The Antiguan 2015

ANTIGUAN 2015

THE

The Guide to Antigua & Barbuda

25th

Anniversary Issue!

A Warm Welcome to Antigua & Barbuda

MOREN A BAC C AR I N FO R H EARTS O N F I RE . heartsonfire.com 877-PERFECT

Heritage Quay, St John’s VC Bird International Airport 268.562.5662 | sterlings@candw.ag SterlingsAntigua on Facebook

Contents 2 4 6 8 10 12 22 44 46 48 50 52 53 54 58 60 70 72 85 86 88 98 112 114 115 119 120

Welcome to Antigua & Barbuda Calendar of Events The Beach is Just the Beginning Arriving in Antigua 20 Reasons to Visit Antigua & Barbuda Antigua Events Where to Stay – Antigua Hotels Antigua for the Perfect Wedding Antigua Spas – Relax & Unwind Island Map Exploring Antigua Antigua’s Famous Beaches Antigua’s Offshore Islands Nelson’s Dockyard Beautiful Barbuda Action & Adventure Sailaway for the Day Real Estate – A Piece of Paradise Antigua...A Caribbean Home, A Global Market Super Shopping St. John’s Street Map Dining Out Antigua Nightlife Antigua Homegrown Artistic Antigua Antigua Database Cruise Tourism

Capturing the spirit of Antigua & Barbuda www.josephjonesphotography.com • www.antiguabrides.com Call: (268) 462-7317 or (268) 774-7317

THE ANTIGUAN is written, produced and published by FT CARIBBEAN, PO Box 2686, St. John’s, Antigua, West Indies Tel: (268) 462-3292 Fax: (268) 462-3292 Email: ftcarib@apuainet.ag www.theantiguan.com

The Publishers and TOURISM AUTHORITY OF Antigua & Barbuda would like to thank THE GEEST LINE for their generous assistance with the transportation of THE ANTIGUAN.

Why did the readers of Condé Nast Traveler vote Curtain Bluff ‘one of the top ten Caribbean Resorts’?

Was it our 2 spectacular beaches, the extraordinary value of our everything-included pricing, our 2 award-winning restaurants or our sensuous spa just feet from the sea?

Or was it something else, something that can’t be bought, built, programmed or planned the absolute finest service and the warmest welcome under the sun? There’s one way to find out …

USA: 888-289-9898 • UK: 0800-051-8956 • Direct: (268) 462 8400/1/2 • Email: curtainbluff@curtainbluff.com • www.curtainbluff.com

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A Warm Welcome

elcome to the ‘Gem of the Caribbean’, the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

On behalf of the Government and people, I extend a warm welcome, and invite you to experience the rich heritage, culture and hospitality offered by our paradise.

Antigua and Barbuda, known as the ‘Romance Capital of the Caribbean’, was named the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ by the World Travel Awards in 2013. You will see why Antigua and Barbuda offers the perfect combination of warmth, charm and sophistication which lends itself to romance.

Antigua and Barbuda has some of the world’s best accommodation - from luxurious hotels and villas to charming cottages and boutique hotels. You may also consider making this your home away from home.

Whether you choose to relax and soothe body and soul on one of our 365 white sandy beaches and float in pristine, turquoise waters, or enjoy more energetic activities, a visit to Antigua and Barbuda will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.

For unique adventures, explore with land and sea based excursions. Enjoy zip-lining through the Antigua rainforest, or wander along uncharted paths - you can even hike to the summit of Mount Obama.

With some of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches I encourage you to take a day-sail, and snorkel among our spectacular coral reefs. Take a leisurely kayak tour, and experience swimming with ‘the friendliest stingrays’ in the Caribbean Sea. Barbuda, our sister isle, is a short plane ride from Antigua and a nature lover’s dream. With diverse flora and fauna, magnificent pink sand beaches stretching for miles, and flavourful local delicacies, Barbuda is a hidden gem which gives you a glimpse of an authentic Caribbean paradise. Here is a place for ultimate relaxation!

Whether you want a romantic getaway or a family retreat, I invite you to make my home, your home, to have a vacation experience like no other. Enjoy your stay with us here in beautiful Antigua and Barbuda.

Sincerely,

Asot A. Michael.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Development Investment and Energy

Antigua & barbuda Tourist Offices ANTIGUA

CANADA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

UNITED KINGDOM & EUROPE

ACB Financial Centre - 3rd Floor, High Street, St. John’s, Antigua Tel: 1 268 562 7600/01/03/04 Fax: 1 268 562 7602 Email: info@aandbtourism.com 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza - Suite 6A, 305 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: 1 212 541 4118 Fax: 1 646 215 6008 Email: info@antigua-barbuda.org For further information visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

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60 St Clair Avenue East - Suite 601, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4T 1N5 Tel: 1 416 961 3085 Fax: 1 416 961 7218 Email: info@antigua-barbuda-ca.com 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London, W1H 4LP Tel: 44 (0) 203 668 3800 Fax: 44 (0) 207 258 7486 Email: tourisminfo@aandbtourism.com

2015

Calendar of Events

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January

New Year’s Day Parade: January 1 Super Yacht Challenge Antigua: January 29-February 1

elcome to Antigua and Barbuda, twin islands of lush scenery, beautiful beaches and friendly people. We invite you to experience our warmth and charm from the moment you step into our new airport terminal until that final swim before leaving our shores.

Our twin islands have natural beauty, fascinating history, rich culture and friendly people. You can enjoy a relaxing day on one of Antigua’s 365 beaches or travel around in leisurely style discovering nature. ‘The beach is just the beginning’ and we welcome you to zip through the rainforest, kayak through South Coast Horizon mangrove and visit historical sites like Shirley Heights and Betty’s Hope. Experience the Caribbean’s largest sailing regatta during Antigua Sailing Week and see Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s best-preserved Georgian Naval dockyard which is still in operation today.

Your visit would not be complete without a trip to our sister island Barbuda, known for its 17 miles of unbroken pink sandy beach and some of the best seafood delicacies in the Caribbean. See the largest bird sanctuary in the western hemisphere with over 5,000 frigate birds inhabiting the Codrington Lagoon.

We welcome you to the ‘Romance Capital of the World’, recently named ‘The Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’. Accommodation ranges from the ultra-exclusive to the all-inclusive. Whether you want a romantic resort or a charming escape, a villa or an inn, we will help you enjoy that ‘home away from home’ experience. A little taste of paradise may entice you to purchase your own home and take advantage of the wide range of properties available.

Dining here is a special experience. Enjoy delicious cuisine ranging from Barbudan Lobster to a succulent snapper. Don’t miss our sweet Antigua Black Pineapple.

For a unique experience try an Antiguan barbecue at a roadside food stall.

If you visit in July-August, experience the ‘Greatest Summer Festival’ that is Antigua’s Carnival and see a kaleidoscope of colourful costumes parading through St. John’s city in a cultural celebration.

You have heard it all and now it is time to experience this paradise. We invite you to experience one of the most memorable Caribbean destinations. Enjoy your stay with us in Antigua and Barbuda and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

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Sincerely,

DECEMBER

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FEBRUARY

Harbour Valentine’s Regatta: February 13-15 Ocean Racing Club - RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start: February 23 l Wadadli Day: February 28 l West Indies Sail Regatta - February 28-March 3 l Antigua & Barbuda Open Golf Tournament: February 28-March 1 l l

Jolly

Royal

MARCH l

Antigua Yacht Club Annual Laser Open: March 14-15

APRIL

Annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta: April 16-21 & Barbuda International Kite Festival: April 6 l Guadeloupe to Antigua Race (Antigua Yacht Club): April 24 l Yachting World Round Antigua Race: April 24 l 48th Annual Antigua Sailing Week: April 25–May 1 l l

28th

Antigua

MAY l l l l l

Annual Antigua Tennis Week at Curtain Bluff: May 2-9 Barbuda: (Late May) International Anglican Food Fair (Late May) Antigua & Barbuda Marlin Classic: May 22 Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament: May 22–24

Caribana

JUNE l l

Romance Turtle

Month Watching Season: June-October

JULY

58th Annual Antigua Carnival Celebrations: July 25-August 4 l Annual Mango Pineapple Culinary Competition l

AUGUST

Day: August 1 Carnival Monday / J’ouvert (Public Holiday): August 3 l Carnival Tuesday / Last Lap Jump Up (Public Holiday): August 4 l Mango Pineapple Festival l

Emancipation

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SEPTEMBER

Francis Nunes Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival: 27 September l

OCTOBER

Barbuda Independence Fishing Tournament Gardens Moravian Independence Food Fair l National Dress Day/Heritage Day: October 30 l l

Spring

NOVEMBER

34th Anniversary of Independence (Public Holiday): November 2 l National Tourism Week l 16th Annual Moods of Pan l Best in the West Fishing Tournament l Jolly Harbour Yacht Club Annual Regatta l

Annual Charter Yacht Show: December 4-10 Day (Public Holiday): December 9 l Christmas Extravaganza (Barbuda): December 23 l Antigua Yacht Club ‘Nelson’s Pursuit’: December 30 l Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) High Tides Series l l

Colin C. James CEO, Antigua Barbuda Airport Authority

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THE BEACH IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Photo: Carlisle Bay hotel

The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda lies right in the heart of the Caribbean. Visitors come back again and again to take advantage of the idyllic climate, easygoing way of life and famous 365 white sand beaches.

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et as you’ll soon discover, the islands have a lot more to offer than just sun-kissed sands and crystal clear waters. Award-winning hotels, world-class sailing, duty-free shopping and fascinating history all await you here.

English is Antigua’s official language, although the locals often speak a dialect that can sometimes be a challenge to understand! An atmosphere of warmth and good humour prevails, as well as a ‘no problem’ attitude towards life. Everyone quickly adapts to the unhurried pace of ‘the islands’.

The brand new V.C. Bird International Airport promises smooth arrivals and departures, and also confirms Antigua’s status as the gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Frequent non-stop flights from Europe and North America make it easy to get here. Antigua is also convenient as a hub for visiting neighbouring islands with our regional airline LIAT. Day trips to our neighbours can be arranged.

Hotels range from cosy small inns where the owners know everyone by name, to world-class luxury resorts where the famous stay incognito. Catering for those seeking more independent visits, there are beautiful villas and apartments available. A wide range of beach bars and restaurants offer anything from our award-winning rums to our fresh lobster.

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The capital St. John’s is a vibrant city well worth a visit. Its two waterfront shopping areas offer easy access to cruise ship visitors. Heritage Quay is a modern boulevard of duty-free shops, and neighbouring Redcliffe Quay is a charming contrast with its restored 18th century buildings forming a cosy complex of boutiques and restaurants. The museum in Long Street and grounds of the twin-towered cathedral both offer areas of tranquillity midst the hustle and bustle of town. The cathedral is currently undergoing extensive renovation.

