Secret Escape: Antigua

Pictures R. Nair

Ever since Christopher Columbus landed on the islands in 1493 naming the “Santa Maria de la Antigua” and the English colonized the island in 1632 as Christopher Codrington established the first large sugar cane estate in 1674 and leased Barbuda to raise provisions for his plantations Antigua remained a popular holiday destination. Antigua & Barbuda is a twin-sovereign, tropical sub soaked coral island paradise in the Caribbean, hugged by 95 miles of coastline with hundreds of sandy beaches from the bustling Pigeon Point to the Kitesurfing paradise of Jabberwock beach, set between a tranquil bay, Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Leeward, housing ultra-exclusive resorts. Take a day cruise, rent some diving gear or cruise up the beach on a Segaway. Take a boat ride to Cades Reef & Galleon Beach ( the Loose Cannon) for snorkelling. Then there is Catherine’s Café for lovely lunch on water, have rum punch at Admiral’s Inn, Casa Roots for dinner, go to SJ for music and Cuban cigars, Blue Waters for Sunday Brunch and for fine dining there is Le Bistro at Hodges Bay. A day trip to Shirely Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard.
Antigua also known as Waladii or Wadadii by the native population is an island in the lesser Antilles. Antigua Charter Yacht show held between 4^th-9^th December 2023, held at Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO Heritage site.  Yachts were open for viewing at Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Falmouth Harbour Marina showcasing an array of stunning vessels, attracting industry leading yacht brokers, multi-billionaires and Yacht vendors.   Sneaking into super yachts  like 55m Heesen Superyachts’ Reliance is the ultimate option for those seeking space, and exceptional amenities  over four luxurious decks, built with a steel fast displacement hull and aluminium superstructure, with striking grey-exterior and peek into their galleys, their designer slimline kitchen with fryer, hot plates, Rational ovens and fridges. On the lower deck featuring an expansive swim platform and a breath-taking beach club, and a wellness centre including top of the range Technogym exercise equipment and a sauna and hamman. Reliance’s impressive sundeck featuring Jacuzzi, sun loungers, lounge chairs and a well-equipped bar with a teppanyaki grill. Tay wood panelling throughout with dark oak framing adds to the sense of grandeur of this calm and relaxed space, with exquisite hand selected marble work in the ensuite and dressing room which features a central bath, two separate showers, twin toilets and his and her sinks. The full beam sky lounge on the upper deck provides an additional standout area for recreation and entertainment, with sophisticated seating and a bar area with floor to ceiling windows leading straight out onto the upper aft deck. The guest cabins are located on the lower deck and comprise of two doubles, two twins and one VIP cabin which is located on the starboard side of the upper deck. Stabilisers at anchor and underway ensure maximum comfort, whilst a well-stocked toybox delivers some fantastic high-speed equipment, including Seabobs, electric surfboards, jet skis and more, as well as not one, but two tenders, for excursions ashore and transportation. Ultrafast Starlink internet provides unbeatable connectivity throughout, backed up by 4/5G and VSAT antennas.