Going to Antigua for the first time......been to a dozen or more other Carribean Islands. We're interested to hear of others' experiences, recommendations on hotels, beaches, etc.

We have been to Antigua as well as several other Caribbean islands and it rates up there with the others! <BR> <BR>The beahes are public but vendors are not pushy and most resorts do have a section that is private. Sand is soft, water clear and calm, some seaweed. Island itself is mountainous - not like St. Lucia but very pretty but not to much to see off the resorts other then the rain forests and Shirley Heights. People are very acoomondaing and friendly but did not go out of their way. <BR> <BR>We stayed at Sandals but did also explore Rex Halycon, Siboney and A few other smaller properties. Sandals was absolutely wonderful - pretty property.

Antigua is a very enjoyable destination. We stayed at Hawksbill Beach Resort which was wonderfully relaxing but we also enjoyed checking out the other resorts and beaches. Jolly Beach is gorgeous but it is somewhat busy. Runaway Beach is nice. Dickenson Bay, although pretty, is very commercialized and busy. No shortage of good restaurants either.

We have been to Antigua for the last 4 years, and have already booked for November.We normally rent a car but find more and more that we just stay put at our hotel on Runaway Bay. Half Moon Bay is our favourite if we do venture out.

Take a day trip with BoTours and see the whole island. My husband is a history fanatic and he really enjoyed seeing the Nelson's Dockyard and the old British forts. Shirley Heights party on Sunday night is not to be missed! <BR> <BR>Also, look at the Antigua Tourism site: www.antigua-barbuda.org