When I launched my Travel Counsellors business in January, I certainly didn't expect that by the end of the month I'd have secured a place on the TC World Cup Global Incentive.
Fast forward a few months and I found myself spending seven unforgettable nights in Antigua, hosted by Travel Counsellors, the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Virgin Atlantic, Blue Waters Resort, Carlisle Bay and Hodges Bay Resort & Spa.
Although I'd visited Antigua as a teenager more than 20 years ago, this felt like discovering the island all over again.
Experiencing it through the eyes of a travel advisor gave me a completely different perspective, and I returned home with plenty of ideas and recommendations for clients. Here are my five biggest takeaways.
Antigua is so much more than beautiful beaches
Everyone knows Antigua has 365 beaches, but what surprised me most was how much there is to experience beyond the coastline.
My highlight was the Tropical Adventure Jeep Safari, which took us through local villages, winding countryside roads and some of the island's most spectacular viewpoints.
It gave us a real insight into Antiguan life and history while allowing us to see a side of the island many visitors might otherwise miss. It's exactly the type of excursion I'd now recommend to clients wanting to explore beyond their resort.
Lucie and the other Travel Counsellors experienced Antigua's rich scenery and culture, including its rugged coast and traditional rum cake
Encourage clients to experience the local culture
One of my favourite experiences was the Caribbean cooking class at Nicole's Table. It wasn't just about cooking delicious local dishes – it was a chance to learn about the island through its food and meet passionate locals.
My favourite recipe was the traditional Antiguan rum cake, which was every bit as delicious as it sounds and is something I'll be trying to recreate at home.
The Academy of Rum masterclass was another standout, giving us the opportunity to learn about Antigua's rum heritage before creating our own personalised blend to take home. These are the authentic experiences that often become the lasting memories of a holiday.
Lucie at Academy of Rum
There's a luxury hotel to suit every type of traveller
Our itinerary included two nights at Blue Waters Resort, three nights at Carlisle Bay and two nights at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, giving us a fantastic overview of Antigua's luxury offering.
Blue Waters Resort stood out as an excellent choice for families, particularly those travelling as part of a multi-generational group, thanks to its spacious accommodation options and relaxed atmosphere.
Carlisle Bay is perfect for beach lovers and active travellers, with its stunning stretch of sand and excellent tennis facilities making it easy to balance relaxation with activities.
The Travel Counsellors spent three nights at the Carlisle Bay, Antigua
Meanwhile, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa really impressed me as the ideal choice for foodies and clients who enjoy venturing out to discover new restaurants, thanks to its contemporary style and convenient location.
We also visited Galley Bay and Pineapple Beach Club, giving us even more confidence when matching clients with the right property.
Food is a huge part of the experience
Some of my favourite memories were centred around food.
Lunches at OJ's Beach Bar and Dennis Beach Bar overlooking the stunning Freyes Beach showcased the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle, while the sunset barbecue at Shirley Heights was an unforgettable evening with incredible views, live music and a fantastic atmosphere.
Dinner at BeachLimerz was another reminder that Antigua has a thriving dining scene that's well worth encouraging clients to explore.
The agents enjoying a meal at Beachlimerz, a bistro bar on Antigua's Historic Fort James Beach
First-hand experience makes all the difference
As travel advisors, we always say nothing compares to experiencing a destination for yourself, and this trip reinforced that completely. From flying with Virgin Atlantic to staying in three very different luxury resorts and exploring the island through organised excursions, I came away with practical knowledge that simply can't be learnt from a brochure or website.
Since returning home, I've already found myself sharing stories from the trip with clients, whether that's recommending a particular hotel, suggesting an authentic excursion or reassuring someone about what to expect from the destination.
Rather than simply describing Antigua as a beautiful Caribbean island, I can now talk confidently about the experiences that make it special and match clients with the hotel and itinerary that best suits their travel style.
The agents also visited Long Bay Beach, located 5 minutes from the east coast village of Willikies
I'm incredibly grateful to Travel Counsellors, the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Virgin Atlantic, Blue Waters Resort, Carlisle Bay and Hodges Bay Resort & Spa for such a memorable week.
Winning the incentive was an amazing achievement so early in my Travel Counsellors journey, but rediscovering Antigua through a travel advisor's eyes has completely changed the way I'll sell the destination.
I now have the confidence to match clients with the right hotel, recommend experiences they'll genuinely love and showcase a side of Antigua that goes far beyond its beautiful beaches.