sun and enjoying the balmy breezes. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, and the way of living in Antigua is a reflection of that. Antigua is well known as having '365 beaches - a beach for each day out of the year'. Antigua is not so well known though for its culture. Let's take a look at some of the highpoints below:

Religion

There is no predominant religion on Antigua, but rather, diverse representation from several religious branches. Christianity is the strongest influence and some of the Christian churches that are used today were built hundreds of years ago and offer an interesting historical perspective to the island.

Rasta

The Rasta movement has a strong following on Antigua although it did not originate there. The followers of Rasta that live on Antigua have adopted the lifestyle voluntarily. They are usually identified by the appearance of their hair and mostly live on the southern coast. The live a simple and natural lifestyle and they value the life in all things including plants and animals as well as the land upon which they live.

Tourism

It should be no surprise that tourism plays a very important role in the economy and daily life of those living in Antigua. Tourists from around the globe have brought a generous income to the island and created many jobs. Being a beautiful island with both secluded beaches and 5 star resorts, Antigua has earned a well deserved reputation as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Cricket

Cricket is the national sport of Antigua. The United States has its basketball, Great Britain has football, and Antigua has cricket for a national pastime. The island is very proud of its athletes and even the games of minor significance are well attended.

Antigua is a great place to spend a vacation, but it also an even greater place to explore as a local away from the resorts. Then you can enjoy food and music native to the island, and get a small taste of what day to day life is like upon the beautiful island of Antigua.