Space to move, space to think, space to be you Antigua and Barbuda present, ‘Your Space in the Sun’

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Lush green foliage, unfathomable blue waters, waves crashing on a white sandy beach, a speed boat, chopping through the water, a shot of turquoise waters that can only be described as utopic. Finally, there are two people lying in the water without a care in the world. My senses were heightened, and I couldn’t help but wonder, where is this magical place.

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island utopia offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, and mouth-watering cuisine. I bet you didn’t know that if you wanted to unwind on a new beach everyday, there are 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. It is no wonder that the twin-islands have been voted the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

I think this is a great time to welcome you back to Cabin Fever Countdown. This series has been put together to mentally and visually stimulate our readers and to get travellers back into the spirit of travelling. It has been a tough year, and although many of us want to travel, things have changed. With islands opening up to accept more visitors, destinations must adapt, and address concerns that people have about visiting the islands.

Using stunning aerial photography, Antigua and Barbuda has launched ‘Your Space in the Sun” a campaign created to position the destination as the perfect remedy for the 2020 travel blues. The aim is to provide a pleasurable experience, without the crowds found on other islands in the Caribbean and across Europe.

Travellers have new desires, and needs. The ‘Your Space in the Sun’ campaign is designed to speak to the newfound desire of space and freedom to move and explore the world without having to feel restricted or trapped. Antigua and Barbuda have the perfect antidote for that. You are invited to broaden your horizons and enjoy all the space you need: space to move, space to think, space to be you.

“One of the most profound differences centres on physical distancing. The concept of personal space has been amplified, and the aversion to mass gatherings and crowded spaces is likely to remain for the foreseeable future. “ Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment

‘Your Space in the Sun’ campaign acknowledges and owns this reality and presents Antigua and Barbuda as the destination where space – in all its forms and in every context — is comfortably possible. Antigua and Barbuda opened their borders on June 1^st, 2020 and received their first international flight only three days later. The island is proud to announce that they were the first set of islands in the Caribbean to do so after the massive lockdown in March.

Travellers can set their minds at ease when travelling to Antigua and Barbuda because the Commonwealth Coronavirus COVID-19 Tracker (https://www.thecommonwealth.io/coronavirustracker/) has determined that the island is among two of 54 Commonwealth countries that is fully prepared to address the current crisis. The islands scored a five out of five on the Commonwealth Tracker scale, with Canada (Woot, Woot) being the only other Commonwealth country to have a perfect score.

Now that you have started to pack your bags, what should you prepare for when travelling to Antigua and Barbuda? You have to take a COVID-19 antigen test that must be administered with seven days of your departure. When you arrive, you have to present your clearance certification, and if you have a temperature, you will be subjected to additional testing.

With direct flights and easy connections from the US, Canada, UK, Europe and the Caribbean, you will find yourself in the picturesque Caribbean twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda, in no time.

Don’t take my word for it. I want you to have your own visual experience, so visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com, and imagine your own space in the sun.