A customers recent experience of visiting Antigua...
1 Who did you book with?
I booked with Mandy! My family and I have been using Mandy for our holidays for nearly 14 years now!!
2 When did you book your holiday?
I booked back in Nov 2020 – originally to travel to Antigua in March. This couldn’t go ahead, so Mandy kindly helped us move it to June. The airline then cancelled the flights – so Mandy helped us re-book to travel this August!
3 Where did you travel to and was it a green or amber country?
We travelled to Antigua, and it was and still currently is Green. Mandy was excellent at keeping us up to date with what tests etc were required.
4 What hotel did you stay in?
We stayed at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort.
5 Who did you fly with and what cabin was you in?
We flew with British Airways and in their new Club Suite Cabin business class.
6 What PCR tests were you required to take?
We did a PCR test 4 days before we travelled, 1 in resort 24 hours before we came home, and a Day 2 at home PCR test upon our return.
7 How was your airport experience?
The airport was busy at Heathrow, however as we had priority check-in we were able to bypass the queues and head through security in less than 10 minutes. We found the Club very busy, and tricky to find a table for just 2 of us.
Coming home, Antigua airport was very quiet apart from us on the BA flight – it didn’t seem as though there were any other flights departing otherwise!
8 How was your in-flight experience?
Great! So nice to be on a plane! The flight was very chilled. Slightly odd having to wear a mask the whole flight – after the rules have since relaxed here in the UK. But this was only when not actively eating or drinking. I took 2 masks so I could change part way through the flight, and feel a little fresher. The crew hand you your own anti-bacterial wipes and a disposal bag, should you want to use these on your seat throughout the flight – a nice touch.
9 Was the hotel busy?
Yes absolutely full!
10 Did the hotel experience feel different post Covid?
It was different in terms of the buffet breakfast – you couldn’t self-serve. A member of staff would follow you round, and put what you wanted on your plate.
All staff were wearing masks, but it wasn’t mandatory for guests around the property and the grounds – only if you wanted to. You were politely asked to sanitise before taking your seat at any restaurant, which every guest was happily doing.
11 What are the main differences you felt between travelling now and pre-Covid?
Travel wasn’t taken for granted! Other guests and ourselves felt more grateful to be in a beautiful Caribbean island! Getting to our hotel and starting our holiday felt more like an accomplishment rather than just ‘a holiday’ that perhaps we used to take for granted. It made even the smallest things more special – having all my meals cooked for me and all my drinks poured for me, after being housebound for such a long time felt like the biggest luxury!
12 Would you travel again soon?
Absolutely! We’ve already got a November trip to the Maldives planned with Mandy, a Ski Trip in January and trip to Jamaica planned for February – we know we’re in such good hands with Mandy & Nesoi Travel we thought we’d still plan and book our trips as normal (and make the most of some excellent deals she found for us!) and then treat it as a 50/50 if it goes ahead, nearer the time! We’re both chilled travellers and feel very reassured and comfortable in Nesoi’s hands – it’s a very different experience booking with a reputable travel agency vs booking trips independently (as many of our friends unfortunately found out over the last year).
Phone: 01233 510936
Saturdays 9am- 1pm
