Having a husband whose career is in global development, it is always a challenge to find a destination that (1) he hasn’t already been and (2) is “worth” yet another plane ride. But the promise of a lesser-traveled Caribbean island with our own hillside villa and infinity pool was enough to entice us both to make the trip to Antigua.

After assurances that July weather in the Caribbean is generally mild, we were met with five sublimely bright and tropical days. And since the goal of our holiday was to sunbathe our stresses away, our 10x10 plunge pool, surround sound stereo and ample, all-inclusive mini-bar held our attention—beginning day one. As soon as we were dropped off at Villa #33 and saw our view of the quiet bay below, we knew this was the ideal hide-away for our first REAL vacation in five years. Over the next few days, there wasn’t much that tempted us out of our own private perch…

On day two, I did manage to lovingly drag darling husband to a morning yoga session—much needed after the previous (and upcoming) day’s indulgences.

Day three included a private lunch on the prettiest secluded beach, sand scattered with white and ivory shells.

Devon, Head of Water Sports, took us out for an impromptu sunset tour on day four. After dinner, at the poolside bar, we started conversation with a well-traveled couple from Atlanta. When we inquired why they chose Hermitage Bay, they asked if we knew about a website called Luxury Link. We smiled and nodded, happy to share another thing in common with our new friends.

Sadly, our final full day arrived. We busied our minds/bodies balancing on paddleboards to keep the end-of-vacation blues and deadlines and meetings and email as far away as LAX.

Our last meal was filled with the requisite questions of when could we get away next and where would we go. Our conversation interrupted by what on night five was now the norm, a delicately prepared three-course, organic dinner. Desert was bittersweet—the end to a great vacation… And when the evening’s entertainment sang “No Woman No Cry,” I thought I might.

Back to #33 for our final sleep, sliding into a small gap of the tightly tucked mosquito netting, I found a card with a Sufic saying propped on my pillow, “The endless road is the only one worth traveling.” Drowsy from a day of sun, our last island meal and the gnawing dread and sadness of the return to reality, my mood changed and I drifted off hopeful—where would my dreams and Luxury Link take us next…

Tips:

• Arrange for the private island lunch (additional $40).
• The kitchen is very accommodating; don’t be shy about asking about substitutions and additions.
• Buy the amazingly large conch shells (must be packed in checked luggage) and local island jewelry sold in St. John’s.
• Pack Hydrocortisone cream to soothe bug bites (not to worry, just a few) and an iPod loaded with your favorite island tunes.
• Try the paddleboards, good way to get a core workout while having some fun.

About the Author:
Neena has spent the past four years travelling with her husband who works in international retail development. No coincidence her last name is Packing—it’s her favorite thing to do. For more of Neena’s adventures, follow her on Twitter @IAmPacking.