Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant and Bar

If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere, drink specials, possible hob-nobbing with celebs, and amazing island views, the place to party on Thursday and Sunday evenings is the Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant & Bar.

Set amongst a former British military complex dating back to the 1780’s, Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant & Bar started to take its current form back in 1981 thanks to the foresight of investor Russell Hodge.  Mr. Hodge also owns Russell’s Bar and Seafood Restaurant in Fort James, while his sister, Faye, is co-owner of Papa Zouk located in St. John’s.

The first of two weekly parties takes place at Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant and Bar from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. every Thursday night; if you’re looking for a family outing, this is the night to attend.  Thursdays offers up live steel band music, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and no cover charge; the band also offers CDs for sale at the end of their set and are highly recommended for reliving that island experience back home.

On Sundays starting at 4:00 p.m., people come from all around to enjoy the ‘biggest barbeque party and lime’ on the island; in Antigua, the word ‘lime’ means to relax or chill.  The throngs of visitors to this happening party will be treated to steel band music, then to a live reggae/calypso band where the dancing continues until 10:00 p.m.  There is an $8 cover fee for the cost of the entertainment which is a bargain at the price.

It should be noted that if you arrive early on Sunday, you might be lucky enough to get shady seats underneath a cabana, otherwise you may end up sitting on the ground (be wary of goat poop).  There’s also local arts & crafts displays offering a small selection of items for sale including tiny versions of  steel drums, another memorable way to recount your Shirley Heights Lookout experience.

On Friday evenings, guests are invited to attend an event known as Sips & Seconds; this is a laid back version of the Shirley Heights experience offering a selection of local Antiguan tapas and refreshing tropical drinks.  Reservations are recommended for this popular weekly event.

The many trails at Shirley Heights offer picturesque views from various locations; lucky visitors may get to witness the illusive green flash at sunset.  From Shirley Heights you’ll be able to see Galleon Beach, English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard, Fort Berkeley, and Falmouth Harbour.  So don’t forget your camera for this amazing multitude of photo ops; even the views from the bathrooms are notable.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: English Harbour by MC One R

Antigua Tours you Really Shouldn’t Miss

Prickly Pear Island Excursion

Receiving rave reviews from tour goers, the Prickly Pear Island Excursion offered by Miguel’s Holiday Adventure is a perfect way to spend a relaxing day in Antigua.  The tour starts with a quick five-minute boat ride heading out of Hodges Bay to uninhabited Prickly Pear Island, known for its great snorkeling.  The tour includes a West Indian/seafood lunch buffet (including lobster, chicken, and salads), an open bar, snorkeling instruction and equipment, plus lounge chairs and umbrellas.  The Prickly Pear Island Excursion operates from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. three days per week.

Caribbean Helicopter Tour

Operating out of Jolly Harbour, Caribbean Helicopters has been offering aerial sightseeing tours of Antigua for the past 15 years.  Voted the ‘best attraction experience’ by Destinations magazine, Caribbean Helicopters thrills guests with half and full island tours plus excursions to view the volcano on Montserrat.  Custom helicopter tours can also be arranged and include options like a beach lunch at Lighthouse Bay on Barbuda, playing golf on St. Nevis, lunch and shopping on St. Bart’s, or actually landing at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

Antigua Rain Forest Company

There’s no better way to explore the lush tropical rain forest of Antigua than by zipping along the tree top canopy.  Visitors to the Antigua Rain Forest Company have the choice of taking a one-hour Zip Line tour, a 45-minute Short Zip Line Course tour, a half-hour Ropes Challenge Course, or the most popular 2 ½ hour Full Canopy Tour which provides an assortment of trails, zip lines, and exhilarating suspension bridges.  When you’re done, you can sit and sip a cold drink at the Antigua Rain Forest Company cafe and bar.

Lawrence of Antigua Tours

If you’re looking for an informative personalized tour of Antigua, look no further than Lawrence of Antigua Tours.  Personally run by Lawrence since 1987, you’ll be treated to a tour of the best attractions the island has to offer plus you’ll be sure to appreciate the special touches only Lawrence can offer.  Even if you have only a few hours to spare, Lawrence can arrange a tour that will accommodate your individual needs; if you’ve got more time on your hands, enjoy an island tour, a snorkel/beach tour, or Lawrence of Antigua Tours can also arrange for a zip line tour.  Highlights of the island tour include visits to English Harbour, Dow’s Hill Interpretation Center, and Shirley Heights.

