Discovered at LAST

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Recently one of our Antigua's VERY INTIMATE PLACES (VIP) members, "The Copper & Lumber Store", was highlighted in Caribbean Travel & Life magazine, reprint to follow.

I think this is the start of a trend, at least we hope it's a trend, we who operate small intimate Hotels, Inns & Resorts feel, is a long time in coming. Over the last several decades the Island style that was the essence of the Caribbean and the feeling that made the islands so attractive, as a holiday destination in the first place, has been usurped by the big, the fast and the convenient.

Along the way the laid back island style so enjoyed by those who first discovered these island paradise's and what originally enticed these same visitors to return year, after year, is being replaced by the faux Caribbean. We think now is the time for all of you, to DISCOVER the REAL Caribbean.

Caribbean Travel & Life write up (used by permission)

Antigua is justifiably famous for its superlative sands, but one of the island's best-kept secrets, the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, is tucked away from the beach in the yachtie haven of English Harbour.

Dating from 1783, when Captain Horatio Nelson commissioned the warehouse to shore up his embattled fleet, the carefully restored Georgian waterfront inn now invites modern-day swashbucklers to drop anchor and experience a slice of the British Navy's Caribbean. Inside the post-and-beam and whitewashed brick structure, aged plank floors lead outside through narrow, arched porticos and encircle a breeze-filled courtyard. Antique brass keys unlock 14 upper-floor guest quarters, each named after one of Nelson's ships. All rooms feature elegant period furnishings in mahogany and leather, queen-size four-posters draped in mosquito netting, as well as thoughtful modern comforts, such as air conditioning and well-equipped kitchens.

In the bougainvillea-swathed courtyard, the Wardroom Restaurant and Mainbrace Pub serve up a fusion of traditional English and flavorful Caribbean fare. Treat yourself to the coconut French toast for breakfast, then wander out to the fortress lawn for pickup soccer with the yachtie's and crews, who are living proof that, centuries later, the inn retains its nautical authenticity.

From $135 in low season (195 high).
(268) 460-1160; www.copperandlumberhotel.com

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© 2007 Bonnier Corporation, Inc. All rights reserved.

See Article at Caribbean Travel & Life's website, click here.

 

CJL,for antigua-vip

Very Intimate Places Members please guests one visit at a time!

Recently one of our vlocal officials had the pleasure of staying at one of the Antigua VIP member properties, South Coast Horizons, ECO Village. This is significant as exposure for our small group of Locally owned & managed Hotels, Inns and Resorts is vital. Often those in the know tend to only think of the more main stream, vacation options, it is "GREAT" to see our efforts are being rewarded by visits to our uniquely Caribbean holiday get-a-ways.

After the visit Ms. Oliver sent the below feedback to South Coast. We thought we should share...................

Dear Mr. Lewis and Ms. Francis

I wish to sincerely thank you for so kindly hosting my family and myself.  I truly enjoyed the splendor, tranquility and the wonderful natural beauty of the property – something that could never be imagined without an experience.  It is truly a gem among the treasures of our tourism product and one which will need to be protected and nurtured and I wish you the very best in doing so.

Having not had the experience of the Kayak I will be back and will bring others as I “spread the word”.

From my entire family a heartfelt Thank You.

Elinor Oliver

Special Assistant to Hon Minister of Finance

the Economy and Public Administration

Ministry of Finance, the Economy and

Public Administration

Government Office Complex

Parliament Drive, Antigua

Tel:  268 562-4278

Fax: 268 462-1622

Ocean Inn Receives High Praise

Ocean Inn a Very Intimate Places member Inn receives high praise from a recent guest. Ocean Inn a small personable Inn, overlooking Historic Nelson's Dockyard, continues Antigua VIP's tradition of offering travelers personal service and local knowledge.

Blow the text of the review, first posted on TripAdvisor, a good place for personal Traveler reviews.

My wife and I and our friends stayed at the Ocean Inn for three nights prior to entering our rented villa. We had cottages 8 and 9, both had wonderful views of English Harbor. Both cottages had king/twin beds, a small refrigerator, desk, and showed bathroom. Breakfast is also included with the rooms.

The inn has a nice sized pool and patio area that overlooks the harbor. It has a honors bar for beers and cocktails which is a nice touch. Shopping, restaurants, Nelson’s Dockyard, and Falmouth marina are just a short walk from the inn.

The inn is a real value but the staff makes it well worth your money. They did everything we asked. They suggested several local restaurants and made reservations for us. All their suggestions were outstanding.

Our favorite restaurant was Abracadabra. The food was excellent and so was the staff. We ate there twice during our 10 day stay. Try their antipasti and the lobster.

Another treat is the Red Octopus. Murphy owns and cooks fresh local seafood. The Mad Mongoose is a fun place for a couple of beers and a meal plus Wifi connection. If you have a car, Harmony Hall has great food and an art gallery to boot.

The Ocean Inn and their staff got us in the laid back mood to enjoy our entire stay on the wonderful island of Antigua. I highly recommend it.

• My ratings for this hotel are:
• Date of Stay: March 2009

All the Members of "Antigua's Very Intimate" Places Offer exceptional service. We congratulate Ocean Inn.

Long Time NO! News?

To all those who may have visited this space in the last few months, I truly apologize, for my lack of new, interesting entries.

As you may realize I not only am a member of Antigua VIP but I also run my own small resort, so sometimes my commitment to the group is less than stellar. In fact, I have not even added a new post to my own personal journal at Long Bay, sine last November, so I guess the writing has taken a hit over the last few months.

Please give all of us at Antigua VIP a second chance, we will all make an effort to update you on events that affect our properties and our island.

We ALL look forward to welcoming new visitors to our "SPECIAL UNKNOWN GEMS" and to welcoming back those who already know the feeling personal service brings.

Welcome to Antigua's Very Intimate Places!

Welcome to All,

This is a new area of our website. The goal of this new section is to inform ALL, at regular intervals, to what's new, exciting and going on at Antigua's Very Intimate Places Hotels, Inns & Resorts.

Over time, if you choose to visit our website often, you will find entries here which give you an insight to our members and what each is offering on a regular basis. The entries might inform you of a special or promotion that is being offered, it might enlighten you to an upcoming Sporting event, Cultural show, Historical event or just some interesting fact we feel would make your Antigua visit, with us, more enjoyable.

We hope you will choose to visit this page, on a regular basis, to learn all about what's going on in and around our island of Antigua. We will be highlighting current as well as future happenings, so we do suggest you visit often for new entries.

All of us wish you an enjoyable visit to our island of Antigua & Barbuda.

The Members.