News and Press Releases
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CARIBBEAN STAR AIRLINES IN INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO ST. LUCIA

ANTIGUA – Caribbean Star Airlines, on Tuesday May 1, flew its inaugural scheduled flight from the V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, to George Charles Airport in Castries, St. Lucia.

This flight follows the granting of route rights by the Government of St. Lucia, to the regional carrier, to operate four (4) daily scheduled services in and out of the island. With this addition to its growing number of destinations, Caribbean Star Airlines now flies from Antigua to: Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, the British Virgin Islands Trinidad and St. Lucia.

Also, on Tuesday May 1, Caribbean Star Airlines had the pleasure of having another addition to its existing flight route, this time, from Barbados to Grenada. This follows the Barbados Government’s granting permission to Caribbean Star Airlines to fly that route. This move is expected to further propel the growth of the tourism industry in Grenada as persons can now fly into Barbados from Europe and connect on Caribbean Star to Grenada.

Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Star Airlines, Gilles Filiatreault, expressed his satisfaction on the recent additions to the list of destinations now available and added that things are only going to get better, not just for the airline, but more importantly for the traveling public.

Meanwhile, the growing number of routes for the new regional carrier, will see some persons in other islands now being able to further benefit from the recently signed interline agreement between Caribbean Star Airlines and three international carriers: Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Air Canada. The agreement allows passengers traveling in and out of the Caribbean t be ticketed for travel with Caribbean Star Airlines from their point of origin, to their destination.

Marketing Director of Caribbean Star, Sandra Scotland, commented on this and said, “These carriers mobilize a significant number of passengers into the Caribbean annually, and we are happy to be in position to provide travel possibilities.”

The airline agreement allows the international air carriers to use Caribbean Star services as part of the passenger’s journey as well as tagging their luggage all the way to their final Caribbean destination on Caribbean Star.

For more information, please contact the Marketing Department, Caribbean Star Airlines Ltd:
Tel: (268) 480 2501/2/3
Fax: (268) 480 2583

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THE NEW YORK STATE PARKS DEPARTMENT HAS AGREED TO NAME JULY 15 "CARIBBEAN DAY ON ELLIS ISLAND".


New York, NY. April 30, 2001. Antigua and Barbuda's Director of Tourism, USA Mr. David Fernandez announced today that The Caribbean Tourism Organization and four of its chapters: New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut and New York are uniting again for the second time to promote the Caribbean Islands and its varied cultures in a cultural festival on Ellis Island, Saturday July 14th, 2001.

Last year's event was such a success that Ellis Island will be participating this year. Representatives from the Parks Department said that they found the festival to be a very appropriate event for their venue, a historic landmark, which is home to a wonderful immigration museum which houses cultural items from the citizens of all the countries who came through its doors entering the United States. 

As a result of that interest, the New York State Parks Department has agreed to name the day CARIBBEAN DAY ON ELLIS ISLAND. CTO member countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, will have the opportunity to promote their destination.

As was the case last year, there will be a large tented area for all-participating CTO member countries and Ellis Island to exhibit items of a cultural nature. Also to be included in the program on center stage will be Caribbean entertainment, which will be featured throughout the day. This created a very festive atmosphere last year, and participants enjoyed music and contributions from several CTO destinations. In addition, the Ellis Island Catering Department will have food stands along the grounds serving ethnic Caribbean dishes.

Fernandez further noted that events such as this highlight our cultural heritage as well as our local arts and crafts, music and food. The festival also provides Antigua and Barbuda much needed publicity within the United States Marketplace.

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NEWLY TRANSFORMED, ANTIGUA'S JOLLY BEACH RESORT HAS FORMULA FOR GREAT VACATIONS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES.

