Since I had some flight credits, I decided to use them to visit Antigua for five days. I arrived to sunshine and smiles that were just as bright. I stayed at the Buccaneer Beach Club, which is right on the beach. It’s a smaller hotel, which I prefer, but the staff couldn’t have been better. The units were cottage-style and spacious. I had a garden view unit with everything I needed. Since the property was located on one of the best beaches on the island, I didn’t really utilize the pool.

It wasn’t full service, but the location in Saint John’s provided ample access to plenty of restaurants and shops. On the first day, I enjoyed a sumptuous dinner consisting of red snapper, which I absolutely love. Tropical cocktails and sunset beach views got me off to a perfect start.

The next day, I decided to spend several hours exploring the area more. My only regret is that I didn’t rent a car for the trip. While it’s very easy to get a taxi, I enjoy driving and getting lost in the beauty of different places. Also, the cost of taxis adds up quickly compared to a car rental.

I loved the small shops and water views at every turn. Naturally, I had a nice seafood meal that afternoon. After walking off a light lunch, I was drawn to the smell of waffles, which led me to one of the best ice cream shops I’ve ever visited. Imagine a warm homemade waffle with a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top—this was literally the experience.

I headed back to the hotel for an afternoon swim to work off everything I had eaten. The water was so warm and calming. It was almost like being at home in my bathtub, but with a much better backdrop.

My taxi driver from the airport also offered tours, so I set up a day tour to see the island from his point of view, and it did not disappoint. I was able to visit highlights like Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights, along with some local gems that I wouldn’t have found on my own. It was nice to sit back, relax, and hear the enthusiasm from a local about their home.

You can drive around the entire island in one day, but I don’t recommend rushing it. There’s so much to see and experience at every turn. Right before I was dropped back off for the day, my driver stopped on the side of the road. Naturally, I was a bit concerned about traveling solo, but he was purchasing a fresh plate of fruit for me from a local vendor. Fresh melons, mangos, and bananas were just some of the items included. As you can imagine, he was my driver for the entire trip.

After a short nap, I awoke to the beach calling me once again. This time, I noticed a beach bar in the middle of the water, one of the coolest things I’ve seen. You can swim out to it or wave, and they’ll come pick you up in a small paddle boat. During a conversation with the owner, he mentioned he previously had a land location but saved a lot of overhead after coming up with this idea. I had a blast and met so many people, as always.

It’s fine to swim out to the bar if you’re a strong swimmer, but after any cocktails, the boat is the best option back to land. For dinner, I joined some people I met during my stay. Once again, the evening concluded with more sunset views and a meal that left me more than fulfilled.

Since my flight was later in the afternoon, I was thrilled to have time in the morning to enjoy the beach one last time. I’m a huge water lover, so this trip more than satisfied my desire to have multiple beaches at my fingertips. This trip was all about rest and relaxation, and there was plenty of it!