Discover Hidden Gems in Antigua: Venture Beyond Beachfront Resorts for a Richer Experience
On slaughter Sundays in Antigua, the joyful island vibes are as sleepy as the cows ambling on the roads. Yet, Bernadette from Rendezvous Tours, a charming island guide, was full of secrets, like her beloved, off-the-beaten-path beaches.
As the rum-soaked breeze filled our open-aired ride, Bernadette pointed out the pink, churchy icon of the island, and a colorful street vendor peddling Rastafarian frozen peanut punch and tempting pineapple slices. The queer church-pineapple combo transformed into a tropical pitstop, making us laugh at the absurdity of black pineapples, sweeter than candy.
Even though our resort offers endless kayaking, rum, and mini-golf, the all-inclusive life seemed less enticing as our list of Antigua to-dos turned into "tomorrow, it's okay" tasks. The safari tour of the island replaced our usual wildlife adventures with breezy breezes, azure ocean vistas, and engaging lessons about the island's surprising array of religions and cultures.
Parts of Antigua's past, harrowing as they may be, were difficult to ignore. Haunting sugar mills remained as stark reminders of the forced slavery endured by the island's inhabitants. The aggressive waves at Devil's Bridge served as a somber reminder of the slaves who took their lives there to escape their desolate existence.
The island's independence from the British was celebrated on November 1st, 1981, and the Queen still graced the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, the island's official currency. The English language dominated, but the youthful island was still loaded with vibrant islands vibes.
With 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, it's no wonder many visitors find it hard to tear themselves away from the calming waves. For those who seek more, these informative island tours offer an easy-to-manage break from the beach.
Guiding us along the Fig Tree Drive nature park, Bernadette pointed out the Centenary trees and her zip-lining friends soaring through the lush, tropical landscape.
Sundays at Shirley Heights were a popular party spot, but it was a Thursday night when we visited the abandoned fortress. The rum punches were flowing, and the band kept the good vibes going as we danced under the warm Caribbean sun.
Making our way to St. John's, the island's capital, we hopped aboard one of the lively minibuses that zip through the streets. For most tourists, public transport probably wasn't on their itinerary, but we embraced the adventure, complete with friendly drivers, wild goats, and candid conversations.
Fancy shops and beautifully manicured storefronts announced the Caribbean cruise ship port, where salespeople greeted visitors with practiced smiles. Our triflex excursion gave us a chance to see the city and surrounding areas through the eyes of locals, helping us burn off the inevitable buffet calories.
Views of the Old Fort, built by the British but now long abandoned, offered a glimpse into Antigua's past. The cannons stood as remnants of a sleeping giant, once a nightclub, but now being reclaimed by nature.
Antigua might not burst with must-see sights or activities, but it still offered ample opportunities to connect with nature. Water can be found in every form, from water sports to hiking and zip-lining. The local Antiguan sailing academy provided a chance to learn the island's signature sport and hone our skills on the open water.
As our time on the island came to a close, we looked back on a relaxed, refreshing holiday. Our days were filled with Sundays that crept into tomorrows, but that's what the Caribbean is all about—relaxing and recharging.
The Catamaran Cruise with Mystic offered the perfect ending to our Antiguan escape, complete with rum cocktails, reggae beats, and sunset sails. As our dreams morphed into reality, we left the island with our suitcases, but our hearts lingered, wishing for more "tomorrows" of island bliss.
Embarking on the Catamaran Cruise with Mystic, we found the perfect blend of our leisurely holiday and the adventurous spirit of exploration, sailing through azure waters against a backdrop of tropical landscapes.
After our immersive journey through Antigua, discovering its hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path charms, we couldn't help but envision our next escape as an opportunity to unwind and experience a different lifestyle, possibly combining travel and work, intersection of our cherished vacation days and newfound passion.
