Visiting Antigua in the Caribbean and Sugar Ridge Resort (10/10)

     An Antigua smile is a local drink that is sweet to the lips and will make you smile all over. That can be said about a stay at The Sugar Ridge resort in Antigua. With fall turning to winter you might want a Caribbean treat. Sugar Ridge is a brand new resort which opened its doors Dec. 2009. You will be welcomed in the lobby with local fruit punch and a chilled towel. Built on a mountainside with breathtaking ocean views. The rooms are very stylish each have a balcony with your own plunge pool. Central air conditioning of course, the beds are brand new and very comfortable, flat screens and i-pod stations in every room. Free computers with  Internet in the lobby.  They have a wonderful swimming pool, gym and spa. Pamper yourself with a great massage and any kind of spa treatment you can think of. A frozen cocktail by the pool is always nice. But what you don’t have here in the states during winter are the amazing beaches.

     The hotel runs a free shuttle to the beach just minutes away. The island reminds me of my many trips to the Caribbean in the early 1970’S when there were no high rise hotels, and the vast beaches were untouched and pristine. Antigua is one of the few untouched islands, with amazing beaches, friendly natives, and lots to do. Maybe that is why this was a favorite hideaway for Princess Diana to escape to. Once a British colony, they still drive on the wrong side of the road so beware if you rent a car. They run nonstop flights from London so you will enjoy meeting many Europeans vacationing on the island. It has a very international feel which is refreshing.

     For activities  I loved Stingray City where you wade in knee deep water and feed a dozen stingrays. A must for me are the great snorkeling boats to enjoy a half day excursion. Jet skiing and sailing are popular. I was there for Sailing week in late April, where hundreds of Europeans come over for the big race. Lots of fun evening parties all week long.

     Back at the Sugar Ridge you have two restaurants. The casual one is Sugar Club overlooking the pool. Loved the french toast for breakfast. Lunch had great sandwiches. Their tapas menu is lots of fun. And the bar with live music at night has great local drinks. The fancy rest. for dinner is Carmicheals which is way on the top of the hill. A golf cart shuttle ride with amazing views await you. There you will find an infinite pool worth spending an afternoon. For dinner I enjoyed the filet mignon, also the mahi mahi was wonderful. So escape Las Vegas for a wonderful island holiday, you will truly relax and enjoy a step back into time and see the Caribbean the way it was in the Sean Connery James Bond films of the early 1960’S but with all the modern conveniences of today.

     So hop online and google Sugar Ridge resort in Antigua and plan you getaway. I recommend from the West Coast to stopover in Miami for a day or two on the way down. If you are coming from the Northeast there are many direct flights to Antigua. Enjoy the sunshine and tropical breeze that awaits you.