The Island of Antigua is the ultimate destination for beach lovers and sailing enthusiasts. Boats from all over the world participate in the grand sailing regatta held there annually. It's known as Antigua Sailing Week and is usually during the spring. This year it will run from April thirtieth to May sixth. There are three hundred and sixty five beautiful beaches to visit. One for every day of the year. You can choose to beach hop and do as many as you can fit into your day. Its sister Island Barbuda boasts pink sand beaches and is a little secluded getaway to really unwind in private. Here is where you'll find the famous Frigate Bird Sanctuary which is located in Codrington, the capital of Barbuda. I remember getting there by ferry. The ride is about an hour and a half from Antigua.
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| Frigate Bird Sanctuary Codrington |
One of the best ways to truly relax is to get a full body massage. A massage helps to relieve stress, helps with soreness and tension of the muscles. It helps to lower blood pressure and heart rate. It is also great for improving circulation and immune function.
I remember having a kink in my neck and just felt stiffness all over during a stressful period. My friend Raquel who is a traveling masseuse of Raquel's Antiguan Spa, suggested I should get a massage. I lived minutes away from the beach and we were there with the kids for the day so I ended up getting my massage right on the beach. It was a win win and was exactly what I needed to relieve my stress and rid myself of the kink.
I didn't know much about massages, so while Raquel was doing her thing, I felt this chopping with the side of her hands and asked what that was. She informed me that it was the " persecution." The persecution? I asked. Why they decided to name a massage technique the persecution is beyond me, but it was definitely getting the job done. I started feeling relaxed and the stiffness was being released.
What's more relaxing than getting a massage while laying on a beach on an island.
Raquel is not all about giving massages. She goes around showcasing a lot about the Island for her Island Vibes With Raquel show. The Island's culture, food and friendly people are highlighted. The best beaches to go to while visiting the Island are also featured. She also stops for a chat with visitors who are usually having a great time. You should definitely check out some of those videos.
There are lots of ways to relax while in Antigua and Barbuda. Very dear neighbors of mine hosted a camp yearly at Half Moon Bay during the time the hotel there was unoccupied. They provided tents and food so all you had to do was pack your bags. Half Moon Bay is on the South-East coast of Antigua. It's just as its name says. A semi circle that stretches about 1.5 kilometers, a little less than a mile. It is an excellent place for a walk in the mornings.
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| Half Moon Bay |
I usually send my kids to the camp but decided to make the trip with them on one occasion. Best decision I ever made. It was four days of rest, relaxation and fun. The best part was that it took me off my screens. On the first day as I walked along the beach, I found a sweet little spot on a flat rock near the water with a bit of shade. This would become my very own little hideaway for the duration of the trip. I grabbed my towel, spread it out, laid down and closed my eyes. Ahhh, the feel of the wind in my face coupled with the sound of the ocean and I was already drifting off for a nap.
I should make some phone calls and pack my suitcase. Nostalgia is setting in.
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