Experience Island Living In A Tranquil Seaside Setting!
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Property type | bungalow |
| Minimum Stay | 2 nights |
Overview
1 bedroom seaside guest facility. Great natural beauty and serenity.
'Song of the Sea' is a one bedroom guest facility with private entrance. It has one king size bed (or 2 twin size beds), closet, small refrigerator, microwave oven, and coffee maker. The bathroom shower opens to the natural garden. Outside there is a private patio with lounge chairs, table, and a barbecue grill. We are just steps from the sea and the snorkeling is great here. You'll need reef shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, as well as mask and snorkel to be able to see all the colorful fish and undersea life! This is a wonderful area for both accomplished swimmers and beginners because the area close to shore is only about 3 feet deep. Should you prefer a sandy beach, the gorgeous Long Bay beach is within 2 miles. There are a couple of restaurants at Long Bay and some local shops in the closest village of Willikies. We do recommend that our guests rent a car during their stay. You will surely want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the other amazing beaches and scenic areas of Antigua. This is a small island (108 sq. miles) so everything is less than an hour's drive. You can swim with stingrays at Stingray City in Seaton's; take the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour; tour 'Betty's Hope', the restoration of a colonial period sugar plantation; take an Eco Tour boat trip; or discover your very own favorite beach from among so many! The possibilities are endless! Start your day with a very substantial breakfast (included) served on the upstairs balcony or on your own patio, then take off on the day's adventure - or choose to stay right here and enjoy the sun, the sea, snorkeling, hiking, experiencing the 'color therapy' of the sea and sky. At night you will be lulled to sleep by gentle waves, a pleasant sea breeze, and the songs of tiny tree frogs! There is nothing more romantic and beautiful than moonlight on the water and we have a front row seat for every moonrise. This is a place of peace and tranquility, perfect for contemplation and renewal of body and soul.
About Katie Eckert
Being a USAF military family, we grew up living in many different countries and loving the learning experiences we gained from that. We are definitely 'world citizens'. We are both teachers and musicians. Deb is also an artist and hosts 2 local radio programs. Katie loves to cook and is passionate about literacy. We feel this is a very special place and we love sharing it with others! Deb has lived here for more than 20 years, and knows the area very well, so feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Katie Eckert purchased this bungalow in 1977
Why Katie Eckert chose Willikies
Our parents visited and vacationed in Antigua several times before they purchased this property and constructed their home. My father was a Civil Engineer and he laid out the house and gardens with great care to preserve the natural beauty of this piece of land which is bordered by sea on the north, east, and south sides. At the time it was purchased it was mostly volcanic rock, but over the years it has been nurtured and shaped into natural gardens with flowering trees, bushes, and plants - flamboyant, frangipani, palms, sea grapes, black willow, cactus, hibiscus, and so many more!
This house and environs have a peace and tranquility that is palpable, a place of rest and healing. Years ago my parents ran the bed and breakfast, catering mostly to retired military folks. Now Deb and I have taken over and hope to make everyone who visits feel the love and joy that have gone into our 'Song of the Sea'.
What makes this bungalow unique
The stunning beauty of the sea, in any weather, in any season is the initial attention-getter here. Standing on the balcony with sea breeze blowing makes you feel like you are sailing or flying! We are far from city noise and cruise ship crowds. We are surrounded by the healing beauty of nature.
...And being able to wear shorts every day of the year isn't bad, either!!
Amenities
Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation bungalow rental in Willikies, Antigua & Barbuda
- bungalow
- Bed & Breakfast
- Guests provide their own meals
- Housekeeper Optional
- Max. occupancy: 2
- pets not allowed
- non smoking only
- Ocean View ...
- Oceanfront ...
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Hair Dryer
- Internet ...
- Iron & Board
- Linens Provided
- Towels Provided
- Washing Machine ...
- Coffee Maker
- Dishes & Utensils ...
- Microwave
- Pantry Items ...
- Refrigerator
- Dining ...
- Dining Area
- seating for 2 people
- 1 Bathroom
-
Bathroom 1 -
toilet
,
shower
- Bathroom shower opens to the natural garden.
