Feedback on Antigua?

[justHB]

My BFF wrote to me a couple of weeks ago and said to think about going to the Caribbean next fall because she and her BF were having a destination wedding. I've done some research on various Caribbean islands for other vacations (that we didn't end up going on), but never Antigua. The only thing I've heard is that it's very expensive and one side of the island is very windy. If you've been, I'd love to hear what you liked about it, where you stayed (she's still looking for an all-inclusive hotel for the wedding as the local Sandals leaves everything to be desired), and what your overall impressions are compared to other Caribbean islands you may have been to.

Thanks!

[kiki61872]

i went to antigua and was married there - LOVED IT!
as far as the wind - i didnt think it was any more windy than any other island i have been too.
we stayed at blue waters - which i HIGHLY recommend. they only do one wedding a day. unlike sandals - which will have several a day. we were there 10 days so our wedding was free. i'm not sure if they still do this - we were married 3 yrs ago. their website is www.bluewaters.net and in my opinion- the site does not do this resort justice.
its small but very nice. the food was excellent. the service was incredible. i would go back in a heart beat.
when doing my research - there was another resort that i almost went with - galley bay. that one seemed really nice as well.
we were looking for something nice, quiet, relaxing.
some friends that attended stayed at a resort close to sandals - so we were there often. that beach was shared by a few neighboring hotels and was a little more crowded and lively. ours was more laid back.

[jnettie]

I realize that this is an older thread, but I've just returned from a month in Antigua and Barbuda, and I feel like gushing about it!

In my case, I went with DH who was working out there, so it was a completely different situation. When we stayed in Antigua, we were stayed with locals in their home.

From what I understand, most of the resorts are super expensive. Antigua and Barbuda are the destinations for the super rich. Lots of celebrities go there because the locals either don't care or don't recognize them. However, there are a number of really really nice places that aren't so expensive.

Otherwise, as far as other general expenses, it's not any more that New York prices.

If you want beautiful, stay near English Harbor in Cobbes Cross. You'll have amazing scenery, and be very close to Nelson's Dockyard, which is at once a museum and still a fully functional 18th century dockyard. You can stay inside Nelson's Dockyard as well. Rooms in the Inn there are $250/night during the high season. You get better rates off season.

Other places to go include:
Betty's Hope - a reconstructed sugar plantation
Half Moon Bay - THE most beautiful beach in the world

If you like adveture, a day trip to Barbuda would be a good idea. They have a Frigate Bird colony that is amazing. You can take a boat, the Barbuda Express, to the island and then a taxi to anywhere on the island. (Note: not a taxi in the American sense, but a large van that will make stops for you.) You can also get a local guide to take you to the caves and sink holes on the island. Darby's Cave (actually a sink hole) is well worth the trip to Barbuda. Plus, Barbuda is the little island that time forgot in so many ways.

I could go on, but I won't. ;) I know quite a bit about about Antigua now, plus I also know people who live there that I could email and ask questions for you, too!

ETA... a pic of English Harbor
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/370210818_f626c1c71c.jpg?v=0

[justHB]

My BFF has switch changed plans, so who the heck knows where we'll end up!

[jnettie]

lol! Whatever, it's the Caribbean, so it's nice wherever you go. ;) Unless she suddenly decides Norway is where it's at. :D