ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Enjoying the view from above the clouds

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There’s nothing better than a bird’s-eye view.

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It’s certainly the best way to get a true view of the natural beauty of Antigua and Barbuda. From the clear blue water with a good perspective of the many coral reefs to the stunning elevation of the many mountains, you have to see it to believe it.

When in Antigua, it’s worth catching a helicopter tour of the island nation.

CalvinAir Helicopters features a six-seater chopper that offers a great vantage point no matter which seat you choose. At the helm of our ride is Orillia, Ont., native Mark Fleming, who provides an hour-long guided tour of the islands and their different picturesque landmarks.

“The Montserrat (volcano tour) is our big one, without a doubt,” says Fleming. “You can only go over it by helicopter. You have all this destruction that’s going to happen that you will only see in the air. It’s a really cool tour.”

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Barbuda has become popular with the opening of Nobu, the trendy restaurant and inn brought to the island by actor Robert De Niro.

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“Nobu is a niche thing. With an island having (a population of) 1,500 people and a beach there is wild,” says Fleming. “Robert De Niro’s house is right beside it and he will go over to the restaurant sometimes. It’s a really neat experience.”

Fleming is a third-generation helicopter pilot who previously was a captain for Ornge air ambulance in Toronto. He’s spent the past seven years flying helicopters in the Caribbean.

“CalvinAir provides us with VIP, high-end aircraft and that’s the kind of market we’re going after, but we also have tours as well,” says Fleming.

Full and half island tours of Antigua are offered, as well as the Montserrat volcano tour.

ECO-CONSCIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS

These accommodations have the environment in mind.

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While visiting the island of Barbuda, consider a beachfront property that is eco-friendly.

Owned and operated by Toronto resident Kelcina George, Barbuda Cottages offers one-, two- or three-bedroom accommodations that are powered by the sun via solar panelling.

“We are the first eco-friendly business on the island. We are also the only local eco-friendly resort and business,” says George.

Also on site is Uncle Roddy’s Caribbean restaurant, which has been family-owned and operated since 2006. Visitors can enjoy some delicious fresh seafood offerings, their famous burgers and local cuisine.

The restaurant has a royal connection as George’s father, Roddy, met the late Princess Diana when she stayed at the K Club Hotel and Resort.

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“She (Diana) inspired him to start his own bar,” says George. “And he started Uncle Roddy’s Bar in 1992.”

There’s even a beach named after the Princess of Wales, who frequented the sandy spot when she vacationed on the island. It’s about a 30-to-45-minute walk from Barbuda Cottages.

LIVING THE BEST NIGHTLIFE

“Happy Birthday, Shania.”

Someone with the same name as the famed country singer from Timmins, Ont., had an unforgettable birthday while a Caribbean band sang Happy Birthday to her, undoubtedly while she enjoyed a hearty barbecue meal or danced with some rum punch in hand.

Shirley Heights Lookout is the place to be on any given Sunday night. This area features a restaurant/entertainment complex where locals and visitors congregate to enjoy life as they take in some awesome live performances and enjoy good Caribbean barbecue — along with a dash or two of rum.

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While it’s a happening place on Sunday nights, Shirley Heights has a historical significance during the day.

Overlooking the English Harbour, Shirley Heights was once a military lookout and gun battery that has been fully restored. At its highest point at about 150 metres, the site gives visitors the best view of both English and Falmouth harbours.

“This was actually one of the main lookouts and signalling points (for the military) because of its elevation,” says Michael Joseph, a guide with Island Routes. “It’s the reason why the name is Shirley Heights Lookout” (named for Sir Thomas Shirley, who strengthened the island’s defences in 1781).

The lookout point was used to protect boats and yachts that were in the harbour, says Joseph.

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WHERE TO STAY

TAMARIND HILLS: This place is your home away from home.

If you’re looking for accommodations that feel more like your humble abode, then Tamarind Hills is where you should stay.

In the midst of an expansion, this elegant stay has villas which combine the amenities of a hotel with features of home.

Enjoy the scenic view of the bay from an in-ground hot tub on the deck, while also having the convenience of preparing a home-cooked meal (with local produce) in a state-of-the-art kitchenette.

Staying at a villa is an intimate experience.

SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA: If you’re looking for all-inclusive, Sandals Grande Antigua is the place to be.

And singles and families need not apply.

Dubbed the “World’s Most Romantic Resort,” the adults-only Sandals Grande is located along Dickenson Bay, considered the most well-known beach on the island.

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It’s a paradise for couples looking for a romantic getaway or a place to get hitched as the sun sets behind you.

In addition to the white-sand beach, the resort boasts a number of amenities guests can enjoy, including 11 restaurants, scuba diving, seven bars, on-site sports including volleyball, basketball and water sports, and day and night live entertainment.

If you want to further that romantic experience, the resort also offers free weddings for guests staying there nights or longer.

BARBUDA BELLE LUXURY BEACH HOTEL: Who needs a television when you have a high-definition view of the ocean from the comfort of your bed?

A stay in one of the beachside rooms at the Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel will provide candy for your eyes. After Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda in 2017, the hotel property was forced to rebuild and it returned with seven beachside bungalow suites, restaurants in the Jelly Tree Bar and Grill and The Mangrove, and a spa.

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Privacy is the ultimate selling factor of Barbuda Belle as those looking for the ultimate getaway in seclusion have the best of both worlds. Visitors will not be disappointed with the amazing view of the beach and the hospitality from staff.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

FRIGATE BIRD SANCTUARY: While heading over to Barbuda via boat, stop by the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, a series of islands that’s home to more than 5,000 frigatebirds, a species of seabird common to tropical climates.

Frigatebirds typically trek between the Caribbean and Galapagos Islands during the mating season. You can tell it’s time for the birds to get some loving when the males inflate their scarlet-coloured throat pouch in an effort to woo a female mate.

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Visitors also can see more than 170 other species of birds in the midst of their natural habitat.

STINGRAY CITY: Ever wanted to get up close to stingrays in their natural habitat?

Stingray City is a shallow portion of water where visitors can check out these rather harmless sea creatures. Feed and interact with the stingrays, or take a snorkelling excursion and see some tropical fish among the white sand bottom and coral reef.

REEF RIDERS: While snorkelling is one way to check out the various reefs in Antigua, why not up the ante by piloting your own boat with some buddies.

Enter Antigua Reef Riders, an operation that allows visitors to operate their own watercraft to check out the beautiful Cades Reef. Leaving from Jolly Harbour, visitors travel out to the reef via speedboat and joyride in empty bays or partake in snorkelling adventures to explore the underwater habitat.

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Reef Riders offers different packages, which include a snorkelling adventure, a self-propelled snorkelling tour and all of the above plus a half-day tour of Antigua.

WHERE TO EAT

BEACHLIMERZ: Tucked away on historic Fort James Beach in Antigua’s capital, St. John’s is a restaurant that’s packed with plenty of local flavours.

Beachlimerz is a hopping bistro-bar that offers the best or Antiguan and Caribbean cuisine. Compliment that with live entertainment and the beach and you’ve got the perfect package of Antiguan hospitality.

The restaurant specializes in seafood that is all fresh from the ocean. Traditional staples include lobster prepared four ways, blackened salmon and the delicious curried conch that’s paired best with fungee, a cornmeal plate that’s the national dish of Antigua and Barbuda.

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THE MANGROVE: Situated within Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel, this restaurant features a menu carefully crafted by a French chef that takes advantage of the local ingredients such as fresh fish and seafood.

Visitors can sip on a cocktail on the patio deck overlooking the beach or invest their taste buds in the menu. The grilled lobster is prepared to perfection and shouldn’t be missed.

THE COVE: Fancying a dinner with a little romance and flair?

The Cove is situated at Blue Waters Resort and Spa and is the ultimate dining experience for those looking for a candlelight meal as the sun sets.

Flames line the walkway leading to the dining hall, where once seated, patrons will be greeted by a view of the Caribbean Sea.

A set, all-inclusive menu for each diner features two choices for appetizers and main entrees. On this night, the menu included soup (made to resemble a cappuccino and served in a small cup), an assortment of seafood hors d’oeuvres, a sorbet refresher, an entrée consisting of fresh fish and assorted seafood bites, and wrapped up with a chocolate cake dessert.

It’s an experience not to be missed.

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