Hello Antigua our old friend

You see we always planned to back to Antigua and I am not sure why we have not managed as this Caribbean jewel will always have a special place in our hearts as we got married here in 1994. I am guessing life got in our way to re-visit, bringing up two boys and although we have travelled to many places, we just never had time to go back. That though changed when it came to celebrating our silver wedding anniversary.

So, 1994, at that time I was not working in travel and as I type this it only reminds me of my age, I now have over 19 years’ experience in travel. We flew with British Airways on the direct flight from London, a few things I remember regarding this flight. As always, the difference when you fly with British Airways is the staff, it is amazing what a smile, a genuine good morning how is you does, taking an interest. That of course helped when they found out we were getting married and supplied a bottle of champagne. The other memory was how times have changed, inflight entertainment we're used to our personal screen with lots of choice, this flight had a screen that came down and one movie for everyone, you still had individual headphones to listen to, so if you didn't want to watch Charlie Sheen's latest block buster you could avoid.

We arrived early afternoon, I do not remember long queues and the transfer waiting as soon as we exited the airport. We were staying at The Pineapple Beach Club; we had an ocean front room. The hotel was excellent All Inclusive, the food and drink good quality with plenty of choice.The Pineapple Beach never gets poor reviews and still today great value. Once checked in it wasn't long before we were on the beach, which was very clean and had matching turquoise blue waters. After a few days as good as the resort and surroundings were, we decided to hire a Jeep and explore. Not far from our hotel is Devil's Bridge, a place with dark and sad stories but today that doesn't stop the dramatic effect of the Atlantic waves crashing over the arched bridge, the arch got the name “Devil's Bridge” because people at the time believed that the devil must live there.

Back on the road and soon found Betty's Hope a sugarcane plantation in Antigua. It was established in 1650, shortly after the island had become an English colony. Lots of history and you feel the English influence this reminds me, when hiring cars, they drive on the same side as ourselves. The spine of the Island and easiest way to the capital St John's is via Fig Tree Drive, these days if you want adventure you can fly through via a Zip Wire, we just drove though. You do take many twists and turns, this allows you to enjoy views of the Black Pineapple farms, also many bays with that turquoise blue water and many of the 365 beaches the island has.

On our way to St John's we found a beach all to ourselves, Dark Wood Beach, nice long and clean sandy beach with the softest sand between your toes, we spent some time to enjoy this beach and peacefulness. As we got back to our Jeep a local called Alfred offered to climb a tree for us to try a fresh coconut! who were we to spoil what was clearly his party trick, up that tree monkey like and before we knew sliced the top from coconut. Must admit fresh and tasty. Our next stop was St John's the island's capital, quite small I did like the pastel colours of the buildings and had real character, for those looking to shop your well looked after, plenty of local shops you can support or they have tax free shopping where the cruises dock which has lots of choice, ideal gifts along with jewellery. On our way back we stopped by and checked out a little cottage where Princess Margaret stayed for her Honeymoon, very interesting and not sure decor or furniture changed as looked as though time stood still.

Now let us jump forward 25 years. By this time, I was well settled into the Travel industry, I had been creating and helping people not only travel but create some wonderful trips and holidays for 19 years. With a special occasion decided to spoil ourselves and travel again with British Airways but in Club World. I will do a separate blog about the advantages and the treats you get when travelling in style. For us, the soft pillows and sliding seat that turns into a 6ft bed, along with 5* restaurant style food with the best champagne and wines was good enough excuse.

Arriving again early afternoon the airport had been upgraded and received some TLC, but exit was just as quick and arriving this time at Sandals, position was on Dickenson Bay and opposite side of island, this meant the waters were calmer not being on the Atlantic side. Again, all-inclusive and Sandals believing Luxury Included in "Caribbean's Most Romantic Resort" no complaints from us. Food and drink plenty of choice, while checking in we had a glass of champagne so very civilised and relaxing. I was looking forward to the taste of Antigua's local beer 'Wadadli' and not disappointed.

We enjoyed the beach and everything Sandals had to offer, in the mornings walking the mile beach and the views, but we decided time to explore and hired a Jeep for the day to see what if anything has changed.

But we do like to explore, so again we hire a car and pleased to say still driving on the right-hand side, although still unable to find any traffic lights on the island. We went back to St Johns and was just how we remembered it, although did not stay long as quite busy with two cruise ships in that day. We did though find our way to Nelson's Dockyard, tucked away in English Harbour, which also contains Clarence House and Shirley Heights, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We enjoyed this excellent exhibit which is well laid out with lots to do; we also enjoyed an excellent lunch while watching the world go by Caribbean style. In the afternoon it was from the base of English harbour all the way to the top and Shirley Heights lookout. On Sundays it is party time with music, drink, and BBQ. But on a quiet Tuesday it was to enjoy the magnificent views and can only imagine why this would have been such an important position to protect the island all those years ago. If you go please make sure you visit the Interpretation Centre this gives who the history of the Island and it’s people, not long but really worth it.

So, Antigua 25 years apart, not too much changed thankfully and let's hope it's not another 25 years before we go again.