Tourism E-Blast Antigua and Barbuda
April • May Issue Edition
New Airport Terminal On Schedule
Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament
Powered by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
IN THIS ISSUE EVENTS EVENT FEATURE ISSUE FEATURE ISLAND SPECIALS TOURISM UPDATE RESTAURANT SPASPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
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ADVENTURE TOURS
FEATURED TOURISM PERSONALITY
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elcome to the April/May edition of the Tourism E-blast. In ever y issue our aim is to provide
What is Antigua &happening Barbuda Tourism E-Blast? you The with a sneak peek into what’s in and around our beautiful islands of Antigua & Barbuda. We shine a spotlight on our people, give you a taste of adventure and introduce you to all that our product has to offer – our accommodations, spas, restaurants, tours and attractions. So, have a slice of our little bit of paradise, let’s show you why in Antigua & Barbuda we say… ‘the beach is just the beginning!’
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Contents
4 6 7 8 11 12 20 16 18 20
Events Calendar
What happens on the islands in the months of April and May 2013.
Island Highlights
A recap of Antigua Sailing Week 2013.
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May Event Feature
47th Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament 2013.
Issue Feature
A sneak peak into the new Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird International Airport.
May Island Specials
Hotel and resort specials.
Tourism Industry News
Comprehensive update on the state of the Tourism Industry. Includes: Marketing, Airlift, Statistics and Sea Focus.
Spa Spotlight
Featured Spotlight - Curtain Bluff Resort & Spa.
Island Adventure
An ABTA review of a local tour/attraction Antigua Rainforest Canopy.
Tourism Employee
Spotlight
on the cover SPORTS FISHING TOURNAMENT
Francine Joseph,Tour Guide. Special Distinctions & Awards: Going above & beyond.
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Easter Monday (Public Holiday) – April 1 St. Mary’s Parish Annual Easter Monday Food Fair – April 1 (268) 462-8129 | www.facebook.com Copper and Lumber Seafood Fridays – April 5, 12, 19, 26. www.copperandlumberhotel.com
APRIL
Hurricane Power Athletic Club 10k/5k Run Series #1 – April 7 www.facebook.com/HurricanePowerAthleticClub Expressions: Poetry in the Pub – April 9 & 23. augustrush.antigua@gmail.com | www.facebook.com 26th Annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – April 18 – 23 www.antiguaclassics.com Hurricane Power Athletic Club 10k/5k Run Series #2 – April 21 http://www.facebook.com/HurricanePowerAthleticClub Antigua Rainforest Canopy – Full Moon Night Flight Zip Line – April 25 www.antiguarainforest.com | (268)562-6363 Guadeloupe to Antigua Race (Antigua Yacht Club) – April 26 www.sailingweek..com 46th Annual Antigua Sailing Week – April 28 – May 3 www.sailingweek.com Back 11 Life Music Festival – Late April 2013 www.soul2soul.co.uk
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Copper and Lumber Seafood Fridays – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. www.copperandlumberhotel.com 5th Annual “Sir Reginald Samuel” Track & Field Classic – May 4 - 5 www.facebook.com/cptsawings | cptsawings@actol.net | cptsawings@live.com Labour Day (Public Holiday) – May 6
MAY
Annual Antigua Tennis Week – May 11 – 18 www.antiguatennisweek.com Expressions: Poetry in the Pub – May 14 & 28. augustrush.antigua@gmail.com | http://www.facebook.com 3rd Annual Antigua & Barbuda Marlin Classic – May 17 Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament – May 17 – 19 www.antiguabarbudasportfishing.com EAG: Birding at McKinnon’s Pond – May 18 http://www.eagantigua.org/ Whit Monday 4x1.5mile Road Race and 10k run – May 20 www.facebook.com/cptsawings | cptsawings@actol.net cptsawings@live.com Caribana in Barbuda – May 24 – 27 barbudacouncil.actol.net I www.facebook.com Antigua Rainforest Canopy – Full Moon Night Flight Zip Line – May 25 - www.antiguarainforest.com | (268)562-6363 Whit Monday (Public Holiday) – May 27 International Anglican Food Fair – Late May deanery@stjohnthedivineantigua.com
Happy Mother’s Day from the spa at Curtain Bluff with 30% off all spa treatments offer valid from May 11th May13th Please Call 462-8400 ext 600/601 for further information.
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Antigua Sailing Week Recap
Island Highlights
hat a way to close the official tourist
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French to English Antillean flair. Welcome to Antigua Nonsuch Bay’s RS Elite Race on Lay Day that started
winter season! A week of activities
Sailing Week!
where ‘sailing came first’ (and partying pulled a
Yachting World’s Round Antigua Race – Saturday Bay on the island’s East Coast. Lay Day was also an
close second), Antigua Sailing Week 2013 was an
April 27. This was the second year since this race excuse for land-lovers to enjoy good cocktails, good
epic showing of nautical superiority. If you missed
was reintroduced to the Sailing Week Calendar music and nautical fun on one of the most gorgeous
it, the Island Highlights will briefly recap some of
of Events and was revamped to include more stretches of beaches in the Americas. Let’s just say,
the happenings. You’ll have to come next year to
participants and more fun, as its scoring does not we don’t remember much from this day...
experience it all for yourself.
affect overall scoring in the Regatta. Classics, Racing
Let’s go!
Boats, Small Boats, many saw it as great practice
Sailing Comes First...
before the serious business of the Regatta, or a
The Guadeloupe to Antigua Race – Friday April 26
great way to end their Caribbean sailing season.The
always a great start to the Sailing Week festivities, anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Antigua provided the Guadeloupe to Antigua Race began just great viewing to on-land spectators. off the coast of the northern town of Deshaies Guadeloupe. The 42-nautical miles sail
was
Splash – The BIG Party Night featuring DJ Private
good fun under the
and
Ryan, DJ Woogie and Tian Winter – Tuesday April 30
switch
Partying always pulls a close second at Sailing Week,
from
as when the sun sets, the party begins! This year’s
was a nice
sun,
big party was a smaller production than normal, but was no less an amazing time than years gone. International DJ’s and Antigua’s Tian revived the spirit of the island, and nothing could be felt but good times, unity and euphoria. It’s not every day you get the chance to party in Antigua’s Nelson’s Dockyard, so we took it all in! Nonsuch Bay RS Elite & Lay Day – Wednesday May 1 It almost seemed like you were akin to yachting royalty if you were invited to participate in
at Pigeon Point Beach and headed over to Nonsuch
Mark your calendars, Antigua Sailing Week 2014 takes place April 26 – May 2 2014!
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Event Feature
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Sports Fishing Tournament n Antigua, fishing and liming are two activities than EC$40,000 worth of prizes and trophies why not, you can still win big, once you that go hand in hand; and the Antigua and from both Marlin and Sport Fishing divisions. purchase a ticket.
Barbuda Sports Fishing Association have got this combination down-pat!
So there are two days of competitive fishing; Saturday 18th May, will be Day 1 of the
After all, this year will be the 47th Annual
tournament followed by the Saturday Night
Sports Fishing Tournament and it has Lime. Sunday 19th, May will be Day 2 of become a not-to-be-missed event by both fishing and will end with a bang at the Awards fishermen, and those who are more at ease Party at 8 pm. on dry land. Mission control will be the beautiful and The Tournament is an exciting combination historic Nelson’s Dockyard and as always of sports fishing, liming, partying and feasting there will be three days of specialty bars and on scrumptious seafood. Scheduled a bit culinary delights. earlier than normal this year, look out for One interesting addition to the tournament the launch party on Saturday 11th May at is the Grand Prize Draw. For just EC$5 per The Tides Restaurant and Bar where EC$20 ticket, you can win some awesome prizes like will get you in!
a Yamaha MOTX, Yamaha Scooter and much more! Tickets will be available all through that
About a week later, on Friday 17th May, there weekend with prize drawings on Saturday will be the Skippers’ Briefing for the two- 18th and Sunday 19th May. The big prize day fishing tournament at the Copper and
winners will be drawn at the Awards Party. So
Lumber Store Hotel lawn, English Harbour. even if you don’t make it to the Sports Fishing Regional and Antiguan anglers vie for more Tournament, although we can’t understand
photography compliments Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing
For more information, go to www.antiguabarbudasportsfishing.com get in touch with Chairman Phillip Shoul at (268) 726-4700.