ANTIGUA, W.I., March 2001 -- When Jolly Beach Resort re-opened for business recently, it wasn't technically a new hotel -- but it was an entirely new experience. The 462-room property in the southwest of Antigua's curlicued coast was already the island's largest, sited on a scenic 40-acre estate along more than a half-mile of white sand beach that is outstanding, even in an island that has 365 of them.
     Best of all in the eyes of many vacationers: Jolly Beach's all-inclusive format delivers all the resort offers for special 2001 introductory rates that start at $113 per person till April 15, then drop to $98 for the Spring shoulder season. 
     There are five room categories, ranging from the smallest [which the hotel frankly compares in size to "a large cruise ship cabin" and for which it charges no single supplement] right up to junior suites with separate living areas. All rooms are air-conditioned and face the ocean; each has a patio or balcony, direct-dial phone, cable TV, hair-dryer and rentable safe. 
     The US$10 million+ re-fit has done more than simply refurbish rooms and public areas, though this has been painstakingly done. It has added the biggest signature fantasy pool in the Caribbean, 8,000 sq. ft. including waterfalls and a Jacuzzi, that curves around a choice of restaurants and bars, past a romantic wedding gazebo set atop a landscaped pyramid with sweeping views of sand and sea. 
A spacious and comfortable meeting room has been added, with excellent facilities and views of the gardens outside. There's a Cyber Center for guests who need to connect to the Internet. And this is the only resort in the Caribbean -- if not in the world -- with a full, professional cricket facility right on property
     By day, focus is on outdoor living, and the wealth of land and water sports available right on property. On the extensive beach, Sunfish, Hobie Cats, wind-surfers, pedal boats, kayaks and Kat Kruzers are there for the asking. Four tennis courts, two lit for night play, are presided over by a resident pro; table tennis is beachside. A new 18-hole golf course is an easy walk next door -- while to get in shape for it all, there's a Fitness Center complete with professional Cybex equipment. Guests can join a group to learn mixology or a dance step, to practice water aerobics -- or to rehearse for the 'talent night' that is just one offering on a nightly menu of live entertainment. Then, there's a late-hours disco.
     Jolly Beach has its complement of expansive buffets at breakfast and lunch. It also has five distinctive restaurants ranging from elegant, seated Italian to poolside Greek, to Caribbean, International, and a Beach Grill. There are seven bars, including the swim-up bistro in the new pool.
With so much room, so many facilities already on property, and all of Antigua's tours and activities at hand, Jolly Beach general manager and experienced Antiguan hotelier Ted Isaac believes his resort is now ready to deliver for new special-interest markets. There's a flexible wedding package -- and an on-property wedding coordinator so well-versed in making arrangements that she "stopped counting the weddings [she's] supervised after they reached 2,000". There are those new meeting facilities. And right after the current Winter season ends, Jolly Beach will extend its welcome once again to families with children, who will stay -- depending on age -- either free or at a steep discount.
     Perhaps the best barometer of how Jolly Beach is satisfying current visitors, however, can be found on the Internet, in the up-to-date travel "chat rooms". One February 2001 vacationer, just back, says, "It was the most fantastic vacation of my life!" while another says simply, "What a deal for the price! We plan to go back next year -- for the third time." For Isaac, this kind of response is truly rewarding -- and a big factor in motivating his staff. "Our guests are happy," he says, "and it has a really good effect on all of us."
     Jolly Beach is fully commissionable to agents, and is offered by major tour operators. A quick look (currently being expanded) is available on the web at www.jollybeachresort.com . The resort can be reached in Antigua at (268) 462 0061; Fax: (268) 562 2117. In the USA, reservations and further information are available by calling (954) 929 1188; Fax: (954) 929 6001. 

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ANTIGUA'S CURTAIN BLUFF IS 40 YEARS NEW 
**18 New Luxury Beachfront Junior Suites Usher in
40th Anniversary Season**

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (March 30, 2001) - Curtain Bluff in Antigua is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary season beginning in October. With 18 new luxury beachfront suites last year, and an additional 22 planned for 2002, Curtain Bluff is destined to continue its reign as one of the most successful luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
For its current season Curtain Bluff created 18 new beachfront suites, replacing 12 of the resort's deluxe rooms and bringing the total room count to 70. Over the past four years, Curtain Bluff has made many improvements including the addition of a freshwater swimming pool, two phone lines and internet access in all rooms, and kitchen expansion. The resort makes itself "new" every year: all public areas are repainted; the squash and tennis courts are resurfaced; and all accommodations are redecorated to greet the new season.
The resort's history goes back to 1961 when owner Howard Hulford envisioned his dream of a luxury resort overlooking the Caribbean where guests would feel at home. Forty years later, Curtain Bluff is consistently the most successful five-star resort with a comprehensive rate in the Caribbean, and maintains a high and repeat occupancy. 
Much of Curtain Bluff's success is due to its loyal and dedicated staff. Managing Director Robert Sherman has been overseeing the resort for the past 14 years. General Manager Calvert Roberts began his career at Curtain Bluff as a bartender more than 30 years ago, and Executive Chef Ruedi Portmann has been creating Curtain Bluff's gourmet cuisine for 37 years. With a loyal and constant staff, guests are greeted by the same smiling faces upon arrival making it feel more like they are staying with family instead of vacationing at a hotel. 
Curtain Bluff is located on 20 lushly landscaped acres on the south coast of Antigua. Thirteen years ago it was the first five-star luxury property to offer comprehensive (i.e. all-inclusive) rates which, in addition to meals and bar drinks, include most of the activities available to guests: tennis, squash, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving (for certified divers), skin diving, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, croquet, a full-service fitness center (spa treatments are available at an extra charge), freshwater pool and two beaches. Guests enjoy gourmet cuisine at both of Curtain Bluff's restaurants. The open-air dining room, with a view of the ocean and the hotel's grounds, serves breakfast and dinner. Guests can enjoy lunch and refreshments at the Beach Club. Complementing Curtain Bluff's gourmet cuisine is one of the most extensive wine cellars in the Caribbean, hand-picked by Howard Hulford. 
Rates for the 40th anniversary season start at US$555.00 per night (double) for a deluxe beachfront room and US$725.00 for a new beachfront junior suite from October 20 through December 18, 2001* and April 15th to May 12th 2002. From December 19, 2001 through April 14, 2002, rates start at US$725.00 for a deluxe beachfront room and US$945.00 for a beachfront junior suite. Prices throughout the season include all meals, bar drinks and sports. Taxes and gratuities are not included. (*The resort is closed from May 14 through October 19, 2001.)
For Curtain Bluff reservations and information call 1-888-289-9898 or in New York 212-289-8888. Or visit Curtain Bluff on the Internet at www.curtainbluff.com  

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$250,000 RADIO CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN 
NORTH EASTERN UNITED STATES

NEW YORK, N.Y. March 28, 2001 - Plans have been finalized by The New York Office of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism to launch a major radio promotional campaign in four of the destination's most lucrative US markets namely Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. This campaign, co-sponsored by American Airlines along with four resorts on the island, Jolly Beach Hotel, Blue Waters Beach Hotel, Hawksbill Beach Hotel and Curtain Bluff Resort, which contributed significantly to the program, is expected to reach some 20 million listeners within the four states.

This takes the form of various call-in contests that will vary on each station and will be aired, on select, popular AM/FM stations on morning talk shows. Participants will have the opportunity to win "round trip coach air" to Antigua on American Airlines with a 7-night, all-inclusive stay at one of the featured properties.

David Fernandez, Director of Tourism for the United States said, "I am extremely happy about this promotional and public relations venture, as we have been able to arrange this program through barter with the stations featuring the contest. In other words, we have offered them the air and accommodations in exchange for the airtime." Fernandez further noted that, "even though there has been no financial cost to the department to have this promotion aired, the value of the exchange is approximately a quarter of a million dollars–EC$250,000."

In conclusion, Fernandez outlined the benefits for Antigua and Barbuda, "This promotion will provide invaluable exposure for our destination to millions of consumers in these areas. It would not be possible to reach such a wide audience with the financial constraints which we are presently experiencing."

A total of six hundred 30 and 60-second commercials will be aired during the months of April and May starting April 1, 2001.

