Welcome to
Arkaios By The Sea
We invite you learn more about the villa and its amenities.
Our Welcome Letter
Mary Lee Meter welcomes you to a time of rest, renewal, re-charging, and refreshing on the beautiful island of Antigua. I have had the privilege of traveling extensively, yet this beautiful island captured my heart on my first visit. From the time I stepped into the beautiful, turquoise, clear, warm Caribbean water, to exploring all 365 beaches, to the warmth of the people who call this island home, I knew I was “home”. A passion grew inside of me to share this extraordinarily, beautiful island with others. It was a slight turn of my life’s adventurous kaleidoscope that drew me here to experience the beauty of creation, and that same passion that lures me back “home” each time I return. Like no other place, it revives and restores my heart and soul. I am glad that you have found this website, and look forward to sharing Villa Arkaios By The Sea with each of you, wherever you are in life’s journey.
The Villa
The Living Areas
The Living Room has an Open Floor plan for eating inside or on the deck outside. There is a charcoal grill for your use. There are some books and games in the bookcase. If you want to lighten your suitcase for the return trip….you are welcome to donate! There is a half bathroom for your convenience.​
The Kitchen
You are welcome to use the spices, dry food, etc. that are in the Villa cabinets or refrigerator. The kitchen is fully equipped for all of your cooking needs. We have a microwave, blender, coffee pot, stove, refrigerator, and toaster oven. Groceries can be purchased at Epicurean in Jolly Harbour, they have everything you will need for your stay.
Garbage is under the kitchen sink and when it needs to be emptied, just walk it to the pickup which is located just out the door of the Villa, turn right and it is the little shed at the end of the Villas. The system….just toss the closed bag over the top! Unfortunately, Antigua does not recycle… yet…
Bedrooms
Villa Arkaios has two Queen Bedrooms with the Master having a private balcony to view spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Each bedroom has its own private full bathroom, closet and ample storage space. There are some additional air mattresses you are welcome to use.
Beaches
North Beach
The Harbour, off our Villa’s porch and oversized deck, may look inviting for swimming but please be advised that this is an active boating harbour, thus swimming is not advised. Feel free to kayak, SUP board, or just relax and enjoy watching the various boats that pass by. There are two beautiful beaches that are within walking distance from the Villa. The North beach is smaller and great for a quick stroll or shelling. Go out the front door of the Villa and turn left. Follow that main road as it turns left. When you reach the round about that says keep left, you will see the beach on the horizon. Turn right and look for a little path marked with the sign, “No cars allowed on the beach”… and you will find a lovely, secluded beach for swimming, picnics, shelling or just reading.
South Beach
Or, go Right out of Villa Arkaios and walk about a mile past the boat yard and Commerce Center and a wonderful restaurant called Al Porta’s, which boasts of two- for- one pizza and all you can eat pasta nights, as well as local bands. You will pass Epicurean, the local well stocked grocery store on your left, for all of your grocery needs during your stay. Follow the road to the right to Bodogs Beach Club. This Caribbean restaurant is right on the South beach with wonderful authentic food, music, sunsets, and beautiful beach ambiance. The South beach is great for walks, swimming, watching the sun set, renting kayaks or jet skis, or picking up some souvenirs.
Amenities
You will see signs for the Crow’s Nest which has the outdoor pool, tennis courts, squash courts etc. that you are welcome to use as well as you walk to the South beach. It is wonderful for Happy Hours Special! If you are going to use the pool, please make sure to take a copy of your Welcome Letter for verification that you are staying in Villa Arkaios. The Commerce Center in Jolly Harbor has guides to book tours, diving excursions, restaurants, pharmacy, souvenir shops, post office, ATM, rental cars, bikes, golf carts etc. Everyone is very friendly and welcome any questions you might have!
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Catching the bus to St. Johns just right outside the entrance to Jolly Harbor is an affordable option to renting a car. It is 3 E.C. each way and a wonderful way to get to know the locals. Eastern Caribbean conversion is 2.7 E.C. to the US dollar, so quite a value for your transportation needs. The bus drops you off at the bus station in St John’s. Buses and taxi vans look almost the same so make sure you’re getting on the bus and confirm final destination before getting on or you might see more of the island than you planned for the day! There is a lot to do and explore in St. Johns and if you want to buy food, there is a farmer’s market on Saturdays. There is also a local Farmer’s Market in the commerce center at Jolly Harbour on Saturday mornings at 8am. and a wonderful pastry and bread bakery chef, who is outside Epicurean Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Consider Bringing...
It’s recommended that you do some quick research on food items and bring some non- perishables with you if you want to save on some food costs – such as coffee, chocolate, nuts, drink mixes and snacks. Please ensure you bring your own sunscreen, bug spray, shampoo and conditioner, toiletries and bathing suits. Other suggestions: Snorkeling gear, wet suit and water shoes.
A Few More Things...
In the Villa, there are beach towels, beach chairs, etc. that you are welcome to use during your stay. We ask that when you leave, you place all towels, sheets, etc. in the laundry basket in the Master Bedroom. Liz will come and take all the laundry when she cleans the unit for the next guests. If you need to have laundry done during your stay, Liz can arrange pick up and delivery for your convenience. There is a drying rack, iron, and ironing board if you want to do your own! Upon arrival there should be enough toilet paper and paper towels to get you started until you get a chance to visit the Epicurean. When you leave, we kindly ask that you leave a roll of toilet paper in each bathroom and a roll of paper towels in the kitchen, to pay it forward for the next guests.
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The Villa’s volt power is 110 and there is a hairdryer and curling iron provided. If you have to change a light bulb, please ensure it is the correct volt size for the appliance. Some of the overhead lights are 220V. Light bulbs have been known to explode in the Villa if they are the incorrect voltage.
There is a Berkey water filter by the refrigerator. Open the lid and pour water, filling half way and let it filter through. If you want more information about these filters check out: www.berkeyfilters.com.
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The front screen door is armor mesh and when left open with the back-door screen open, you get a lovely cross breeze that cools the whole Villa. Electricity is very expensive on the island, so please help conserve by turning off the fans, lights and air conditioning when you are gone for the day. When you are returning from a day at the beach, there is an outdoor shower by the front door to do a quick “sand off the feet” rinse!
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Each porch has a roll out awning for shade. Kindly do not leave them out if there are winds predicted, awnings can act like sails!!
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Liz has been my faithful caretaker since 2014…..kindly leave a tip for her directly. She is invaluable to maintaining the Villa for your use and enjoyment as well as being a wealth of local information.
I trust you will have a wonderful stay and fall in love with Antigua as I did.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at:
Mary Lee Meter
Director of Arkaios By the Sea and Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy
1-860-876-5288
