The "Antigua 2019: Halycon Cove Resort" Story

Flight from Miami went fine.  Flying over St. Martin in this photo.

It was an ordinary day.  Looking back over our recent trip to Antigua and talking to my wife about what we each liked enjoyed during the 11 days we had on the island.  Our home away from home for the vacation was the Starfish Halcyon Cove on Dickenson Bay.  

Information on the back of seat in front of me on the plane.

We stayed at the same location when we first visited the island ten years ago and as our taxi driver told us when we asked if the place still looked the same, "They've done nothing to change it!"  He pulled into the driveway of the resort and the first thing I noticed was the flags flying high in front of the resort.  

Arriving at Halcyon Cove Resort. Click on images to enlarge.

There were only three flags on the five poles, and they were in bad shape.  Seems to have been exactly what we were told by our driver.  The resort staff was remarkable, but the aged resort was lacking in many categories.  

Lobby of the Halcyon Cove Resort.

Our room had a safe that didn't work, even after having the batteries changed in it three times.  Most of the water in the shower ran down the wall instead of out the shower head and the drain in the vanity was missing.  We did have a very comfortable bed with a fantastic view of the resort.  And, the meals in the all-inclusive resort were extremely tasty.  

View of the resort from our balcony.

Every meal featured something different for our visit.  Some meals were served in the upstairs dining room while others were served on the patio deck or in the Warri Pier dining room.  Once again, the service was remarkable and the staff was so helpful and friendly.  

A usual breakfast for me.

We heard that the resort had been sold and would be either torn down or renovated in the near future.  I'm sure the staff is worried about their jobs in the future while the work is being done.  The beach is directly in front of the resort and the beach was amazing with calm waters and plenty of shade to keep out of the hot Caribbean sun if needed.  

A view of the beach from ground level.

All drinks were included in our program and we made good use of that fact.  We met many new friends who were, for the most part, from either England or Canada.  Did find a few from the United States and a group of ladies from Scotland, but being the island is an English island, most carried the English accent.  

Evening view on the beach.

I walked the beach a few times and at the opposite end of Dickenson Bay is a Sandals resort that is amazing.  We may never return to this island again, but we will still have great memories of the two visits that we did make to Antigua.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - More photos follow with more stories in the days ahead...

This was a favorite dessert called Hot Chocolate Pudding.

Airport when we landed in Antigua.  Very modern!

My wife and I waiting to eat breakfast.

Just finished my drink!  Not a care in the world...except what I would eat at supper.

How about some of this Cherry Mousse.  A favorite!

A traditional photograph while traveling with friends.  We were Gold Bracelet
visitors since we had been there before.  Were treated like Royalty.

View of the over-the-water restaurant before guests arrived.  Called the Warri Pier. 

Another favorite dessert called Mixed Fruit Cobbler.

And yet another dessert called Mango Mousse.

And finally...the pool area of the resort.