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COCOBAY RESORT INTRODUCES ITS SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE  PACKAGE

VALLEY CHURCH, Antigua (March 27, 2001) - Cocobay Resort, Antigua's newest chic retreat, announces its signature "Simplify Your Life" package. From the moment travelers step foot on the resort's property, "Simplify Your Life" allows them to experience the simply perfect philosophy that the resort has adopted. For travel from April 13-September 15, 2001, travelers have the opportunity to simplify their lives this summer from only $175 per person. And, if they book their travel online at www.cocobayresort.com , they'll also receive an extra $50 discount off their vacation.

Simply Perfect is Cocobay's philosophy, which embodies its guarantee to provide the highest quality of service and accommodation in the lowest-maintenance atmosphere possible, specifically designed with today's stressed traveler in mind. 

The chic, simple architecture offers a calming ambience, enhanced further by the surrounding sea from nearly every angle on the resort's property. Gingerbread fretwork borders the pastel cottages, each of which houses guest rooms with classic, wooden West Indian furniture and dramatic ocean views. Caribbean-style screens made up of woven, lush foliage replace bathroom walls so guests are able to 'shower in the sun'. A retreat of this intimate, 42-room size lends itself to privacy and attentive service. Situated on the western coast (sunset side) of the island, Cocobay is a true getaway along Antigua's path less traveled.

Cocobay's all-inclusive concept further helps to simplify guests' lives. Each Cocobay vacation includes hammock-swaying, chilled face towels offered poolside, nature lessons during guided hikes by a local medicine man, one complimentary massage per person, and complimentary cellular phone rental. In addition, all meals, cocktails, afternoon tea, evening canapés, beachside bar service, wine by the glass, live entertainment, sunfish sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, taxes and gratuities are included.

Newly opened in July 2000, Cocobay provides a blissful atmosphere among its gingerbread fretwork, endless sandy beaches and plantation-style Carib chic. The island's latest hideaway, just 20 minutes from the capital city of St. John's, has been designed in the Caribbean vernacular; 41 pastel, wood-shuttered cottages complete with furniture carved by local craftsmen, ceiling fans, sea view bathrooms and private verandahs provide a welcome respite on a hillside undulating down to white-sand beaches. A wellness cottage provides massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, body scrubs and other treatments.

For those wishing to give the priceless gift of travel, gift certificates are available as well. Consumers and travel agents can call 1-800-816-7587 for reservations or access info@cocobayresort.com ; www.cocobayresort.com . Rates are subject to change and space availability. Cocobay is owned and operated by Coco Valley Ltd., headquartered in Antigua, West Indies. The company also operates Cocos in Antigua, a restaurant and inn at Jolly Bay. 

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ANTIGUA READIES FOR 34th ANNUAL SAILING WEEK
"ROOMS STILL AVAILABLE AT CURTAIN BLUFF"

ST JOHNS, Antigua (March 22, 2001) - As Antigua prepares to host the 34th annual Antigua Sailing Week regatta, space is still available at Curtain Bluff resort for would-be sailors and spectators alike. Four out of the five race courses are set to sail in front of the luxury resort, making Curtain Bluff's two beaches the ideal setting to take in all the action.

Antigua Sailing Week, the largest regatta in the Caribbean and third largest in the world, takes place from Sunday April 29, through Saturday, May 5 2001. In addition to the races, Sailing Week sponsored parties and entertainment will be hosted at Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour Marina. The week's events culminate with the Lord Nelson Ball where the highly coveted prizes will be presented.

From April 15 - May 13, 2001 rates at Curtain Bluff start at US$555.00 per night (double) for a deluxe beachfront room and US$725.00 for one of 18 new beachfront junior suites. Prices throughout the season include all meals, bar drinks and sports. Taxes and gratuities are not included. 
In 1967, Curtain Bluff resort owner Howard Hulford and Nicholson's Yacht Charters owner Desmond Nicholson, turned a local sailing race into a week-long event which has since evolved into one of the top regattas in the world. Last year's regatta showcased over 275 boats. Organized by the Antigua Hotel & Tourist Association and supported by the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism and the Antigua Yacht Club, Sailing Week has become Antigua's largest tourism attraction.

