THE ISLAND IS WAKING UP … SO ARE WE!

Photo by Shinzan Murray on Unsplash

The Harbour Edit

A little sunshine, a little insider knowledge and all the best of Antigua.

The restaurants are reopening, the yachts are on their way, and English Harbour is getting ready for another fabulous Caribbean season.

There's a particular buzz about English Harbour at this time of year, and I absolutely love it.

After the quieter summer months, things are beginning to stir. The restaurants are reopening, familiar faces are returning, and everyone's asking the same questions. Who's back? What's new? And, perhaps most importantly, where are we going for lunch?

The season is almost upon us, and I can't wait.

Lunch, anyone?

Let's start with the important things. LUNCH & DINNER!

Catherine's Café is back on Pigeon Point Beach, looking rather fabulous after its seasonal refresh, complete with a new menu. Just in time for its 30th birthday in November. Lunch at Catherines on a Saturday is a MUST! There is a live band so you can dance the afternoon away after a few rums or glasses of Rose.

Boom and Pillars at the Admiral's Inn have also reopened, while Loose Cannon at Galleon Beach is welcoming everyone back. And for those who love an evening at Colibri, November is the month to look forward to - it is taking bookings now.

One of the things I love most about Antigua is how a quick lunch turns into a wonderfully long afternoon. A table overlooking the sea, a glass of something chilled, a few friends… and suddenly it's five o'clock.

There are worse ways to spend a day.

Here come the yachts!

If you haven't experienced English Harbour during the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, you're missing a treat.

From 4–9 December, the harbours will once again be filled with the most incredible super yachts as brokers, captains, crews and industry professionals arrive from around the world. This year's show celebrates 65 years since the very first gathering in 1961! I am sure the super yachts back i n 1961 weren’t a patch on the stunning yachts you see now.

English Harbour really comes into its own during this time. The marina is buzzing, the restaurants are packed and there's a wonderful international atmosphere. Lots of music and dancing.

And if sailing is your thing, the fun doesn't stop in December. There's a whole season of racing, regattas and events ahead.

Meanwhile, back in England…

Its getting cold! The clocks are about to change, the evenings are getting darker and its time to layer up.

I know this is rather an obvious question but wouldn't you rather be in Antigua?

Imagine swapping grey skies for turquoise water, chilly mornings for breakfast on the terrace, and the daily commute for a swim in clear blue sea. Waking up to the sunshine and blue sky every day really does solve most things.

A little place to call home

For anyone planning a visit, I'd love to introduce you to Harbour Lofts.

We've spent the past couple of years lovingly transforming our little collection of properties above Falmouth Harbour, and I'm delighted with how they've turned out.

Our lofts are spacious, beautifully furnished and designed for proper Caribbean living. Think king-sized beds, lovely terraces, tropical gardens and a swimming pool. And, importantly, somewhere peaceful to return to after all that eating, drinking and exploring.

We're just a short drive from English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard and some of my favourite beaches.

Whether you're coming for the yacht show, escaping the British winter or simply fancy a change of scenery, we'd love to welcome you.

Nina's Notes

A few things on my radar as the season gets underway:

On the lunch list: Catherine's Café. A new menu and a beautiful beachside setting? Count me in.

In the diary: The Antigua Charter Yacht Show, 4–9 December. Always a highlight.

Worth remembering: The best tables and the loveliest places to stay tend to get snapped up once the season is in full swing. A little forward planning is never a bad idea. Book ahead.

And finally, keep an eye on The Harbour Edit. I'll be sharing more of my favourite places, island discoveries, things to do and the occasional bit of news from English Harbour.

Until next time, here's to sunshine, good company and another wonderful season in Antigua.

Love,

Nina x