Sugar Ridge: Antigua's Secluded Hillside Gem

Antigua's newest  boutique resort is nestled in a natural hillside bordered with sugar cane is the namesake location of Sugar Ridge, which is enveloped with colorful, indigenous flora and fauna in addition to the sweet cane that serves as a base of many of Antigua’s libations. This small yet luxury filled resort boasts 60 rooms with panoramic views to the south and west of palm-lined beaches and the turquoise Caribbean Sea as well as neighboring islands of Redonda, St. Kitts and Nevis.  From your terrace you will also have picturesque views of villages and Antigua's beautifully untouched coastal terrain.  

The suites draped in earth tones are calming to the soul and offer seamless indoor-outdoor living with large windows and doors. Views at every angle of the lush hillside and Caribbean Sea are laced with the upmost seclusion. All accommodations feature comfortable outdoor lounging areas with private decks.  

A 6,000 square foot Aveda spa will melt your cares away providing guests a full collection of treatments featuring the latest in holistic therapies, a hair salon and manicures and pedicures. For the athletic a fully air-conditioned gym features Cybex fitness equipment, studio for aerobics, pilates,  yoga classes and swimming pools: an 82-foot long lap pool and a 44-foot pool. For those of us who love to lounge by the pool cabanas and sun bathing areas.

No luxury boutique resort would be complete without  fufilling our epicurean desires with two restaurants and lounges. Both openair with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.  Matt Westwood, head Chef ensures that his menu reflects ‘what’s fresh now,’ from Antigua’s local market. Carmichael’s serves an international blend of contemporary cuisine and Sugar Club, the resort’s main restaurant, takes a modern approach to Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. 

Activities include:kite surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, catamaran sailing or wake and knee boarding.  However your adventure will not stop there Sugar Ridge can arrange dive courses and access to the island’s coastline, wrecks and reefs. Beach facilities include a marina and an 18-hole golf course are a three-minute drive away by shuttle. Sugar Ridge is also host to 8 boutique shops.  Who could ask for more?

Please contact Skyline Destinations for bookings:

AllisonCTravels@SkylineDestinations.com

http://www.SkylineDestinations.com

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Red Stripe Chicken

I know exactly what I am cooking tonight to lift my spirits in this frigid weather. 

 Red Stripe Chicken

INGREDIENTS :

• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 3 pounds  chicken
• 2 cups canned coconut milk/cream
• 1 cup Red Stripe beer 
• 1 Large onion (chopped)
• 1 large green bell pepper
• Salt and pepper

METHOD:

1. Cut the chicken into serving pieces
2. De-deseed green bell pepper and chop up onion
3. Heat vegetable oil in Dutch pot
4. Brown the chicken in oil (both sides)
5. Remove the chicken
6. Pour off some of the oil.
7. Leave 2 table spoon of oil in the pot
8. Return the chicken to the pot
9. Add the coconut milk and red strip beer
10. Once the pot is boiling reduce to heat to a simmer
11. Cook for 30 minutes
12. Add  onion, bell pepper
13. Add salt and pepper to taste
14. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes as the liquid reduces and thickens.
15. If the liquid evaporates before the chicken is done replenish more Red Stripe beer.
16. Serve while hot
17. Serving size 4-6

Recipe courtesy of  www.jamaican.com/cooking

Allison C. Patton

http://www.SkylineDeatinations.com

AllisonCTravels@SkylineDestinations.com

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The Twelve Apostles

     I woke up early this morning to thoughts about one of my favorite resorts in Camps Bay just minutes away from Cape Town.  This resort stands at the edge of the world.  It reaches toward heaven as the sun sets on breeching whales, playful dolphins, and crashing Atlantic rollers. This luxury 5-star boutique hotel is sheltered by the wilderness trails of the Table Mountain National Park. All can be taken in by relaxing on the golden beaches of The Twelve Apostles. 

     The staff and service will melt your troubles away as the most difficult decision whilst staying here will be deciding whether to overlook the mountains or the sea. The resort boasts 55 deluxe guest rooms and 15 luxurious suites.  The guest rooms and suites adorn a contemporary African style, classic European comfort and effortless, up-to-the-minute technology.  As I close my eyes I appear relaxed and completely serene lounging on the terrace of the Presidential Suite.  At the highest point of the resort the room boasts  open-plan lounge / dining room and kitchenette leads into a master bedroom and a second room that we'll furnish as gym or office according to choice. You have two bathrooms, two toilets, and a stunning wrap-around balcony with a surreal views of sea, mountains, and fynbos wilderness.

 
     The  Azure Restaurant with its cape fusion cuisine was awardedprestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Blazon award, given to  professional members such as an owner, manager or executive chef of a dining or hotel establishment maintaining a superb level of cuisine, service and  hospitality, as required by the exacting standards of the  Chaîne internationally.  However the luxe dining options do not stop there with the Cafe and Leopard Room Bar (host to 72 selections of vodka and 46 ports).  Following enjoy a classic film in the private cinema just off the Azure Restaurant.

     Just before I reach the end of my morning daydream I will take a stroll to the Spa where complete wellness reigns.  Recently named Leading Spa Resort in Africa indulge in a range of treatments including many based on the indigenous fynbos flora. Or you can opt for a secluded open-air treatment in a shady gazebo.  There are no words to describe the total experience one can take in at The Twelve Apostles Spa as it is simply unworldly. 

Bookings Provided By:

http://www.SkylineDestinations.com

AllisonCTravels@SkylineDestinations.com

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