Antigua’s reputation as a sailing centre is unsurpassed throughout the Caribbean. Over the years Jolly Harbour has developed into a major yachting marina complete with a shopping centre, villa village, sports centre and golf club. But it is English Harbour that long ago put Antigua on the international nautical map and which retains its traditional atmosphere to this day. You can stroll among the restored 18th century buildings of Nelson’s Dockyard surrounded by fleets of beautiful yachts, or you can visit the ruined fortress of Shirley Heights and enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace with a rum punch in hand.

All these attractions combine to make Antigua a unique Caribbean destination with many excellent reasons to come back soon …

ARRIVING IN ANTIGUA

Photo: Joseph Jones Photography

‘The Gateway of Choice to the Eastern Caribbean and Beyond’, Antigua is located 1,425 miles from Miami and about 4,000 miles from the UK. Whichever part of the world you are travelling from, you’ll receive the warmest of Antiguan welcomes ...

V.C. BIRD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Most people arrive by air at V.C. Bird International Airport, named after Antigua’s first Prime Minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Senior. Located 4-miles from the capital St. John’s, this busy international airport bustles around the clock with activity. As the hub for LIAT The Caribbean Airline, flights leave as early as 5am and arrive well into the night. The runway stretches 3,040 meters and can accommodate the largest commercial aircraft. Private jets fly in regularly as the airport is serviced by dedicated FBOs. Construction of the major new passenger terminal started in 2012 and the area has been a scene of activity ever since. Improved facilities include four passenger loading bridges, 46 check-in counters, 15 self-check-in kiosks and a sophisticated baggage handling system. There are premium class lounges for passengers and VIPs. The Club 17°61° Executive Lounge is located airside and the ideal place to relax with a drink served by friendly concierges.

Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal.

Most fares are fixed rather than metered and should be decided upon prior to the trip. A fare from the airport to St. John’s is about US$11 (EC$29), while a trip to Nelson’s Dockyard or Shirley Heights is about US$31 (EC$82).

DRIVING

Car rental car agencies can be found on exiting Customs. You must present your current valid driver’s license in order to be issued with a local license. The local license can be purchased on the spot for US$20 (EC$50) and is valid for 90 days. Driving is British-style with cars staying on the left. Take particular care at night - you will probably encounter cows, goats and speed-bumps on the road, as well as other drivers forgetting to dim their headlights! It is generally advisable to reserve a car in advance, especially during the peak winter months and at Sailing Week in April and Carnival in July/August.

Shopping will be an exciting adventure with a mixture of products and services on offer in the many stores and restaurants. The facilities for customs and immigration inspection areas will speed processing for incoming and outgoing passengers. A new enlarged car park is available. The Airport Authority is well on its way to achieving its vision of being “The Gateway of Choice to the Eastern Caribbean and Beyond”.

CASH

AIRLINES

YACHTS

Many international airlines service Antigua and Barbuda.

From North America, Antigua is served by American Airlines, Delta, US Air, United Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat and West Jet. The airlines flying in directly from Europe include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Condor. Caribbean Airlines serves the North American and regional travel market and SVG Air and Fly Montserrat operate daily domestic and regional flights.

The airport is the hub of LIAT The Caribbean Airline.

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TAXIS

The new airport houses a bureau of exchange, as well as automated teller machines. Close by at the entrance to the airport is the impressive Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank. Visitors to Antigua find that US dollars are accepted everywhere and the exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70 is general knowledge to all. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Many visitors arrive by yacht, the recognised Ports of Entry being Jolly Harbour, St. John’s, Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Falmouth, as well as Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda. Customs and immigration procedures have been streamlined in recent years to accommodate the unique nature of the yachting industry in Antigua and Barbuda, so that you can relax from the moment anchor is dropped in this twin-island paradise.

20 Reasons to Visit Antigua & Barbuda Hermitage Bay hotel

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It’s so easy to get here!

There are non-stop flights from London, New York and Toronto, as well as easy connections from Europe.

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The climate is warm and sunny all year round.

The trade winds cool you down and even the ‘liquid sunshine’ is refreshing!

Sandals Grande Antigua

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The hotels range from friendly local inns with lots of history to world-famous resorts with lashings of glamour.

There are also 365 beautiful white sand beaches for you to explore one for every day of the year.

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Yet the beach is just the beginning! These twin-islands have plenty to entertain you - whether you want to play, relax or explore.

Of course exploring is never more fun than on board a helicopter - enjoy a bird’s eye view of the island as you soar overhead.

Or why not treat yourself to a soothing massage. Many of the hotels boast luxury spas that are simply ideal for working out those kinks.

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You can even pet, feed and swim with stingrays in the middle of calm, clear, tranquil waters.

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There are plenty of boat trips on offer. Speedboats, catamarans or yachts - the choice is yours.

Photo: Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

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Don’t miss a day trip to Barbuda, with its 17 mile pink sand beach and the largest Frigate Bird sanctuary in the world.

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Antigua has plenty of natural beauty too. Stunning inland scenery like the tropical rainforest is matched by coastal wonders such as Devil’s Bridge and the Pillars of Hercules.

A trip along Fig Tree Drive is a great way to see the island’s flora and fauna and pick up some unique local crafts.

You can even zip through the rain forest on a canopy tour - definitely one of the most exhilarating ways of getting to know the island!

Joseph Jones Photography

The crystal clear waters are just as restorative.

Snorkel amongst pristine coral reefs and get up close and personal to tropical fish.

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Sandals Grande Antigua

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But if you’re more in the mood for duty-free shopping, head for Redcliffe Quay and Heritage Quay in the capital St. John’s.

Antigua even has a fascinating past! History buffs should make for Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s only working Georgian dockyard.

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And if you time your visit right you can attend a music festival, live it up at Carnival or have fun at Sailing Week.

The islands are also very romantic. The beaches are perfect for moonlit strolls and you can even get married here soon after you arrive!

Why not make your permanent base here? It’s very easy for you to find your own little piece of paradise and purchase a second home.

Most important of all, Antiguans and Barbudans are some of the friendliest people in the world, and will give you the very warmest of welcomes ...

Photo: Joseph Jones Photography

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ANTIGUA EVENTS

World-class

Thanks to our harbours, marinas and breezy trade winds,

ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK Where sailing comes first!

25 April - 1 May 2015 Once again Antigua Sailing Week 2014 provided an exceptional finale to the Caribbean racing season.

One hundred boats and crews from 29 different countries participated in the world-renowned regatta that got underway for the 47th time on 26 April 2014.

Five days of exceptional racing in perfect trade wind conditions is as good as it gets for most sailors. But of course as soon as they plant their feet back on dry land, everyone’s also ready to enjoy all the daytime and evening festivities. Indeed Antigua Sailing Week is famous for social events that include everything from beach parties and international DJs to local entertainers and big name acts from overseas.

Photos: Tim Wright – photoaction.com

For 2015 the official Welcome Party will be held on Saturday 25th April at historic Nelson’s Dockyard.

This follows the exciting ‘Round Antigua’ race earlier that day.

On Sunday 26th April the official Opening Breakfast Party takes place at Shirley Heights and spectators should head up there (or to any of the headlands overlooking the entrance to English and Falmouth Harbours) to enjoy spectacular views of the races starting and finishing. Alternatively, you can jump onboard a Wadadli Cat to chase the race out on the water.

Every afternoon there will be exciting prize-giving ceremonies on the lawn at the Antigua Yacht Club, followed by parties each evening. On Lay Day, the official rest day half-way through the week, everyone heads down to Pigeon Beach for beach cricket, tug o’war and other fun and games alongside the Nonsuch Bay ‘RS Elite Challenge’. At the end of the week it is back to Nelson’s Dockyard for the Final Awards Ceremony and after party.

Online entries for Antigua Sailing Week 2015 open early at www.sailingweek.com. You can also see photos and videos from 2014, buy your chase-the-race tickets and get updates on the plans for 2015. www.sailingweek.com

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Sailing Events Antigua has become a major centre for world-class sailing events.

Photos: Nicholas Caldellis

ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA

by Jane Coombs 16 - 21 April 2015 The 27th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta was blessed with excellent sailing conditions, and an impressive sixty entries. It commenced on the Wednesday with a fitting tribute to Kenny Coombs, the founder of the Classics who sadly passed away in October 2013.

The Opening Party followed with music provided by ‘Itchy Feet’ and the traditional and highly-prized Mount Gay hat giveaway.

The yachts took centre stage the following afternoon.

A total of 17 yachts competed in the ever-popular single-handed race, the Concourse d’Elegance trophy awarded that evening to the mighty ketch Whitehawk.

The four days of racing began on Friday, the 1951 tug Flying Buzzard gracing the start line as the Committee Boat for the first time. There were exciting conditions for Friday’s ‘Old Road Course’, and for Saturday’s ‘Butterfly Course’ when the wind increased to 25 knots and created some heavy weather sailing. These oceangoing classics eagerly embraced it all.

Sunday’s ‘Cannon Race’, with its simple ‘out and back’ course, was a ‘Parade of Sail’. The competitors enjoyed the spectacle of boats such as the 130ft. J class replica Rainbow and the 85ft. Fife Adventuress, at close quarters. As is customary after the race, the boats proceeded past the overflowing restaurants on Antigua Slipway into English Harbour.

The good breeze continued for the final ‘Windward Course’ on Monday and several class winners were decided on the water. Afterwards the yachts enjoyed complimentary dockage in Nelson’s Dockyard as the crews enjoyed their celebratory dinners. The event was rounded off in Nelson’s Dockyard with gig racing, cream teas at Admiral’s Inn and finally the prize giving.

Whitehawk was the undoubted star of the show, winning the Yachting World Trophy, and the Panerai Trophy.

We look forward to another successful Classic Yacht Regatta in 2015! www.antiguaclassics.com.

Email: info@antiguaclassics.com

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ANTIGUA EVENTS

Photo: Tim Wright - photoaction.com

RORC CARIBBEAN 600 Royal Ocean Racing Club 23 February 2015 Since its inception in 2009, the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s ‘RORC Caribbean 600’ has not only earned recognition as one of the world’s classic offshore races, but it’s also become a firm fixture on the international offshore racing calendar.

Starting and finishing in Antigua, the unique 600-mile course was conceived by Antiguan sailor and RORC member Stan Pearson. It uses eleven islands of the Eastern Caribbean as turning marks and provides an interesting challenge for both navigators and crew alike.

The RORC work with the Falmouth-based Antigua Yacht Club. Their army of local volunteers not only supports the race management, but also meets every yacht that finishes the race with a welcoming beer.

The race attracts professional sailors the world over, not to mention the enthusiastic amateur adventurer.

Indeed the ‘RORC Caribbean 600’ has seen steady year-on-year growth, just 24 boats competing in the inaugural event and now 60 boats taking part in 2014.