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TOUCH DOWN Welcome To The New V.C. Bird International Airport.
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Issue Feature
A
rrivals and departures into and out of Antigua have been
control, Antigua and Barbuda officials see this as the best first and last
marked for years with feelings of nostalgia, when thinking
impressions of a wonderful holiday, the largest improvement in the
of the V.C Bird International Airport. Frequent visitors will tell you
local tourism product in years. We explore the departure and arrival
of the thrill of boarding and leaving their aircraft using air-stairs, the
processes in this issue, to paint a clearer picture as to what one can
immediate exposure to the fresh Tradewinds blowing off the Atlantic
expect in about one year’s time.
coast and the iconic coral terminal building, that reminded them, that they had arrived in a tropical oasis of good times and friendly smiles. Come 2014 though, anyone travelling by air into and out of Antigua will experience a “brand-new effect” when travelling through the new V.C. Bird International Airport terminal building, that is due for completion in the first half of 2014. Its sleek design and modern touches will catapult Antigua’s V.C. Bird into the major leagues, where Caribbean airport terminal buildings are concerned. It will feature 4 Jet-Bridges, 6 climate-controlled aircraft access gates and modern amenities to assist local officials and airlines with the safe and efficient movement of the growing passenger traffic that the airport handles yearly.
The New Departure Process The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority’s improvement of the departure process began with the dissolution of the manual payment of departure taxes upon departure from Antigua, which took effect in November 2012.The new terminal building will add more touches that modern travellers will enjoy. All departures will begin on the ground floor of the new terminal, where airlines will utilize 46 Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) stations for check-in. It’ll also feature 15 self check-in kiosks. Passengers and airport users will have access to the mini-food court and light shopping, before clearing security and proceeding to gates. Using fitted elevators or escalators, passengers will go to the first
The New V. C. Bird International Airport
floor for emigration and security clearances before heading to the
The construction area of the entire project covers a whopping
gate. This is expected to be a much quicker process than currently,
23,000m2 or 247,570ft2 of space. Fitted with 4 Jet Bridges, 4
with 12 emigration stations and 5 security X-Ray machines to be
Escalators, 4 Elevators, 12 X-ray Machines and completely CCTV
installed.
monitored, the new terminal building will surely bring air operations
Passengers departing on larger aircraft utilizing jet-bridges will
in Antigua & Barbuda up to par with best-standards around the world.
proceed to one of the six jet-bridge aircraft access gates, on the first
The passenger experience is also sure to improve! With full climate
floor with a total of 750 seats. For all other flights not utilizing a
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J
et-bridge, passengers will proceed to the ground floor departure
To those who enjoy those nostalgic feelings of arriving and departing
area, fitted with four gates and seating for 104.
from the current iconic coral-coloured V.C. Bird International
Shopping will be the attraction airside, as there will be 21 retail
Airport building, soak up the feelings while they last, as the new V.C.
stores and 2 large restaurants to keep passengers busy as they await
Bird International Airport is due for completion within a year, and
their flights. Smokers are also considered, as the airside departure
construction remains on schedule.
area will feature 2 smoking rooms. Leaving in grand-style will surely
Bon Voyage!
influence many travellers’ decision to return! Information for this article contributed by the Team at the Antigua & Barbuda Airport
The New Arrival Process If one arrived on a larger aircraft using one of the jet-bridge access gates, they’d walk right onto the first floor, and proceed to the ground floor for local clearance processes. Of course, for all other arrivals, entry into the terminal will happen on ground level, with easy access to clearance checks. The Ground Floor Arrival process will feature Immigration fitted with 20 clearance stations, and Baggage Claim with a spacious area with 5 baggage carrousels. Customs clearance will consist of 11 clearance queues that will be sure to speed the process on days of heavy arrival traffic. Once complete with the arrival process, passengers will enter the landside portion of the terminal featuring a Car Rental Kiosk, Police Outpost and Bank / Bureau de Change. What this means to Antigua & Barbuda Airport and Tourism officials are happy for the improvements in the passenger experience as the new terminal will make the job of hospitality and border control services much easier, with spaces designated to VIP’s, Immigration Detention and Customs Quarantine. So too, airlines currently serving Antigua and Barbuda are excited about the new developments, and the effects it will have on their passenger experience, safety and efficiency operating into and out of Antigua & Barbuda, many times with tight turn-arounds.