The Beach Restaurant, Antigua

Located on popular and picturesque Dickenson Bay, The Beach restaurant is one of the top rated restaurants on the island of Antigua.  Family-run since 1987, The Beach is part of the Big Banana Holding Company which also includes a pizza restaurant as well as an airport location.

Set directly on the beach, you can’t get any closer to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean if you tried.  The Beach is located within a five minute drive of St. John’s or within walking distance of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa and Siboney Beach Club, along with five other resorts that are spread out along the bay.

The fun atmosphere offers a mix of contemporary, Asian, and Caribbean cuisine, and is frequented by visitors and locals alike.  With its tropical grounds and dark teak woods, The Beach offers an authentic Caribbean dining experience serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.  Every Sunday, The Beach holds an all-day beach barbeque with live music to dance the day or night away.  The bar and lounge offers the perfect location from which to watch the amazing Caribbean sunsets.

Recommendations at The Beach include a starter of Salad Caprese, their famous Grilled Lobster or Deep Fried Shrimp, followed by Coconut Cream Pie or the scrumptious Apple Rum Bread Pudding for dessert.  If you’re looking for lunch, try the Fried Plantains along with the Big Banana Classic Burger.  Another sure bet is to go with the local daily special.  The Beach is also home to Pizzas in Paradise, another favorite of both tourists and locals.  Try the basic Margherita pizza or the All-America; both are choices you won’t be disappointed with.

If The Beach is busy, here’s an insider tip: ask the staff if you can be seated on the sand.  For a small fee, they’re very willing to accommodate your request and it’s well worth it to be slightly away from the noise and crowds, plus they’ll still come to your table to serve you.

When it’s time to leave this little piece of paradise known as Antigua, check out the Big Banana 17° 61° restaurant and lounge located at V. C. Bird International Airport.  Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily since 1996, they also offer daily specials and appetizing bar snacks.

If you’re looking to hold an event while visiting Antigua such as a wedding or reception, Big Banana also offers a catering service which, once again, will be sure to please.

Discover Jumby Bay Resort Antigua

Recently refurbished to the tune of $28 million, Jumby Bay Resort is an exclusive all-inclusive resort located on Long Island just off the shores of Antigua.  Upon arrival at V. C. Bird International Airport, Jumby Bay Resort will first whisk you away by airport shuttle (fee) and then by private water taxi to their elite 300-acre little slice of tropical paradise.

Offering only 40 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, Jumby Bay Resort caters to the most discerning traveler.  Whether you’re beachside, poolside, or oceanside, you’ll never make a wrong choice with the acommodations available at this gorgeous resort.  The most special of which is the ocean view Rosewood Estate Suite offering a courtyard fountain, living and dining areas, a spacious bedroom and attached bath, an infinity pool, and a funky outdoor rain shower.

All rooms at Jumby Bay Resort come with a number of luxurious amenities like bicycles by Caloi, bath amenities by Lady Primrose, a sound system by Bose, a Nespresso machine, terry robes, and lavish Italian linens.  The all-inclusive part of Jumby Bay Resort includes three meals daily; cocktails, wine, and other drinks; afternoon tea; turndown service, and a welcome treat upon arrival.

There’s an abundance of activities to keep anyone busy while visiting this lush resort.  Included in your room rate is use of the tennis courts, pool, picture perfect white sand beaches, non-motorized water sports, snorkelling, sailing, croquet, fitness center, along with a memorable sunset cruise.  Golfing, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and more, can be arranged for an additional fee.

Jumby Bay Resort is also home to the Jumby Bay Hawksbill Turtle Project where turtles have returned to nest for the last 23 years.  Weighing up to 175 pounds, Hawksbill turtles in Antigua nest 4-6 times annually which produces almost 20,000 youngsters.  Check with the resort to time your visit to witness this most special event in nature.

Dating back to 1830, the Estate House is the fine dining option for visitors to Jumby Bay Resort as it serves up Mediterranean-style cuisine with flair.  The bistro-style Pool Grille offers up drinks and snacks; during high season, it also offers family-dining and the same views of the Caribbean Sea over the edge of the infinity pool.  The Verandah Restaurant & Kitchen is a combination sophisticated beach bar, dining, and lounge option; the actual Beach Bar is dotted along the pristine white sand beaches where lounge chairs and thatched roof umbrellas complement any drink of the day. (pictured above)

Jumby Bay Resort is also known for the pampering treatments available at their oceanfront Sense Ssa as well as for their heavenly wedding and honeymoon packages.  Standard daily all-inclusive rates at Jumby Bay Resort start at $1,150 with special offers available on a limited basis.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: DSC_0086 by Bennorvell