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29 January - 1 February 2015 The 5th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua is a well-established event. Up to 15 superyachts (80 ft. and over) enjoy a wonderful celebration of sailing, solely for the pleasure of owners, guests and crew. The fleet take part in 3 days of spectacular racing governed by the International Superyacht Rule with daily pursuit races along Antigua’s south coast. The racing is competitive but the Challenge is dedicated to pure fun, particularly ashore where all participants enjoy a relaxed atmosphere free from commercial endorsements. Hosted by Admiral’s Inn and Antigua Rigging in association with National Parks Antigua. www.thesuperyachtchallenge.com

JOLLY HARBOUR VALENTINE’S REGATTA 13 - 15 February 2015

Everyone agrees the quality of the racing - the warm blue ocean and guaranteed trade winds combined with the perfect surfing conditions and amazing scenery - will ensure the ‘RORC Caribbean 600’ continues to grow in popularity.

The annual Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta is a professionally run yet fun event featuring 3 days of competition off the west coast of Antigua.

Designed to suit everyone, the schedule includes anything from pursuit races to a Laser Pico fleet, the quality of the racing exceptional and enjoyed by a growing fleet of yachts.

See http://caribbean600.rorc.org

See www.jollyharbourregatta.com

ANTIGUA EVENTS

TEST MATCH CRICKET West Indies vs England ANTIGUA • 13 - 17 APRIL 2015 This year sports fans can combine their relaxing beach holiday with Test Match cricket. The England team are scheduled to tour the Caribbean in 2015, the first of the three 5-day Test Matches to begin on the 13th April at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Named after the island’s most famous cricketer and located just 20-minutes from St. John’s, this state-of-the-art venue was first built for the 2007 Cricket World Cup and features two main stands, a practice pitch and a media centre. Antigua’s love for cricket is well-known and overseas visitors can’t fail to be entertained not just by the sporting action, but also by the party atmosphere that usually prevails at such events!

See www.westindiescricket.com for further details.

International Kite Festival 6 April 2015 • Easter Monday • Devil’s Bridge This Easter Kite Festival has become a popular family event in Antigua.

All different age groups show up to enjoy the colourful and dynamic kite flying displays on the island’s stunning north-east coast. Some people cruise by on yachts and power boats, whilst others take the opportunity to picnic on the nearby beach. The kites show great originality in their design and the participants display great skill in keeping them flying in the breeze.

Tel: (268) 774-4879 Email: tropikiters@hotmail.com

Fantasy Tennis Camp

15-19 April 2015 Tennis legends Tracy Austin, Tom Gullikson and Johan Kriek team up to headline Curtain Bluff’s Fantasy Tennis Camp. Designed for adults ranging in skill from recreational to tournament level, the event includes 5 days of instruction and play, a welcome party and an exhibition.

Curtain Bluff Tennis

www.curtainbluff.com

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1-8 November 2015 Top players from the United States (such as former Davis Cup winner Dick Stockton and Grand Slam champion Gene Mayer) team up with Curtain Bluff’s tennis pros to provide a week of clinics, guest doubles, pro-am play and social fun for players of all levels.

THE PERFECT MATCH

Antigua Tennis Week

2-9 May 2015 Guests can join ‘Fiery’ Fred Stolle, winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, for an incredible week of tennis. Stolle leads this international pro-am tennis festival along with former Aussie champion Ross Case. Started in 1975, it attracts some of the biggest names in the game.

Tennis Challenge

For further details go to www.curtainbluff.com

15-22 November 2015 Annabel Croft and Andrew Castle team up with tennis legend Owen Davidson to host Curtain Bluff’s annual Tennis & Well Being week. In addition to clinics and matches with the pros, you can enjoy activities like yoga, Zumba and sailing to historic English Harbour.

ANTIGUA EVENTS

SPORT FISHING SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT 22 - 24 May 2015 A favourite event in Antigua’s festival calendar, the Sport Fishing Tournament is held over three days at Whit Monday weekend. It attracts entries from Antigua, St. Barths, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten and 28 boats took part in 2014.

The dock party is almost as important as the fishing itself, especially for the overseas boats who love the Nelson’s Dockyard backdrop. People come to watch the fish being weighed in, buy fish fresh from the stalls and eat fish straight from the grill. There’s everything from crab backs, conch chowder, lobster, seafood pasta and juicy ribs to rum and vodka cocktails, the Rosé Bar and the famous $5(EC) grill.

The main two-day event is a fish and a marlin tournament. The organisers encourage marlin to be released which gains points for the team. There is a minimum weight of 300lb for marlin brought to the scale and any who come in under weight are disqualified. Points are also deducted from the score of the boat that caught it.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA MARLIN CLASSIC 22 May 2015 The Antigua & Barbuda Marlin Classic is now in its fifth year.

The entry fee is US$1,000 and the winner takes 80% of the entry fee from all boats. This is great news, particularly for the overseas boats able to enjoy an extra days fishing before returning home. Five teams took part in 2014.

See www.antiguabarbudasportsfishing.com

FRANCIS NUNES JUNIOR MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 27 September 2015 The Francis Nunes Jr. Memorial Tournament and Sea Food Festival is a popular fishing event that takes place every year centred around Nelson’s Dockyard. Great for the whole family as no one leaves hungry or thirsty!

TURTLE TOURS JUNE TO OCTOBER

Nature-lovers will love the Friday turtle watching trips run by The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) of Antigua & Barbuda ...

Tours are offered typically on Friday nights during the nesting season of June through October.

They usually begin at 7:30pm and include about 3 to 3½ hours of beach patrol, usually on an offshore island, but sometimes on the mainland.

Sights can include anything from hatching baby turtles to witnessing a mother climbing up onto the beach to lay her eggs. Two field team members collect data on the actual turtles, whilst a trained EAG guide accompanies the tours and provides interesting facts. Did you know a warmer incubation temperature makes the turtle female, for example?

Photo: courtesy Eli Fuller

Prices vary. For more information and how to book email: eagantigua@gmail.com

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ANTIGUA EVENTS

MANGO FESTIVAL July & August 2015 Antigua’s annual Mango Festival is a unique and fun event.

There are many different varieties of this exotic local fruit and its versatility is well demonstrated at this special festival.

A number of smaller events lead up to the Grand Finale held each year at Christian Valley on the island’s south-west coast. The Mango Festival celebrates its 10th year in 2015 and promises to be bigger and better than ever. One especially delectable event is the ‘Mango Pineapple Culinary Competition’ when some of the island’s most talented chefs, pastry chefs and bartenders compete. Their dishes and beverages must have local mangoes and pineapples as the main ingredients, events such as these encouraging the hotels and restaurants to use locally-grown produce. The festival culminates in mid August when visitors are able to purchase locally-made products such as mango lip gloss and mango lotion, as well as taste and buy some of the biggest and juiciest mangoes ever seen!

MOOD OF PAN FESTIVAL November 2015 This 3-day steel pan festival is hosted by Gemonites Steel Orchestra at the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre ...

Steel bands are traditionally made up of pieces of metal such as old irons, tyre rims, steel pipes etc. Over the years, the Caribbean steel bands have evolved into highly technical instruments which are honed out of steel drums, sunken and burned over a hot fire, chromed and turned.

The festival gives individuals, especially the young, the opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity in performances demonstrating all genres of music, including classical, gospel, reggae, jazz and calypso. A key component of the festival is the ‘Five Alive’ competition which allows competitors to portray a creative and often comedic presentation. Musical storylines and themes are brought to life to evoke laughter and excitement as the crowd responds. Several regional and international steel orchestras enter the competition hoping to win the coveted title.

Don’t miss the unique super sounds of the Caribbean steel bands.

GENERATION NEXT

Football Club

The Antigua-based GNFC is dedicated to teaching ‘the beautiful game’ to the next generation of footballers.

Football is becoming increasingly popular with Caribbean youngsters. This academy not only offers regular camps and coaching sessions, but it also organises island and regional tournaments. Its annual Youth Challenge Cup sees teams compete in the Under 8, Under 10, Under 13 and Under 18 divisions.

Yet it is GNFC’s close ties with international partners like Stoke City FC of the UK’s Barclay’s Premier League that sets it apart from other Caribbean football academies. For the past three years, twelve of its young footballers have attended the club’s Advance Development Training Programmes held during the months of August and November. The GNFC is confident that many future professional footballers will hail from the Caribbean.

See www.generationnextfc.com

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PACK FOR A PURPOSE The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals® Resorts International. It is committed to programmes that create a positive and sustainable impact on the people and environment of the Caribbean.

The Foundation continually strives to play a meaningful role in the communities where Sandals Resorts and Beaches® Resorts operate. It has therefore formed a fitting partnership with ‘Pack for a Purpose®’. This is a non-profit organisation providing vacationers with the opportunity to help local community projects by bringing essential supplies to their vacation destination. Travellers to Antigua, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados are given a wish-list and encouraged to pack in their suitcases up to five pounds in weight of much needed essentials such as sports equipment, and school and medical supplies.

Guests travelling to Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts who wish to participate can significantly contribute to the Sandals Foundation’s commitment to fostering education in the Caribbean. In its first 18 months this powerful partnership has proved to be highly successful. Resort guests donated over 900 pounds of school supplies and equipment and these have been distributed to 26 primary and secondary schools adopted by the Sandals Foundation throughout the islands.

In Antigua, Willikies, Villa and Cedar Grove Primary Schools have received enough reading material to maintain their classrooms and school libraries. Through the Sandals Foundation’s weekly volunteerism programme, Reading Road Trip, the generous donations of more than 200 guests from Grand Pineapple® Beach Resort Antigua and Sandals Grande Antigua have helped to enhance literacy programmes.

Five pounds is always gladly welcomed, but the participating educational institutions are grateful for donations of any weight and amount. The Sandals Foundation is proud to give 100% of all proceeds contributed by the general public directly to a variety of programmes benefitting the Caribbean community each year.

To learn more visit www.sandalsfoundation.org

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Photos: Joseph Jones Photography

Antigua

Carnival Antigua’s Carnival, the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival, showcases all aspects of Carnival, music, mas, steel pan and pageantry.

This is the perfect time to experience the island’s culture, music and food. Come and join in all the carnival fun between 26 July and 4 August 2015.

T

his celebration of Emancipation lasts a little over a week with a great calendar of events.

The festival climaxes on Emancipation Day, starting with (4am) J’ouvert Morning when people take to the streets dancing to the local jam bands, steel bands and iron bands often dressed in the most unusual outfits. This is the true meaning of freedom … Emancipation!

The great carnivals of the world are judged primarily on their music and mas. Carnival Monday and Tuesday fall on the first Monday and Tuesday of August every year. On these two days the carnival troupes descend on the streets of St. John’s adorned in their carnival costumes bursting with colour and dancing to the pumping soca rhythms, steel bands, iron bands and popular DJs. Carnival mas costumes depict colourful and magical themes often with national or regional significance.