Authority to include CEO Stanley Smith, Consulting Architect Johann Hesse and Personal Assistant to the CEO Andrea Solomon.
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ISLAND SPECIALS Carlisle Bay – Fully Exclusive Super Chill Out With this fantastic fully inclusive offer, two people can stay from $765 per night and a family of four can stay in a Beach Balcony Suite from $1,051 per night.These rates include all meals and drinks so there is no need to worry about hidden extras. Offer available from 14 April to 23 August 2013 and 12 October to 19 December 2013. For more information, go to http://www.campbellgrayhotels.com/carlisle-bay/offers
Jumby Bay – A Rosewood Resort - MORE ROSEWOOD Stay four nights and receive the fifth night free! Valid May 1 – Oct. 31, 2013. Stay must be a consecutive-night stay and complimentary night is only applicable on that stay. Book Online at http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/jumbybay/ Curtain Bluff Resort and Spa – SUMMER SPECIAL This special is valid from May 12 - July 26, 2013; special savings of 17% in the Deluxe and Bluff Room Categories. Both the Deluxe and Bluff Room Summer rates are based on a minimum stay of 3 nights. Book a Junior Suite or higher room category and you get 4 nights for the price of 3 or 7 nights for the price of 5 (29% savings!). For more information, go to http://www.curtainbluff.com/pricing/specials.html The Inn at English Harbour - “Just the Two of Us” Wedding Package This is the perfect choice for couples looking for a private and intimate wedding. Bring only your love and experience the beautiful, inspiring moments when two people pledge their lives to each other. Package is valid from 10 May 2013 to 31 August 2013 and is subject to availability. For more information, go to www.theinn.ag Trade Winds Hotel - Weekend & Daily Sundowner Specials! Stay 3 nights and pay for 2 and receive a Complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite Ocean View with a complimentary welcome drink on arrival – BOOK USING PROMO CODE TWHANU2. The best sunsets in Antigua can be viewed from the deck of Bayhouse Restaurant with happy hour specials daily from 5pm – 7pm – 40% OFF ALL DRINKS! Go to www.twhantigua.com for more details. Jolly Beach Resort and Spa - Lifesaver Special Take advantage of this very special offer from Jolly Beach – 50% Off AND No Minimum Stay. Book between April 15 – June 30 for travel between April 16 to December 20, 2013. Go to www.jollybeachresort.com for more details.
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Tourism Industry News Antigua and Barbuda Marketing Presence:
New Television Presence with HD Commercial ABTA’s Caribbean Office initiated its regional brand awareness campaign by promoting the latest ABTA 30 second destination commercial on regional TV station Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). The campaign began March, 18th and will run until the end of June. The destination commercial appears in the Caribbean News Line segment which is shown on 21 regional networks and internationally in the US north east tristate area on networks that target the Caribbean Diaspora. ABTA’s Tours & Attractions Guide Added to List of Destination Promotional Items. The ABTA recently published its Tours and Attractions Guide which made its debut at Cruise Shipping Miami 2013. The guide, which features 32 local attractions and tour offerings, is a comprehensive source for tours and things-to-do in both Antigua & Barbuda. Cruise Shipping Miami 2013 a Huge Success Antigua and Barbuda made a statement at this year’s Cruise Shipping Miami, one of the Cruise Industry’s leading cruise trade events, with its newly revamped booth. The booth provided a 360 degree floor visual of the destination’s Cruise product and other key niche markets. Check out our Sea Focus for more Cruise Shipping Miami News. CTO Launches New Website The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) launched its new website www.caribbeantravel.com and Antigua and Barbuda is listed with destination content on this centralized Caribbean website.
