I missed the chance to visit the Antigua Donkey Sanctuary last time so made that my first stop this time round while on holiday in Antigua. As it was a fascinating area though a rather tough road after you get past the donkey sanctuary I wanted to pop the drone up and get some images and here is the resulting video. I am quite pleased with the editing though the footage was not the best it could be from a critics perspective. I hope you like it. I decided again to feature music from a local musician a Ms Claudette Peters – enjoy.
In just 1 week ended up going through 3 different cars the first a jeep style thing that actually delt with the rough road worse than the later two Toyota cars ! Also this is something I want to ask – has anyone suspected they have had their gas stolen ? in Just 2 days I had emptied the tank and made a north south run and smaller runs…STILL !!! The second car the brakes were going so I took it back and ended up with the same type of car but a manual which was a pain the kind of driving you end up doing in Antigua. Such is life and bad luck and in season it is true that the rental car outlets start to get low on stock.
I decided to stay quite local so that I would just need to run my car to the airport – 1 hour was plenty from Falmouth to get petrol (sorry gas) and it kind of makes you feel how complicated my world in the UK is when its oh so simple in the Caribbean. The other reason is I was busy visiting friends scattered about the island so I felt that I was always in my damn rental car.
I guess the charms had come back in just a week yes just what the doc ordered. The phantom was packed away and I was clocking off from duty today.
So pigeon beach was the best bet for me and didn’t disappoint I elected to go to Bumpkin’s for a drink or two to take on the beach while I tried to get some colour. I met a girl I recognised from a long time ago who worked at sweet T’s this is one of the nice things about Antigua –doesn’t seem to change. You know what you’re getting.
It was time to leave Goat Studio and leave the island until next time.
I went straight through security at ANU and bought my English Harbour 5 year which doesn’t come in a litre bottle annoyingly which is one mans limit. However I am sure many of you go home clanking down the victoria line ! It’s not going to be as smooth as the Mount Gay XO (extra old) that stuff went down TOO damn easy and left me with the feeling that I just flew first class and slept all the way !!! (That was my trip in Barbados last year ). Not that I have ever flown first class.
It was really really nice to see and stay in Falmouth while in season, however I am designed for the Dickenson Bay arrondisment.
I did buy these wonderful magnetic balls that are such fun they are in a big bin and you have a bag and so long as you can close the bag its like 11 USD. So that made a couple of gifts – some suzzie hot sauce and just enough ECD (Eastern Caribbean Dollars) left for the most expensive rum punch on the island.
Me Ga-wan
I didn’t quite get this right as there was quite some wind and the conditions were not ideal. The gopro did ok here though I was shooting into the sun and you can make out the effect that this caused. But here is Darkwood Beach – so you know what to expect. The internet kind of takes away the adventure doesn’t it !
I started out around 8 am – missed my normal coffee stop but wanted to get ahead as things just take longer here.
I finally got to see Rendezvous Bay and walked the road that seems ok for cars. You need to turn by the horse riding tour place just as you have left liberta on the way to Falmouth. Its not so easy to find and I would recommend other beaches and hikes I think but it was still nice to see someplace new in Antigua. It took maybe 50 mins round trip walk and I didn’t feel the need to spend so long there is a pebbly natural beach. The area is going to generated into a top resort I think eventually.
The View Across Liberta towards Falmouth from above Rendezvous Bay Area.
I was now looking to explore a bit more of the Fig Tree Drive area. The Gallery is only open in season so I had always missed it before…So Michelle explained a bit about the Gallery hosting a Caribbean but international selection of works. Sarah the owner also exhibits and she uses gold leaf in some of the paintings which I remarked.