- 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2
- 1 bedroom with king (or two twin) bed. Bedroom has closet, small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker.
- Books ...
- Music Library ...
- Video Library ...
- Balcony ...
- Deck / Patio ...
- Lawn / Garden ...
- Water Sports Gear ...
- wheelchair inaccessible
- churches
- marina
- museums
- restaurants
- ruins
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- boating
- paddle boating
- scenic drives
- shelling
- shopping
- sight seeing
- walking
- wildlife viewing
- groceries
- fishing
- hiking
- jet skiing
- kayaking
- pier fishing
- scuba diving or snorkeling
- snorkeling
- snorkeling/diving
- swimming
Reviews
Wonderful!
4.9/5 -
(18 traveler reviews)
A marvelous island hideaway with wonderful hosts
Off the beaten path, on the northeast corner of Antigua is this haven of peace. We could not have enjoyed our introduction to this island more. The guest room with open air shower off the bathroom, is airy with a huge comfortable bed, mosquito net (which we did not need), guide books and great storage, has a breathtaking view from a private terrace. There is coffee (or tea) making equipment plus a little fridge & microwave. Katie and her sisters are world-travelers, interesting, talented and caring hosts, who also make fabulous breakfasts in the main house which are quite delicious with many homemade treats like local honey & served on an open air balcony. There are views of sun & moon rises and the amazing reef colors of the Caribbean Sea. We loved their dogs, Debbie's art work, watching the hummingbirds while banana quits enjoy their morning sugar as well as the Monday night choir rehearsal. It is a good idea to have a car and a driver who can cope with local conditions as well as driving on the left. Taxis are also a possibility. My husband and I highly recommend "Song of the Sea" and its delightful owners.
Just Loved Everything About It.
Katie and Debbie made us feel like family right in the first few minutes of meeting them. Actually it wasn't just them that made us feel like family. Katie, Debbie, Mrs. Eckert, Lynda, Charlie, Ricardo, Hitch, Sookie, Miss B, Max, Myrtle, and James Bond all made us feel welcome.
Katie's breakfasts are great and are way better than anything that would be served at a resort. The view from the upper balcony while enjoying breakfast really adds to the experience. The snorkeling was great. It was like having our own private reef right outside our front door. Katie and Debbie can point out all the best spots from the upper balcony.
We spent most of our 10 days there just lazing on the lower deck, enjoying the weather, the view, the wildlife, reading, and sneaking treats to Hitch, Sookie, and Miss B. Privacy was never an issue. While there we also got to check out Debbie's artwork in her gallery. She's an amazing artist who is very humble about her work.
All in all it was a great experience and we really hope to get back to see them again in future years, especially now that we feel like family.
Katie: make sure you have a "To Do" list ready for me the next time we're there.
A uniquely private slice of Antigua from a beautifully rugged setting
We thought Song of the Sea sounded interesting and "up our alley" from reading about it from home in Massachusetts, so we committed to a twelve day stay in early March, keeping our fingers crossed. Boy did we luck out! After an intriguing drive off the beaten path, we were greeted at the gate by the three friendly resident dogs who ushered us in. Katy met us at the main house, and after short introductions showed us to our dwelling.
One feels instantly relaxed by the proximity, sounds, and breezes of the sea. The water is literally a few steps away. The room itself is simple and clean with a very large bed, and sleeping is a joy due to the restful sounds of the waves and the gentle trade winds. The shower is a really pleasant adventure because you really feel like you're outside, although completely private at the same time. Don't leave your bars of soap out there, however, because there's a nocturnal land crab that makes off with them in the middle of the night!
Breakfasts are particularly special, and a really great way to launch your day. First of all, out on the "gallery" you sit at a table looking out to sea with a dozens of cute birds (banana quits) busily feasting nearby on grapefruit rinds, and you can't help but feel happy from the activity. Katy brings you plates of local mixed fruits along with coffee or tea to start you off. As you look out to sea, which you can't help but do, at passing pelicans or sometimes a whale jumping, you hear Katy in the kitchen making up your breakfast from scratch. Breakfast is ALWAYS good. Katy's omelettes are amazing. Nothing ordinary about them, and you'd be hard pressed to find anything as good in any restaurant. Not that she only makes omelettes. You don't know what she'll serve up but it's all good and all a pleasant surprise.
It takes a bit of exploring to find places that particularly resonate with you. For example, we tried several beaches, all fine, until we found one that seemed to have our name on it. To get to it you have to drive through the rain forest, which is always a cool experience. Nearby Devil's Bridge is a must, and we experienced an epic sunset there which defies description. English Harbor and Nelson's Dock Yard should not be missed, as well.
I can't say enough about our hosts, the Eckert sisters: Katy, Debbie, and Linda. They are the most open and friendly people you would ever meet, plus thoughtful, interesting, and deep. Watch the Antigua moon with them to get to know them!
Lovely setting and even lovelier hosts...
Katie and Debbie are simply wonderful people. We felt like old friends almost immediately. The accommodations are private with a beautiful view, but the ladies are engaging and entertaining at the drop of a hat. Katie's breakfasts are wonderful (best omelets ever and baking is extraordinary). We were invited one evening to watch their weekly practice for a local acapella group led by maestro Debbie. While hesitant and attending out of politeness , it was a wonderful show with more lovely people...they even included us in the gag gift exchange and we were honorary judges in a costume contest. You definitely need a car rental to stay here, and the driving on the island can test your nerves and your vehicle, but you are never more than 30 minutes from anything you would like to do. And we did a LOT! Snorkeling (nearby Half Moon Bay is amazing), zip lining, catamaran tour of the entire island (with snorkeling then open bar and lunch) eco-kayak tour (with more snorkeling), English Harbor and Shirley Heights are must see for the views and steel drum concert/ barbecue. Oh... did I mention snorkeling?... you can do it right out front as well. Lot's of beaches to get some down time too. The ladies are well known (and revered) on this side of the island and everywhere we went we were treated like locals because of them. Even the reputed old grump owner of Mama's Pasta on Long Bay treated us like family...I soon became known as "Dahling" by Mama... be nice and you will be treated the same. They have 3 dogs, FYI, and they are all sweet; coming by for a good morning every day (and a nibble). Do not be timid about exploring local eateries- they look pretty rough, but our experience was great- curried goat, pork stew, local fish, jerked chicken, etc. There is a restaurant in nearby Seatons where we stopped several times always too early or late for the daily meal "Mother" makes and serves. On our last day we again showed too late. Nonetheless they sat us down and cooked up a meal just for us- a whole fish each , rice and beans, salad, and pasta- yummy. My companion has been in the Caribbean many times- always at an all-inclusive or on a cruise. She said this trip was more fun than any of those. Finally, we spent much more time just chatting with the Katie and Debbie than we would have thought- they have lived all over the world, are as sweet as can be, and genuinely seem to enjoy our tales as well.
Highly Recommended!
An amazing place....You won't want to leave.
We stayed a little over a week for our Anniversary in March. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left we felt the magic of this place. Greeted by Katie, and Debbie and the dogs we were already enchanted by the view form the driveway. Then we saw the place at the base of the stairs, what a gem. Beautiful plantings full of lowers and birds. The rocky point, not even 30 ft from the porch. A beautiful reef and we were immediately met by the Turtles which feed in the bay all day.
I was concerned about the lack of air conditioning but the breezes were fantastic and the room has an excellent air flow from the open shower, which we absolutely loved, to the Sliding doors which frame the ocean views which are stunning even from the bed. No mosquitos, but we did sleep under the net. It was very romantic with a nearly full moon rising, shining across the water. We didn't use the barbecue but did eat in every night. Plenty of groceries to be had even over Easter weekend which we unknowingly arrived on.
Katie's breakfasts were fantastic with fresh local papaya, pineapple, bananas,etc. The coffee was rich and the omelettes, potatoes and homemade sausage were scrumptious. My wife has allergies and they made her gluten free muffins (so good we got the recipe). The balcony we were served on being higher gave us a whole new set of stunning views. Speaking of stunning be sure to ask about Debbie's artwork. She is so gifted in multiple mediums and has deep spiritual connections with her work.
