Casa Azul, Antigua

Advantages: a truly awesome experience
Disadvantages: can I have some money for the diamond shops please

...“You will be bored in Antigua – it’s only for beach lovers”, quoted a colleague. HOW WRONG THEY WERE! I was very fortunate this year to find myself preparing and looking forward to my second holiday this year headed for two weeks of bliss in Antigua, Caribbean, West Indies. As my regular readers will know, I’m a keen fan of travelling, this trip for me was the furthest I’ve travelled yet (watch this space!) - apart from a New York shopping trip in the eighties, that is. I took a direct scheduled flight from Gatwick which I found to be comfortable, good food, leg room not too bad compared to the usual short haul destinations, plus a wide selection of movies and radio channels to fiddle with during the 8 and a half hour flight. I did read a couple of negative reviews on my chosen accommodation prior to take off, the Jolly... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A five-star stay…
Disadvantages: …with just three-star facilities

...simplicity often trumps ritzy ostentation. Attentive service matters, but nothing is nastier than the kind of smarmy obsequiousness that always seems to mask a sneer. And so on. Maybe it's simply down to that indefinable essence known as character or personality. These inconsequential musings are prompted by my trying to pinpoint what it was about the Casa San Blas at Cusco that I liked so much. The hotel is certainly not without its limitations and even its failings, but it's a nevertheless a charming and delightful place to stay. Let's try to summarise what it has to offer. * Location * The Casa San Blas is situated just a few minutes' walk from Cusco's Plaza de Armas (central square), and is therefore convenient for all the main sights of the ancient Inca capital, such as the Qorikancha (Sun Temple), the Cathedral... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Sun, Sea, Sand
Disadvantages: Having to leave

...We visited Antigua in May 2000. It was a surprise vacation organised fro my birthday from my husband. We stayed at Sandals Antigua. Antigua boasts of 365 beaches, that is one for every day of the year. The beaches in Antigua are beautiful. The sand is like powder, and not gritty like Europe, and the sea is like a luke warm bath. There seems to be no tides, so the sea is very calm and gentle. I recommend you go on a Sunset Cruise as the sunsets are breathe taking. Also you must take a cruise on Michaels Glass bottom boat, this one certainly looks good fun and he is always happy to help. He will even provide fresh lobster for the cruise.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful