by Karen Nowalsky of Take Wing Travel 609-618-9599

The tourist board will tell you that Antigua (An-tee-gah) has 365 beaches ("one for every day of the year") -- which may or may not be true -- though the claim has sent many a bride down to sort out just which ones are the best on this quiet haven for divers, snorkelers, sailors and of course beach-loving honeymooners. As an ultra romantic destination, be it for the actual wedding ceremony or afterwards for an intimate getaway, Antigua is an excellent hidden gem many Americans have yet to discover. Despite easy accessibility, the island remains uncrowded and its unspoilt nature is part of the charm, topping the list of romantic spots worldwide.

Although off the beaten track, recently, Antigua won more acclaim as one of the world’s premier wedding and honeymoon locations. Caribbean World Magazine voted Antigua "Best Wedding Island of the Year" and the island was also included in the renowned American Express Travel "Top 10 Wedding Destinations" list. 

Brides and grooms can easily enjoy Antigua’s spectacular beaches, which some say are the best in the Caribbean. And since all beaches are open to the public, it is fun to explore and find the one to suit your taste. The sheer number on Antigua means you are sure to find isolation if you want it, giving you the feeling this island is yours alone. Many of the sandy stretches are indeed sugary white and well protected by reef, making the calm Caribbean lap and 80-degree temps a great destination for underwater adventures.

Yachters the world over hit Antigua once a year for the much-celebrated Antigua Sailing Week (typically the end of April, www.sailingweek.com), and the original British naval dockyards from the 1700s still service fleets year-round. English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard (also a national park with small entry fee) remains a must-see even beyond sailing week as the vicinity serves as an interesting spot for history, galleries, inns and shops to poke around or have a drink. There are many British ex-pats there (apparently Robin Leach lives there and some other British celebrities) and of course the super-rich yachtsman seem to love it.

But Antigua is not only for the well-heeled, and can be surprisingly budget-friendly too. For romantic trips, destination weddings or honeymoons, the island is ideal for couples with wallets of any size. There is no residency requirement to be married in Antigua, just one working day is required to process documents, making it a popular spot for destination weddings. It’s a perfect place to fly any day of the year, and certainly easily reached by North Americans (Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Newark, New York, Miami and Toronto all fly nonstop into its one major airport, V.C. Bird International). English is the official language of Antigua, and U.S. dollars are preferred.

So where to stay? The island does offer some accommodations Take Wing recommends that won’t break the bank; more fall into the moderate category here than on other high-end Caribbean islands like its neighbors Anguilla and St. Barts. You can of course find exclusive resorts, and luxury is surely no problem either. For the less adventurous, all-inclusive would be the way to go.

The 464-room all-inclusive Jolly Beach Resort & Spa, with its new Palms Wellness Centre Spa, three beachfront cottages, and Dream Wedding Ceremony packages, is an affordable choice for bridal couples. Jolly Beach Resort & Spa is located on a mile-long white-sandy beach, and all rooms face the ocean. All-inclusive rates include air-conditioned accommodations, all government taxes and service charges, all meals, snacks and afternoon tea, house brand beverages, non-motorized watersports, activities, and entertainment. Wedding ceremonies are free with an all-inclusive stay of seven nights or longer in a superior or higher room category; otherwise the package is a great value at $399.00. Couples have the choice of two wedding gazebos for their ceremony, one just steps from the beach, the other overlooking the resort's Fantasy Pool and the Caribbean Sea. The Dream Wedding Ceremony includes legal fees, marriage license and original marriage certificate, as well as the services of a civil marriage officer and witnesses if needed. The bride is accessorized with a seasonal bridal bouquet, the groom a boutonniere. To toast their special day, one bottle of sparkling wine and a one-tier wedding cake with topper are served following the ceremony.

Shown Below: The Courtyard at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa

You can also find comfortable pricing at Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua, Sandals’ new budget-conscious brand. This 180-room all-inclusive beachfront resort located on Long Bay opened last year. It sits on 1,600 feet of pristine sand and offers a host of diversions, from water aerobics to beach volleyball. Grand Pineapple’s basic wedding package is also free on stays of 7 nights or longer in ocean view room category or higher (otherwise $899). It includes all government fees, ceremony services for bride, groom and two guests, decorated location with fresh tropical flowers, bridal bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, wedding cake and a bottle of sparkling wine.