Please make sure to stop by the Culture Shoppe – a stand selling wonderful tasting saroll I think Elaine told me it was a red coloured flower drink ! The red flowers you can see on the drive up. She will give you all manner of info on the area and its right at the point where some hikes can be made (long since well kept) – but you will need to call her about that. So she can help you hike to the summit of the local mountain/hill too. It’s a shame that even on cruise ship day the taxis zip past here and don’t allow the passengers to stop and get a break. She is often used by them however to supply a toilet break ! She needs a little help to develop. Her entrepreneurial spirit will go on ! Get hold of her on 1-268-460-3949 (Home) or 1-268-783-3343 (Elaines Cell) – or just be forceful and stop by her stall – it’s a place to get starfruit and black pineapple and other in season fruits. Just at her stall is a roadway you can drive the 400m down to where a dam is and the start of hikes – but the trails are not at all maintained and you would need a better map and machete. So this is why you need to call Eileen to arrange a guide but you will be hiking the unknown.
I did take some aerial footage of the area I am yet to review. [editors note I poped the drone up and surveyed above the canopy – very undeveloped green hills all around so a hike to the top may give some disappointed views ???]
As I wound out of the trip you get just past Carlisle bay and to the small but magnificently perched Grace Bay. The Monravians were the only ones to educate the slave children in the ruin you can see to the left so it’s the only slave school for children on the island of Antigua. See the image and video.
The community is lobbying for the government to restore this historical landmark. I found out this because a woman approached me about my flying activity on the corner. I had just gotten some footage but AGAIN realised the camera had not been running! I need a system to force me to remember that. I took to the sky.
I stopped to pick up a local woman who needed a lift despite me telling her I was just about to stop at boxers restaurant. I ended up just having coffee and she was still waiting for a lift so I took her as far as darkwood beach where I chatted to a guy from the cruise ship. They really do bring the people in and the atmosphere it’s a very crucial income but not all Antiguan’s benefit!
It’s often the case that you find your interests while on holiday. Antigua can get you interested in such a variety of activities from scuba diving to horse riding, kite surfing, SUP paddle boarding the list goes on. I think it’s to do with the arrangement of tours centred around the ‘thing’ that makes it very easy to do while you are away.
Divers learn to take underwater pictures in Antigua
Back home for example you might have seen kite surfing but it will be a club and there is no obvious entry point. Antigua is somewhere to discover yourself again. And as such your self development can continue.
I went diving with my friends Indigo Divers today – the vis wasn’t as good as it can be at this time of year but the two dive sites we did we had Antigua Sharks ! You can read more of the diving here on Caribbean Diving.
Today I was back at some of the best that Antigua offers in beaches and did a mini hike to Willoughby bay – now there is a very nice bar restaurant at the opposite end of pigeon beach called Catherine’s something or other. It’s a modern beach bar and restaurant something that we see more in Antigua. So you are where you want to be (a great beach) now with a modern and tasteful setting – I didn’t stay so couldn’t tell you the prices but you would enjoy the experience and this could be the best way to enjoy pigeon beach for many. The walk through (you cant get by car) to Willoughby bay is 7-10 minutes. There is not a place really to swim but you get the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and it’s a nice romantic gig I suppose. It’s a place for artists to come and wonder for sure and you will find the walk enthusing. On the way you will also get the impression that some big money is being spent on the local infrastructure in the general are here – roads ! I am guessing a resort or massive luxury villa round the corner.
I met a really nice and interesting couple Eileen and Dave – they are working on boats and really seem to be the ideal couple! She is from Taiwan and Dave, Chester. They are not your typical people (just like I needed to find) and they are living next door in the studios. They invited me to a BBQ that I was a bit late for (you know Driving in Antigua!) They went to a lot of effort and I was very grateful.
They work on the boats and could be classed as professional yachts workers I suppose. They are all here at the moment planning their route to the med as the season in Antigua ends. They don’t all choose to live on boats and some boats are someplace else so often accommodation for yachties is a need! I think as well sometimes they crave a bit of elbow room and a proper shower. But some of the luxury Yachts in Antigua are the size of hotels! I was drinking my coffee at the Skulldugery café in Falmouth (12ec) looking across to a mega yacht Mocolombo or something like that and it had a waterline panel down exposing dwaf like wave runners! it gave the already massive looking craft scale. Falmouth almost closes full time in the summer (out of season) Antigua and there are few places of interest it’s very slow so be advised if you want and out of season holiday.