Robert Sherman, Curtain Bluff Hotel's Managing Director and Chairman of Antigua Hotel & Tourist Association, has been the Chairman of Antigua Sailing Week for the past five years. He currently chairs the event with co-founder, Howard Hulford. Mr. Sherman has been responsible for enlisting corporate and local event sponsorship from Rolex, American Express, Cable & Wireless, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, American Airlines and Antigua's Wadadli Beer and English Harbour Rum. 

Curtain Bluff, one of the most prestigious resorts in the Caribbean, is a favorite of Sailing Week participants and spectators. In addition to all meals and bar drinks, the comprehensively priced resort also includes almost all of the activities available to guests: tennis, squash, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving (for certified divers), skin diving, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, croquet, a full-service fitness center (spa treatments are available at an extra charge), freshwater pool and two beaches. Guests of Curtain Bluff also enjoy gourmet cuisine and one of the most extensive wine cellars in the Caribbean, boasting over 25,000 bottles and offering an extensive selection of outstanding vintages all carefully chosen by Mr. Hulford himself. 

For Curtain Bluff reservations and information, call 1-888-289-9898, 212-289-8888 in New York, or visit Curtain Bluff on the Internet at www.curtainbluff.com . For more information on the 34th Annual Antigua Sailing Week, visit www.sailingweek.com  or call (268) 462-8872.

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Caribbean Star Boosts Caribbean Business

Business travelers in Trinidad got a boost from Caribbean Star with the launch today of its early morning service headed Northbound.

The flight dubbed the "Early Riser" boasts that business travelers "get there first" with the added consideration of breakfast on-board, between St. Vincent and Antigua.

"This new service demonstrates our airline's responsiveness to the needs of our business travelers in Trinidad by initiating the convenience of an early morning departure," says Caribbean Star CEO Gilles Filiatreault.

The relatively new carrier has already created excitement in the market with the introduction of innovative fares making travel throughout the region more affordable.

This new service out of Piarco will depart at 6:55 am with stops in Grenada, St. Vincent, Antigua, St. Kitts and Tortola.

In most cases, the schedule then allows for these business travelers to return home that same evening.

For further information, please contact Early St. Catherine, Ripple Marketing.Tel: (268) 562 4237/7000 Fax: (268) 562 6711

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NEW YORK, (February 14, 2001)   His Excellency Dr. Patrick Lewis, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, and Mr. David Fernandez, Director of Tourism in the Antigua and Barbuda's New York Office, interacted with Mr. Butch Stewart at an Executive Meeting of the Carib News newspaper in New York.

Stewart received many commendations form the Ambassadors and Journalists at the meeting, and Karl Rodney, the Editor of Carib News stated that he had not received enough credit for what he has done for the integration of the Caribbean region.

At the meeting which took place on Valentine's Day, Butch Stewart stated that the Caribbean has tremendous potential which has not been taken advantage of, and that there was need for a CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting on that issue. He said that there was need to advertise the Caribbean as a whole, in addition to the advertisement given to each island. 

Stewart pointed out that the cruise ships contribute only about 6 to 7 percent (6% - 7%)of tourism revenue, yet the cruise ships were the ones receiving incentives, and that has taken away the thrust for advancement and development. The hotels have suffered and by extension the countries as the loss of revenue has been significant. Air Jamaica, however, was determined to continue playing a meaningful role.

David Fernandez told the Chairman of Air Jamaica that it was time that his airline returned to Antigua, while Ambassador Lewis tried to get a commitment as to when that would be. Stewart, however, would not commit himself to a date, but hoped that it would be within a year's time. Both Lewis and Fernandez urged him to give serious consideration to a shorter time frame, as Antigua and Barbuda needed more airlifts and that the country was eagerly seeking such.

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COCOBAY RESORT EXTENDS

"FIRST NIGHT FREE" PROMOTION FOR WINTER TRAVEL
- First Night Free at Antigua's Newest Chic Retreat Saves Guests $774 on 7-Night Stays-

VALLEY CHURCH, Antigua (February 1, 2001) - Cocobay Resort, Antigua's newest chic retreat, announced today that it has extended its booking window on its exclusive "First Night Free" promotion, a limited-time offer which provides travelers with their first night free courtesy of the resort on seven-night stays. In addition, travelers can check-in for only $198 per night, a $54 savings off the normal winter rate.

