Grant and Liz came to Antigua from Canada on their honeymoon three years ago, and decided to return for another vacation in paradise.  Here's the first part of their trip diary:

The excitement level of returning to Antigua was as high as it gets. After clearing the airport immigration we were met outside by two little people holding finger-painted signs that read "Welcome to Antigua, Grant and Elizabeth". Our hosts' children were all smiles and giggles as we pretended not to see them standing there. I said, "I wonder where they are? They were supposed to meet us!" Then they jumped up with the sign and welcomed us with open arms. What a feeling! I didn't see anyone else at the airport get such an exciting welcome. "Bring on the fresh air and sun,"  I said to Elizabeth.

After unloading the car I realised that I was too excited and forgot a bag at the airport. I immediately started a bit of a panic feeling, thinking that we had come all this way, only to lose some luggage. "No worries mate," our host Rob said, "This is Antigua. The the bag is safe right where it you left it, no one will touch it." Good, that lowered the heart rate. We drove back to the airport, and soon it was back in my hands.

"We need to make a stop on the way home," Rob said. So we stopped at the local gas station for two types of liquid, one to make the car go, and one to quench a serious thirst. Hey this was a better second start on the island. It's funny all the things that look familiar as if they were dreamed up. The cars, the people, the roads, the driving style, the sounds, all mixed together in the memories of our previous visit. It was fantastic, that we had wanted to come back for just over three years and managed to come here again.
People should always return to a place where they had such good memories, it makes the place stick in your head and remain real.

After changing some clothes we were on our way to a really cool place to have an afternoon relaxing time on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Little did I suspect it was going to have such an overwhelming feeling of euphoria. We were driven up the hill by an employee in an open air golf cart that climbs with a groan up the steep hillside, winding back and forth as it makes it's way to the top at Carmichael's restaurant.  Just opened five months, it was spectacular. The view, the view, the view, did I mention the view?  How on earth did they get all this wood and concrete up such a steep hill. Well, apparently it was a wonder of a building project for the island.  You have to go there to believe it.

The music provided by well known DJ Offshore sets the scene for a perfect afternoon. I had a steak which lasted all of five minutes with my talent for eating fast. It's just that it was soo good, I couldn't help myself. I wanted to order another one but had started into the drinks that kept a coming to the table. WOW, is all I could say all afternoon.  It was though some force of nature had guided us there to see what relaxation truly was.  There is an infinity pool beside the restaurant where guests can take a dip and enjoy the breathtaking view. I, however, enjoyed the drinks, music, smells, and the view. It was all my senses could take. I think I might have passed out from the sheer pleasure of being in such a beautiful place. And that was just the first afternoon right off the plane. Wait just wait, there is more of this afternoon and evening to come. Can you believe that it's sometimes possible to pack in so much into one day? Sleep is overrated when going on vacation....

Part 2 of Grant and Liz's Excellent Vacation in next week's issue.