A Guide to Antigua

ANTIGUA 17°6’N 61°45’W.

WELCOME TO ANTIGUA

An idyllic island destination nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, where natural beauty and luxurious accommodation abound, Antigua is our go to destination for a slice of paradise that is oh-so easy to get to.

With an inspiring coastline hiding white sandy beaches and crystal coves, as well as laying claim to a vibrant history and fantastic local culture, there’s nothing we don’t love about Antigua.

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Antigua’s Kite Festival - April The Antiguan International Kite Festival takes flight (excuse the pun) in April each year, filling the clear blue sun-drenched skies with an array of large, colourful kites. Seeing as clouds in Antigua are as rare as sun in England, we’d say there’s no harm in seeing the blue skies filled with more than just sun rays and soaring birds. A truly unique event, don’t be surprised to see 10 metre long lobsters and dinosaurs hitting the sky when the festival is in full swing. Staying true to form, the rich colours of the Antiguan culture are out in abundance, making this a Black Tomato favourite. So, grab that deck chair and a cocktail. You’re in for a treat.

Antigua’s Sailing Week - April - May The longest running sailing regatta in the Caribbean, Antigua’s Sailing Week is a 6 day celebration of the island’s infamous maritime culture. You can expect an array of fun filled events, including boat races (of course), daily prize giving ceremonies and vibrant parties. Attracting hundreds of spectacular yachts and thousands of spectators every year, this is undoubtedly the highlight of Antigua’s eclectic calendar.

A particular highlight has to be the huge party at Nelson’s Dockyard, held on the last night of the annual event.Its a great night and the perfect way to end such a fantastic celebration. We say time your trip to coincide with this one – you won’t regret it.

Sports Fishing Tournament and Seafood Festival May - June

The day before this two day fishing frenzy kicks off, go to the Captain’s Briefing on the lawn of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel and chat to the fishermen.

When those guys hit the water, you can expect to see an abundance of tuna, marlin and kingfish. This isn’t just about the fish, though – it’s also an extraordinary social event. Sponsored by the likes of Carib Beer and Cavalier Rum, the drinks are cheap and they seem to flow non-stop. The party continues at the Seafood Festival afterwards with an endless selection of fish on offer, caught fresh from the waters around you. This is definitely the time and the plaice (couldn’t resist) to be in Antigua.

Turtle Watching Season July - October Every Friday night throughout the season you can head out on a boat ride to an offshore island where not one, but two experienced researchers will educate you with fun facts and conservation practices. Patrol the beach for a couple of hours and witness the absolutely unique and captivating sight of hundreds of baby Hawksbill turtles hatching and making their mad rush to the sea. You might even be lucky enough to watch a mother clambering up to the beach to lay her eggs. Go on, have your very own David Attenborough moment in paradise.

Antigua Carnival July - August It’s like Notting Hill Carnival, but bigger, longer and louder.

A festival of music and dance lasting 10 days, the Antigua Carnival celebrates emancipation, and boy, will you feel free. The festivities flit between colourful costume parades, food fairs and concerts. And these are only the smaller aspects of entertainment. Wait until you see the Parade of Bands competition and the Queen of Carnival competition.

We can guarantee you’ll be awe-inspired by this vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture.

Nelson’s Dockyard Champagne Party December

We’ve already got your attention with that title, haven’t we? So what if we then upped the ante and told you this happened at the most festive time of year? That’s right; the champagne party is also a Christmas Day party and with over 500 bottles sold, it’s the right way to do Christmas. Dance all day amongst festivelydressed people and you’ll soon be having too much fun to remember you’re away from home. It’s all for a good cause too, as all proceeds go to the Hourglass Foundation, a group that aids a selection of charities.

We love a good deed, so why not party the day away until the very end, which, we’re happy to inform, is only when the last person leaves.

Our Top 5

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Okay, so you’re in paradise. Now what? Well of course the sun, sea and sands are calling your name, but believe us, there’s more to this heavenly island than its 365 white sand beaches and azure waters (although that alone was enough to make us fall in love with this destination. A beach for every day of the year? Yes please...). Anyway, if you get the chance to explore a little, we’ve handpicked our top 5 Antiguan experiences just for you. Go on, put aside the cocktail, rise from that sun lounger and discover what else Antigua has to offer...

Shirlry Heights.

Once a military base and lookout, Shirley Heights has since been transformed into a sumptuous bar and restaurant. True to its name, Shirley Heights holds a prime position high atop a hillside and has astounding views over English Harbour.

If you’re around on a Sunday, head up to the heights to watch the sun set over the harbour (you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the ‘green flash’ of light that occurs just as the sun disappears behind the sea) before partying the night away to the sounds of Caribbean music and the taste of delicious cocktails at Shirley Heights’ infamous Sunday night party.

Can’t get to the party? Don’t worry, there’s plenty more to see and do, including touring the beautiful buildings of this historic military complex and settling down to dine at the gourmet Lookout restaurant.

Helicopter Tour

There’s only one way to experience the best views over this incredible island, its stunning bays and coral reefs, and it involves hopping on board a private helicopter to fly you around the island for some panoramic views of paradise and the chance to make the most of some mesmerising photo opportunities.

With the surrounding clear blue seas that are dotted with expansive coral reefs and the verdant greenery that carpets the island; bird’s eye views over this sprawling beauty are an aesthetic delight.

Oh, and if you’re feeling brave, helicopter tours also offer the chance to embark upon a Montserrat volcano tour, where you’ll witness a live volcano in action (from a safe distance of course).

Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation Betty’s Hope was Antigua’s first sugar plantation and dates all the way back to 1674. Named after the daughter of its 17th century owner Christopher Codrington, the plantation was hugely successful and ensured sugar production dominated Antigua’s industry for hundreds of years.

It’s a great place to go to for a sense of Antigua’s past and close ties to British Colonialism. With a collection of stone ruins, as well as a beautifully restored mill and an informative visitor’s centre, witness the plantation’s history come to life as you are given an insightful tour by your enthusiastic expert guide.

Our Favourite Beaches

We’d be lying if we didn’t say one of our favourite things to do in Antigua is to simply kick back on a paradisiacal beach and listen to waves lapping softly against the white sands. As we mentioned above, there’s around 365 beaches to choose from, so you’re undoubtedly spoilt for choice.

One of our favourites has to be Half Moon Bay, a mile long stretch of paradise along Antigua’s south eastern coast.

There’s also Dickenson Bay in the north west of the island, whose powder soft sands and alluringly calm waters epitomise what Antigua does best. Oh, let’s not forget Carlisle Bay or Turner’s Beach either. Okay, we’ll stop.

You get the picture. This is the island to go to for ultimate beach relaxation.

Diving

So, we’ve given you options for discovering Antigua by land and by air, but how about delving under the surface of this exclusive destination... literally...

We think anywhere that’s lucky enough to be surrounded by vibrant, well preserved reefs and astounding shipwrecks deserves to be explored, so it’s time to get your hair wet.

The conditions in Antigua are perfect for diving and snorkelling and as a result, there’s an abundance of diving schools and snorkelling trips that you can book on to, so there’s no excuse not to give it a go. Whether you’re discovering the wreck of The Andes merchant ship that sank in 1905, heading out to the famous Cades Reef to swim amongst the colourful marine life or taking a trip of a lifetime to swim and interact with friendly stingrays, you’ll probably want to grab an underwater camera so you can capture these moments forever.

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Jumby Bay Beach

View From Cocobay Bar

Redcliffe Quay

View From Cocobay Bar

Devils Bridge

Fryers Beach

Hermitage Bay Hillside Suite

Kayacking through the Mangrove Forest

Heritage Quay

Barbuda Beach

Pool at Palmetto

Sunset Over Jolly Beach

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Antigua is an island famous for its beauty, rich colonial history and maritime culture, an island that should most definitely hold a firm position on any travel bucket list. So we’ve created this 9 night Caribbean getaway that will have you exploring this paradise by land, sea and air, so prepare to be awe-inspired.

Aerial Island Views Arriving at the island’s quaint little airport, you’ll be transferred straight to your luxury accommodation at Carlisle Bay. Spend your first days relaxing by the pool, enjoying the gourmet cuisine on offer and swimming in the sparkling azure waters that gently lap this exclusive bay. And when you’re feeling all chilled out we’ll have you embark on a private helicopter tour over the island and Montserrat Volcano.

Prepare for the most breath-taking bird’s eye view of clear blue seas, dotted with expansive coral reefs and verdant greenery. When you fly over the volcano in particular, you’ll really be lost for words. It’s not every day you get to look down upon an active volcano after all. Feet firmly back on the sand, there’s no better way to end such a beauty fuelled day than by heading over to Pinching Bay to watch the sun set. A Black Tomato favourite.

Picnic in Paradise Next on your Caribbean adventure is a private boat charter from Carlisle Bay. After a morning snorkelling the vibrant coral reefs enjoy a delicious lunch hamper on the bright white sands of one of Green Island uninhabited beaches. Sailing is a popular past time in Antigua, and it’s easy to see why. Relax on board and be mesmerised as the fish and coral flash below in the crystalline waters.

Dine Beneath the Stars

Back at Jumby Bay, there’s plenty of complimentary experiences to make the most of too, including nature walks round the island, the opportunity to watch Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs, sunset cruises, stargazing tutorials and more. One experience not to be missed is to dine under the stars on Jumby Bay’s private beach.

Be waited on by your own catering staff, right at the water’s edge.

The ocean, the flickering candle light and gourmet food make for an unforgettable and atmospheric evening. The perfect end to a perfect Caribbean adventure, don’t you think?

Stingray City After five nights in the luxurious Carlisle Bay, it’s time to take a short ride over to your next bolthole – Jumby Bay. Located on its very own private 300-acre islet just two-miles from the north coast of Antigua, this is the place to go for complete seclusion (not to mention splendour). We’ll only have you leaving this lap of luxury once to visit Stingray City. From Jumby Bay’s private dock it’s a short 15 minute journey to the secure stingray habitat in Mercers Creek Bay where you can snorkel and play with Southern Stingrays. These majestic creatures are friendly, curious and a pleasure to swim with.

Carlisle Bay If you’re looking to completely indulge then this designer retreat on an idyllic slice of Caribbean paradise comes with luxury guaranteed.

From the moment you enter (across a lily pond illuminated by flaming torches) you’ll have everything from world-class restaurants, a firstrate spa, a movie theatre and the hotel’s own private mangroves as your playground.

Location

Nestled on the south coast of Antigua, the largest of the Leeward Islands, Carlisle Bay is a sliver of white sand that sweeps along the coast wrapped in rolling hills and tropical gardens.

Just 30 mins from the airport in the bustling capital of St John, Carlisle Bay feels like a world away from anywhere. A watersports haven, just a five minute boat away lies the underwater wonderland of Cadas Reef, offering excellent scuba diving including the chance to dive at night – perfect for thrill seekers.

Your Room

Each of the 82 spacious suites have been designed with style and supreme comfort in mind. Think sleek dark wood furniture and luxurious silks in sophisticated mutual tones.

Whether you choose a garden, beach or ocean suite, each comes complete with king beds and its own private terrace or balcony with stunning views. The artwork and photography that adorns the walls was commissioned specially for the hotel which even features its own library and movie theatre (with seats upholstered in Italian leather of course).

Why We Like it

Chic interiors, stunning surroundings and impeccable service – Carlisle Bay is the complete package. Adding to the hotel’s glowing credentials are the three different children’s programs tailored to provide for kids of all ages.

The Caribbean Cool Kids Club is open seven days a week and accommodates children aged six months to six years with qualified childcare professionals running programs like lizard hunting, treasure hunts and arts and crafts. The Crew Blue program leads activities for children aged seven to 12, offering raft building, five-a-side football, zip-wiring and star fish hunting. Crush is the teenage club for 13 to 19 year olds and is based in the chill-out room with a Wii, table tennis, foosball and pool tables. They also run a variety of water sports, hold barbecue parties and organise shopping trips to nearby St Johns.

Jumby Bay The typical journey to a tropical private island likely involves multiple flight changes and long boat rides over open waters. So what if we told you that just 10-minutes from the Caribbean hub of Antigua lies one of the most luxurious and exclusive private islands around? Now that we have you on board, let us tell you about Jumby Bay, a unique private island resort composed of 40 rooms and suites and a handful of multi-million dollar villas and estate homes. This is the place to go for complete seclusion away from the bustle of the usual Caribbean resort.

Your Room

Jumby Bay occupies a private 300-acre islet just two-miles from the north coast of Antigua. The resort employs a strict policy of allowing only hotel guests, staff and residents on the island at any given time. These measures are taken so that you benefit from absolute security and complete serenity on your Caribbean holiday. To further add to that laidback and tranquil atmosphere there are no cars on the island, instead guests get around on golf carts, bikes or simply by foot.

Of course the island is blessed with pristine beaches and finding your own private spot to enjoy the calming ocean waters isn’t difficult as the resort has set up thatched roof huts and hammocks throughout the island’s beaches.

Location

A series of luxurious one-bedroom suites occupy the resort grounds while larger villas and estate homes are available for rental and are scattered throughout the island. All suites feature sweeping views of the sea, while the Rosewood Estate suite’s infinity pool wraps dramatically around your private terrace seemingly suspended in a sea of water.

Multi-bedroomed villas and estate homes are more isolated along the coast and feature private beaches while still benefiting from resort services and facilities, including meals, unlimited open bar and concierge services.

Why We Like it

Completely unique experiences are what set Jumby Bay over the top. A champagne picnic can be arranged by staff for a private dinner on the beach under the stars, or spa treatments using ingredients straight from the resort garden take place in open-air treatment rooms that each feature their own private terraces. To add to the charm, the island’s Pasture Beach is the nesting grounds for the protected Hawksbill sea turtles. Guests are notified of hatching activity and are encouraged to witness their journey from shore to sea.

Children and families are well catered for at the resort (which even has child-sized robes and slippers), particularly by the Rose Bud program that is designed to provide for younger guests.

The service includes the exciting Camp Jumby, which caters for three to 12 year olds, offering activities like cooking classes, wildlife and ocean adventures, science experiments, dancing and singing events and days at the beach.

The Hawksbill Turtle Program also presents opportunities for kids who can sign up for ‘turtle watch’ from June through November and play an active role in the program. Plus, a personal nanny service is provided giving parents the freedom to slip off and enjoy activities such as massage, yoga, tennis or dinner for two, comfortably assured their kids are cared for.

BEFORE YOU GO

O T S T C A F L A I T N E SS E THE A U IG T N A O T U YO T E G When You Go

With 365 pristine beaches you could spend a whole year in Antigua and never go to the same spot twice. The high season falls between December and April so, if you’re planning to escape the cold winter weather, Antigua promises one gloriously sunny get away. However, from April to November although the rainfall increases so do the temperatures which means Antigua remains relatively dry, plus being out of season the island is a lot quieter.

With an annual calendar just bursting with an array of incredible events from the glamorous Sailing Week in late April to Carnival in July and August and the infamous Nelson’s Dockyard Champaign party at the end of the year, there really is something for everyone all year round.

Getting Around

(Cars) For an independent experience of the Island there are a number of rental car services available from bigger resorts and the airport. However, taxis are a very popular form of transport and widely available. Fares are regulated by the government but be sure to negotiate your fare before embarking.

(Bicycles and Mopeds) With only 15 miles of surfaced road why not hire a bicycle or moped to whip around this paradisiacal island. This option gives you more freedom as well as that unbeatable feel of the tropical breeze running through your hair.

(Ferries) Being an island, there are a number of ferry services to help get you around, including a fast ferry service to Antigua’s sister island Barbuda.

Getting There

Direct and nonstop flights are available with a variety of carriers. The flying time is approximately 8 hours from London and between 3 and 4 hours from the U.S.