"First Night Free" entices travelers to enjoy true value by saving $774 off a seven-night stay with the first night free compliments of Cocobay Resort. Rates for sea view accommodations begin at just $198 per person per night. The "First Night Free" promotion is valid for travel anytime from February 15 - March 15, 2001.

• Sea view accommodations in private pastel-colored cottage with verandah

• Full breakfast, lunch and a la carte dinner daily

• Afternoon tea

• Evening canapés

• Cocktails and house wine by the glass

• Live, local entertainment 

• Sunfish sailing, snorkeling and kayaking

• Beachside bar service

• Hammocks 

• Complimentary cellular phone rental. Guests pay only for calls made.

• Nature lessons during guided walks and hikes by local medicine man

• Chilled face towels offered poolside

• Taxes and gratuities

Newly opened in July 2000, Cocobay provides a blissful atmosphere among its gingerbread fretwork, endless sandy beaches and plantation-style Carib chic. The island's latest hideaway, just 20 minutes from the capital city of St. John's, has been designed in the Caribbean vernacular; 42 pastel, wood-shuttered cottages complete with furniture carved by local craftsmen, ceiling fans, sea view bathrooms and private verandahs provide a welcome respite on a hillside undulating down to white-sand beaches. A wellness cottage provides massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, body scrubs and other treatments.

For those wishing to give the priceless gift of travel, gift certificates are available as well. Consumers and travel agents can call 1-800-816-7587 for reservations or access info@cocobayresort.com; www.cocobayresort.com. Rates are subject to change and space availability. First Night Free is valid on seven-night stays only. Cocobay is owned and operated by Coco Valley Ltd., headquartered in Antigua, West Indies. The company also operates Cocos in Antigua, a restaurant and inn at Jolly Bay. 

GOVERNMENT TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT REEFS

St. John's, Antigua: (GIS Online) The Government has taken steps to protect the declining conditions of the country's Coral Reefs.

The Fisheries Division has introduced a ban on all spear- fishing with immediate effect, adding that a number of factors namely, over-fishing, polution from sewage and other waste, siltation, dredging and the breakage from anchors in recent hurricanes, forced this latest decision.

According to a Fisheries source, it is estimated that some 95% of the country's reef areas are dead and the fishing stock has declined greatly, causing great concern.

A number of other stringent measures have also been taken to correct the situation.

Agriculture Minister, the Hon. Vere Bird Jr, in speaking with the GIS Online said, "measures must be taken right away if we are to preserve our reefs and replenish our fishing stock".

There is a ban of the collection of coral or any other marine fauna, and there is a ban on fishing in Diamond Reef off the North Coast of Antigua and Palaster Reef of Barbuda.

Mr. Bird is calling on all fishermen whether they be commercial or sport fishers, to obey the guidelines set out by the Fisheries Department.

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JOLLY BEACH RESORT

Abandon your world of work, timetables and those silly constraints and come to the place you always dreamt about but couldn't afford.

Welcome to Jolly Beach Resort with its low promotional rates for 2001, a resort that will offer the starry-eyed lover, the honeymooning couple or the tired executive, indeed everyone regardless of age, the exclusive experience of relaxation in a soothing balmy tropical atmosphere, amidst exotic palms and fragrant flowers, where time seems to stand still and romance beckons. 

Jolly Beach Resort is Antigua's largest resort with 462 rooms and its  signature 8000 sq ft Fantasy Pool as an addition to the longest white sand beach on the island. All 462 air-conditioned rooms have television, direct-dial telephone and hairdryer as features in an "all-inclusive" package for the fun-loving, sun-seeking adults ages 16+ through April 2001, and include families with children thereafter. 

Our Director of Entertainment assured us that innovative programs will keep the guests on their toes in the five theme restaurants near the waterfall and wedding gazebo on this 40 acres of tropical landscaped gardens. 

The resort with its Cyber Center will allow our guests to stay in touch with the world via the internet to share their experience with their friends and families or whatever their good heart desires. 
Jolly Beach Resort is about 7 miles from the capital of St. John's and 9 miles from the airport

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