Their beading, feathers and jewels represent months of work in the various mas camps where the costumes are handmade. Mas makers often work into the early hours of the morning to produce hundreds of costumes in the hope of winning the coveted title of ‘Band of the Year’.

Other events in the Carnival line-up include a fiercely competitive Calypso competition, where masters of the art compete with songs of social commentary.

The high-energy party-style Soca Monarch competition draws a party crowd. Artists are judged on various criteria, since crowd participation carries significant weight, so the audience is encouraged to join in the fun. The Queen of Carnival Show is always eagerly anticipated by pageant aficionados.

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Young ladies are judged on performing talent, interview, poise and grace, all aiming to be crowned Miss Antigua & Barbuda. ‘Teensplash’ is a talent competition for talented teenagers, which creates a school rivalry atmosphere increasing in intensity every year. Carnival City is bursting with teenagers on this night.

No Carnival festival would be complete without a Panorama competition. The bittersweet rivalry that exists among the various steel orchestras fuels the passion to practise musical renditions for months in advance of the competition. The hard work and dedication is evident on Panorama night when the steel orchestras grace the stage at Carnival City with high-energy performances often punctuated with dramatic antics. The audience is always captivated.

Carnival closes off with Last Lap where the jam bands wind their way through the streets of St. John’s pumping out the most popular songs of the Carnival season. It’s the perfect time to come and experience the culture, music and food of Antigua & Barbuda.

For more information on Antigua Carnival visit www.antiguacarnival.com

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WHERE TO STAY

Photo: Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort

Antigua’s hotels suit all tastes and budgets, and range from small traditional inns to world-class resorts. These pages give you a good idea of what is available and further information is available from your nearest Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Office.

ADMIRAL’S INN

Nelson’s Dockyard This charming historic boutique hotel is located on the waterfront in Nelson’s Dockyard. The 22 rooms and suites are housed in 18th century buildings with all the modern amenities including AC and Wi-Fi. Delicious meals and cocktails are served at Pillars terrace restaurant. Free boat rides are available to the beach and to the hotel’s spectacular infinityedged pool where daybeds, massages and a second restaurant Boom are located just across the water.

Tel: (268) 460-1027 www.admiralsinnantigua.com

ANTIGUA VILLAGE

Dickenson Bay Set in a tropical garden, Antigua Village is situated on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Spacious studios, suites and villas combine with the two open-air restaurants to create a great vacation experience.

PO Box 649, St. John’s Tel: (268) 462-2930 Toll Free: 1 866 590 8713 Email: antiguavillage@candw.ag

BLUE WATERS HOTEL

Soldier’s Bay Situated midst 17-acres of tropical gardens in the north-east corner of Antigua, Blue Waters Hotel enjoys a long-standing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts. The wide-ranging leisure facilities include 7 freshwater pools, floodlit tennis, a fitness centre, non-motorised water sports, three secluded beaches and a luxurious Elemis spa overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The three restaurants offer specialities from local seafood to French fusion cuisine, while the varied accommodation choices include beachfront rooms, the Cove Suites, Rock Cottage and Turtle Cottage.

P.O. Box 256, Soldier’s Bay, St. John’s Tel: (268) 462-0290 Email: frontoffice@bluewaters.net www.bluewaters.net

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BUCCANEER BEACH CLUB

Dickenson Bay Located on the popular beach of Dickenson Bay, this Caribbean-style resort is ideal for informal, independent visits to Antigua. Perfect for families and for couples, it offers 16 one-bedroom villas and 2 two-bedroom cottages all with kitchen facilities, private balconies or verandahs. On-site amenities include a pool, free laundry, free internet and mountain bikes. Watersports, restaurants, bars and supermarkets are located within walking distance and the friendly staff are always available for you.

Tel: +1 (268) 562-6785 Fax: +1 (268) 562-6784 Email: buccaneerbeachclub@candw.ag

CARLISLE BAY

Old Road Situated on the beautiful south coast, Carlisle Bay combines contemporary luxury with a beautiful beach setting. This is one of the most talked-about hotels in the Caribbean! The 82 spacious suites with private terraces or balconies offer breathtaking ocean views and cool, calm interiors. There are four great restaurants, three bars and an award-winning spa, all of which are open to non-residents. Day passes are a fantastic way to experience Carlisle Bay with its dive centre, complimentary watersports and Cool Kids Club.

Tel: (268) 484-0000 Fax: (268) 484-0001 Email: info@carlisle-bay.com www.carlisle-bay.com

CATAMARAN HOTEL Falmouth Harbour This 14 room family-run hotel is situated on the edge of Falmouth Harbour and has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All the rooms have air-conditioning, cable TVs and free internet. It’s a great place to relax and get away from it all, but is also close enough to English Harbour for Nelson’s Dockyard, as well as nightlife.

Tel: (268) 460-1036 Fax: (268) 460-1339 Email: catclub@candw.ag

ANTIGUA HOTELS

ANTIGUA HOTELS

ANTIGUA HOTELS

Hermitage Bay Hermitage Bay has been created with artistry and a true sense of the spirit of the location. The secluded and peaceful setting is on the edge of a hidden bay, enclosed by 17-acres of tropical gardens and surrounded by hundreds of acres of untouched land.

The stunning beach stretches for over 1,250 feet in front of 25 individual suites located on the hillside or just steps away from the sand.

All the luxurious suites feature an outside deck area.

The hillside suites have the added attraction of their own private plunge pools and sunbathing areas.

Hermitage Bay is the place for those seeking to unwind, retreat from busy lives and rejuvenate minds, bodies and souls. www.hermitagebay.com

tropical gardens fine white sand secluded bay warm and friendly spacious comfortable individual suites right on the beach hillside vistas luxury privacy tranquillity natural paradise hermitage bay Hermitage Bay tel (268) 562 5500 reservations (268) 562 8080 fax (268) 562 5505 www.hermitagebay.com

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

Carlisle Bay

Contemporary luxury on the beach For luxury, sophistication and contemporary style look no further than Carlisle Bay, a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Set on Antigua’s unspoilt south coast, its pristine half-kilometre beach is sheltered in a secluded bay with a backdrop of rolling hills and lush rainforest.

The 82 spacious suites range from the romantic Ocean and Garden Suites to the family-friendly Beach and Carlisle Suites. All have cool, contemporary interiors, balconies or terraces and stunning ocean views.

Carlisle Bay also has several enticing bars and excellent restaurants: East for pan-Asian fare, Indigo on the Beach for grills, seafood and salads, the poolside Ottimo! for Italian classics from an authentic wood-burning oven, and the newly-opened, adults-only Jetty Grill located on the beach and serving grills, fresh seafood, crisp salads and wines by the carafe.

Total relaxation and wellbeing are fundamental to Carlisle Bay’s philosophy - the Blue Spa was awarded the Condé Nast Traveller ‘Readers’ Choice Award for Best International Spa 2013’. It offers an extensive treatment menu from Natura Bissé, a gym and six treatment rooms including a wet room and couples’ room. There is a yoga and Pilates pavilion, 9 tennis courts and watersports including sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing and diving. Kids clubs offer fun activities and there is a private screening room showing movies daily, as well as a library showcasing top beach reads. Above all, this privatelyowned hotel exudes a sense of tranquility and seclusion. Carlisle Bay is also open to non-residents. Buy a day pass and enjoy all the hotel has to offer, or simply stop by for a couple of hours to pamper yourself in the Blue Spa, or dine in one of the three restaurants.

Three Ways to Enjoy Contemporary Luxury on the Beach Stay for an hour - Let your troubles melt away with a relaxing treatment at our award-winning spa.

Stay for the evening - Relax with a cocktail before eating in one of our three fantastic restaurants.

Stay for the day - Enjoy lunch, tennis, watersports, the gym and chill on the beach with a seasonal day pass.

Carlisle Bay, Old Road, St Mary’s, Antigua Tel: +1 268 484 0000 Email: reservations@carlisle-bay.com

carlisle-bay.com

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

Galley Bay Resort & Spa The award-winning Galley Bay is a long-established, intimate, Caribbean hideaway, which delights guests with its gracious unpretentious atmosphere and relaxing, all-inclusive pricing. The long stretch of white sand beaches, and lush tropical gardens create a spectacular natural setting at the edge of a unique lagoon and bird sanctuary. Arriving guests are escorted from the sugar mill reception across a unique causeway which crosses the centre of the lagoon to the beachfront area of the resort. At Galley Bay, the visitor is completely carried away from the hectic pace of the rest of the world.

Non-motorised watersports add a dimension for the adventurous without disturbing the tranquility of the environment. The Indulge Spa offers a posh tree-house atmosphere to pamper yourself with an extensive range of treatments. To maintain this peaceful atmosphere, the hotel only welcomes children 16 years and over.

This boutique hotel’s 98 guest rooms are set amid 40 acres of tropical gardens, providing privacy, and are mostly situated along the beachfront providing spectacular ocean views and direct beach access. The distinctive Gauguin-style cottages, tucked away in the gardens, have lagoon views and concealed individual plunge pools. Galley Bay was awarded one of the “Top 25 Caribbean Resorts” named by Condé Nast Traveler and among the “Top 10 Best Resorts for Romance in the Caribbean” by the readers of TripAdvisor.com.

With three romantic open-air restaurants and two welcoming lounges, it’s not necessary to leave Galley Bay. Live entertainment, cocktail parties and Caribbean barbecues fill the tropical evenings. There is a full array of complimentary watersports with instruction, and optional excursions. It is a pleasure to relax by the dramatic cascading waterfall and swimming pool as if by a natural mountain spring. There are jogging trails, bicycles, and tennis courts for the energetic.

Visitors to Galley Bay return year after year to enjoy the unique Caribbean location and the timeless relaxed ambience.

GALLEY BAY RESORT & SPA Five Islands This intimate, adult-only Caribbean getaway enjoys an ambience of subtle elegance and privacy. Come pamper yourselves at this relaxing all-inclusive haven.

Tel: (800) 345-0356 or (268) 462-0302 www.galleybayresort.com ST. JAMES’S CLUB & VILLAS

Mamora Bay This breathtaking 100-acre resort has two pristine white sand beaches, as well as limitless activities for everyone to enjoy. St. James’s Club is the perfect place for singles, couples and families alike.

Tel: (800) 345-0356 or (268) 460-5000 www.stjamesclubantigua.com

THE VERANDAH RESORT & SPA Dian Bay This eco-friendly resort is the perfect setting for relaxation, indulgence and family fun. Whether you simply want to unwind or are looking for outdoor adventures, The Verandah is the ideal place for both.