Blue Waters Beach Hotel limits the number of weddings that take place on its grounds, making the exchange or renewal of vows an exclusive affair. This appealing all-inclusive boutique resort is nestled in 14 acres of tropical gardens on Soldiers Bay. A stay of 10 nights or more at Blue Waters earns a free wedding package, which includes: Registration, legal and marriage officers fees, bouquet and button hole, decorated gazebo, French Champagne, wedding cake, wedding breakfast on your patio or balcony with second bottle of French Champagne.

Shown Below: Exterior view of Blue Waters Beach Resort

One of Antigua’s newest properties is the 162-room Verandah Resort & Spa, an eco-friendly waterfront retreat that recently opened as a member of Elite Island Resorts. All-Inclusive rates include all meals, top-shelf liquor, non-motorized water sports, entertainment, tax and service charges. You'll receive a complimentary wedding package valued at $899 with an all-inclusive waterfront suite for seven nights or more. A host of thoughtful touches are also available upon request, including a photographer, keepsake wedding photo albums, sparkling wine for the wedding party, a background of island music and videography. 

Weddings at The Verandah Resort & Spa

 

In the exclusive category is the five-star Galley Bay Resort & Spa, which has secured a place on the prestigious TripAdvisor.com’s Traveler’s "Best Luxury-World" top 100 list. Also a member of the Elite Island Resorts and sister property of Verandah Resort, the Galley Bay Resort & Spa has been certified green in accordance with the highest international standards. The 94-room hideaway is tucked into Antigua’s west coast and set amid 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, either directly along its private, three-quarter-mile-long beach or among gardens with concealed individual plunge pools and lagoon views. The resort’s destination wedding program, an $899 value, is free on stays of seven nights or longer in a premium beachfront suite, and includes ceremony site, wedding coordinator, floral decorations, a bridal bouquet, a boutonniere, wedding cake, bottle of champagne, registrar costs, round-trip transportation to the Ministry of Legal Affairs in St. John’s, ceremony charges, tax and gratuities. Galley Bay’s commitment to peace and tranquility means that children under 16 years of age are only accepted during the Christmas & New Year holidays. Deal alert: Fall savings at Galley Bay Resort -- 50% off all-inclusive cottage or suite, book and pay by Oct. 31, 2009. Travel valid now through Dec. 20, 2009. Rate of $499.00 per night is for a Gauguin Cottage or a Superior Beachfront Suite -- Upgrades are available!

Exterior shot of Galley Bay Resort

No list would be complete without mentioning Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, voted the World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort for seven years in a row. This all-inclusive, lushly landscaped couples-only resort is set in a 1,500-foot palm-lined beach up on Dickenson Bay. With the addition of the new Mediterranean Village, which features 180 spacious suites in six room categories, all boasting spectacular ocean views and a Mediterranean flair, betrothed couples and their guests can enjoy unprecedented services. Couples now enjoy having two different, yet complementary luxury resort experiences, plus more dining options, and a sixth pool – the largest in the Eastern Caribbean. Sandals & Beaches Resorts have just announced details of the newly themed wedding packages designed exclusively by Martha Stewart, which went on sale Oct. 1, 2009 for all new and existing 2010 Weddings. The Beautiful Beginnings base wedding package is free for stays six nights or longer in Concierge room category. It includes a personal wedding consultant, marriage officiant, reception setting, hors d'oeuvres, sparkling wine, bouquet and boutonniere, as well as a table for four with crisp linens, centerpiece, and wedding cake. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for an intimate and memorable occasion. A selection of five exceptional wedding themed packages are now available exclusively at Sandals and Beaches Resorts beyond Beautiful Beginnings to further personalize your special affair.

A suite at Sandals Grande Antigua	Exterior view of Sandals Grande Antigua

For more information on these or other suggestions, contact Karen Nowalsky, resident honeymoonologist of Take Wing Travel, here in South Jersey at 609-618-9599; www.takewingtravel.com for the honeymoon, destination wedding or vow renewal of your dreams. Take Wing Travel is your personalized romantic travel and honeymoon specialist offering unique custom vacation packages since 2002. From experienced destination planning to the best value and professional service, Take Wing Travel provides convenient one-stop shopping. E-mail travel@takewingtravel.com. All quotes and consultations are complimentary, no-obligation and can be made according to your schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Check out some of our many honeymoon articles on everything from cruises to all-inclusive resorts in our Honeymoon Article Archives