Rosalie’s Guidebook
@ Sea Foam Villa
Sun, Sea and Yum!
A trip to Antigua is incomplete without a trip to Dickenson Bay. I grew up about 3 miles from here and we would hike over the hill in order to get to the beaches. Located in northwest Antigua in St. John’s Parish, I consider Dickenson Bay the island's premier beach because it’s close to the city and has something for everyone — sunbathing, water sports, restaurants and more. Just ask Devon, proprietor of Sunrisers Water Sports (WhatsApp 268-720-4718; devonjoseph67@gmail.com). Devon spends his days at Coconut Grove Beach doing one thing only...taking care of you! From plenty of umbrellas and beach chairs available to rent, to jet skis, snorkeling, boating trips, catamaran, horseback riding, tubing, day cruises, and more. I have known Devon for a long time and my esteem for him has grown deeper and more substantive over the years. So I entrust my guests into his capable hands knowing that he will ensure lots of fun and your safety. Let Devon know what you need. With luck, he might even arrange for a few dolphins to swim alongside you. 😃 And if you like shopping for souvenirs, local vendors are available with moderately priced shops and eateries. I have fond memories learning to swim here...and swimming for miles out to the reef with my siblings after our lessons. I still hike to the hillside to marvel at the breathtaking view and a horizon that seems to never end. I hope you enjoy these photos taken over the years, a few at 5:30 pm, to capture the mood of the sea and sky.
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Dickenson Bay
A trip to Antigua is incomplete without a trip to Dickenson Bay. I grew up about 3 miles from here and we would hike over the hill in order to get to the beaches. Located in northwest Antigua in St. John’s Parish, I consider Dickenson Bay the island's premier beach because it’s close to the city and has something for everyone — sunbathing, water sports, restaurants and more. Just ask Devon, proprietor of Sunrisers Water Sports (WhatsApp 268-720-4718; devonjoseph67@gmail.com). Devon spends his days at Coconut Grove Beach doing one thing only...taking care of you! From plenty of umbrellas and beach chairs available to rent, to jet skis, snorkeling, boating trips, catamaran, horseback riding, tubing, day cruises, and more. I have known Devon for a long time and my esteem for him has grown deeper and more substantive over the years. So I entrust my guests into his capable hands knowing that he will ensure lots of fun and your safety. Let Devon know what you need. With luck, he might even arrange for a few dolphins to swim alongside you. 😃 And if you like shopping for souvenirs, local vendors are available with moderately priced shops and eateries. I have fond memories learning to swim here...and swimming for miles out to the reef with my siblings after our lessons. I still hike to the hillside to marvel at the breathtaking view and a horizon that seems to never end. I hope you enjoy these photos taken over the years, a few at 5:30 pm, to capture the mood of the sea and sky.