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AIRLIFT
UPDATE
Airlines’ Summer Schedules in Effect As the winter tourist season comes to a close, airlines are reducing operations from their hubs to Antigua to cope with less demand. Notable routes include include British Airways’ London Gatwick to Antigua operations reduced to 5 times weekly (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun), United’s Newark to Antigua operations reduced to once weekly (Sun) in May and WestJet’s Toronto to Antigua operations reduced to once weekly (Sat) from May – October. Air Transat (operated by CANJET), and Air Canada’s Montreal operations have seized until the 2013 winter season. CANJET May Return to Scheduled Air-Operations Canadian charter airline CANJET may return to scheduled air-operations in the near future, according to reports from Canada. The Halifax-based charter nairline’s parent company, I.M.P. Group Ltd., was granted several large aircraft licenses this week that would allow CANJET to provide scheduled service. CANJET currently operates charters for Air Transat serving Antigua & Barbuda in the winter tourist season from Montreal and Toronto using its fleet of Boeing 737-800. CANJET currently flies to 27 European member states, Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, and Barbados.
Delta Summer Flights Delta Air Lines will fly from its Atlanta and JFK hubs to Antigua in summer 2013. Delta’s Atlanta to Antigua operations will run June 15 – August 17 every Saturday and Delta’s New York JFK to Antigua operations will run July 6 – August 31. Both services will recommence for the winter tourist season on November 02, 2013.
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SEA FOCUS
T
Sailing Academy
he National Sail Academy is the latest success story within Every week up to 150 school-children are trained at the National Antigua & Barbuda’s dynamic sailing and yachting arena. An Sail Academy dinghy sailing centres at Falmouth Harbour and Jolly
independent non-profit charitable organization, the National Sail Harbour. As you can imagine, the cost to maintain this amazing Academy offers local Antiguan school-children the opportunity to programme is immense. Funding support is drawn from a wide learn swimming and sailing at no charge to them.
range of local business, Super Yacht owners and the Government, as well as an extensive event programme.
Incorporated in 2010 and supported by the donations of citizens and corporations locally and abroad, the Sail Academy provides Any level of support is encouraged. See it as an investment in nation young Antiguan opportunities for future development, employment building, making for an island with buzzing nautical minds ready and recreation unlike any other national sport.
to take the tourism industry up another level in years to come! Opportunities to make individual donations or for organizations to
As Antigua & Barbuda remain poised as the Yachting Capital of the become official sponsors of the programme are available. Caribbean, the transmission of such highly prized nautical skills to young citizens mean the chance for more local involvement and For more information, please visit the National Sail Academy’s growth within the sector.
website at www.nationalsailacademy.com or call 1 (268) 562 8060. And it’s all good fun for the kids too! As swimming and sailing has now been added as official National Sports by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, swimming and sailing has been integrated into the curriculum of all schools, giving hundreds of students access to these resources. I’m sure it’s no guess what the new favourite activity in school is!
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Tourism Statistics March & 1st Quarter 2013 Performance Air Arrivals March 2013 Tourist Air Arrivals Country
March 2013
March 2012
% Change
TOTAL
28,211
27,533
2.46
United States of America
11,262
11,793
-4.50
Canada
5,153
3,748
37.49
United Kingdom
7,088
7,037
.72
Caribbean
2,374
2,326
2.06
1st Quarter Tourist Arrival by Air Performance Country
Year to Date 2013
Year to Date 2012
% Change
TOTAL
76,302
77,330
-1.33
United States of America
27,609
28,816
-4.19
Canada
14,591
11,529
26.56
United Kingdom
20,833
20,777
.27
Caribbean
6,078
7,341
-17.20
Hotel Occupancy March 2013 March Occupancy 2013
71.2%
March Occupancy 2012
Sorted by Size
2013
2012
Large Hotels - +150 Rooms
71.9%
68.1%
Mid Size Hotel – 50-150 Rooms
69.9%
72.1%
Small – Less than 50 Rooms
69.8%
64.8%
Sorted by Class
2013
2012
Luxury
81.0%
75.9%
Mid Range
70.4%
68.0%
Budget
37.8%
38.3%
68.8%
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Curtain Bluff Resort SPA SPOTLIGHT
Relax the mind…Rejuvenate the body… Reinvigorate the soul.
