DESTINATIONS ANTIGUA CARIBBEAN


and a second twin-bed room, both with access to a large bathroom with shower and bath. We loved the four restaurants, including two set right on the beach, and serving everything from sushi and seafood to beach barbecues, all geared up for family dining.


 SPORTS RESORT As part of the free activities laid on, I managed to get to grips with double- handed backhand thanks to ever- patient tennis coach Clifton. My wife, meanwhile, took to her sunbed on the sand, where ice-cold water, fresh fruit and ice lollies flavoured with pineapple and ginger are handed out, so guests don’t have to move a muscle. The hotel also offers complimentary


hilltop treks through the rainforest, snorkelling trips, and sunset yoga and


Family feedback


Tilly’s verdict “From morning to evening, I seemed to have a smile on my face. A gorgeous Asian restaurant called East served


delicious noodles and sushi, and waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the white-sand beach felt pretty surreal.”


Hal’s verdict “As soon as we arrived, I knew I was going to have a great holiday. All the staff were extremely welcoming. My


favourite part was at 11am each day when hotel staff came round with tropical fruit kebabs along the beach.”


Ruth’s verdict “Being in Antigua with my family, including two teenagers, was the ideal holiday. The hotel was perfect for


all ages: gorgeous rooms, delicious food and amazing staff. I was sorry to leave and hope to go there again.”


Fresh fruit and ice lollies flavoured with pineapple and ginger are handed out, so guests don’t have to move a muscle


pilates. Kayaks, pedaloes, stand-up paddleboards and dinghies are also available free of charge. I couldn’t resist buying a Wadadli


beer T-shirt from Gwendoline’s shack on the beach, where she also sells hair braids and handmade jewellery. Not


only is it the local beer of choice, but Wadadli is also the original name of the island itself, bestowed by its native Arawak people before Columbus christened it Santa Maria la Antigua. We discovered this from informative taxi driver John Henry on a trip along the island’s south coast, past some of its famous 365 beaches to the yacht haven of Jolly Harbour. He rates Darkwood Beach among


the best, and we could see why, with its stretch of soft sand and views across to Montserrat. While we didn’t venture quite as far as the neighbouring volcanic island, snorkelling on Cades Reef, a 10-minute boat ride offshore from Carlisle Bay, is an experience not to be missed. It’s a chance to spot some of the multi- coloured marine life that inhabits the waters of the Lesser Antilles, such as barracuda and parrotfish. Part of the reef has been designated as an underwater park, and there are many dive sites for those more experienced. Antigua is welcoming to all, from


families with young children to couples seeking quality time together. It’s even visited by global superstars, as we saw with the arrival of multimillion- album-selling singer Mary J Blige, who checked in to coincide with Antigua’s lively carnival season. Less Carlisle Bay, more Carlisle ‘yay’.


72travelweekly.co.uk24 January 2019


SAMPLE PRODUCT


The Inspiring


Travel Company offers a week in a Beach Terrace Suite for two adults and two children under 12, from £7,499 in total. The price for an adult staying in an Ocean Suite for seven nights on single occupancy starts at £3,740. Both prices include


breakfast, flights and transfers, for travel between April 23 and


November 30, when booked by February 28. inspiring


travelcompany. co.uk


LEFT: Beach Suite


BELOW: Phil with his children and mother-in-law


PICTURE: ENVISIONWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY


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