Tag Archives: Antigua

In Antigua, the Art of the “Boutique” Caribbean All-Inclusive 

Antigua is one of the 2 major islands that make up the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Ringed with coral reefs, the island is known for its many sandy beaches.

The best time to visit Antigua is between mid-December and mid-April when it’s peak season, making it the perfect destination to escape wintery conditions in the US. A good secondary option is to go to Antigua in May or June.

all-inclusive caribbean antigua boutique

This is not the all-inclusive resort you may be thinking of. 

It’s hidden away on the spectacular Turner’s Beach in Antigua, with 29 barefoot-chic rooms, all endlessly private, individual sanctuaries on the sand. 

It’s a boutique, adults-only all-inclusive, where many of the rooms have their own private plunge pool, all with outdoor showers, all of them just a step away from the sand itself. 

But it’s different here, a small all-inclusive where the focus is on the local. 

You might call it a “boutique” all-inclusive, where the focus is on Caribbean personality, about Caribbean design. 

Owner Andrew Michelin says the aim is to “reflect vintage Caribbean living with a modern indulgent twist, encompassing the small wooden cottages with wattle fences dotted around the islands’ countrysides; the flowering vines between cottages for privacy; bathing beneath the stars with our outdoor showers; and living, dining, and relaxing with the sand between your toes directly on the beach.”

And that extends to every facet of the resort: the food is fresh and organic: think breakfast plates like Antiguan black pineapple custard French toast and dinner favorites like escovitch snapper. 

A fantastic inclusion at this resort is the “snack menu,” from 11:00 AM to 4:45 PM, a time during which it can sometimes be challenging to find a meal at many all-inclusive resorts. And it’s not a bag of chips, either: think local fried chips, pizza, fish and chips, tofu burgers, open-face cajun sandwiches, and coconut cookies. 

And it all comes right to your room. 

There is also the Serenity Spa, a boutique wellness center where the soundtrack isn’t piped-in flute music but the revitalizing sound of the waves just outside the door. 

And then there are the delicious rooms, a lovely mix of pool cottages (either on the beach or in the garden), beachfront sunset rooms, or beach house rooms. 

Keyonna also cleverly labels each room as “distance to the beach.” That means as low as 10 seconds from a “sanctuary pool cottage” to just 60 seconds in a garden pool cottage. No matter where you stay on the property, the beach is less than 60 seconds from your room.

all-inclusive caribbean antigua boutique

In other words, there’s nothing between you and your Caribbean beach dreams. 

And that’s the spirit of this boutique all-inclusive, where the island itself is front and center and the emphasis is on an authentic, unfiltered Antiguan experience. 

It’s the way Keyonna has carved out a beloved niche on an island that’s long been home to some of the Caribbean’s top all-inclusive resorts.

“We’ve ensured that everything possible is made locally – the furniture, soft furnishings, placemats, bread baskets, lampshades, and produce – as we seek to build up those communities surrounding us,” Michelin says. With the added benefit that our food and drinks are fresh, nutritious, full-flavored with no preservatives, just like the food from my grandmother’s kitchen in Jamaica.” 

Please contact me of you are interested in booking this fabulous resort!

Call or text me at 770-402-5103

Email me at mary@vacationstoanywhere.com

Family Travel Trends

Multigenerational Travel

Multigenerational travel is still one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry and will undoubtedly continue to be popular after extended families have been apart for so long and are eager to be together again. A survey conducted by Marriott Bonvoy found that spending time together and creating memories are the top reasons why families go on trips together. It also found that 93% of grandparents take at least one multi-generational trip per year and that 89% of parents said they are planning on taking a family vacation this year. Needless to say, family travel isn’t going anywhere.

Sound like fun? Cruises are a great way to explore with the whole family.

Domestic Family Travel

Many aspects of family travel have remained unchanged, despite the pandemic. However, domestic travel remains much more prevalent than international travel. In a 2021 survey conducted by the Family Travel Association (FTA), 83% of respondents plan to take a multi-day vacation in the U.S. within the next year.

Beach vacations are what 61% of families are planning, according to FTA’s survey. Theme parks, water parks and national parks are trending too, with 51% and 46% of responding families interested in taking these kinds of trips. Lucky for them, theme parks are open and national parks are free to visit a few days every year, with multiple pass options on the non-free days.

Use of Travel Advisors

It’s no joke that the state of travel is much different now than it was pre-pandemic. Cancellation and safety protocols are more important than ever before to travelers. Lucky for them, travel advisors are the experts. According to FTA’s 2021 survey, 65% of respondents say they would consider using a travel advisor in the next two years. Many said that the pandemic has increased their likelihood of using a travel advisor. From peace of mind, many family travelers are leaning towards travel advisors for their destination expertise and in-depth product knowledge.”

Families are here to make memories and travel advisors are here to make that happen!

Did you know…

little girl walking holding her parents hands
  • The most popular vacation types for families are beach vacations, visiting theme parks and visiting national parks. Millennial and Gen Z families tend to take city vacations or visit water parks.
  • Family travelers’ main sources for travel inspiration are family travel-related social media content.
  • When family travelers who used a travel advisor to book in the past were asked why they used one, 48% said travel advisors have in-depth knowledge and 43% said they have better rates and prices. See, you advisors really are the best!
  • Kids are now decision makers, too! Sure, the adults hold the purse strings, but kids have more influence than ever on their vacation’s destinations and activities.

Family Travel Facts

Top U.S. Destinations for Family Travel:

united states of america
  1. Orlando
  2. Maui
  3. Fort Myers
  4. Oahu
  5. Tampa  
  6. Fort Lauderdale
  7. Phoenix
  8. Destin
  9. Clearwater
  10. Denver
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What types of destinations are families planning to travel to?

Domestic – 83%
International – 19%
Source: Family Travel Association 2021 Family Travel Survey

Let me help you plan your Dream Vacation, Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, Family Reunion, or Cruise! Please reach out to me with any questions you may have!