Sightseeing
My mom grew up in St. Mary’s Parish, home to some of the most stunning beaches along the southwestern shores of the Caribbean Sea. Like me, my mom and her siblings spent their days outdoors and in the sea, an oasis for much food and play. Depending on its mood, the sea can be azure or turquoise or just blue. For mom and me, Blue Mind is a real thing...a condition where being near the sea makes you happy. My mom is most serene when she’s by the sea. So am I. St. Mary’s Parish is also home to Antigua Black Pineapple, an award-winning varigar donned the “sweetest pineapple in the world”. Our secret? Antigua’s history is based on drought. Less water = more concentrated pineapple juice! Plus, rich black soils teeming with nutrients. Visit Claremont Farms to learn more about agriculture, the largest freshwater pond on the island, the history of the valley, and the famous Antigua Black🍍 And just around the corner, our tropical rainforest, Fig Tree Hill Drive, is testimony of the richness of these soil and the island’s topography. As a little girl, we would hike to these places and spend lazy days playing in the sea or foraging for fruit. Check out the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery while you are there, complete with vibrant original artwork from a variety of Caribbean artists. I wonder about this often..what my ancestors saw, what they ate from this soil and sea, and how they cared for each other and their lands in St. Mary’s Parish. The yellow of their sun, the blue of their sea and sky, the white of their sand, and the black of their soil and skin are colors that also rush through my veins 🇦🇬 Today, I am still in awe of the beauty and diversity. I invite you to take a look, ask about the Anthony family, and let me know what you learned about my ancestral land, my heritage place, my island in the sun ☀️
Saint Mary
My mom grew up in St. Mary’s Parish, home to some of the most stunning beaches along the southwestern shores of the Caribbean Sea. Like me, my mom and her siblings spent their days outdoors and in the sea, an oasis for much food and play. Depending on its mood, the sea can be azure or turquoise or just blue. For mom and me, Blue Mind is a real thing...a condition where being near the sea makes you happy. My mom is most serene when she’s by the sea. So am I. St. Mary’s Parish is also home to Antigua Black Pineapple, an award-winning varigar donned the “sweetest pineapple in the world”. Our secret? Antigua’s history is based on drought. Less water = more concentrated pineapple juice! Plus, rich black soils teeming with nutrients. Visit Claremont Farms to learn more about agriculture, the largest freshwater pond on the island, the history of the valley, and the famous Antigua Black🍍 And just around the corner, our tropical rainforest, Fig Tree Hill Drive, is testimony of the richness of these soil and the island’s topography. As a little girl, we would hike to these places and spend lazy days playing in the sea or foraging for fruit. Check out the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery while you are there, complete with vibrant original artwork from a variety of Caribbean artists. I wonder about this often..what my ancestors saw, what they ate from this soil and sea, and how they cared for each other and their lands in St. Mary’s Parish. The yellow of their sun, the blue of their sea and sky, the white of their sand, and the black of their soil and skin are colors that also rush through my veins 🇦🇬 Today, I am still in awe of the beauty and diversity. I invite you to take a look, ask about the Anthony family, and let me know what you learned about my ancestral land, my heritage place, my island in the sun ☀️
Beyond the jaw-dropping spectacular views, Shirley Heights features the Lookout Restaurant which hosts a sunset barbecue on Thursday and Sunday nights. Beginning at 4:30 pm. Dinner begins when the steel pan begins to play. Don’t miss out on this event. It will be a highlight of your stay!
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Shirley Heights
Beyond the jaw-dropping spectacular views, Shirley Heights features the Lookout Restaurant which hosts a sunset barbecue on Thursday and Sunday nights. Beginning at 4:30 pm. Dinner begins when the steel pan begins to play. Don’t miss out on this event. It will be a highlight of your stay!
As a child, my dad would take us to this beautiful location on the east of the island in English Harbor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park and marina is home to Clarence House and Shirley Heights. Learn about moments in history that shaped the island’s culture.
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Nelson's Dockyard National Park
Unnamed RoadAs a child, my dad would take us to this beautiful location on the east of the island in English Harbor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park and marina is home to Clarence House and Shirley Heights. Learn about moments in history that shaped the island’s culture.
Porady dla podróżnych
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Before You Travel
$5 US per guest/night: New Tourism Levy—Effective Oct 2021
The Government of Antigua & Barbuda has implemented a new Levy of US$5.00 USD per person, per night to be collected locally at check-in. This charge will be made in addition to any other fees, taxes or charges currently applied. The Tourism Levy does not apply to guests age 0 to 5 years.
Your accommodation address is Sea Foam Villa, Fitches Creek, St. George’s Parish. The Villa is a Ministry of Tourism Certified Accommodation.
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Rum Therapy
At least, that’s what we like to think it is. Simply put, rum therapy uses the healing powers of Caribbean rum to treat or attempt to remediate ANY health issue.
Have an ache? Rub with some rum. Trouble sleeping? Need a shot of rum. Toothache? Put some rum on your gum. Relationship problems? Pour me a glass of rum! Ailment or not, rum flows through our veins given our history of cotton and cane. Try our signature coconut rum with pineapple juice @ the villa.
