I am not sure exactly when it happened, but at a certain point in the last few years, Spring Break has become a sacred week in our house – up there with birthdays, the holidays and other memory making times of the year.
By this time, we are all headed towards burn out from school, work, activities, sports, schedules, etc., etc. and we look forward to this week away like no other week of the year.
I look forward to it not only to get away but also for the opportunity to reconnect with my boys. We are all moving so fast, and I love being with them day in and day out, in a new fun place. I catch up on their little lives and savor the time together without any distractions.
And you come to realize that as a Mom, it is your job to Make The Magic Happen.
Enter, this amazing place: Jumby Bay Island Resort in Antigua where we spent this year’s Spring Break.
It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Here are all the details:
- GETTING THERE:
- About a four hour direct flight from Atlanta and other major hubs in the Southeast
- The airport is very small. Jumby Bay resort staff meet you at the airport; getting in and out is a breeze. There were no crowds, no delays, etc. like in other island airports. (But we still love you anyway, Jamaica.)
- It is about a 10 minute ride to catch the private ferry to take you over to the tiny island of Jumby Bay.
- ALL INCLUSIVE MODEL: Jumby Bay Island resort is all inclusive.
- I think the phrase “all inclusive” has a bad connotation — associated with mediocre all-you-can-eat buffets.
- Not the case here. The food at this resort was some of the best I have EVER had on a vacation – fresh, delicious, great variety, and on and on.
- RESTAURANTS & DINNERS: There are three restaurants on the property, in addition to “pop ups” throughout the week. Some are better than others. If I had to do it all over again, I would skip “West Indian Hang Out” night – we did not think the food was nearly as good as the other two pop ups.
- The “White Night Beach BBQ” was the highlight for us – it was an incredible spread, on the beach, with a band. Perfection. We also enjoyed the “Dinner at the Farm” night.
- There is a high end restaurant on the island called The Estate House, which is lovely and the food was terrific. Reservations required in advance and it does book up.
- But I have to say, my favorite was the more casual terrace restaurant, The Veranda, which was still very chic – white tablecloths, great cocktails and wine list in a beautiful spot on the beach. This is the same place where you can have breakfast and lunch each day. The selections range anywhere from delicious pizzas, to fresh fish, pasta, and other specials. We loved this spot for all three meals. Don’t forget your Uno cards.
- ACTIVITIES: The Kids Club was a 10/10. Whereas some kids clubs are hit or miss, this one was a hit each day. They have a full list of activities from sports to water activities to painting – there is something for everyone. My boys met friends and spent tons of time there.
- The all inclusive model also means the kids club and every water sport – tubing, snorkeling, paddling, etc – bike rides, and all the smoothies you could ever want – all included.
- One of my sons is a little shy and the other one has never met a stranger – they both had a great experience.
- FUN FACT: No cars on Jumby! It is so neat – everyone gets around on bikes and golf carts.
And Happy Mother’s Day!!
Ferry Hair, Don’t Care.
