by Kent St. John on May 3, 2012
The masts of the sailing vessels in English Harbour span the globe adding color to an already colorful place. Our dingy is taking us out to our observer craft, tailing the big boys in my near future. Our young captain has the rough hands of an 80 year old construction worker and his even younger mate skinny as a string bean, we other 3 will be of little help. It has been so many past years since I sailed here. It feels good. All to soon we are getting run down by a 52 footer, like a locomotive, the thrill isn’t gone it has just started.
There is no doubt that this Antigua Sailing Week Regatta in Antigua has gotten the blood pumping down here. Crews have been flown in from all over; this event is firmly entrenched on the racing schedule and Yachting World has to be pleased with its sponsorship. Banners for every fermented liquid hang everywhere; even Crab Hole Liquors is doing booming business. My headquarters is my balcony from my amazing suite at the Inn at English Harbour where I can retreat. Seems like years ago that the music from Ky-Mani Marley show drifted across the bay seemingly for my own entertainment. The Marley Magical Mystery Tour grinds down generations. New pledge, win lotto buy yacht and give Captain Rough Hands a steady gig. That boat bearing down on us was all I needed for his work application.
by Kent St. John on May 2, 2012
I’m not quite sure when laidback and relaxed became dirty words in hotel industry circles, both appeal to me very much. Yes I like modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi and a few channels on a good TV. But what price is it to get those simple things when priceless scenery and old fashioned good service is added, when subtle nods or requests provide all a Caribbean traveler could want. Granted that location, great location is a must to pull it off.
I’ve found such a place in Antigua called the Inn at English Harbour; from the hilltop main building and restaurant down to its idyllic beachfront, nature handles a lot. The views gorgeous and added simplicity makes for clean luxury. No Disney set carrying a Pirates of the Caribbean theme needed, its real. The buildings have a back to days when plantations providing sugar ruled. Heavy mahogany type furniture blends well with the four-poster beds and the all-important porches from a bygone era stand. No fear a simple button provides air conditioning and any other convenience needed.
The small restaurant and beachfront bar the Reef provides the same great food found in the main restaurant. There is something wonderful about naked feet, the sound of crystal clear seawater and calm. Throughout the Inn at English Harbor calm pleasure seeps as if brought in wave after waves that hits the beach. The feeling of relaxation hits almost immediately once you pass through the gates. If subtle but steady classic qualities aren’t the buzzwords for a luxury Caribbean visit they should be. Open up that book or even hit on Kindle, your life is about to get reset. A stay here is a must in these face-paced days. I liked the place so much that I ran this on Be Our Guest also.
by Kent St. John on May 1, 2012
Before I get into to many facts about Antigua, here is a personal one. More readers have responded to me via a comment or message how much they love Antigua. Not a nay anywhere to be found. I’ll throw this one in also, when they say your lost luggage will show the next day… it will. That is amazing to me here in the, “what ever man”, that the Caribbean is famous for. Though I packed enough meds in my carry on like a scout, relief flooded when the whole stash, clothes included showed up to my suite set up at the Inn at English Harbour delivered. It shows a side the islands never have to me before, they care.
I’m here to cover the 2012 Antigua Sailing Week, an event that started in 1967 with just 10 boats. That has developed into an event that often has 200 sailboats now, from all over the world. English Harbour is stuffed to the gills with some amazing ships including one from Virgin, kick ass babe in the skies. Already Antigua has me hooked like a fat marlin, and halfway landed. This place has a great feel and I want more. Does life get any better than a suitcase delivered and saucy sirens of the sea cutting waves under picture perfect skies? My job is to find out, so far so perfect. Whoops late for the huge free concert in the Harbour, back to work.
by Kent St. John on April 28, 2012
Back many years ago, at least in Travel Writing time line I was a contributing editor for a magazine named Transitions Abroad. It was an innovative read started by Clay Hubbs that’s goal was to give readers the best and real way to travel in a way that was closer to the ground. After getting some old photos emailed from Max a few days ago I pulled out an old issue Jul/Aug 2001 and on that masthead was Max Hartshorne, Managing Editor and mine listed under Independent Travel.
Before that I was asked if I wanted to join six other writers for an online magazine called GoNOMAD. Most of my writer friends warned me about leaving the print world for the as yet undiscovered online world; I made the right choice though I still do printed pieces regularly. Not long after the start five writers left and I had a new owner to deal with. Turns out the new owner was none other than a guy named Max Hartshorne. I recall that in those days you couldn’t buy wine in NY on Sunday so I went to a friend’s house and barrowed some bottles of red and Lil and I drove up to meet Max face to face. Max had a great turkey cooked and multiple bottles went down. A longtime gig opened and Max’s push for GN opened big brand new doors.
I laughed when I saw the pictures because I knew right away where they were taken, Martha’s Vineyard. We both have on the new GN tees and lobsters in hand. I thought about the countless events we visited as the new boys on the block, as of yet online was the bastard. As I write about it for my book project I often crack up, a modern twisted Coal Miner’s Daughter scene. It was exciting and invigorating pushing ourselves up. Those smiles in the pictures are real and hearts beat with every step up we made. Thought I’d share them… The trip is long from over.
The masts of the sailing vessels in English Harbour span the globe adding color to an already colorful place. Our dingy is taking us out to our observer craft, tailing the big boys in my near future. Our young captain has the rough hands of an 80 year old construction worker and his even younger mate skinny as a string bean, we other 3 will be of little help. It has been so many past years since I sailed here. It feels good. All to soon we are getting run down by a 52 footer, like a locomotive, the thrill isn’t gone it has just started.
