When COVID-19 stops you in your tracks from traveling, life becomes simpler and more cozy, right? Fred and I did our share of reading books, doing yoga, cooking, and hunkering down. We barely discussed travel except to cancel our favorite trip to St. Bart’s and our premier yoga, food and wine retreat in Italy called Align, Dine & Wine (bummer). However after we were vaccinated we could not help ourselves and planned a much needed getaway to Antigua (pronounced Ann-tee-ge) in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. We had never been before, but since this particular island had low virus numbers and was easier to get into than most islands, we decided to go for it.

The flight was easy direct to the island, although we did have one over night in Miami and stayed in the cool Brickell area. So yeah, we flew direct from Miami and arrived three hours and fifteen minutes later. We opted for an all-inclusive, adults only resort called Keyonna on the relaxed and calm majestic white sand beach called Turner’s Beach forty minutes from the airport. Surprisingly it is a big island with lots to do and see from snorkeling, hiking through rainforests, ATV adventures, wildlife safaris, boating, etc. We however opted to be sloths most of the time, with a little adventure on the side.

Our boutique resort made it easy to enjoy our vacation with COVID-avoidance since most everything except sleeping takes place outdoors including breakfast, lunch and dinner— even our shower was outside. Keyonna is rustic, yet luxurious in its own way with lush surroundings, hummingbirds and butterflies at every turn, and caring and respectful service. The small bar opens at 8am and the island fare is good throughout the day. Our day consisted of sauntering out our bedroom french doors and taking the five steps to our private plunge pool to revive us. Tea and a little yoga would be next and then we would expand our horizons with another three steps onto the sugar-coated beach.

After breakfast, an easy five minute walk from our indigenously made cottage, we would hunker down on our own Bali bed to relish in the infinite turquoise view and painterly skies. A walk along the mile-long beach was meditative and our swims in the buoyant sea were awakening. Champagne, books, swims and sunsets were at our beckon call.This is the perfect place to rest, relax, read and renew yourself. keyonnabeachresortantigua.com/