How I Spent my 28th Birthday in Antigua
Antigua treated me well
Celebrating my birthday is important to me. It’s another opportunity to reflect on where God has brought me and reset for wherever he intends to take me.
For that reason, I make it a point to celebrate with a birthday excursion in the Caribbean. In past years, I have traveled—with at least one other person—to Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and Martinique, but this year, I took myself to Antigua…alone!
There were lots of feels in the planning stage but in the end it came together seamlessly. Let’s get into the specs!
Flewed Out
I usually prefer to fly Delta, because…I trust the airline. It’s safe and they provide quality service, but as the saying goes, “if the dollas don’t make sense, fly Jet Blue” or whatever they said.
Most of the flights on all other airlines were $600-$700 and up for the dates I chose, but I toggled through the days on Google flights to see how prices fluctuated and found the winner for less than $330. It was a no brainer!
Of course, checked bags were an additional $70, so I made sure to pack smart and tight given I would not be paying an additional fee or wasting any monies. I loaded my shoes, fits, swimsuits, toiletries and everything into my roller bag and grabbed a beach bag to stuff my purse and any other small items to go under the seat. It worked out perfectly.
I boarded around noon, arriving in St. Johns Antigua at 5:30 PM. It was up from there.
6 Days 5 Nights in Paradise
tHE vERANDAh rESORT & Spa
I stayed at the Verandah Resort, and I had only just booked it a few days before my flight was scheduled to leave. I found it on Expedia, but when I realized I was being taxed all crazy, I headed over to the Elite Island Vacations site and booked it directly through them. I had some reservations about staying in the Willikies, because it’s the countryside of the island, but it was the best option for the experience I sought and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.
For starters, I had my own caribbean-style studio cottage on the property. It boasted a large bathroom, king sized bed, living room area(where I literally never spent time) and a balcony with a beautiful, tranquil view. It felt like a home away from home.
The best part? It was all inclusive. Here are my highlights:
Water Sports - Kayaking, Hobby Sailing, windsurfing and etc. non motor sports were all included at no additional cost to guests staying at the resorts and yes, I did take advantage lol. This became my first time ever kayaking and hobby sailing, which were two of the most peaceful and scenic activities. I did both more than a few times throughout my time there.
Food - As for food, there were four restaurants on the property and there was a different menu for each meal, so I had plenty of various, good eats during my stay.
Drinks - Say it with me: “unlimited libations.” Rum Punch was my general go to, but I enjoyed a mimosa at breakfast and rose here and there as well.
Friendly Staff - I loved loved loved the people at this resort, but also on this island. They were so friendly and welcoming to me which was more than I could ask for. Before leaving, as I was saying my emotional goodbyes, I was told “try to bring someone with you next time, but if you can’t, you have a family here” and I felt that. <3
Beaches - The resort features two beaches, but I spent most of time at the main beach with the water sports crazy views of the Atlantic.
Local Tours/Activities
Pink Panther Tours
First of all, the Pink Panther tour was everything.
It’s hosted by a group of female tour guides — my suhs — who take you around some or all of the most popular sites on the island.
They offer a half-day and full-day excursion, but I opted for the half, traveling to the four places listed below.
Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre - I love a good a history lesson, when I visit the Caribbean, and Antigua was no different. At Dow’s Hill there was a short multi-media presentation that talked about the colonization of Antigua(slavery) and ended with freedom, Antiguans embracing nature and celebrating life on the island.
Shirley Heights
Nelson’s Dockyard @ English Harbour
Pigeon Point Beach - I enjoyed myself at this beach! It was an hour of clear blue waters and views of the hills and boats at the Harbour. I definitely got a couple of flicks!
I booked this tour through the resort, and the guy who runs the tour desk at the property, made it a point to pair me with Kamesha. In his words, he was going “to look out for me” and put me with the funnest of them all. He did just that. Of course, when it was all over, I had made friends with all of these ladies, talking about all things life, hobbies, family and so on. <3
All good vibes. Yeh mon.
Catamaran Calypso tour
This was boozy day cruise to some of the nearby uninhabited islands, which also offers a half and full day option. We took off from Long Bay Beach, which was only a few steps away from the Veranda, and were out on the water for about 4 hours, sailing to “Bird” and “Maiden” islands where you could swim, hike and collect seashells.
We also sailed past Oprah’s house in Jumby Bay, in case you care. lol
Devil’s bridge
Devils Bridge is one of Antigua’s national parks, and it was actually just a short walk from the resort. I injured my toes in route, so I wasn’t able to stay long but I was glad to check this off my list.
Aside from seeing the limestone formation with rushing waves crashing against it up close, I was particularly keen to learn about the myths associated with the site. It’s said that slaves would come here and jump off the bridge and into the Atlantic with hopes of swimming back home or jump to their deaths, choosing that over a life of bondage. #transatlanticslavetrade #AfricanDiaspora
“You have a family here.”
St. Johns
V. C. Bird Monument
I ventured off into town once or twice, and as I was walking down market street and soaking in the culture, I saw a huge monument of a Black man in the middle of the cross section. It was Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr.— Antigua’s first prime minister, national hero and the father of Antigua and Barbuda.
In the words of my friend, “he couldn’t even read but he led the people to freedom.” Just about all I needed to know.
Until Next Time
All in all, this was one of the best trips of my life! I had an amazing stay at The Verandah that came with a package complete with amenities, access to local tours, a great staff who became my framily!
Because there were so many layers to this trip, I’ll be writing about my experience in a series of posts, including one dedicated to solo traveling, to really share a full perspective. Antigua was everything.
Links
