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A Caribbean Christmas has its own unique rhythm. Antigua is known as the sailing capital of the West Indies and in December every year, the marinas fill up with magnificent yachts from around the world, all coming to base themselves there for the season.
So that’s where I start Christmas Day, at wonderful English Harbour on the south coast. The tall ships and classic J-Class yachts are moored up, their crews suitably dressed for the occasion and there are pop-up champagne bars and BBQs along the quayside. The Georgian buildings of Nelson’s Dockyard make a spectacular backdrop for a special lunch: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an illustrious history.
By Christmas Day afternoon everyone is feeling very merry so we generally retire to a nearby beach for a reviving swim with family and friends: Galleon Beach or Pigeon Beach are two of my favourites. Later on, the party might continue at any one of the local restaurants and bars, from old favourites like Cloggy’s by Antigua Yacht Club to newer places such as Hummus with its menu of Israeli street food and super cute Ti LoLo. And everyone on island is hoping to finally see the re-opening of Abracadabra – known affectionately as Abras – after a two-year total renovation.
Christmas in Antigua will look a little different this year. A curfew remains in place between 11pm and 5am until at least 23 December and masks are compulsory inside public spaces. But of course, with temperatures hovering around 28ºC and refreshing trade winds, life is largely lived outside and the atmosphere on island is positive, and also mask free.
Antigua remains a favourite second home destination for Brits and Italians in particular, but also North Americans, and throughout 2021 the property market has been very active. The sweet spot for buyers is between US$1,000,000 and US$1,500,000 but there are plenty of buyers looking at higher prices too.
At exclusive Jumby Bay prices start around US$10,000,000 and The Windward Estate, a unique super luxury development next to Falmouth Harbour where starting prices start between US$5,000,000 and US$6,000,000 for a five-bedroom villa in large gardens, has had real energy over the past 18 months.
Close to Stingray City on the east Atlantic coast, a new exciting instruction at The Peninsula is the latest in private and authentic Caribbean living.
There’s also plenty happening on the sister island, Barbuda. Discovery Land is transforming the site around one of the most beautiful pink sand beaches for The Barbuda Ocean Club while Robert de Niro is continuing with Paradise Found where his restaurant Nobu reopened in November.
This Christmas will be a memorable one as my partner and I are about to become parents for the first time. It’s exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but we can’t think of a better place to bring up our new baby. Antigua’s legendary beaches, outdoor lifestyle and friendly, laid-back atmosphere is the ideal backdrop for a healthy lifestyle at any age.
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