I like to say “Rum Done, Fun Done!” Until then, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere...so let the fun begin!
Cheers! 🍹
Co spakować
Bring lots of bug spray
Sea Foam Villa is located along the northeastern coast of Antigua. The bay breezes are quite lovely but the bay and creek can sometimes bring their fair share of sandflies.
Insect repellent is a good deterrent—use to cover exposed skin and clothing while outdoors. It’s also a good idea to keep your bedroom door closed during the day & night to keep sandflies out. Alternatively, spray your room with bug spray at least one hour before bedtime. And use the screens on all doors to ensure that you enjoy the breezes when open.
So, bring lots of bug spray to ward off these unwelcome critters.
Przydatne zwroty
“No Problem”
If I could do it again, I would study languages. I’m fascinated by them — their syntax, style and tone. Take the phrase “NO PROBLEM”, for instance. “No problem” could mean many things as it depends on the context. Here are some examples of questions and the possible meaning of a “no problem” response.
—May I have a coconut? No problem (Yes)
—I left you a tip. No problem (Thank you)
—The baby is asleep. No problem (OK)
—Is this ok? No problem (It’s fine)
If you’re unsure of the ambiguity of our “no problem” response, just ask. But, don’t be surprised if our response is “NO PROBLEM” 😉
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Local Foods
Dining With Denise
In-home dining customized for you.
See below. Catering/delivery options, too
Henry’s Sea Food
See below. Catering/delivery options too
York’s Village — 25 minutes from Villa (W)
+1 268-764-5927, +1 268-721-0868, +1 268-560-2807 (direct & WhatsApp)
Beach Limerz (Rosalie’s favorite)
Fort James — 20 minutes from Villa (NW)
https://www.beachlimerz.com
Ana’s On The Beach
Dickenson Bay — 15 minutes from Villa (SW)
+1 268-464-5400
https://www.anas.ag
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Local hangouts
English Harbor
English Harbor (35 minutes from Villa (S))
Bars & Restaurants - party atmosphere
Nice to go to in the afternoon to sightsee and stay for dinner/bar scene
Sunset BBQ Party (Rosalie’s favorite)
Sunday’s at Shirley Heights
Past English Harbor (40 minutes from Villa (S))
https://www.shirleyheightslookout.com
Zwyczaje i kultura
Local residents with flashlights on the roadside
No...they are not in distress. When it rains in Antigua, locals go Crabbing. We forage alongside creeks and shorelines seeking crabs displaced from their habitats by the heavy downpours. You will sometimes meet crabbers at night around the church, creek and bay next to Sea Foam Villa. Ask them about their catch!
Weather forecast: https://www.accuweather.com/en/ag/st-johns/355989/daily-weather-forecast/355989
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Rum: To Stay or To Go
Here are some spots that I find affordable:
1. First Choice Supermarket, on Dickenson Bay Road
2. Billy’s Food Mart: Friar’s Hill Road, diagonal to the WIOC Oil Refinery
3. Rocky’s Duty Free Liquor Store, in the airport departure lounge
GREAT GIFTS:
—English Harbour 5 Year — award-winning, very smooth
—Koko Caribe Coconut Rum — yum! 😋 especially with pineapple juice
—Punche Kuba — this is not an Antiguan rum but a Caribbean favorite milk liqueur. If unsure ask for this one; others exist but this is tried & true with an attractive bottle.
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Supermarkets & Pharmacies
🍲GROCERY
Epicurean: Friar’s Hill Road—http://www.epicureanantigua.com
Cost Pro Supermarket: Friar’s Hill Road in Wood’s Mall
OOPS! Supermarket: Old Parham Road (just below Rubis Gas Station)
First Choice Supermarket: Dickenson Bay Road
💊 PHARMACY
Wood’s Pharmacy: Friar’s Hill Road in Wood’s Mall