Antigua – the perfect winter escape

BY JACKY HAYLER

For many Antigua is the epitome of paradise. Having been lucky enough to visit Barbados and St Lucia over the years, I was keen to see how Antigua would compare – and visiting in February it would be great to have some sunshine away from the wet and windy weather of England.

We arrived on a Sunday evening to warm, welcoming smiles at the airport, a characteristic that seemed to be typical of the people here. Nothing was too much trouble.

Monday started early for us because of jetlag but that meant we could make the most of the wall-to-wall sunshine. We had opted for a self-catering apartment in Dickinson Bay, about 15 minutes from the airport. The apartment was nice but it was the outside space that was amazing. A pool, surrounded by palms, bougainvillea and banana trees bearing fruit overlooked an expansive sea beyond. We settled down for a day at the pool and quickly recharged our batteries. The next day we had booked a catamaran trip to circumnavigate the island with Wadadli Cat.

We were picked up at Dickinson Bay and the captain was soon entertaining the guests. Once we got out to the north and then into the Atlantic things spiced up a bit as the waves began to crash over the boat. Although quite exhila- rating it did last for rather too long. We passed Long Island and Bird Island before anchoring at Green Island for some snorkelling.

This for me was the highlight of the trip. Never been one for swimming with the fishies, I decided going in with other people might encourage me – I was not wrong. Our guide took us out onto a reef, and it is not an understatement to say it was like watching Finding Nemo – only better! I was so proud of myself and would not hesitate to do it again in the future.

While anchored, and once the snorkelling was over, the bar opened and we were served rum punch and a delicious barbecue on the beach, consisting of chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, garlic bread, rice and salad. Once full, we set back off past Devils Bridge and Eric Clapton’s house, back to the calmer side of the island.

The next day we picked up a hire car and under out own steam, we headed off to explore. Through St John’s, the capital, and out the other side we made for Jolly Beach. After a paddle and a quick drink