Plan your destination wedding on scenic Antigua, home to history, outdoor adventure, and some truly beautiful beaches.Cost is a significant deterrent from destination weddings, but we promise you an Antiguan wedding would not break your bank account. From the pre wedding party to the moment you say ‘I do’ the atmosphere the island provides will be etched in you and your guests’ minds for a lifetime. An Antiguan destination wedding means bright skies, the beautiful horizon where the sea meets the deep blue and a unique and unbelievably scrumptious cuisine, whether or not you choose local food. The Villas at Sunset Lane’s intimate surroundings makes it a perfect venue for your island wedding. You get to choose from three amazing packages: Courtyard Elegance where our courtyard is transformed into an elegant ceremony space with the fountain serving as a focal point of the overall decor. The main dining room serves as the reception area with a décor with the colour scheme of your choice.Our team provides Pre-travel consultation with a personal wedding event coordinator, Bridal Bouquet using local fresh flowers, Groom’s Boutonniere using local fresh flowers, Decorated draped back-drop for the ceremony, Small table for register signing, One 10″ single layer wedding cake, One chilled bottle of champagne or sparkling wine, Ceremony décor to include arrangements for the ceremony area, aisle décor (aisle runner included), Chair covers and sashes and Reception décor to include a tablecloth, runner, centerpieces , napkins, menus. We consult you for preference and arrange everything thing to suit your taste. For the less sand friendly folk, a Poolside package is available at our villa. While our ‘Sand Between Your Toes’ package provides the entire ‘Tropical’ / ‘Island’ feel. Planning to get married in Antigua some time soon? Here is what you need to know: Antigua stands as one half of two of the most picture-perfect islands in the heart of the Caribbean, an Antigua destination wedding means bright blues skies, waters that match the hue and endless, white sandy beaches. This large floating nation, as well as nearby Barbuda, is infamous for its naval history, including an English Harbour, a restored dockyard, a museum and a marina. When your guests are taking a break from celebrating, there are a slew of hiking trails, most notably Shirley Heights, which used to be a military guard post. For couples who want to have many beach-vibes options, there are at least six to choose from, all with different values and perks, from coves and cliffs to a shallow, translucent sea. No matter where you exchange your vows, an Antigua destination wedding will warm your spirits—and start your marriage off sun-kissed. Best Time of Year to Get Married in Antigua Once you send out the ‘save the dates’—everything about getting married suddenly feels real. It’s an exciting moment, but one that many couples deeply discuss before putting it in writing. Especially if you’re having an Antigua destination wedding, securing the ideal weather forecast will ensure the rain clouds stay away. The best time of year is between May and November during the off-season. During these months, nightly rates and nuptial fees will be lower, and the temperature will teeter around 80 degrees. Because it is nestled in the Caribbean, there is a slight risk of hurricanes mid-September to early November, but historically, this island has experienced much turmoil. For fewer clouds (but plenty of tourists!), choose a date between December and April. Marriage Laws in Antigua Good news if you have your sights (and deposit) set for an Antigua destination wedding: it is one of the easiest to pull off, legally. Though some countries require waiting periods, here, you can get hitched the same day you arrive when you request a special marriage license. You’ll need to bring your passport, proof of divorce/death if applicable and a completed application, but otherwise, it’s easy-peasy. Make sure to check with a professional to ensure you’re following the rules, just to be safe! We hope to see you soon!

