ANTIGUA is the Caribbean island dreams are made of, with a chilled-out vibe, turquoise waters and a beach for every day of the year.

Surrounded by sugar cane fields, palm trees and fresh fruit growing on nearly every corner, you’ll think you’ve just stepped into a postcard.

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Blake Lively, star of American comedy drama Gossip Girl, visited the island with friend and TV presenter Maria Menounos – proving it isn’t just for smoochy couples.
 
Sugar Ridge, in Jolly Harbour, is a speedy 25-minute transfer from VC Bird International Airport and offers 60 stylish rooms in an intimate hillside setting with views of the Caribbean sea and neighbouring islands. Waking up each morning is a pleasure.

After a warm welcome at check-in, a refreshing fruit punch and cold towel, we were shown to our room and were delighted to find fresh flowers, plucked from the garden, adorning the plush muslin draped four-poster king bed.

Our room was amazing, especially the private balcony. A huge day bed was perfect for relaxing and we could cool off in our own plunge pool, without even venturing out.

The rooms have the usual mod cons, including an iPod dock, LCD flatscreen TV and free wi-fi, and some lovely touches, like luxurious Aveda products.
 
 
Watching the sun set from our balcony, while surrounded by beautiful flowers and the sound of chirruping crickets, we felt wave upon wave of relaxation washing over us.

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Life’s little worries seem miles away in a place like this.

There are three fresh water pools at Sugar Ridge. We loved the rooftop infinity pool, where you can bob around and soak up the mountain landscape, while sitting with a cocktail in hand made us feel like A-listers.

The Aveda Concept Spa delivered a sumptuous massage that almost sent us to sleep, while the fully air-conditioned gym provided workout equipment and a range of fun classes, including yoga and Zumba.
 
Watching the sun set from our balcony, while surrounded by beautiful flowers and the sound of chirruping crickets, we felt wave upon wave of relaxation washing over us.

Life’s little worries seem miles away in a place like this.

There are three fresh water pools at Sugar Ridge. We loved the rooftop infinity pool, where you can bob around and soak up the mountain landscape, while sitting with a cocktail in hand made us feel like A-listers.

The Aveda Concept Spa delivered a sumptuous massage that almost sent us to sleep, while the fully air-conditioned gym provided workout equipment and a range of fun classes, including yoga and Zumba.
 
Sugar Ridge itself has a number of shops selling local art, smart souvenirs and hand-made goods. We came home with a gorgeous unique clutch bag.

Five minutes drive away is Jolly Harbour Marina, where you can find a supermarket, pharmacy and book boating excursions.

There are three nearby beaches affiliated with Sugar Ridge accessed by complimentary shuttle.
 
Guests on an all-inclusive plan see this extended across the other beaches, with only some restrictions.

The hotel’s Sugar Club restaurant served a-la-carte breakfasts to set us up for the whole day. A large smile from our server Janine and freshly squeezed mango juice and multi-grain pancakes, eggs any style and perfect crispy bacon made the mouth water.

Meanwhile Carmichael’s, the hotel’s second restaurant, offers a truly memorable open-air fine dining experience.

The fresh mahi-mahi fillet with sweet potato and butternut squash mash, Cajun chicken, crispy duck salad and melting chocolate pudding were to die for, while the service from waiter Clayton was as good as in any five-star restaurant anywhere in the world.
 
Enjoy a luxury break at boutique hotel Sugar Ridge (reservations@sugarridgeantigua.com; sugarridgeantigua.com; 001 268 562 7700). It costs from £85 per person per night on a bed and breakfast basis. This price is based on two adults sharing a deluxe king room, subject to availability.
Virgin Atlantic (virgin-atlantic.com; 0844 209 7310) flies to Antigua. Treat yourself to extra legroom and tastier food in premium economy. Avis (avis.co.uk; 0844 581 0147) offers daily car hire from £30.92, picking up from VC Bird International Airport.
For excursions see tropicalad.com or email tropad@candw.ag.