Antigua- Looking for the perfect beach?  Then I’m sure you can find it on one of Antigua’s 365 white sand beaches.  A beach for every day of the year! This is a water-lovers paradise where you can go kayaking, yachting, swimming with the stingrays, and snorkel the amazing reefs in crystal clear blue waters.  If you are looking for calmer waters, then the west side or Caribbean side is where you want to stay. The ocean side is perfect for the surfers.

With amazing picturesque beach views, Antigua offers breathtaking accommodations. Romance is almost inevitable in this tropical paradise . With romantic backdrops, each resort offers an abundance of amenities.

Jumby Island Resort offers the ultimate in privacy where you will ferry over to their private island.  Bikes are personalized and available to get around on the island. They even have their own small farm with chickens for fresh eggs in the morning.  Can you imagine a place where there’s no need for a key and everyone knows your name? That’s how private it is.

If you time your stay right, you can also catch the Hawksbill Sea Turtles hatching.  Their nesting season runs from approximately June through October. In some areas you will notice red street lights along the road by the beach at night.  This is so the bright lights won’t attract the turtles to the road, believing it’s the bright light of the sea.

One of the resorts that offer an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the sea turtles is Hermitage Bay, a stunning, tropical hideaway.  Imagine your destination wedding with this beautiful intimate setting.

Then, enjoy your honeymoon from one of the 25 intimate cottages nestled into the hillside at Hermitage Bay.

If you are looking for a little history you will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site here.  It is the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755. Overlooking the dockyard is Shirley Heights, where you will find the best views and sunsets.  On sunday nights, be prepared to party. There is food and drinks with local entertainers and bands as you watch the beautiful awe-inspiring sunset.

Marriage Requirements

There is no waiting period or residency requirements to get a marriage license.  You can’t get any easier than that!

Climate- Antigua and Barbuda are sunny and warm year round with cool trade winds. The average temperature ranges from the mid-seventies Fahrenheit in the winter to mid-eighties Fahrenheit in the summer.

Language- English

Population- Almost 90,000 residents on Antigua

Entry Requirements- Visitors from the U.S. need a valid passport (valid for six months after travel dates) and a roundtrip or onward ticket. Some non-U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents traveling from the U.S. require a visa, which can be applied for on arrival at the airport.

Currency- The unit of currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD$). The exchange rate is approximately US$1 equals EC$2.70. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island, as are traveler’s checks and major credit cards. ATMs are available.

Tipping- 10-15 percent depending on the service. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a 10 percent gratuity, so be sure to check the bill.

Time- Antigua is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round. During the fall and winter, noon in New York is 1 p.m. on the island. During daylight saving time in the U.S., the hour is the same on the Eastern Seaboard as it is on the island.

Antigua offers incredible views, understated luxury and pampering.  You can’t beat a better place to plan your next romantic vacation and I know you are going to love it!

See you on the next adventure!

-Tammey

 

P.S.  If Antigua looks like your dream destination and you want to make this trip a reality, contact Tammey Perkins, tammey@LifeEnhancingTravel.com , with Life Enhancing Travel

 

P.P.S.  You can follow my journeys on Instagram @enhancingtravel