“When life seems hard and everything looks gray, remember that Spring

break is only a flight away.”

It has been said that while we can’t buy happiness, most can buy a plane ticket….and that travel may be the only thing you can buy that will make you richer! It’s been a rough year; the winter doldrums have set in and for those of us who live a hectic life (and who doesn’t?), Spring is an optimum time to unplug and reset.   And for me, this year’s choice was the Caribbean Island of Antigua, widely known for its 365 white sandy beaches, its Caribbean charm, culture, and a focus on nature and eco-tourism.

A SELECTION OF EXPERIENCES TO DISCONNECT

If you need me, call me on my shell!

Antigua, and its sister Island of Barbuda, promise to deliver moments of quiet and a more authentic connection with oneself, the ocean, nature and wildlife. One of many Island boat excursions will take you swimming with the stingrays, snorkeling at magnificent coral reefs with the Island’s colorful tropical fish, turtle watching, and an opportunity to stroll Antigua’s pristine beaches with their crystal clear azure waters.

There are also hiking tours in the heart of Antigua’s Rain forests and conservation areas….and for the adventuresome, a chance to scale Devil’s Bridge.  Devil’s Bridge is a natural rock arch composed of limestone, surrounded by blowholes which are natural sea caves that blast sea water.  The rugged terrain is the result of millions of years of ancient reef formation and the Bridge is traversed by hundreds of tourists each year.

ALL I WANT ARE SUNSETS AND PALM TREES

Witnessing a Caribbean Sunset at sea, or on the shore, is truly a gift of Nature.  When at sea, small waves crash on the beach while the ocean swells in the distance and the sun sets among the clouds in an otherwise blue sky.

As the sun lowers, one observes a silky-smooth kaleidoscope of vibrant reds, yellow and orange in the calm of the night.  It is an experience that made me feel relaxed, present and content.  Some photos are captured here, with no filter!

And then there are the Palm trees…….did you know there are more than 2500 different types of palm trees, each with their own unique characteristics and growth habits?  Although all palms are members of the Arecaceae family, it is thought that some of the most beautiful palms can be found in the Caribbean, South America, and areas of the South Pacific because of the wet, lowland forests.

During my recent visit, a full moon appeared through the palm leaves and it was especially beautiful because there was a “ring around the moon”, known as a “moon halo”.  These rings are commonly known as optical phenomenon and it is said the “halo” can also symbolize feminine energy, good luck, and harmony……which truly fit the moment!

LIFE TAKES YOU DOWN MANY PATHS BUT MY FAVORITE ONES LEAD TO THE BEACH

Who doesn’t enjoy a morning walk on the beach?  I have learned much about the transformative power of intentional walking from two experts…. Joyce Shulman, author of “Why Walk” and “Walk Your Way to Better: 99 Walks That Will Change Your Life” and Sonia Satra, the Founder of Moticise which combines movement and mindset.

Walking the beaches of Antigua, with the warm sun, salt breeze, and the sand between my toes may have been the highlight of this trip…and truly is a simple  wellness activity that can “heal the planet”, one step at a time!

EAT, BEACH, SLEEP AND REPEAT

Antigua offers a wide of choice of cuisine including authentic Antiguan, Italian, French and international cuisines, mostly served in unforgettable open air and/or scenic locations.

The Antiguan cuisine is a fusion of flavors influenced by African, British, Caribbean and indigenous Arawak traditions.  A few typical dishes include Ducana, a sweet potato flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and grated coconut, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender.  Also popular are Conch Fritter, Saltfish and Fungee – a classic dish featuring salted codfish cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices along with fungee, which is a dish similar to polenta.

Because of the British influence, many hotels offer mid afternoon Tea Service and the Antigua Vintage Tea House is a popular quintessentially English, Delicious Caribbean Island favorite.

HOTEL LIFE:  From Sandals to Jumby Bay……..Choices for all Tastes/Budgets

While Antigua boasts homeowners Oprah Winfrey, Giorgio Armani, Elton John…and visitors Prince Harry and Justin Bieber, it is said that celebrities like to come here because their privacy is respected.  In fact, legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, who in 1977 founded the Crossroads Centre for drug and alcohol rehab on the Island, referred to Antigua as “one of the only places on earth where I can completely discard the pressures of my life and blend into the landscape”.

For all others, Antigua offers an array of accommodations for every budget and taste.  For party people, Sandals is a popular choice.  And for those wishing to wind down from the party scene, there are “child free” adult resorts like Galley Bay with its refined yet unpretentious atmosphere set among 40 acres of tropical gardens and a 3/4-mile-long beach. Lovers of history will appreciate a stay at the Cooper and Lumber Store Hotel or the Admiral’s Inn and Gunpowder Suites.  Located in four historic buildings on the waterfront in Nelson’s Dock yard, visitors can enjoy individually furnished suites with antiques and the gracious elegance of 18th Century England.

And for those for whom price is no object, there is Hermitage Bay, an exclusive, 5-star, 30 suite hotel surrounded by 140 acres of lush, undeveloped land, with private plunge pools and other amenities perfect for a romantic retreat.   Also is the ultra-exclusive Jamby Bay Hotel, located on a private island accessible only to hotel guests via a private yacht designed to transport you across turquoise water to a 300-acre Island resort.  Rates start at $3700 per day.  In the past, potential guests were interviewed and scrutinized before a hotel booking could be confirmed.  It was said that Princess Diana was refused a booking due to the paparazzi that would inevitably accompany her and disrupt the privacy of other guests.  Because of that, she chose Sister Island Barbuda for her get aways, now the home of Princess Diana Beach.

VACATION: MOOD ON!   Don’t Miss the Shy Island of Barbuda

While visiting Antigua, there is the opportunity to explore the Sister Island of Barbuda.  This little Paradise lies 20 minutes by air or 90 minutes by sea to the north of Antigua.  A relatively small island of only 62 sq. miles has an estimated 1500 residents, all concentrated in one town.  For tourists, there are only 3 hotels and a few guest houses.  All the land in Barbuda is owned in common by the people of Barbuda and collectivity is rooted deeply in the culture and laws.

When traveling the dirt roads, one may encounter donkeys, cows, and goats, becoming a ballet of freestyle obstacles.However, for those seeking a serene and uncrowded atmosphere, the Island offers its stunning natural beauty, pink sand beaches, unique caves, bird watching, massive Nature preserves and a focus on eco-tourism.  The shy beauty of Barbuda remains unspoiled and untamed, making Barbuda the perfect island escape.

And let’s not forget the kindness and hospitality of its people……evacuated following the 2017 Hurricane, visitors still contribute to helping these warm people get back on their feet.

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us”.

You Could Win a Five Star Vacation to Antigua