LE JARDIN CREOLE

This was our second two holiday at Le Jardin Creole and it certainly won't be our last. Already booked for 2015. Our hosts Kathy and Peter are a delightful, charming and hospitable couple who will go out of their way to ensure absolute guest satisfaction. They will share their extensive knowledge of what there is to enjoy during your stay in Antigua. The property has been carefully and lovingly blended into a tropical garden paradise. A traditional Caribbean Inn, not contrived or manufactured, just very homely, unique and informal.

Located in the upmarket Hodges Bay area on the northern coast of Antigua within easy access to St Johns, VC Bird international airport and some of the best beaches that you will ever see. A car, which you can park securely on site, provides you with the freedom to explore the island and soak up the atmosphere and array of things to do. There are some fabulous local restaurants, from fine dinning to barefoot informal drop in dinning venues as well as a variety of takeaways (KFC, The Waterfront, The Larder, Pizza, Subway and Chinese, to name just a few) if that's your thing.

You can of course self-cater as there a two large modern supermarkets (Epicurean and First Choice) within 10 minutes drive. Try Papa Zouk a fabulous fish restaurant and Rum Shop located just on the outskirts of St Johns, or C & C wine bar in the centre of town. Kathy and Peter will no doubt provide you with many options/ideas within the immediate locality or further afield. Occasionally, they will host a BBQ and casual get together under the stars which guests can join, if they wish. We enjoy chipping in with our own contributions of food and drink.

Le Jardin Creole has all that you could want for a relaxing holiday. Very we'll appointed comfy traditional rooms with all the mod cons, including cable TV, ceiling fans. Some rooms also feature air-conditioning units. A couple of the units also have quirky outdoor showers, subtly housed in enclosed garden areas. All of this is located in a beautifully landscaped and lovingly tendered tropical garden. You will always be able to find a peaceful corner to relax, breakfast, lunch, read, browse your iPad or smartphone - courtesy of the complimentary wi-fi which is available. There is also a table-tennis table and equipment as well as bikes for guest use.

There is nothing better than to sit back on your verandah and sip a sundowner as the tree-frogs start their evening chorus and without the need to conform to a stiff formal dress code, which is often required at most traditional island properties. We have enjoyed many social evenings whilst at Le Jardin Creole and always feel at home and settle in within minutes of our arrival. We have been travelling to Antigua regularly for almost 20 years, sometimes twice a year and after all this time we have only recently been introduced to one of the best places to stay, on the whole island.

We recommend this beautiful Caribbean hideaway to couples, families and small groups of friends. Some of our friends are due to stay there next year too, as they are sold on our recommendation to stay in this special corner of Antigua. Go ahead and check this out for yourself but leave some space for us too. Can't wait to return:-)

Stay tune on Palm-Frangipani Cottage at Le Jardin Creole page for more reviews on TripAdvisor.