T
he Spa at Curtain Bluff Resort
and explained the layout of the spa and
hour ‘Head to Toe’ massage; which is a
Unpretentious Elegance…but certainly
described my treatment; which was the
Swedish massage that is de-stressing for
not understated! This is genuinely the
‘Head to Toe Massage’. I was then escorted
the whole body…and it was. The massage
experience at Curtain Bluff Resort & Spa,
to the ladies’ locker room where I was
incorporated medium pressure along with
where gracious hospitality greets you
told I would find my
a relaxing Clarity Oil which was used all
from the time you enter the gates! The
treatment robe and
over the body. The Clarity Oil consisted of
well trained staff is consistently warm and
slippers…but I found
a delightful blend of various aromatherapy
courteous to their guests and like their
just a little bit more.
oils and this added a soothing sensory
motto states the ambiance embodies
experience to the massage without the
‘Unpretentious Elegance’ through and
As I entered the ladies’ changing room, I
through.
was greeted by a heavenly scent - a lightly
scent being overpowering.
scented candle that opened up the senses
This massage really tickled my fancy as it
On this visit to Curtain Bluff Resort, it
and calmed the spirit. Island flowers graced
included a concentrated foot massage,
was a first time visit to the Spa and it
my folded robe and the surroundings were
which was a therapeutic treat from the
most definitely will not be the last. If it’s a
clean, contemporary, and comfortable…
little pampering you seek, then the Spa at
now this was a great way to start a spa day!
Curtain Bluff truly offers a perfect health and wellness retreat that creates a ‘Zen’
I left the changing
atmosphere to allow
room and Geron
you to get in touch
escorted me upstairs
with the elements of
to the treatment
mind, body, and soul.
rooms where I was introduced to my
Upon entering the spa, I was kindly welcomed by the staff and
therapist - Shanti. I bid Geron adieu, and was now in Shanti’s very capable hands.
was introduced to my chaperon for the day – Geron. Geron politely greeted me
My treatment for the day was a one-
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everyday and made my body relax literally
to the Spa Bites, which were a light fare of
from head to toe! But it’s also the sights and
healthy fruits including, fresh blue berries,
sounds that envelope the surroundings of
raspberries, watermelon, strawberries,
the treatment room that provides a holistic
cantaloupe and grapes, the other amenities
blend of the indoor and outdoor and makes included access to the complimentary the spa feel like a retreat from the ordinary.
fully-stocked bar which offered champagne, wines, fruit juice, bottled water, sparkling
After my treatment I felt relaxed and
water, coffee and/or tea.
few as you are surrounded by oceanic vistas where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
reinvigorated, and to my pleasant surprise
kiss and meet.
Geron happily informed me that this was
Still, if you want to continue to soak your
not the end of my pampering…yes there
stress away, guests are able to lounge or
was still more to come!
take a dip in the infinity plunge-pool/hot tub It really doesn’t get any better than this! If and just leave all your worries behind for a
you are an avid spa-goer the Spa at Curtain
I was invited onto the terrace and
Bluff Resort is the perfect blend of classic
was kindly told that I was free to relax
luxury and island life and will satisfy mind,
and enjoy the amenities while my
body and spirit. This spa retreat makes a
complimentary Spa Bites would be
perfect gift or treat for self…just relax and
coming right up!
let go.
For my ladies that love a little pampering and do not want to sacrifice the luxury, the amenities at the Curtain Bluff Spa are just pampering perfect! In addition (this page only) photography compliments Charmaine Spencer *Review conducted by Charmaine Spencer - ABTA Marketing Manager
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Island Adventure
Antigua Rainforest Canopy Zip Line Tour Have you ever felt those contradicting
almost feels like it’s your older sister helping
Antigua Rainforest Canopy’s greatest assets.
feelings of calm and serenity mixed with
you. Everyone was referred to as ‘sweetie’ or
A bunch of Antiguans who obviously love
adrenalin and pure excitement?
gave reassured with “you okay hun?” After a
what they do. And why wouldn’t they?
