We stayed @ Dickenson Bay Cottages from 06/02-06/09/2007 and I must say it was one of the best Caribbean vacations we have had. The cottages are wonderful. You feel like you never left home. We loved the lay out of the cottages and everything was so comfy not like a generic cramped hotel room. They had wonderful cook wear, utensils, plates etc. Only draw back is the fridge is pretty tiny but everything we had we managed to fit and the freezer never has enough ice. Perhaps an ice maker would improve for the premises. We were always having to drink a luke war drink (but who cares as we were in paradise and after 4-5 it didn't matter anyway!:) We NEVER shared the pool with another person...in fact it seemed like we were the only people there.(and there were 6 of the 12 units rented one w/ teens) VERY relaxing. The staff is wonderful and the units are always kept remarkably clean. The only other suggestion we would have for the resort is to perhaps invest in a couple of golf carts/motorized cars to drive guests back and forth to the Halcyon because I will be quick to say that is some hill. We made it and if you are reasonably fit it won't be a problem but it would be a nice ammenity to have a shuttle say every 30 minutes or even every hour.

Beach: I must say it was a beautiful calm beach and wasn't crowded. Soft sand and very gentle waves. It is the most unusual color. It was a minty/turqouise color. And it varied in clarity. It gets clearer down past Sandals (Glad I didn't pay that price it looked just okay but look @ our pics the cottages look brand new) around The Beach Restaurant (will get to that in the restaurants next.) The vendors are not too pushy I have seen worse. A simple no thank you and they are on their way.

Restaurants: Since we stayed @ a cottage w/ full kitchen we only ate out 5 times.
The Beach....was actually our favorite and we loved the atmosphere. The food was very good and very reasonable. We even cocktails and appetizers and it was never more than $85.00. The view is awesome day and night. Must try this out. Plus you walk to it just past Sandals.

Coconut Grove....this restaurant was okay. We had really hyped ourselves up but it just didn't deliver. Don't get me wrong it was good and the atmosphere is wonderful. I'd say still give it a shot for a reasonable more upscale than The Beach dinner.

Russell's.....This was our least favorite. The food just wasn't very good. We left a majority of it uneaten. Although I am glad we went as the restaurant is very unique. Mabye only try for lunch not dinner.

Excursions/Things to Def Do....We went to Shirley Heights Sunday BBQ and I would have been REALLY disappointed had we not went. We had a blast and the views are breathtaking. You don't wanna miss just be sure you remember to bring $8.00 each to get in p/p. We didn't know and only had travelers checks. Thanks for the lovely British couple who immediately helped us out until I could get in to cash some of the checks.

Did the circumnavigation tour through Tony on Dickenson Bay on the Excellence and it was Fabulous. The BBQ on the boat was probably the best meal we had. It is wonderful and the drinks flow. The crew is wonderful and friendly and the captain narrates everything and he is quite the comedien I must say! :) Don't miss this one. You get to snorkel and see the whole island. Be careful when you cross the Atlantic as it is one bumpy ride.

All in all this was one fabulous trip. We would probably rate only second to Turks and Caicos.

One more thing. Use the cabs/cars @ the Halcyon. They are very friendly and prompt. I wish I could remember one's name in particular (he is young medium build w/ tight corn rows I want to say his name is Tony too) we were walking down to the beach and he stopped in the middle of the road just to ask us did we enjoy Shirley Heights. I have never had anyone as friendly as the Antiguans anywhere in the Caribbean. We also rented a car but as everyone has stated it is a bit confusing but glad we did it.

The airport was no problem at all in fact it was very easy and not overly crowded. I hope I haven't put anyone to sleep w/ the long report but as I learned this site is super valuable for planning as it is how we planned everything.

So go to Antigua and I highly recommend the DBC and wouldn't hesitate to return. Check out our pics and you decide....I bet it won't be hard!:)

Happy Vacationing!