I travelled alone to Antigua back in August 2000. Because I have to paid for the single suppliment, I decided on a 3+ stars hotel than going for 4 stars. Royal Antiguan is the only 3+ stars on the island, and at that time, I needed desperately some personal time, and there I went.
Arrival: I travelled alone to Antigua back in August 2000. Because I have to paid for the single suppliment, I decided on a 3+ stars hotel than going for 4 stars. Royal Antiguan is the only 3+ stars on the island, and at that time, I needed desperately some personal time, and there I went. The arrival from the airport to the hotel was short, as compared to my other trips to Cayo Guillermo, Punta Cana etc. But on my way, the little van took a turn into a local village, and it’s an eye opening experience. I had my first taste of the local culture during the 25 mins drive to the hotel.
Arriving at the hotel at around 7 o’clock, and it’s already dark. I was thoroughly impressed by the setting in the lobby, with the fountain and the flora, and the openess. Check-in was smooth.
Room:
My room was on the 7th floor facing the mountain. The room was clean and with very basic amenities, the washroom and the bed was clean and comfortable. I only went into it for sleep, so it’s fine with me.
The Ground:
It’s magnificent! The vegetation was lush, and colorful. I arrived late, and it’s already dark, I didn’t have the chance to see the full landscape until the next morning. When I opened the curtains in my room the next morning, the view just took my breath away. Moreover, at night they have these frogs croaking softly, and it’s a sound I’ve never heard of in my life. It’s amazingly musical.
The Beach: It’s the quintenssential Caribbean beach!! Fine, white sad, calm blue sea!! The best beach I have ever seen. One day, I have my hair braided on the beach during sunset. It’s the most relaxing experience. In late August, it’s usually the jellyfish season, there were a lot of tiny jellyfishes popping up during noon time. Be aware! Once I have a jellyfish tentacle accidentally touched my face, and the stinging sensation lasted an hour!
There was a ship wrack just off the shore, I swam out there with my snokeling gear, and you could see a lot of different fishes there.
Restaurant: This resort has 3 restaurants, but I mostly went to Andres and the Lounge. Didn¡¦t go to the Barrington, which required advanced booking and it never seems to open¡K The food was amazing at the Lounge. I went there for breakfasts, and usually dined at the Andres, which is located on the beach for lunch. As for dinners, I interchanged between the Lounge and the Andres. The black pineapple is a must try!! I could never find pineapples that sweet and tasty here in Canada. Del Monte never come close. There were a lot of flies around the food though. It took me a couple of days to get used to them, and afterward, they didn¡¦t bother you at all.
The resort does not have a wristband system, for every meal and every drink you have to sign a slip.
Excursions:
I practically booked my week (7days) full. I went on a Catamaran trip, and a sunset cruise on different day. And I went on horseback riding for more than 2 hours. I was the only tourist on that trip, and the guide was so kind to me. He brought me up to a mountaintop and to a secluded beach. I took a bus to St. John, and did some shopping. I bargained with the local vendors, and it¡¦s a lot of fun. I preferred going to the local area than to the tourist area, which often charges at least 25% more for similar product. I also joined the rain forest tour, which took me to across the inland of the island. I saw black pineapple farms, and some of the sugar cane factory ruins. Then I went to Shirley¡¦s Height, and Dickenson Bay for some shopping and history lessons!
Overall:
Antigua was my first trip to the Caribbean, and I fell in love with the area ever since. For this year, my husband and I are going on our honeymoon in August to Bayahibe! I will never get tired of the islands!