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short demonstration, we were ready to go! We joked at the joys of having an office high
hen getting ready for the zip line tour at Antigua Rainforest
They start you off on rookie lines, to allow
above the trees. When you visit, look at the
Canopy, you can’t help but be indecisive as
you to get a hold of the feeling. But let me
rangers’ shirts; their names are on them, and
to which you really feel.
tell you, the feeling of jumping off a treetop
we’re sad that we only realized this on the
What is most memorable is the hilarious
zipping at high-speeds gets you a little ruffled
last few zips. But rangers like Dee-Dee and
- yet informative – Antigua Rainforest
at first. Thing is, when you reach the other
Barry are super-stars! Barry is the one whose
Canopy signage. It’s great fun driving to the
end, with a ranger there to guide you, you
face you probably won’t see, and is probably
forested depths of Antigua playing I-Spy
feel ready to conquer all that’s left.
the ranger that’ll have you doing a double-
with genius signs pointing you in the right direction; “Dis way ya”?... sure why not!
If you’ve never done it, you’d probably scoff at the mention of Rainforest and Antigua in
take to ensure that the high speeds hasn’t messed with your mind (You’ll have to figure that one out for yourself – We can’t just give
So you arrive, and the immaculate property
the same sentence. But a rainforest it was
sets the tone for the rest of the day. Follow
(though thankfully sans the rain that day). It
the signs in “Antiguan English” (amusingly
shows you a side of Antigua that you never
tis out of this world. A few hours, good times
translated for those not fluent in our native
knew existed. The designs of the courses are
and a cardio workout? You cannot go wrong.!
tongue) to Check-In. A gentleman made
so well laid, that it does little to disrupt the
The Full- Canopy Tour is 2 ½ hours long,
a remark saying that the advisories given
local environment. Admiring flowers and the
including zips and a canopy course.
for this tour was the deal-breaker that
trails between zips made the experience
made him do it for sure, so signing a waiver
more so one to remember.
shortly after that was a little expected. Yet, we always felt that we were in safe hands. When the rangers are strapping you in, it
it all away!)
We opted for the lighter Zip Line tour, that lasted 1 ¼ hours, and was a sweet course of
Did we by chance remember to mention the
zip lines. If you’re strapped for time, consider
staff? If you realize them being mentioned
the short zip-line tour, for only 45 minutes.
more than once, it’s because it’s one of
Show your inner Tarzan!
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If you’re game, give them a call! Reach them at 1-268-562-6363 or visit their website at www.Antiguarainforest.com
photography compliments Robert Samuel & Antigua Rainforest Canopy *Island Adventure review conducted by Matara Thomas & Robert Samuel
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Tourism employee spotlight: Francine Joseph Works at: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Does: Tour Guide Special Distinctions & Awards: Going Above and Beyond
What sets Francine Apart? Her positive and willing attitude; Francine is never discouraged regardless of the task put in front of her. Her ability to always say “I don’t know how but I will try” is what really sets her apart. Her efforts are never wasted and she is always willing to learn something new.
What keeps her going? What is her Motivation? Francine’s goal is to make the visitors, be it travel agents, press etc. happy and impress upon them the beauty of Antigua and Barbuda. From time to time, persons who have visited that island will send her e-mails of appreciation and even invite her to their country! This motivates Francine to execute her duties even better.
What does being an Antiguan and Barbudan Hospitality Ambassador mean to her? Being an Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Ambassador means a great deal to Francine, since tourism is the country’s main industry. Her very first job was at the Rex Halcyon Cove Hotel in 1991, and she presently remains in the Hospitality Industry which makes it is clear that she takes a keen interest in her job. Francine ensures that she is knowledgeable about the twin-island paradise that she calls home since she knows that there are many things to offer our visitors. Her dedicated years of service are a testament to how seriously she takes her role as a Hospitality Ambassador. Her ready smile, bubbly personality and positive attitude continue to prove to be valuable attributes. Keep up the great work Francine!
Do you know a tourism employee deserving of the spotlight in the monthly Tourism E-Blast? Nominate your shining star by submitting their name, place of employment, and brief details as to the qualities you see demonstrated, deserving of acknowledgement as an Antiguan and Barbudan Hospitality Ambassador. Email your submission to info@aandbtourism.com
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Charmaine Spencer Robert Samuel Matara Thomas
(Editor & Creative Director) (Contributing Writer) (Contributing Writer)
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