The Trade Winds that once blew British men-of-war safely into Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga), now fuel the pleasant activities of vacationers. The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. This beautiful island boast 365 beaches – one for every day of the year that you can explore!

The family friendly St. Jame’s Club Antigua is a  renowned resort that enjoys a very private setting on the south east shore of the island. It is located on a peninsula with the wild Atlantic Ocean on one side and a calm bay. The ocean side is very windy. Seaweed is a daily visitor to the beach on the ocean side but the staff works hard to keep it clean. The bay side has a beautiful beach with calm water. The 1 and 2 bedroom villas are closer to this side than the ocean side. The property has 1 family swimming pool and an adult only pool. There is a fun casino with slot machines and a couple of table games. Meals are all inclusive and delicious. A la carte for dinner and buffet for breakfast.  

The wedding gazebo is located at the end of the dock on the bay side. The view is gorgeous from there and will make wonderful wedding pictures to enjoy for years to come.

Between my visit on this side of the island and the eastern side I stopped at Devil’s Bridge located near the Grand Pineapple Beach by Occidental. This natural stone bridge has majestic waves breaking within to create an exciting scene. You are supposed to try to walk across the bridge. I don’t know why, but it seemed a little too difficult for me to attempt.

The Grand Pineapple Beach by Occidental is another great family property. They have an awesome white sand beach that meets the aqua color water. There are plenty of water sports for everyone. Although the food was buffet style, I still enjoyed a wonderful lunch including trying some goat stew. Other restaurants serve you a la carte. The most wonderful part of this resort is the Outhouse. This is a barbeque located on the top of a hill with majestic views of the ocean. A local legend, Mary, will cook you up a most fantastic meal. Other visitors have left there mark on pieces of wood with names and dates. Married visitors will have there names burned into the wood before they arrive for a long lasting memory of their time at the resort.

Speaking of weddings, you only need to be on the island for one day to get married. Weddings take place Monday through Friday. The Occidental even has a wedding cam that refreshes every 5 seconds for those that can not attend the wedding in person. What a great way to share your wedding with everyone!

Sandals is another popular property on the island offering weddings and honeymoons. This very active resort is the opposite of Galley Bay. The Rondovals have the plunge pool as does Galley Bay, but the activity level is much higher. Where couples staying at Galley Bay are looking for quiet romance, couples staying at Sandals are looking for night life and action.

 Don’t miss a chance to visit the rain forest while you are there or Betty’s Hope, a remnant of an old sugar plantation. You can also go with Eli Fuller, a former Olympian, to visit the waters of Antigua . With themes of history and ecology, you are guided through the secret spots of Antigua ’s North Sound which is a large unspoiled area. Guided snorkeling, caving and hiking make this a full and exciting sightseeing trip.

 Antigua enjoys an average of eight and a half hours of sunlight every day. Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Rain is usually at night for a 10-20 minute shower. Any time of year to is great to visit Antigua .

For those travelers wishing for a more upscale, adult destination try Galley Bay on the eastern side of the island. This all-inclusive hide away has been created for discerning travelers seeking an exclusive yet unpretentious escape. They have the unusual Gauguin cottages. The bedroom is in a separate room from the bathroom and connected with an outdoor breezeway. Each cottage has a private plunge pool for a relaxing.

The most romantic restaurant I have seen exists here at the Gauguin Restaurant. Located directly on the beach each table is set for two people. Covered with a thatched roof and surrounded by floral and fauna, the dinner is complemented by attentive service and fantastic a la carte meals. A small candle on each table sets the mood most perfectly!

 Most Antiguans are of African lineage, descendants of slaves brought to the island centuries ago to labor in the sugarcane fields. Known as the "gateway to the Caribbean ," it was situated in a position that offered control over the major sailing routes to and from the region's rich island colonies. Most of the island's historical sites, from its many ruined fortifications to the impeccably-restored architecture of English Harbourtown, are reminders of colonial efforts to ensure its safety from invasion. The influence of the British is very evident today in Antigua even though it is an independent nation. They speak with an English accent and drive on the left side of the road. Sundays are family day when everyone dresses up for meals. Locals wearing jeans are mostly unseen. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.

 Exit tax is $20US/person. This needs to be paid in cash so be sure to hide this away in your wallet somewhere safe! You don’t want to be caught at the airport at 6:00am with no money to pay your exit tax. I had kept my hidden so I wouldn’t spend it on some of the great shopping in the town of St. John .

For those who dream of escaping the cold this winter in favor of a sunshine hideaway, the Caribbean island of Antigua offers a variety of tempting packages. Visit  http://www.antigua-barbuda.com/travel_tourism/index.asp for more information about the island. Call Ellen Keralla at 1-800-691-0243 for a personalized package just for you!