The northern resorts offer a bit more of interest. I did get back to Dickenson Bay and took a couple of photos it shows a new chic look to peppers and lime – sounds like they killed the Sunday cooler fete and just tried to bring an Ibiza look and feel to Antigua.
Peppers N Lime
New Look New Prices
The Road House Antigua- A hidden gem!
Well anyways they were keen to follow me to the Roadhouse in southeast Antigua – it was a great night and beautiful lobster and drinks each we made it 90 ecd. The lobster was like 20 USD roughly.
Great Lobster for 20 USD
Amazing place and is getting bigger. It’s a local lime dinner and dance is what I would describe it as. You may well need to reserve this. Don’t miss it just on Sundays so clashes with Shirley heights 5.00pm till.. A place to be on a Sunday in Antigua (after church of course)
How to get there..Google maps link https://www.google.com/maps/place/Road+House+Restaurant+And+Bar/@17.0564768,-61.7363855,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2f584281cdf0ff74!8m2!3d17.0553693!4d-61.7299482
The top end of Pigeon beach more Falmouth Harbour Antigua.
and as it was quiet I decided it would be ok to get some aerial video from up above. Check out the image while it will take me longer to process and edit the aerial video.
An example of the water quality – the dark patches are turtle grass not reef so the snorkelling is ok but its not reef. Still enjoyable.
Hot work this !
Donkey Heaven ?
Also made it to the donkey sanctuary and they have a nice brief explaination tour – you can buy the tshirt or make a donation please to support their good work.
Visit the Donkeys Website Today
I also got introduced to the backyard it’s only open on friday and saturdays and its first come first serve on their excellent menu – they chalk it off the board as it gets nailed. I met up with a friend John who teaches at the Medical University. Good to see you again !
It may have been a different day but here anyway are a few photos of my old haunt in Jolly Harbour and the beach. The crows nest has really gone down hill and its a shame. A slam dunk as this bar should be easy to get and keep people drinking.
Arrival into ANU I was met by Titi who took me to the office to get payment sorted and a car organised. I was given a small Jeep that has dash controls similar to my mums old Nissan Sunny that I procured from her and that was my first car that I could rely on ! I digress – it was good to be back in Antigua.
A short stay of 7 nights is what my internal doc ordered. A list of priority of things to buy from Baileys the supermarket next to Sweet T’s ice cream parlour. I was slightly hungry as Virgin Atlantic serve those finger sandwiches that taste great but don’t fill you up. So Sweet T’s helped me with an island burger and fries.
As a priority I needed a large 5 litres bottle and refill from that. Staying longer I might have gone for a bigger one that you can barely pickup and carry yourself return the empty thing to get the deposit on the bottle at the end. They are a pain as you need to also get a pump unless you elect to DIY and decant the h2o its awkward but it reminds me of my early days around and about in the Caribbean so it feels like a homely task. A can of Off – however I have to say that the mozzies have not really been getting at me straight away as they normally do. I am here at the beginning of Feb so perhaps that’s why. And Nacho’s and rum punch – the latter a guilty pleasure. I did spot English Harbour was 41 ECD as a ref point – the can of Off
One of the best insect repelants – off !
was 24 ish. It’s around 2.6 ECD to the USD. That’s right around 9 USD ! Nothing that is imported to Antigua ends up being cheap. Barter hard for those mangos they grow on trees here in season. Or you might like to just pick some off one of the trees in your Vacation Rental Property.
There was not much of a conclusion to the rest of the evening I did drop by the drop in bar a favourite of the yachties in English Harbour. And I have to say it’s a buzzing place all around and the harbour is full as we are outside of Hurricane season – the boats leave the Caribbean during that time generally as they cannot get insured. To say it has an effect on Antigua’s tourism would understate it which is a shame as I regularly get a cheaper Caribbean Holiday during the summer time and in fact the weather is very nice and the risk low.
