Luxury Locations issue 26

FEATURE

SAMINDA MAVILMADA I’m originally from Sri Lanka, a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean known for its rich culture and love for cricket. I moved to Antigua for a great career opportunity and my first experience living in the Caribbean – a place I’d always heard wonderful things about, from its people to its vibrant island life and culture. I now work as an Executive Chef, managing the kitchens of two stunning resort properties. What made you choose Jolly Harbour? It’s one of the nicest parts of the island, offering beautiful views over the marina and peaceful surroundings. Some of the island’s best beaches are just a few minutes away, which makes it perfect for relaxing after work or spending time with family. The area also has convenient shopping facilities, local vendors, and plenty of places to dine or enjoy a quiet drink with friends. It’s a comfortable, friendly community that makes day-to-day living enjoyable. Share your top tip for adjusting to island life. For anyone moving to Antigua for the first time: do your research on jobs, housing and schooling, and make sure you’re ready to embrace a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Most importantly, take time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and everything Antigua has to offer. For anyone moving to Antigua for the first time: do your research on jobs, housing and schooling, and make sure you’re ready to embrace a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

CRAIG AND KATHY DEWEY New Zealand-born Craig and Kathy, originally from England but who spent several years in Australia, lived in London before moving to the Caribbean in 2010. We bought a small hotel on the Dutch island of Bonaire and lived there for 12 years before retiring to Antigua. We chose Antigua because of the sailing - something we didn’t get much opportunity to do whilst running our hotel. We visited in January 2022 and got married on the back deck of the villa we rented! As we are now retired, we spend a lot of time relaxing. We renovated our villa extensively and were very lucky to have our yacht as it became our home for nine months. Now we are back in the villa, we will take the opportunity to start sailing more. Craig enjoys the Saturday yacht racing and the various sailing regattas, The fact that we could buy a waterfront villa and moor our yacht on our own dock instead of paying marina fees. When deciding where our next home would be, Craig did a lot of research looking for this exact opportunity, and found that there are very few Caribbean islands that offer it affordably. Also, friends! It is very easy to make friends here – all like- minded people wanting the same thing: fun, sun and a relaxing time sharing a drink or a meal together. Share your top tip for adjusting to island life. Patience. Everything takes longer in the Caribbean – which is perfectly fine as the sun is always shining, the beer cold, and the wine chilled just right. both in Jolly Harbour and English Harbour. What made you choose Jolly Harbour? s

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