Last month, Michael and I flew to Antigua in the West Indies. It was the first Caribbean nation to open its borders since the pandemic, and as of this writing has had 427 COVID cases and nine resulting deaths since its lockdown. The island has 100,000 inhabitants and until 1981 was a British colony. Formerly a sugar-producing island, it now relies heavily on tourism.
Know Before You Go
You’ll need a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within seven days of traveling. Bring printed proof of your negative test result to show at the airline check-in and upon arrival. I stress printed , because I relied on my Health App, which I found out on arrival couldn’t be accessed from outside the USA. We were detained in the airport until we could show proof of our negative test result, which we eventually were able to produce. You’ll also fill out a health screening form that’s collected after landing. All visitors are asked to monitor potential symptoms for up to 14 days and call a hotline if they experience symptoms that may be potential signs of COVID-19. You will need to take another COVID test to return to the USA. These resorts will arrange for the tests in the comfort of your room. Read more on the current Travel Advisory for Antigua and Barbuda.
Why Antigua?
Antigua is famously known for having one beach for every day of the year. Yes, there are 365 beaches surrounding the 108-square mile island. There is a laid-back vibe to the whole island and the warm hospitality we experienced makes us want to return again and again.
But, it will always be special to me because this is where:
my son Abe got certified as a Junior PADI Diver;
I semi-conquered my fear of heights by zip-lining through Antigua’s rainforest;
I made my Eric Clapton connection.
In the past, we only stayed with family, but on this trip I had the opportunity to experience two of Antigua’s finest resorts. All “luxury and certified” accommodations adhere to standards required by the Central Board of Health and the Ministry of Tourism. No activities deemed high-risk are permitted, and there is additional focus on sanitization, and the use of contactless technology. Temperature checks may be given upon arrival.
Curtain Bluff Resort
I love the fact the Curtain Bluff is still owned by the Hulford family. In fact, Mrs. Chelle Hulford lives on-site and gracefully and graciously greets all the guests over lunch and dinner. You can feel the warm hospitality here where you are regarded as family. No wonder so many guests return time and time again.
Curtain Bluff is an all-inclusive family resort with an abundance of sea and land sports activities. All air-conditioned rooms/suites have sunrise-facing oceanfront views. Not once did we turn the A/C on during our stay. We slept with the balcony doors wide open while the crashing waves lulled us to sleep.
Bayside is where all the swimming, sunning and water sports take place. There are four tennis courts, an on-site PADI dive center, spa, kid’s camp, and two restaurants. High tea is served every afternoon and in the evenings, with live musical entertainment from a rotating roster of local musical talents.
This is a great resort for families, couples, and friends. There are lots of activities, as well as places to just rest and recharge. The food was wonderful and varied and the service and hospitality exemplary. Book this property with me so I can secure amenities for you.
Hermitage Bay
Hermitage Bay is an all-inclusive eco-luxury resort nestled in a secluded bay. With only 30 suites (Seaview Garden, Beachfront, and Hillside Pool), Hermitage sets the standard in barefoot eco-luxury. We spent two nights here and honestly could have stayed for an indulgent week, if splurging was an option.
All-inclusive here means, don’t worry about a thing. Everything is included except for spa treatments. There is true bliss in not having to carry a wallet and knowing that it’s all taken care of. The dining menu changes daily and the meals were exquisite. The service and staff was warm, courteous and professional.
We stayed at their Hillside Pool Suite — the ultimate luxury. On our last day, we ordered room service for breakfast and enjoyed our private pool with sweeping views over the bays. You cannot be seen from other hillside suites so skinny dipping in your private pool is allowed and encouraged.
The beach is calm and secluded. Beach lounges and umbrellas are provided, and drinks are served throughout the day. We spent a whole day at the beach with no real agenda other than to relax.
Hermitage Bay is where you go to unplug, unwind, be inspire and recharge in total privacy, serenity and luxury. I didn’t know resorts could do that so completely. Hermitage Bay is a Virtuoso Property and the best amenity I can try and secure for you is an upgrade.
Take a look at my video room tours:
Hermitage Bay - Beachfront Suite Room Tour
Hermitage Bay - Hillside Pool Suite Room Tour
Hermitage Bay - SPA Tour
Queen of Antigua, Sailors, and Eric Clapton
After I first visited Antigua, an island in the Caribbean, in 1994, my Italian traveling companions dubbed me the “Queen of Antigua.”
We timed the trip to coincide with Antigua’s Sailing Week in April. Antonio and Gigi assured me they would take care of our accommodations. On arrival, I learned that this meant looking for a sailboat flying under the Sardinian flag and sleeping in an empty berth for the night. At dawn every morning, we would have to vacate since the sailboat would be racing all day. We’d spend the day at the beach and make our way to the next stop and the next sailboat. Repeat Italian strategy.
Fortunately, I had just booked a villa rental in Antigua for a client. I phoned my rep at Villas of Distinction and begged her to help me find lodging on land. Laughing at my ridiculous situation, she offered me a celebrity’s villa — FOR FREE because she said I couldn’t afford it anyway.
And that is how, for the rest of our stay, we found ourselves living in Eric Clapton’s villa. True Story.
Traveling in the time of COVID remains a personal decision. As a travel professional, I feel it’s my duty to educate myself on the new normal and to advise on it. Read about the steps I take to travel safely.
All photos owned by Michael Girman & Tesa Totengco