Tel: (800) 345-0356 or (268) 562-6845 www.verandahresortandspa.com 30

ANTIGUA HOTELS

The Verandah Resort & Spa The Verandah Resort & Spa is nestled along Antigua’s pristine east coast. This unique eco-friendly luxury resort encompasses 30 beachfront acres with two powder white sand beaches and the special attraction of hiking trails. There are 180 luxury villa-style suites featuring delightful Caribbean architecture and décor.

The Verandah is bordered by Devil’s Bridge National Park with its dramatic landmark rock arch perfect for exploration. The uninhabited nature sanctuaries of Green Island and Bird Island are easily reached by boat, and the swimming at these locations is superb.

Guests can enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing, paddle boats or plunge into Antigua’s largest free-form swimming pool. Exotic treatments are available at the resort’s signature Tranquility Body & Soul Spa. There is a fitness centre and tennis.

There is a choice of four restaurants - both casual and gourmet - plus inviting bars, live entertainment and a mini-cinema.

Children enjoy supervised activities at the resort’s dedicated Kidz Club, featuring its own pool and

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climbing adventure, while teens gather for volleyball and other fun-filled activities. The whole family can play at the newly-designed miniature golf course at The Verandah Resort & Spa. Experience tranquil waterfalls, serene ponds, tropical landscape, miniature golf and more as you follow the pathways on an unforgettable Caribbean adventure. It’s fun exploring the tropical golf course during the day and at night under the stars! Grab a putter and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

ANTIGUA HOTELS

St. James’s Club & Villas Situated on a secluded 100-acre peninsula on the south-east coast of Antigua, St. James’s Club Resort & Villas maintains a casual, club-like ambience. This exclusive hideaway with $20 million renovation just completed, caters to couples and families with a variety of accommodation, amenities and activities.

The tropical landscape and two magnificent white sand beaches – Coco Beach on the Atlantic Ocean side and the calm Caribbean waters of Mamora Bay – offer guests a choice of venues. There is a wide array of island and water-based diversions.

St. James’s Club provides complimentary nonmotorised watersports such as kayaking, pedal boating, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and snorkelling activities. With its own Mamora Bay Dive Shop, deep-sea fishing options and an entire excursion fleet, plus an 18-slip marina, St. James’s Club has it all.

There are six swimming pools and the therapeutic Tranquility Body & Soul Spa with salon treatments.

For the energetic there are six tennis courts and fitness centre.

Families appreciate the award-winning Kidz Club and supervised children’s programmes. Four distinct restaurants offer a range of casual and fine dining options and nightly entertainment is also provided.

There are 250 guest rooms, suites and villas to suit every possible requirement. These include the spectacular new Royal Suites which feature the ultimate in luxury.

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

COPPER & LUMBER STORE Nelson’s Dockyard Located in Nelson’s Dockyard, the Copper & Lumber Store is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the Caribbean. There are 14 suites or studios. The Georgian theme extends to their décor and all rooms are named after one of Admiral Horatio Nelson’s ships. Excellent meals are served in the restaurants or central courtyard. The hotel’s dockside lawn provides a stunning setting for the popular Seafood Friday, served alfresco and featuring some of the most delightful and tasty dishes to be found anywhere in Antigua.

Tel: (268) 460-1058/460-1159/60 Fax: (268) 460-1529 Email: clhotel@candw.ag www.copperandlumberhotel.com CURTAIN BLUFF

Old Road Situated on a dramatic seaside bluff on Antigua’s southern shore, this 72 room resort is legendary.

Its well-deserved reputation is due in part to its breathtaking setting, but also to its peerless service.

An oceanfront spa enhances the first-class leisure amenities, which include tennis, watersports, scuba-diving, squash and fitness facilities.

PO Box 288, St. John’s Tel: (268) 462-8400/1/2 Fax: (268) 462-8409 Email: curtainbluff@curtainbluff.com

DUTCHMAN’S BAY COTTAGES

Dutchman’s Bay Experience a little piece of paradise at Dutchman’s Bay Cottages. Located on Antigua’s north-east coast, these 7 Caribbean-style cottages lie right on the beach with the gentle trade winds blowing over the clear turquoise waters. Each charming cottage is self-contained with a fully-equipped kitchen, veranda and attractive furnishings. Make tranquil Dutchman’s Bay Cottages your ‘home away from home’ and enjoy all that Antigua has to offer.

Tel: (268) 464-0207 www.dutchmansbay.com

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Grand Pineapple Beach Resort Antigua

GRAND PINEAPPLE® BEACH RESORT ANTIGUA Long Bay This classically laid-back Caribbean resort invites its guests to take a deep breath and simply relax. It’s located on the edge of a stunning beach and features 180 rooms, many of them with ocean views. Enjoy unlimited meals, cocktails, land and watersports, as well as some of the best snorkelling on the island.

Welcome to the easy slice of paradise ... all at an incredible value.

Tel: (268) 463-2006 Fax: (268) 463-2452 PO Box 2000, Long Bay, St. John’s www.grandpineapple.com GUNPOWDER SUITES AT ADMIRALS INN Nelson’s Dockyard Gunpowder Suites is located on a 2-acre point with an infinity-edged pool overlooking historic Nelson’s Dockyard. There are four air-conditioned deluxe suites built around a re-modeled 18th century gunpowder store with in-room amenities including king-size beds, tea/coffee facilities, iPod docking stations, minibars and WiFi. This sophisticated yet serene retreat offers dining at either the Boom poolside restaurant or the Pillars terrace restaurant. Daybeds, hammocks and a spa also available.

Tel: (268) 460-1027 www.admiralsinnantigua.com

ANTIGUA HOTELS1

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Jumby Bay A Rosewood Resort

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Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort is an inclusive luxury CM retreat set on its own enchanting 300-acre private island two miles off the coast of Antigua. Accessible MY only by boat, the resort offers upscale travellers a relaxed and authentic Caribbean escape with superb CY white-sand beaches and lush tropical environs.

CMY The ultra-luxe hideaway’s $28 million transformation K introduced Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, 28 spacious suites and fully enhanced accommodations, an openair Verandah Restaurant, a Pool Grille and multi-million dollar Estate Homes with private pools, tennis courts and full access to Jumby Bay’s many amenities.

A S O U L - S O OT H I N G R E T R E AT

For active travellers the resort offers watersports, tennis, hiking and biking trails, a fitness center, croquet lawn, putting green, daily complimentary children’s programme and an oceanfront infinity pool. Guests can enjoy three dining venues including the open-air beachfront Verandah Restaurant, the bistro-style Pool Grill and the elegant Estate House, its Italian-inspired cuisine served in a 230-year-old plantation manor.

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Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort is a rarefied, perfect world of quiet and relaxed luxury, the quintessential “private island dream” come true.

jumbybay@rosewoodhotels.com rosewoodhotels.com

In 2014 Rosewood Jumby Bay ranked among the world’s best resorts on Travel + Leisure’s ‘Top 500’, Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘Gold List’ and received the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond Award. The resort was also awarded ‘Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean’ on TripAdvisor’s ‘Travelers’ Choice’ and was amongst U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Hotels in the Caribbean’.

Call 888.ROSEWOOD. www.jumbybayresort.com

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

HERMITAGE BAY Hermitage Bay A unique concept in Antigua, Hermitage Bay is in total harmony with its surroundings. Individual suites provide understated luxury and private plunge pools.

With its oceanside restaurant and bar, refreshing infinity-edge pool, charming hillside spa and the emphasis on impeccable service, Hermitage Bay offers a wonderful experience.

P.O. Box 60, St. John’s Tel: (268) 562-5500 Fax: (268) 562-5505 Email: info@hermitagebay.com www.hermitagebay.com JOLLY BEACH RESORT & SPA Jolly Beach A versatile resort for everyone offering both all-inclusive and room-only plans. Located on the south-west coast of Antigua, this 464-room property sits on Antigua’s best beach by a mile. Amenities include two pools, five restaurants, bars, nightly entertainment, watersports, Jolly Teenz and Kidz Clubs, Palms Wellness Centre, Spa, Gym and Salon, complimentary WiFi in designated areas, as well as conference facilities. The resort is just 7 miles from St. John’s and approximately 20 minutes from the airport.

P.O. Box W2009, St. Mary’s Tel: (268) 462-0061 Fax: (268) 562-2302 Email: info@jollybeachresort.com

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

JUMBY BAY, A ROSEWOOD RESORT Long Island Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort is a luxury retreat set on its own 300-acre private island two miles off the coast of Antigua. Accessible only by boat, the ultra-luxe resort offers upscale travellers a relaxed and authentic Caribbean escape with superb white sand beaches, lush tropical environs, Sense, A Rosewood Spa® and world-class culinary experiences. Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort has ranked among the world’s best resorts on Travel + Leisure’s ‘Top 500’ and Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘Gold List’, and received the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond Award.

Tel: (268) 462-6000 Fax: (268) 462-6020 Email: jumbybay@rosewoodhotels.com LE JARDIN CREOLE ‘the Secret Garden’

Hodges Bay This is an intimate little garden inn with holiday cottages such as ‘Palm Cottage’, ‘Coco Cottage’ and ‘Banana Cottage’. There are guest rooms with equally evocative names like ‘Frangipani Room’, ‘The Flamboyant Treehouse Room’ and ‘The Hibiscus Room’. Le Jardin Creole is located on Antigua’s north coast in Hodges Bay, just minutes away from Dickenson Bay, Jabberwock Beach, Kitesurf Antigua, Cedar Valley Golf Course and The American University of Antigua. It is close to St. John’s and the airport.

Your hosts Peter and Kathy will introduce you to the spirit of real island life.

Tel: (268) 561-1835 or (268) 464-7576 Email: lejardincreole@candw.ag

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Charming 50 room boutique hotel Set on the hillside, within beautiful tranquil gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea Home of the long-established Bay House Restaurant Serving meals all day with no time limits Within easy reach of the airport, St. John’s, beaches and golf course Ideal for couples, honeymooners and the business traveller Free WiFi, business centre Facilities for cocktails, banquettes, conferences and meetings

Welcome to the intimate peaceful Trade Winds Hotel, offering that “personal touch” and catering to all your needs.

Dickenson Bay, PO Box 1390, St. John’s, Antigua

tel: (268) 462 1223

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fax: (268) 462 5007

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email: info@twhantigua.com

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website: www.twhantigua.com

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

Buccaneer Beach Club The Buccaneer Beach Club is located directly on the famous Dickenson Bay beach. The 16 one-bedroom villas and 2 two-bedroom cottages are designed in a colourful Caribbean style and are surrounded by flowers and tropical palms, with views of either the freeform swimming pool or the tranquil turquoise bay.

The poolside villas feature fully equipped kitchenettes; the cottages have full kitchens, and all have cable TVs, DVD players, safes, air-conditioning and pull-out beds in the living room. The villas can easily sleep a family of four, while the cottages can comfortably accommodate four adults and two children. Daily maid service, free internet and laundry are included in the rates.

