Post card from Antigua – antidote for the winter blues!
I could recognize the 2 beaches of Tamarind Hills from the air! Even though it was an easy 3.5 hour flight direct from NYC to the airport in Antigua’s capital of St. John, I couldn’t wait to get on the ground. After a quick 20 minute drive, we arrived at Tamarind Hills … shoes off, and feet in the sand!
The villas’ interiors are just as stunning as Antigua itself. They all feature clean modern lines and are built with native wood and stone. They are finished with top of the line Smeg appliances and neutrally decorated with whites, grays, beiges and ebony. The modern feel is perfectly blended with natural elements allowing the vibrant colors of the water and rain forest to be the stars. It’s peaceful and restful in every way!
View south is to Darkwood Beach on which the Tamarind Hills Villas actually sit, and to the north and just a five minute walk is Freys Beach … one of my personal favorites. I swam there every morning – the water is about 80 degrees! In Antigua, they will tell you there are 365 beaches, one for every day of the year!
In addition to the amazing beaches, there is a lot to do in Antigua. Jolly Harbor is a year round community (which reminds me of Key West!) is within walking distance. In Jolly Harbor, there is a great American Style grocery store, pharmacy and a handful of places to eat. And, PS: the currency is either US dollars or EC and the electrical current is US so you can plug in your iPad and wifi in the Tamarind Hills Villas!
The view from Dennis restaurant on Freys Beach was equally amazing. Dennis is a great local spot for fresh fish and cold beer. Swim right up and get a table! Beachcomber’s was great, too! We did get not stay on the beach every night though, we had amazing five star meals at Carmichael’s of Sugar Ridge which had a breathtaking view of Jolly Harbor. We also dined at Catherine’s on Pigeon Beach which is about as tres chic as it gets!
The peacefulness of Tamarind Hills is not all there is in Antigua. We took a quick 20 minute car ride rolling past more than few of the 365 beaches through the rainforest where you can zip line onto the north shore. The view coming down the mountain of Falmouth Harbour was stunning, full of tall beautiful schooners. English Harbour, which is just a stone’s throw from there, was just named a World Heritage site. English Harbour includes 400 year old buildings that have been preserved and curated to exacting standards, the old dry docks, Copper and Lumber Hotel and the amazing yachts! And we had a few minutes for fun in the maritime museum!
Our last stop was the amazing Shirley’s Point – that’s the post card shot of Antigua – a great way to end our trip.
Thanks our wonderful Hosts at Island Heights Realty, Janik Partners and Blueprint. For more information on Tamarind Hills, check out http://www.warburgrealty.com/TamarindHills
