Anyone been to Antigua?

[SoupDragon]

We're off to Antigua next Wednesday

Has anyone been? Any tips? Must see/do activities?

We're staying at the St James' Club, travelling with Virgin (kids meals booked, seats reserved, planning on twilight check in to get even better seats...)

Ooooh! I'm so excited! I've wanted to go ever since Duran Duran shot their Rio video there.

We went pre kids - but didn't really leave the Club as there was so much to do there, with watersports, pools, eating lots (and drinking of course !).

Sorry not any tips there - hope you enjoy !!!

I went when my friend got married several years ago & we stopped at Half Moon Bay..
You must go on a katamaran trip around the island.Apart from that go to the capital and do some shopping.
Hope you enjoy it, the locals were very friendly.

We stayed in Admiral's Inn which I think was Nelson's old haunt (can't remember) - You should have a great time. I cant remember, whether you can get to any of the British Virgin Islands easily but we flew to Tortola and then took a yacht and sailed round them which was just amazing and there is an island called Virgin Gorda which is very pretty.

Any thoughts on whether we should hire a car or not?

And what shopping is there? (a subject close to my heart... it's why we usually go to America)

Thanks!

god, I am sooooo jealous. have a great time.

SoupDragon,

Friends of ours stayed at the Beach Club at St James, had a brilliant time with their DS. They also hired a car for the day which meant they cld visit all the various beaches.

I believe there is a new shopping centre in the capital, St John's although prices will not be half as good as the US. We are going in 5 weeks with our 2 DS & parents and cannot wait! Wld be interested in your views on your return. It has been been 9 yrs since we were there last for our honeymoon.

Worth having a look at the following website:
www.geographia.com/antigua-barbuda/

Enjoy!

Just found mention of an Osh Kosh B'Gosh outlet! I'm not sure if it really means outlet or just store butI can hope...

We're thinking of hiring a car for a large chunk of the time we're there.

Soupdragon, I'm sure you will have a fantastic time! We got married there in '95 at Club Antigua (not sure if it's still there now, a couple of hurricanes have hit since then!). Can't remember much about shopping in St John's but could be pricey.

You must hire a car, and go to Nelson's Dockyard and visit nearby Shirley Heights when the music up there is in full swing - fantastic view! (You may even bump into Eric Clapton who has a house near Nelson's Dockyard - we did!)

Honeymooned there many years ago ! Am sure you will have a great time, Nelson's Harbour is wonderful.

Tillysmummy - when were you there - we met a lovely couple at Admirals Inn - it's fabulous isn't it?