While most relaxation-seeking guests spend their days around the swimming pool or on the white sand beach, a whole host of leisure amenities are available nearby including watersports, tennis, horse riding and mountain biking. All the fashionable bars and restaurants of Dickenson Bay are just a stone’s throw away and the helpful staff of Buccaneer Beach Club are always available for reservations and suggestions. The staff speak English, French and Italian. www.buccaneerbeach.com

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

SANDALS® GRANDE ANTIGUA RESORT & SPA Dickenson Bay Located on Dickenson Bay, considered among the best of Antigua’s 365 beaches, Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted the ‘World’s Most Romantic Resort’ year after year.

At this Luxury Included® Resort you’ll find two worlds of romance - the intimate and charming Caribbean Village nestled in tropical gardens beside the sea, and the magnificent six-star, all-suite Mediterranean Village with its epic architecture and the largest pool in the Eastern Caribbean. For a uniquely exotic experience, choose a Mediterranean Butler Villa Suite or a garden Rondoval Suitein-the-Round, both with private pool and butler service.

Tel: (268) 462-0267/484-0100 Fax: (268) 462-4135/484-0213 PO Box 147, Dickenson Bay, St. John’s www.sandals.com

SOUTH POINT

SIBONEY BEACH CLUB

SUGAR RIDGE St. Mary’s With a spectacular hillside setting, Sugar Ridge gives a new and exciting dimension to the hospitality business. It is furnished to a high contemporary standard throughout.

Facilities include 60 luxury bedrooms with verandas and plunge pools, Carmichael’s fine dining restaurant, The Sugar Club restaurant and bar, Aveda Concept Spa, Cybex gymnasium and Shopping Village. Sugar Ridge is a few minutes from the Marina at Jolly Harbour.

Tel: (268) 562-7700 Fax: (268) 562-7701 Email: hotel@sugarridgeantigua.com www.sugarridgeantigua.com

Dickenson Bay An intimate all-suite hotel for those seeking an alternative to the all-inclusive resort. The outstanding host and his staff welcome you to the 12 well-appointed one bedroom suites, each with separate living areas and mini-kitchens, set along the white sands of Dickenson Bay with a lush tropical garden and freshwater pool. The renowned Coconut Grove Restaurant is just steps away. A ‘wellness program’ featuring vegan and vegetarian meals, holistic therapies plus a library is also available. Free WIFI. Toll Free: 800-533-0234 Tel: (268) 462-0806 Fax: (268) 462-3356 Email: info@siboneybeachclub.com

ANTIGUA VIP

Antigua’s Most Personal Inns, Hotels & Resorts

Escape the ordinary to Antigua’s most charming and affordable inns and hotels. Locally owned and managed, each one is unique yet all promise ‘Island Style, Island Character and Island Living’.

Antigua’s Very Intimate Places offer excellent value for money with the focus upon personal service and Caribbean hospitality. Their locations and styles

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Falmouth Harbour Inspired by its exclusive waterfront location, South Point recently opened as Antigua’s newest boutique hotel.

Overlooking Falmouth Harbour, its spacious and stylish open-plan suites enjoy front row views of some of the world’s most impressive superyachts. Facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre and swimming pool, as well as a Lounge Bar where great food, cool music and firstclass service attract a cosmopolitan crowd enjoying the sophisticated but relaxing vibe. The waterfront restaurant’s signature small plate menu showcases authentic flavours inspired by the best of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. There is also a Sushi Bar. Tel: (268) 562-9600/464-0407 Email: reservations@southpointfalmouth.com www.southpointfalmouth.com

range from beach, country and city to historic and eco-friendly. Whichever one you choose, whether a couple or a family, here on vacation or business, you’ll enjoy all the modern amenities, as well as the experience of being pampered in a warm, peaceful and welcoming environment. www.antigua-vip.com

ANTIGUA HOTELS

Sugar Ridge Hotel Sugar Ridge has a spectacular elevated position and emerges from the hillside ablaze with colourful indigenous plants and sugar cane. It has panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and neighbouring islands, and is only 25 minutes’ drive away from St. John’s.

Many of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches are on the doorstep and quickly accessible by the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service.

There are 60 bedrooms grouped in blocks of four rooms to an intimate building, each with stunning views. The ground floor rooms have private plunge pools and the upper floors have large verandas. All are designed in colonial, contemporary style with four poster muslin-draped beds.

Sugar Ridge has two restaurants. There is open air fine dining at Carmichael’s atop the hill, plus the informal Sugar Club. The restaurants, with indoor/outdoor dining, overlook the resort’s two swimming pools.

Sugar Ridge has around 6,000 square feet of spa and gymnasium facilities. The Spa is the only Aveda Concept Spa in the Eastern Caribbean with a full

collection of treatments featuring the latest holistic therapies, hair salon and treatment rooms. The fully air-conditioned gym has around 30 pieces of Cybex equipment including 13 for cardiovascular health.

Enjoy the exciting and unique Sugar Ridge experience.

Sugar Ridge, PO Box 153 Jolly Habour, Antigua Tel: (268) 562-7700 Fax: (268) 562-7701 Toll Free USA 1 866 591 4881 Email: hotel@sugarridgeantigua.com Reservations: (268) 562-7700 Email: reservations@sugarridgeantigua.com

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ANTIGUA HOTELS

TRADE WINDS HOTEL Dickenson Bay This attractive 50-room hotel invites guests to relax in beautiful surroundings and enjoy fine cuisine, friendly service and fantastic ocean views. It is located on a hillside overlooking Dickenson Bay and offers the tranquility and seclusion that appeals to the business traveller as well as to the holidaymaker. In addition to the swimming pool and panoramic sundeck, the Bay House restaurant attracts locals and visitors alike with its eclectic all-day menus. The business centre and multimedia events/conference facilities are perfect for meetings, weddings and private parties.

Tel: (268) 462-1223 Fax: (268) 462-5007 Email: info@twhantigua.com www.twhantigua.com Tranquility Bay Antigua

Jolly Beach This all-suite resort is beautifully located along Jolly Beach. All suites include full kitchen, private balcony, and king-size beds. Choose from spacious onebedroom suites that include private sitting areas, or family style two-bedroom units with dining rooms and oversized living areas, plus complimentary in-room Wi-Fi. Swimming pools, watersports, tennis courts, five restaurants and bars, gym, spa and kid’s club are some of the amenities to be enjoyed. Guests also benefit from preferred tee-time agreements at both golf clubs on the island.

PO Box JH94, Jolly Harbour Tel: (268) 562-5183/85 Fax: (268) 562-5184 Email: reservations@tranquilitybayantigua.com www.tranquilitybayantigua.com

THE INN AT ENGLISH HARBOUR

English Harbour Historic charm precludes no modern comforts at The Inn at English Harbour, located in one of the most magnificent bays of the Caribbean. Guest rooms feature individually controlled A/C, flat screen cable TVs, free Wi-Fi access, iPod docking stations

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and designer toiletries. A boutique and spa now enhance the general facilities. The fine dining Terrace Restaurant is highly-acclaimed, whilst the more casual Reef Restaurant offers the company of warm blue waters, balmy island nights and cooling trade winds.

PO Box 187, St. John’s Tel: (268) 460-1014 Fax: (268) 460-1603 Email: theinn@candw.ag www.theinn.ag

VILLA TOULOULOU

Falmouth Harbour The Caribbean-style Villa Touloulou is perched amidst lush tropical gardens on a panoramic hillside above English Harbour’s Marina Bay. The three air-conditioned studios and apartments are individually appointed to a high standard. Features include kitchens, living/dining areas and views of the yacht-filled bay. The on-site restaurant specialises in authentic Asian cuisine.

Tel: (268) 561-6395/764-6358 Email: reservations@villatouloulou.com www.villatouloulou.com The two hotels in downtown St. John’s are ideal for the business traveller or those wanting to be close to the varied amenities of our capital.

The contact details are below:-

CITY VIEW HOTEL

Newgate Street Tel: (268) 562-0259/60 Email: reservations@cityviewantigua.com www.cityviewantigua.com

HERITAGE HOTEL

Heritage Quay Tel: (268) 462-1247/8 Fax: (268) 462-1179 Email: heritagehotel@candw.ag

ANTIGUA HOTELS

Jolly Beach Resort & Spa A mile-long white sand beach, two swimming pools and five restaurants head an impressive list of facilities at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa. The six all-inclusive room categories, from Supersaver to Beachfront Cottages, suit every need, every guest and every budget. All rooms are air-conditioned with patios or balconies facing the ocean.

The five restaurants offer a wide choice of dining options from Italian and Indian to burgers and catch-of-the-day.

Refreshments are served by award-winning bartenders at five bars including the Splash Swim-Up Pool Bar. The non-motorised watersports include Hobi Cats, windsurfers, kayaks and paddle boats along with windsurfing and sailing lessons. Recreational facilities include four floodlit tennis courts, two basketball courts, Jolly Kidz and Teenz Clubs, a games room and a gym.

Evening entertainment puts the spotlight on live bands, cultural shows, local dancers, fire-eaters and karaoke.

The Palms Wellness Centre offers a full range of massage treatments and therapies, as well as a beauty salon and fitness center.

The all-inclusive experience includes all meals, snacks and afternoon tea, house brand beverages, nonmotorised watersports, free Wi-Fi in lobby and courtyard, activities including the Jolly Kidz and Teenz Clubs, nightly entertainment and all taxes and service charges. (Spa and beauty salon services are not included.)

Jolly Beach Resort & Spa is located on one of Antigua’s best beaches on the island’s Caribbean west coast. It is approximately 15 miles from V.C. Bird International Airport. www.jollybeachresort.com

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Photos: Joseph Jones Photography

ANTIGUA For the Perfect Wedding The ‘Romance Capital of the Caribbean’ Antigua and Barbuda are a match made in heaven for honeymooners or couples wanting to tie the knot. All the ingredients for romance are here and getting married is a breeze, an island breeze that is! With no residency requirements, you can be exchanging your vows on a beautiful palm-fringed beach within the hour …

A

ntigua has beautiful white sand beaches and activities galore; Barbuda is a back-to-nature island, blessed with miles of secluded pink sand beaches. Take your choice for a perfect wedding venue.

Ceremony locations range from sun-kissed beaches to lush tropical gardens. Most people choose to get married in their hotel grounds or on the beach or in the gardens of their rental villa. Whatever your choice, you can have anything from champagne and canapés round the pool to a romantic wedding breakfast on the sands.

Obviously Antigua and Barbuda are also ideal honeymoon destinations. Indeed, thanks to the halcyon climate, idyllic beaches and exclusive hotels, our twin island nation is likely to provide such a good beginning to married life that you will want to return for your anniversary to keep the romantic momentum alive!

You can even get married in an island church provided you allow additional time and fulfill certain church formalities, which include permission from the individual church authority. Some ask that the couple attend pre-nuptial consultations. Allow some extra time if planning a church ceremony.

Wedding planners are readily available to assist with everything from the legal formalities to the champagne and flowers.

Group packages can be arranged so that family and friends can join you in this (hopefully!) once-in-a-lifetime event.

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First-Class Wedding Photography Service

by Joseph and Janet Jones of ‘Antigua Brides’.

View their beautiful wedding photos at www.antiguabrides.com Tel: (268) 462-7317/774-7317

The Legal Procedure

The Documentation required

It is easy to get married in Antigua and here is some information to prepare you for your island style wedding.

Please ensure you bring the following documentation with you to Antigua and Barbuda:-

The legal procedure starts at the Ministry of Legal Affairs on Queen Elizabeth Highway in St. John’s.

You must take both passports and a copy of your divorce papers, if relevant. There will be a friendly interview, then your licence will be issued. The cost is EC$405.00 (US$150.00).

• Valid passports as proof of citizenship

The next step is a visit to the Registrar General’s office which is also on Queen Elizabeth Highway.

The fee is EC$100.00 (US$40.00) and please note that this is only for registering at the Court House.

An official marriage certificate costs EC$25.00 (US$10.00).

• Original divorce decree or, in the case of a widow or widower, the original marriage and death certificate • If there has been a name change provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name • Both parties must be over 15. If under 18 written authorisation from parents or guardians is required.

If the wedding is performed outside the Court House, there is a Marriage Officer fee of EC$270.00 (US$100.00).

NB: All documents presented should be original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices.

The location is left solely up to you, although most people choose to get married in their hotel or villa grounds and, of course, on the beach.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs Tel: (268) 462-0017 is open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4:30pm and on Fridays from 8am to 3pm.

The Registrar General’s office Tel: (268) 462-0609 is open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Friday 8:30am to 3pm.

Your marriage must be soleminsed in the presence of two or more witnesses - just ask some fellow hotel guests to do this for you.

ANTIGUA HERITAGE QUAY, ST. JOHN’S VC BIRD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 268.562.5662 STERLINGS@CANDW.AG STERLINGSANTIGUA ON FACEBOOK

ALOR.COM

Advertising copyright © 2014 ALOR International LTD. All designs copyright © ALOR International LTD.

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Relax & Unwind AT ANTIGUA’S SPAS

Photos: courtesy Curtain Bluff

Many of Antigua’s finest beach hotels offer first-class spas. The rejuvenating body and beauty treatments are perfectly enhanced by the island’s healthy climate, relaxing ambience and serene sea views.

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In addition to traditional treatments like soothing mud wraps and deep-tissue massages, several spas offer ancient techniques like reflexology and Reiki.

Some specialise in Caribbean-inspired treatments using local ingredients such as coffee, seasalt and calcium-rich seaweed, whilst others prefer to pamper you with the luxury products of international companies like Elemis, Aveda, Natura Bissé and Dorissima Colour Rituals.

Here is a selection of Antigua’s finest spas, along with their contact details ...

Of course, these treats are not just for women.

Couples massages are particularly popular with honeymooners and men can unwind with anything from sports massages to fitness facials. In some cases there are even mini-treatments specially adapted for children.

• The only Aveda Concept Spa in the Eastern Caribbean is located at Sugar Ridge. This state-of- the-art facility offers a complete range of treatments, a first-class hair salon, a Cybex gym, cabanas, two swimming pools and a studio for aerobics, yoga and Pilates.

Many spas also come with excellent fitness facilities, and some even have dedicated instructors offering anything from Yoga to Pilates classes. Afterwards you can head for their serene relaxation areas, some of them featuring pools or jacuzzis, and chill-out with a chamomile tea before returning to the real world!

• The Spa at Curtain Bluff (pictured above) is distinguished by its intimacy, seclusion and panoramic waterside setting. The five treatment rooms look out over the sea and after a treatment you can relax in the Jacuzzi on the edge of the cliff and enjoy the views out towards distant Montserrat.

ANTIGUA SPAS • The Spa at Blue Waters has a beautiful waterside location. It offers Elemis Signature spa treatments in three treatment rooms. This elegant full-service salon also features a nail area, a hairdressing service, a spa café and an infinity pool, as well as yoga sessions on the deck.

• The Palms Wellness Centre at Jolly Beach Resort has four treatment rooms offering anything from stone therapy and soothing wraps to deep tissue massages on the beautiful beach. The facilities also include a full-service beauty salon and a fitness centre.

• The ultra-stylish Blue Spa at Carlisle Bay offers Natura Bissé facials and a full range of beauty and body treatments. There are six treatment rooms here (including one for couples and a wet room), as well as a sauna, gym, juice bar, and hair and beauty salon.

• Tranquility Body & Soul Spas are located at both the St. James’s Club and The Verandah. You can choose from a long list of spa packages or individual treatments in serene surroundings with furnishings beautifully made with natural elements such as rattan and sea grass.

• The Indulge Spa at Galley Bay is a rustic multi-level hideaway overlooking a tranquil bird sanctuary lagoon. The treatments are given in open-air single or double pods draped with sheer white curtains. After the treatment take time to relax in the spa pool.

• The intimate yet unique Indonesian-style Garden Spa at Hermitage Bay specialises in Dorissima Colour Rituals. The treatment suite is bathed in gentle coloured lights, while aromatherapy and soft music combine to provide the ultimate spa experience.

• Sense, A Rosewood Spa® at Jumby Bay is an elegant, open-air sanctuary offering a wide range of luxurious natural treatments. Calcium-rich algae is used in masks, coconut shea butter is used in massages and you can even enjoy a hot shell pedicure.

• The Red Lane® Spa at Sandals Grande Antigua is where classic European health and beauty rituals are reinterpreted with Caribbean flair. Signature treatments include Red Lane Bamboo Polish, Caribbean Sea Mud Wrap and Scents of Love Couples Massage.

• The Arbonne Spa at Gunpowder House is an intimate new spa tucked away on the point opposite Admiral’s Inn in Nelson’s Dockyard. Come and enjoy the pool and lunch before your treatment using botanically-based Arbonne products. Reiki, Swedish, Deep Tissue and Back Massages are available, as well as pedicures, manicures and facials.

Relax and unwind!

Spa Finder AVEDA CONCEPT SPA Sugar Ridge, Near Jolly Harbour Tel: 562-7700 www.sugarridgeantigua.com Blue Waters Hotel Blue Waters Tel: 462-0290 www.bluewaters.net Carlisle Bay Old Road Tel: 484-0000 www.carlisle-bay.com CURTAIN BLUFF Old Road Tel: 462-8400 www.curtainbluff.com GALLEY BAY Five Islands Tel: 462-0302 www.galleybayresort.com hermitage bay Hermitage Bay Tel: 562-5500 www.hermitagebay.com Jolly beach resort & spa Jolly Beach Tel: 462-0061 www.jollybeachresort.com JUMBY BAY, A ROSEWOOD RESORT Long Island Tel: 462-6000 www.jumbybayresort.com SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA Dickenson Bay Tel: 462-0267 www.sandals.com St. james’s club Mamora Bay Tel: 460-5000 www.stjamesclubantigua.com Arbonne Spa at Gunpowder House Nelson’s Dockyard Tel: 460-1027 THE VERANDAH RESORT & SPA Dian Bay Tel: 562-6845 www.verandahresortandspa.com

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y Ba ck en so n

■

●

HALCYON BY Sottovento LE JARDIN CREOLE■ REX RESORTS ■ SANDALS GRANDE ■ Crosbies Le Bistro Majestic Isle Casino● ANTIGUA VILLAGE ■ TRADE WINDS HOTEL Ana’s ● AUA ● ■● Bay House SIBONEY ■ ● Xtreme Coconut Grove● Cedar Valley Golf Course BUCCANEER BEACH CLUB ■ Grand Estates ■ Royal Palm Place Studio 79 Nightclub ● ANCHORAGE The Larder La Bussola ● Big Banana ● ● ● INN

Di

MAP OF ANTIGUA

BLUE WATERS

◆

Runaway Bay

●1st

Cinema

Beach Limerz ●

● Carib World Travel ● Woods Pharmacy ● Sengupta & Associates ● Anjo Insurance

Fort James

Russell’s ●

GRAND ROYAL ANTIGUAN ■

Caribbean Alliance

■

AL

L

HERMITAGE ■ BAY

AM ROAD

Island Provisions

FACT ORY Potters ROA D Village Sir Vivian Richard’s Stadium Townhouse Megastore

SA

IN

Golden Grove

Five Islands Harbour

Piggots

OLD PARH

ST. JOHN’S● King’s Casino ● KFC

GALLEY BAY ■

HAWKSBILL BY REX RESORTS

The Athletic Club ◆

● Epicurean

ECAB ● Village Walk V.C. BIRD Cafe Bella INTERNATIONAL ● Wood’s Centre AIRPORT

Choice

TS

Elvies Pottery

RO

AD

Ebenezer Jennings Jolly Harbour Golf Course

TRANQUILTY BAY ■ Bolans JOLLY BEACH RESORT ■ The Crows Nest JOLLY HARBOUR ■ ● Mayday ● RESORT & MARINA ■ ● SUGAR RIDGE Sheer Rocks ● ● Art at the Ridge

All Saints

Fryers Point Tamarind Hills ❒

Valley Church

Darkwood Beach Jacqui O’s

A SH

Johnsons Point

Y LE

R

KE

●

Turners Beach

U MO

Cades Bay

Tyrells Church

Liberta E RIV ◆ Footsteps Hiking D E RE ◆Rainforest Canopy Tour GT

FI

St. Mary’s Church

■

SOUTH COAST HORIZONS

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Swetes

S

N AI NT

Old Road

CURTAIN BLUFF ■ ■ Boxer Shack ● CARLISLE BAY

Carlisle Bay

Rendezvous Bay

BARBUDA Frigate Bird Sanctuary

●

■

Long Island

Palmetto Point

Maiden Island

COCO POINT LODGE ■

North Sound

Guiana Island

Crump Island

Pelican Island

GR

Parham

AN D LO P NG INE BA APP Y H LE OT BEA EL CH

RE S

St. George’s Church

Spanish Point

T

D-Boat

Cecilia’s

CODRINGTON

Low Bay

OR

●

BAY

Dutchman’s Bay

Two Foot Bay

LIGHTHOUSE BAY RESORT ■

BY JUM

Jabberwock Beach

The Caves

St. Peter’s Church

Stingray City

◆

St. Stephen’s Church

Seatons Glanvilles

Betty’s Hope

■

◆

The Peninsula

■

Devil’s Bridge

■

THE VERANDAH

Willikies

Nonsuch Bay Harmony Hall

●■

Green Island

Potworks Dam Newfield

■

Wi

Bethesda

● Crab

llo Baughb y y

Hole Liquors ● Touloulou

Falmouth Harbour

Nelson’s Dockyard ■

COPPER & LUMBER STORE

ES

UIT

INN R S iq ANTIGUA L’S DE eL YACHT CLUB b Hol MIRAPOW zi ■ Cra D N az SOUTHPOINT ■ ● ■ A& GU apar ●Cloggy’s ● P s uor

lf Ba Moo y n

Freetown

Ha

CATAMARAN HO TEL

Donkey Sanctuary

■ MILL REEF CLUB

■ ST. JAMES’S CLUB

■ THE INN

● Shirley Heights

Lookout Restaurant

English Harbour

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Exploring

Antigua is not all about white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters! Why not rent a car or hire a taxi and discover the unique attractions of our island? From scenic drives through ancient rainforests to colourful markets and historic colonial plantations there really is something for everyone ...

