ANTIGUA

WHERE TO STAY:

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  A Caribbean experience just off-the-beaten track. St. James's Club & Villas, an all-inclusive tropical paradise found at your pleasure and at your pace. A breath-taking 100-acre private peninsula, two dazzling white-sand beaches, pure crystal clear turquoise waters, a variety of guest accommodations and four dining venues, plus six swimming pools, full-service Spa Tranquility, Mamora Bay Dive Center, fitness center, supervised children's program, teen pavilion, tennis, non-motorized water sports sure to keep all entertained.

  Telephone: (866) 237-2071
  Email:
  Website:
  
  
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  SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA: Because of the exquisite natural beauty found on this secluded paradise, Sandals Grande Antigua has rightly earned the title of "World's Most Romantic Resort". Come and enjoy the beach as well as any one of the five pools; the glorious gardens; and the fabulous European spa. Some of the most exotic rooms and suites in the Caribbean can be found here; and the night life – including 10 bars serving unlimited drinks -- is not to be missed. Tel: 1-888-Sandals. www.Sandals.com

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  JOLLY BEACH RESORT & SPA: celebrates love year-round. A mile of white sand, perfect sunsets, and affordable all-inclusive rates make it the ideal setting for a romantic getaway, everyday. A bouquet of complimentary extras, just for honeymooners includes a Palms Wellness Center Spa credit and a bottle of sparkling wine.
  
  Bolans Village
  Antigua, West Indies
  866-905-6559
  www.jollybeachresort.com
  
  

• JUMBY BAY:  40 suites  ll villas.  This is for couples who love luxury, enjoy the utmost in privacy and love being far away from the madding crowds. Delicious meals are served in an 18th century estate house.  Butler service, guided snorkeling tours, and meandering bike trails through nature preserves are only part of the sybaritic pleasures to be enjoyed. Tel: 268/462-6000, www.jumbybayresort.com. 
  *Insiders' note: Not all rooms have tv. Request one when you reserve.
  
  
• SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA RESORT & SPA:  Lush gardens surround your love at this sprawling resort with a long stretch of pristine beach on exquisite Dickenson Bay.  You can mix tanning time at the beach or the pool with a long list of water sports and other activities, then indulge yourselves in a great selection of spa treatments and match your dining moods to any one of 7 restaurants. A Five Star all suite Mediterranean Village is part of the property  Tel:  (268)462 0267. www.sandals.com.
  
  
• GALLEY BAY:  All inclusive.  This upscale property attracts sophisticated beach lovers from throughout the world.  Grounds are laced with a lagoon, nature trails and exotic gardens.  Some suites have intimate plunge pools.  Tel: (268)462 0302.  www.eliteislandresorts.com.

BEST BUDGET BET:

• SIBONEY BEACH CLUB:  These beach front properties nestle in a corner of renowned Dickenson Bay. Each has its own tiny kitchen, a living room, and a balcony or patio.  Request a tv if you want one but most couples like to share their dreams to the sound of soft waves and the songs of crickets and tree frogs.  Tel: (268)462-00806. www.siboneybeachclub.com.

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• Area code: 268
  
  
• Save $20 US per person to pay your Departure Tax at the airport.
  
  
• To find out about wedding regulations call: 1-(888)268 4227.
  
  
• For more information, contact: www.SearchAntigua.com.
• Reserve early if you plan to honeymoon in early Spring. Yachtsmen from around the world congregate here for Antigua’s Sailing Week (www.sailingweek.com) and Classic Yacht Regatta (info@antiguaclassics.com)
  
  
• If you want to explore, reserve a car in advance. Driving is on the left. Watch for wandering animals and speed bumps at night.

DON’T MISS:

• BARBUDA, Antigua’s little sister island. It is only a 10 minute flight or a short catamaran ride away. Take a day trip to explore, visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and spend some time alone on the pristine beaches.
  
  
• SAIL AWAY for a day in this world class sailing capital. You’ll find a number of ways to do it.
  
  
• Visit STING RAY CITY. Here, you can pet and feed friendly giant stingrays in their natural habitat. *Daring couples can take a CANOPY ZIP TOUR over the top of the lush rain forest.
  
  
• SHOPPING at REDCLIFFE QUAY to see beautifully restored buildings and courtyards and find some bargains too. Stop for a cool drink at a wine bar or a slice at an outdoor café.
  
  
• Visit NELSON’S DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK. You can study the life of ancient seamen and trace the history of the island at the Museum. Check out the yachts from around the world in the beautiful harbor.

RESTAURANTS:

• LE BISTROT: Linger over delicious candlelit cuisine with a mix of French and Caribbean flavors. The extensive wine list gives you an opportunity to choose a favorite. Reservations are a must. (268) 462-3881.
  

• BAYHOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR: Great food and a panoramic view of the Caribbean are the leading features here. This is also a good place for a hardy breakfast. Tel: (268)462-1223.
  
  
• HARMONY HALL: This restored 200 year old plantation house has plenty of atmosphere from days gone served up with superb Italian dishes. (268) 480-4120.
  
  
• COCONUT GROVE RESTAURANT: This open air place on Dickenson Bay is where you can dine under the stars, listen to the waves and savor the moment and the meal. (268) 482-1533.
  
  
• ADMIRAL’S INN: Step into history in this 18th century building where ancient mariners hoisted ales and carved ship names into the beams. Lunch on the outdoor terrace where you can watch the ships go by.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

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  A tropical playground attracting visitors from across the globe, sophisticated St. James's Club & Villas sits on a private 100-acre peninsula on Antigua's southeastern coast overlooking azure waters and bridal white sands. On one side, the lushly landscaped property faces beautiful Mamora Bay Beach. Along the other, it flanks Coco Beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

  The ambience at this stylish escape is peacefully laid-back despite its location in one of Antigua's famous areas. Couples and their wedding guests fill their days with as much or as little as their hearts desire, whether it's beach- and poolside relaxation, treatments at the spa, tennis, watersports or deep-sea fishing. Guests refuel at four distinctly different restaurants, among them The Docksider, known as much for its panoramic water views and charming nautical decor as its Caribbean-inspired dishes. Those who wish to dine in a more tranquil setting do so in the resort's signature fine dining restaurant, Piccolo Mondo.

  St. James's also offers a vast choice of guestrooms and suites, some providing direct beach access, private terraces, rattan furnishing and terra-cotta flooring. Featuring extra-spacious accommodations and every amenity imaginable, the brand-new waterfront Royal Suites are most popular for honeymoon and destination wedding couples. The 40 residential-style villas dotting the hillside above Mamora Bay add to the resort's club-like ambience. Boasting 1,600 square feet of lavish living space, not to mention striking views of the bay, villas are a perfect option for couples, families and wedding parties seeking more privacy and added amenities. Each come with a full kitchen and sliding glass doors that open up to a large outdoor area with lounge chairs and a dining table—perfect for enjoying meals "at home."

  Wedding couples can rest assured; St. James's Club has its own dedicated planners to ensure a seamless event. Leaving the taxing details to the pros, couples are free to relax and enjoy all that the resort and Antigua have to offer. What's more, those who book seven nights in a beachfront or higher room category enjoy a complimentary wedding package that includes the bridal bouquet, venue decor, cake and champagne toast.

  Telephone: (866) 237-2071
  Email:
  Website: