6 minute read
ANTIGUA
ANTIGUA ANTIGUA
Step onto the Caribbean island blessed with 365 sweeping beaches, where the softest white sands, cerulean skies and West Indian flavour meets British colonial charm.
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WHY WE LOVE ANTIGUA?
Antigua is the easiest place to have a great holiday, there’s daily non-stop flights taking you right to some of the best beaches we know. As well as all the usual attributes of a Caribbean holiday, Antigua has a fascinating history and one of its most visited sites is Nelson’s Dockyard. When it comes to accommodation, Antigua has something to suit all tastes and all budgets – from historic inns and boutique retreats to luxury resorts, just ask us for our recommendations for your perfect Antiguan escape.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO?
By all means set yourself the challenge of exploring all 365 beaches, but there is more to Antigua than just the beaches…Nelson’s Dockyard is a World Heritage Site and the only Georgian naval facility still in use anywhere in the world. Now home to a museum and some lovely boutique hotels and cafés, it’s a great place to sit back and watch the luxury yachts come and go. The famous Antigua Sailing Week takes place each April/May bringing world class racing to the island.
A stay in Antigua isn’t complete without visiting Shirley Heights. On a Sunday, this restored garrison comes alive with the island’s biggest barbecue and steel band concert. The views are simply stunning, perfect at sunset, with panoramas right across English Harbour and to neighbouring Monserrat.
We recommend hiring a jeep and exploring at your own pace, don’t miss a trip down Fig Tree Drive which takes you through the rainforest, past old sugar mills and churches. Seeing the island by water is also the perfect way to spend a day, travel around the entire island with swimming and snorkelling stops along the way, and lunch on Green Island.
CURTAIN BLUFF
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this luxurious resort, with a magnificent location overlooking one beach on the calm Caribbean side and another on the wilder surf side. Managing Director, Rob Sherman, and his team will look after you with attentive service and outstanding cuisine. The 72 rooms and suites are spread along the bluff, capitalising on the cooling breezes of the spectacular vista. The fabulous Spa at Curtain Bluff offers 5,000 sq ft of pure indulgence with an infinity-edge Jacuzzi and an open-air relaxation room with wonderful ocean views. This is no ordinary all-inclusive, dining is exceptional and includes the lunchtime beach buffet served at The Sea Grape, where you can dine with the sand between your toes, or The Tamarind Tree, where mouth-watering cuisine is accompanied by a bottle from the prodigious Wine Cellar.
7 nights from £4,299 per person on All-Inclusive.
THE INN AT ENGLISH HARBOUR
Full of old-fashioned charm and set on a tranquil sandy cove, this stylish boutique hotel boasts one of the most picturesque locations in Antigua. With breathtaking views of historic English Harbour, a wonderfully soothing ambience and superb service provided by general manager, Fabio Giorgi and his team, this is a very special place where you can’t help but just relax and take life easy. Dining at The Inn is a real treat - the spectacular views from the Terrace restaurant are complemented by the outstanding gourmet cuisine. For the more active, we recommend taking the hotel’s private water taxi over to Nelson’s Dockyard for lunch and to explore this history-filled harbour, or take to the water for a spot of snorkelling with colourful marine life to be found just a few metres from the hotel’s beach.
Set in the heart of the Nelson’s Dockyard is the charming and historic Admiral’s Inn and Gunpowder Suites. Featuring 32 cosy rooms and suites, each right by the ocean and bursting with character. There’s two open-air restaurants, a delightful infinity pool and complimentary shuttle to the beach in Freeman’s Bay. Enjoy a range of activities from yoga to tennis to scuba diving to the serene spa.
SIBONEY BEACH CLUB
An intimate, friendly hotel in a quiet and undiscovered location. There are 35 rooms, each with either a stunning view of Dickenson Bay or the tropical oasis gardens. With St John’s just 15 minutes drive and plenty lovely restaurants nearby, Siboney Beach is the perfect base for exploring Antigua and dining on your terms. The golden sandy beach and tranquil waters make it the perfect spot for gentle watersports.
SOUTH POINT
Located in fashionable Falmouth Harbour, South Point is a chic little boutique hotel that puts you in the heart of Antigua’s famous yachting scene, with magnificent yachts, bars, restaurants and boutiques. With just 23 spacious, modern, suites set in low-rise buildings overlooking the waters, and a restaurant that serves up tasty food, this is a resort that is small but stylish.
7 nights from £2,149 per person on Full Board.
THE GREAT HOUSE
The Great House is a true hidden gem. Family owned and operated, as the last remaining stone plantation house in Antigua it blends historic charm with privacy in a beautiful setting. Choose between individually designed suites in the main house and the newer garden cottages. Gourmet meals are cooked with a ‘garden to table’ approach and locally sourced ingredients where possible. There’s a pool, spa and yoga platform with classes and local hikes included.
ANTIGUA NORTH & SOUTH ANTIGUA NORTH & SOUTH
Stay in two different properties to experience both the north and the south of Antigua. Our suggestion here offers a wonderful combination of beaches and the fascinating history of Nelson’s Dockyard. You could though combine any of our accommodations on the island to make your perfect itinerary.
Day 1-6: • On arrival at Antigua airport, you’ll be met by our knowledgable local reps who will transfer you to
Siboney Beach Club in the northwest of the island. • Relax and unwind on one of the most gorgeous golden sandy beaches of Antigua, looking out over the tranquil blue sea. Your hotel has just 35 rooms in a delightful beachside location, with a friendly beach bar and a waterside restaurant. It’s really lovely and very affordable base on the west coast.
• Enjoy sundowner drinks watching the amazing sunsets, a must before a candle-lit supper at the water’s edge. • You’re only 15 minutes from the capital St John’s with shops and more to explore. Here, there’s
National Museum, interpreting the rich history of
Antigua and Barbuda. Fort James stands at the entrance to the harbour one of the many forts built by the British in the 18th century. Day 7-9 • You will be transferred to the south of the island to stay at Admiral’s Inn. You’ll find this to be a beautiful atmospheric oceanfront spot in the heart of the fascinating Nelson’s Dockyard. You are just a stroll to the shops, bars and restaurants of this delightful historic area of Antigua. • From here, you absolutely cannot miss the weekly
‘Jump Up’ at
Shirley Heights on a Sunday for that ultimate Antiguan experience.
9 nights from £2,119 per person including 6 nights at Siboney Beach Club including breakfast + 3 nights at Admiral’s Inn including breakfast.