With over fifteen sponsors Antigua & Barbuda’s Sailing Week has become a major tradition for the Island and early vacationers each year. This is a yacht regatta held at Nelson's Dockyard, St. Johns, Antigua. It is one of Antigua's most notable events. Founded in 1968, it is cited as one of the top regattas in the world and attracts an average 150-200 yachts, 1500 participants and 5000 spectators on average annually. The 53rd edition of the regatta is taking place on April 25th - 1st May 2020. But to rewind a bit, it started in 1968 when a group of friends got together to hold a regatta. A number of the friends were hoteliers and part of their objective in creating the regatta was to extend the winter season by getting people to stay in Antigua a little longer – or to come specifically to participate in the event which would in turn extend the end of the current season. So in 1968 the Antigua Hotel Association sponsored the very first Antigua Sailing Week which was held from the 8th through the 15th of June with participating boats from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Invitations were extended far and wide via travel agents, inviting everyone to come to the ‘Island for All Seasons’ – Antigua. Festivities included a three-day ‘Lord Nelson Regatta’ with sailing yachts of up to 135-feet in length, power boat races, deep sea fishing and Sunfish sailing contests. There was also a two-day race among Antigua’s workboat fishermen whose boats had been freshly painted in bold Caribbean colours specifically for the event. The Antiguan Government and Antigua Sailing Week Committee went to great lengths to welcome visitors and ensure they had a good time. For those not on the water but looking for a way to be part of the action, there were beach and verandah parties from which the events could be observed; alternatively a small fee could be paid for a spot to race on a participating boat. On Saturday, June 8, 1968 everyone was invited to watch the finish of the Guadeloupe to English Harbour Race for boats coming from the southern Caribbean islands to participate in Antigua Sailing Week. That was the first of many parties and balls to be held throughout the week with the final awards party taking place in Nelson’s Dockyard with a Lord Nelson Costume Ball held on Saturday, June 15, 1968. The inaugural Antigua Sailing Week was such a huge success that it was repeated the following year with dates being moved up a week to May 31 through June 7, 1969. And so it went over the following 47 years, with new sponsors coming on board and the program of events is growing and evolving. The dates eventually changed and it became a tradition for Antigua Sailing Week to officially begin on the last Sunday in April every year. Eventually the hotels became less involved, the workboat races disappeared and dinghy racing events are now held separately. Super yachts and maxis now participate in more and more events designed specifically for them, the US East Coast and Mediterranean seasons begin much earlier which has led to a shortened Caribbean season, and the Caribbean yacht racing calendar is full. As a result, all Caribbean racing events have had to evolve to suit the current racing climate. Antigua Sailing Week’s tagline is now ‘where sailing comes first’, with organizers having recognized that sailors participate first and foremost for top quality racing. The parties and social atmosphere are still key features of any regatta, however, and so at the end of every day of racing there are a variety of parties and events designed to please everyone. Not everything has disappeared or changed though. The Guadeloupe to English Harbour Race has remained a fixture to this day and is now known as the Guadeloupe to Antigua Race. The Lord Nelson Costume Ball evolved into the Lord Nelson’s Ball and was held as an exclusive formal prize-giving affair at the Admiral’s Inn for many years. The Ball did, however, recently give way to more casual awards party held behind the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard which is open to all and welcomes sailors, residents and visitors alike. Regardless of evolution, however, one thing remains true. Antigua Sailing Week has and will continue to remain strong for many years to come. Participating boats and sailors come and go as do changes to the event itself, but Antigua Sailing Week is here to stay!

At the Villas at Sunset Lane, we care a lot about you and your taste buds. Our signature culinary day tour “Sunset, Sip and Savour” allows our guests to be immersed in a hands-on, memorable, fun-filled, laid back and authentic Caribbean cooking experience. Owner/Chef Jackie uses fresh and in-season vegetables, herbs, meats and fruits from local farmers to prepare our local national dishes. Upon arrival, the guests are greeted with a refreshing local drink made from fruits in season, a full menu and recipes which culminates with a sit-down dining experience to enjoy the food they assisted in preparing. This offer runs at our Villas Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 3hrs at $70. It's a culinary experience to get you excited and prepared for a tasty adventure while vacationing with us. You get to experience the many benefits of eating locally grown produce and being apart of the preparation process. Some of the benefits of Eating our locally grown produce are: - Locally grown food is full of flavor. When grown locally, the crops are picked at their peak of ripeness versus being harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store. Many times produce at local markets has been picked within 24 hours of your purchase. - Eating local food is eating seasonally. Even though we wish mangoes were grown year round, the best time to eat them is when they can be purchased directly from a local grower. - Local food has more nutrients. Local food has a shorter time between harvest and your table, and it is less likely that the nutrient value has decreased. Food imported from far-away states and countries is often older, has traveled and sits in distribution centers before it gets to your store. - Local food supports the local economy. The money that is spent with local farmers and growers all stays close to home and is reinvested with businesses and services in your community. - Local food benefits the environment. By purchasing locally grown foods you help maintain farmland and green and/or open space in your community. - Local foods promote a safer food supply. The more steps there are between you and your food’s source the more chances there are for contamination. Food grown in distant locations has the potential for food safety issues at harvesting, washing, shipping and distribution. - Local growers can tell you how the food was grown. You can ask what practices they use to raise and harvest the crops. When you know where your food comes from and who grew it, you know a lot more about that food. Sipping with us benefits Antigua and Barbuda as much as it benefits you :)