This was our first trip to Antigua after spending many of our previous vacations in St Martin. The decision to change venue was two fold – we were ready for a change and I found a one week deal through a sailing magazine I read called ‘ Latitudes and Attitudes’.
They put a package deal together which included “ all inclusive “ accommodation and special sailing based entertainment and events. The venue was Club Collona run by Sunsail, the prominent sail boat charter company.

We flew down from JFK to Antigua via San Juan on American – uneventful and on time both ways. The normal hassle in SJU of course but that goes with the territory.

The resort was medium size with a variety of standard hotel rooms, apartments and stand alone villas varying from 1 -3 bedrooms. I understand that the complex had once been a casino and converted a few years back. Our room was a standard hotel room and although a decent size was a little cramped as they had fitted with three queen beds. We also had a problem with the A/C which was not working very well and by the first morning had dripped water on the floor creating a small lake. That morning we went to reception and explained our problem. The duty manager ( Annette ) could not be more accommodating or helpful. She assured us that all would be rectified and checked back with us later to let us know all was well. When we returned to our room the third bed had been removed, A/C working fine and no water on the floor. We did not have any further difficulties during our stay.

I would like to add that the friendly, polite and efficient service we received here was repeated by all the staff during our stay.

The inclusive meal plan was worth a mention. Each day you were provided breakfast ( full cooked ) and either lunch or dinner. This gave you flexibility to plan day trips or evening visits to other restaurants for variety. We liked this as we are not great fans of all inclusive. The food was good without being great and as an added bonus they provided tea and cake/scones late afternoon ( it is an ex British island after all )

The resort had many facilities on both land and sea. Tennis courts, basketball etc on land and a variety of small sail boats, all at no cost. There was tuition for the novices and races held about every other day. The instructors were of high caliber as you would expect from Sunsail.

Also the resort had something going on most evenings – reggae band, casino night ( fun night no cash ), quiz night etc.
We had great plans to visit other beaches but other than brief scenic visits we didn’t get to do much. The resort seemed to give us what we needed.

We did think of renting a car ( we always do on St. Martin ) but ended up teaming with another couple and renting a taxi for the time we needed it. It cost about $100 for noon until about 9.00pm.

Places we went to other than generally mooching around:
- English Harbour/ Nelsons Shipyard
We really enjoyed this the walk around the old shipyard was very interesting. Also try a beer/lunch in the Admirals Inn. Very pleasant surroundings.

- Shirleys Height
Overlooking the harbour it has been described many times here in glowing terms. We had a good time but you don’t need to stay there for too long. I guess it starts around 4-5 with the steel drums and then goes on till 10 with the reggae band. The bands are good but that’s a ong time to be standing around in a crowded environment. The bar-b-q is pretty ordinary and fighting through the lines to the bar is a pain. Having said that we did have fun but my advice would be to have an early dinner at on of the many restaurants nearby and head up there for 7-8 pm to enjoy the music.

Restaurants:

- Beaches on Dickenson Bay
This was a very nice restaurant with a great view of the moonlit bay – very picturesque. Service was excellent and menu local/international. Everything was good except we made the mistake of ordering medium Filet steaks. They arrived well done sirloin – not what we were expecting. The bill was suitably adjusted.
- The Sticky Wicket – St John’s
This is right next to the airport in the main pavilion of Antigua’s new cricket ground. It is beautifully decorated with dark wood soft chairs and cricket memorabilia adorning the walls. The food was again local/international and was very good. Drinks were mixed strong and the bill a light weight. I think this place would be great for lunch when they are actually playing as all the seats over look the pitch. They also have a large comfortable bar.
- Charlottes Café – English Harbour
This is a water front French bistro on the opposite side of the water from Nelsons shipyard. We sat outside on a very comfortably warm evening with a soft breeze blowing. The menu here is limited with 3 or 4 starter and 4 or 5 main courses. We all chose a kebob of one description or another. I did the mixed kebob which included beef, lamb, pork and shrimp. It was incredible – each of the meats had been marinade differently and tasted great. Everybody enjoyed the meal ( 5 of us ) and the bill while a little more than others was value for money.

Overall we had a great time in Antigua and will return at some point. We are still returning to St Martin in the fall but this has convinced us to try some different places for variety now and again. While we love SXM we found ANU to be more relaxed, cleaner, quieter and certainly no more expensive.