The place is away from it all. I was pleasantly disconnected while there though we did have excellent cell coverage and some wifi. Frankly I relished being unplugged.
We had a 4 wheel drive but never needed it though we did go all over the island. One of our favorites visits was on the Monday following Easter which is a holiday on Antigua. We went to Devils Bridge and the locals had a fantastic kite festival. There on the most eastern point on the island with the Atlantic slamming into the rocks where hundreds of kites. Really spectacular.
We also visited Barbuda by taking the ferry. Definitely worth the money. We had ta guide for the day, climbed through the Arawak caves, took a small boat to the Frigate rookery where there were thousands and thousands of Frigates for newborns, to soaring birds with 8ft wingspan
This is a wonderful place and Katie and Debbie are wonderful hosts-Truly a magical experience.
This is what a B&B should be!
We spent three nights in mid March at this amazing place. Located just beyond the village of Willikies in St. Phillip Parish, it is a one bedroom apartment on the lower level of the owner's home. With a private entrance and its own patio with recliners overlooking the beautiful bay and ocean beyond, it is a special place with breathtaking views. The constant ocean breeze makes the lack of air conditioning barely noticeable and the sound of the surf and breeze will lull you to sleep at night. The bed can be made up as two twins or as one king. While we were not overly bothered by mosquitoes, the beds were equipped with mosquito netting which we used, just to be on the safe side. The water is rainwater from a cistern and is filtered so probably safe to drink, but Katie provides bottled water for drinking if you prefer. We used bottled water for our hikes and tap water for coffee with no problems whatever. While rather small, the apartment does have all the basic necessities including WiFi, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, private bath with a very unique shower (open to the outside-- watch out for ghost crabs that might carry off your personal items!), but no TV (who needs it with the killer view from the patio). There is a path to the water's edge, and while there is no sandy beach here, the snorkeling is pretty good from right there at the foot of the path. Katie, our hostess, along with her two sisters who live nearby, can provide pretty much any information about the island, what to do, and where to go. Breakfast, served above the apartment on the balcony of the main house, was excellent with a delicious vegetable omelet, homemade granola, fresh fruits and breads providing all the fuel needed for whatever the day might bring.
Long Bay beach, with Mama's Homemade Pasta restaurant, is nearby as is the Indian Town National Park and Devil's Bridge area. Antigua is not a large island and, though they do drive on the left, roads are relatively wide and generally easy to maneuver compared to some other islands we have visited (Dominica – Virgin Gorda). Consequently it is easy to visit other touristy sights like English Harbor, Shirley Heights, Nelson's Dockyard. While in a rather remote area of the island and away from the main tourist haunts, the Song of the Sea B&B provides a relaxing atmosphere with a congenial and accommodating hostess in a beautiful location that is hard to beat.
Location
A quiet, restful location right next to the sea! Be lulled to sleep by the sound of gentle waves lapping softly on the rocks. A great place for swimming, snorkeling, hiking, resting, sunning! Long Bay, one of Antigua's most beautiful sandy beaches, is 2 miles away. Swim with stingrays at nearby Stingray City in Seatons. Explore historic sugar plantation restoration, 'Betty's Hope'. Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour, Eco Tours, So Many Gorgeous beaches to experience! On this small island everything is within a half hour drive. Or just stay here and soak in the sun, the sea, the tranquility!
Photos
Rates & Availability
Rental Rates for this vacation bungalow rental in Willikies, Antigua & Barbuda
- Rental Basis:
- per property
- Owner accepts payment in:
- USD
| Rate Period | Nightly | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Event | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
My Standard Rate
2 night minimum stay
|
C$185
|
C$1,187
|
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Additional information about rental rates
| cleaning fee | C$26.37 |
Confirmed reservations are required, but there is no advance deposit required.
Full payment due, in cash on arrival (US $ or EC equivalent)
Owner's Cancellation Policy
- Available
- Unavailable
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