It was difficult for me to find my way back home especially as my jeep didn’t have great lights. I am happy with the studio ‘Goat Rock’ Studio– when you stay by yourself its nice to have a smaller space.
With a variety of accommodation types available Nonsuch bay offers an excellent ‘beach hotel experience’ in their secluded bay on the eastern side of Antigua. Antigua is small enough that it doesn’t really matter what side of the island you are on.
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.<–Digital window verification 001–>You can find more detail here – https://antiguablog.co.uk/2014/annual-report/ Indeed we are getting some great traffic and will be ramping things up for 2015. If you would like to take advantage of a free trial advertising spot to see if it can work for you then please just contact us. Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 22,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 8 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
Announcement includes mention of a 250 million pound resort (interestingly for Barbuda) developed by an American celebrity and and Australian Billionaire.
If you are thinking about a Caribbean holiday over Christmas or new years or just this winter then think about Antigua and Barbuda. Blessed with good natured Antiguans a lot of sun (at this very cold time of the year) and some of the world’s best beaches – Antigua is a favourite. All inclusive seems to be a popular choice especially for those with families as controlling the cost of the holiday is important to mum and or dad. There are a plethora of watersports and land activities to do if you get a bit beached out. Scuba diving, sailing or jet ski , hike bike or go shooting at the shooting range ! But the best reasons to come to Antigua compared to other Caribbean destinations and other beach destinations are
Dusk over Falmouth Harbour
Short transfer times! Some islands like St Lucia are a 2 hour hell after the flight. Great beaches They all say that between Antigua and Barbuda there are more than 365 one for each day of the year. But you will certainly never count them to argue! And you could have 14 world class beaches one for every day of your two week Antigua Holiday ! Great resorts Some of the finest in the world exist if you can poney up the dough. Or checkin to a more value proposition where you will find warmth and hospitality equal and great value. Great spas Most likely the spa will be in your resort but you are always free to visit the better spas in other resorts. Great gymnasiums The island has some good gyms and open to all so you get to meet expats and Antiguan’s alike. Great island exploring by jeep or car. The roads are bad but the speeds are low so driving in Antigua is really not too bad at all. If you do find yourself in St Johns just ease back on the gas and no one will have any problem at all directing you. Amazing sailing The winds and local geography mean you can get around a few islands quickly and see a real chunk of the Caribbean culture within just a week of sailing. 2 weeks and you have one amazing sailing vacation or sailing course. Friendly locals – no need to say more. Tours and excursions by the bucket load. Excursions of all kinds from zip-lining through the rainforest to taking a Segway into Antigua’s coastal forts or a chartered day sail. So to help you plan check bestantigua.com and make the good choice for a break at winter time this year.
I found this really great video taken with a gopro and edited really nicely to some good music that does help to make the scene a little more dramatic. We see many species of fish here including gurnards (flying fish while swimming not flying) and some crazy coloured morey eel. See for yourself – Scuba Diving in Antigua is really worth it.
The quick version TL;DR Barbados is easier to plug into nightlife having areas like St Lawrence Gap – the better places seem to be outside of this relative touristic trap however. Barbados may have more top notch resorts and restaurants (the very top is Sandy Lane) but really for a holiday it’s not a top consideration. Antigua certainly has her fair share of Luxury Villas and Luxury Resorts. Barbados only slightly has better/more watersports (excepting sailing) or more reliable instructional centers for sports like windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing. If you’re looking for calmer waters to do hobby cats then you may prefer Antigua. Barbados is more developed but Antigua has more charm, I am yet to put my finger on why. Antigua has better beaches. The resorts sitting on Dickenson Bay are particularly lucky. Antigua feels easier to drive around. Antigua is quieter but Barbados out of season also can feel quiet. Both islands you can find quiet or busier places.