Fort James

DEVIL’S BRIDGE Photos: Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

Situated at Indian Town, this is a natural bridge at the head of Indian Creek with blow-holes and spouting surf.

Legend says that if you throw two eggs into the water to boil, the devil (who is said to be down there) would keep one and return the other!

PARHAM

This was the earliest British settlement in Antigua. A road connects the little town with the main road traversing the island. Parham is notable for its spectacular church, St. Peter’s, which was described as “the finest church in the British West Indies”. It was built in the 1840s after the original wooden church had been burnt down. It is a beautiful and unusual octagonal shape designed by a famous architect of the time, Thomas Weekes.

MUSEUM OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary The Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society provides shelter for more than 150 donkeys at its sanctuary in Bethesda about 30 minutes outside St. John’s. Here the neglected, roaming donkeys not only find a haven that is safe from roads and traffic, but they also receive food, water, shelter, medical care and lots of love. The Humane Society also offers an ‘Adopt a Donkey’ programme which provides visitors with a photo of their donkey and an official adoption certificate. We encourage you to take a trip to Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary and experience for yourself what so many have discovered - there’s more to a donkey than you thought! Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated and fund the continued work of the facility. Help save Antigua’s gentle donkeys!

The Museum, located in downtown St. John’s, provides an interesting background of the nation’s history from 10,000 years ago. Learn how the islands were formed and who lived here, and discover all about the effect the Arawaks and Caribs had on the island. An interesting hour or two can be spent at the museum. Admission is free but a minimum donation of US$2 is encouraged.

FORTS OF ANTIGUA

Built by the British to guard against invasion during the 18th century, Antigua’s forts are strategically located around the island’s famously indented coastline.

Fort James ‘protects’ St. John’s Harbour, Fort Barrington overlooks Deep Bay, and Fort Berkeley lies at the entrance to Nelson’s Dockyard. Take an energetic walk up to see these immense fortifications and you’ll not only be rewarded with a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past, but also the most spectacular views across the sea towards neighbouring islands.

Tel: (268) 461-4957 Email: abhumane@candw.ag www.antiguaanimals.com Photo: Fort Berkeley by Sarah Scott

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Antigua

DOW’S HILL INTERPRETATION CENTRE

Built among the ruins in the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, the Centre provides an historic overview of Antigua’s past. ‘Reflections of the Sun’, a multi-media presentation, is a ‘journey through the dreamy corridors of six periods of the island’s history’.

SHIRLEY HEIGHTS

View of English Harbour

ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL

This imposing building, visible from all around St. John’s, was originally constructed in 1683, replaced in 1745 and completely rebuilt of stone in 1843 after an earthquake.

The interior is completely cased in pitch-pine and there are interesting memorial stones. Restoration continues.

PUBLIC MARKET

The market in St. John’s provides an extensive and attractive covered outlet for the abundance of Caribbean fruit and vegetables. Upstairs are delightful small boutique-style shops. The market is easily identified by the imposing sculpture of V.C. Bird, the Founder of the Nation, at the intersection of all roads leading to the market at the edge of St. John’s.

After visiting Nelson’s Dockyard, ramble around the extensive fortifications, barracks and powder magazines of Shirley Heights. As Mrs. Lanaghan said in 1844 while visiting the area, “Really, this marching and countermarching beneath a tropical sun is no slight matter ...”

So relax with a couple of drinks at The Lookout and contemplate the panoramic views.

FIG TREE DRIVE

The best drive in Antigua! Fig is the Antiguan name for bananas, but the road is lined with lots of tropical fruit trees - guavas, mangoes, oranges and coconuts. Fig Tree Drive is the road opposite the pink coral Catholic Church just outside the town of Liberta, north of Falmouth. This area of green rainforest is something like the Garden of Eden.

Go slowly until you descend to Old Road and the Curtain Bluff area, passing the pineapple farm.

SUGAR MILLS

These are dotted around the landscape, mostly in ruins but some with the solid outside structure still intact. By 1705 most of Antigua was planted with sugarcane and 170 mills for crushing cane were built. At that time, each factory could produce 55 tons of sugar a year.

BETTY’S HOPE

Built in 1674 by Sir Christopher Codrington, this was the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua. It remained in the Codrington Estate until the 1920s. Betty’s Hope is located just south of Pares Village.

Betty’s Hope

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Stop off at one of our 365 beaches to swim in the calm, blue Caribbean in the west or the wilder Atlantic Ocean in the east.

Antigua’s main claim to fame is the quality of the white sand beaches. Here are suggestions for spectacular beach stops, taking a clockwise direction from the most northerly part of the island... l

JABBERWOCK BEACH

Part of the National Park, Jabberwock is a long, white sand Atlantic beach. It is popular with local people taking morning and evening walks, and also the base for windsurfing and kitesurfing. l

DUTCHMAN’S BAY

This quiet, secluded beach is close to Jabberwock and opposite Long Island, home of the famous Jumby Bay Resort. Here you’ll find an excellent restaurant set right on the water, Cecilia’s High Point Café offering an enticing menu combined with a relaxing yet sophisticated ambience. l

LONG BAY

This beautiful beach on the east coast is exceptional for its calm waters and snorkelling. It is an ideal family venue with small restaurants. There is one well-known resort hotel right on the beach. Round the corner with a secluded beach is the popular Verandah Resort. l

HALF MOON BAY

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, its white sands stretch round a picture-postcard bay. Half Moon is on the south-east of the island with some spectacular wave action. There is a small locally-owned beach bar. l

PIGEON POINT BEACH

The Pigeon Point Beach is in a sheltered cove with tranquil waters and shady trees. It has recently been environmentally developed into a beautiful recreational facility with camping areas, children’s playground, and bathroom facilities. Historic Nelson’s Dockyard is within easy reach.

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l

RENDEZVOUS BAY

This pristine beach on the south coast is very popular for picnics and family outings. A four-wheel drive vehicle is usually the best way to get to this beach. l

MORRIS BAY

Located opposite Old Road village, the Morris Bay beach is one of Antigua’s best kept secrets, even though it is easily accessible from the main road - it’s an ideal picnic area with calm seas and beautiful sands. l

TURNERS BEACH

This is a perfect beach at Johnson’s Point with excellent local restaurants literally on the sand. Visit nearby Jacqui O’s overlooking the Caribbean Sea for delicious fare in a perfect tropical atmosphere. l

DARKWOOD BEACH

The road runs alongside this spectacular beach which takes your breath away as you come round the corner.

Montserrat is often clearly visible from the beach. l

FRYERS BEACH

This off-road beach with a good access road is located between Darkwood and Jolly Harbour and is popular with locals and visitors alike. l

JOLLY BEACH

The well-known Jolly Beach Resort is located here, with the advantage of Jolly Harbour marina and supermarket. l

HAWKSBILL BEACHES

It is reputed that Hawksbill has five beaches including a nudist beach! This is the home of Hawksbill by Rex Resorts which is a well-known and popular hotel. l

FORT JAMES

The historic ruins of Fort James overlook a lovely beach near the entrance to St. John’s Harbour. l

DICKENSON BAY

The most developed beach on the island has hotels, restaurants and watersports facilities. It is a popular meeting place. The shallow calm waters and golden sands provide a perfect setting for an active day.

Photo: Long Bay courtesy of Grand Pineapple Beach Resort Antigua

Antigua’s Famous Beaches

Antigua is blessed with many offshore islands, often referred to as ‘the last refuge’ for local and globally significant wildlife.

Of course, they can only be reached by boat, but as the seas are generally calm and the distances short they are accessible by small vessels, as well as by larger yachts - provided you can navigate between the coral reefs!

Most of the day-trip cruise boats tie up close to the main islands. These are located in Antigua’s North Sound, an idyllic marine park off Antigua’s north-east coast and renowned for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and relaxed Robinson Crusoe-like atmosphere.

Great Bird island is particularly popular, although during the week one can often have the entire island to oneself. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the harmless and endangered small Antigua Racer snake to be found nowhere else in the world.

A ferry service operates to Bird Island from Shell Beach Marina (call Ocean Adventures for times (268) 464-7576/561-1835). Nearby Guiana Island also has a wide sandy beach. Green Island further along the coast is particularly attractive and close to Harmony Hall for extra special lunches. Another smaller island which is accessible is Prickly Pear off the Hodges Bay area on the north coast. Day trips are available by Miguel’s Holiday Adventure - see www.pricklypearisland.com But most of the tiny islands which dot the sea are really just islets, home only to the seabirds which wheel and call overhead. These islets are not just rocks in the ocean, but are often covered in attractive green foliage.

Another particularly interesting island is Rabbit Island, home to breeding colonies of the Caribbean Brown Pelicans which are the only diving pelicans in the world. They raise their young in twiggy nests, clearly visible for anyone who is passing. Some have the good fortune to see the tiny babies with large beaks open, growing to become awkward juveniles, eventually flying off until the next season. Do not disturb them and view from a distance.

Photo: courtesy Stingray City

Antigua’s Offshore Islands At Hell’s Gate Island there is an incredible coral/ limestone bridge, formed by the elements over millennia. It is really a heavenly gate, but is perhaps named for the wild Atlantic sea visible through the archway. It is not recommended to stroll across the bridge because it is very fragile - we neither want to destroy this or ourselves!

Some 25-miles away is Antigua’s ‘third’ possession, the remote and interesting island of Redonda where phosphate was once mined and guano collected for fertiliser. Nowadays it’s uninhabited and access is very limited. Only the most intrepid can go there and scramble up the sides to the flatter top where there are ruins of those earlier activities. Redonda was once home to rare goats, but now only the Frigate Birds wheel about overhead.

Photo: courtesy Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort

One larger island close to the north shore is Long Island, the exclusive home of the rich and famous who appreciate the privacy Antigua accords such visitors.

The exclusive Jumby Bay resort is here and even more luxurious after extensive refurbishments.

Our unique offshore islands are usually pristine as everyone recognises the vital importance of leaving no trace of themselves behind. Visitors and Antiguans alike appreciate these wonderful offshore islands which retain the unique charm that has prevailed for so long and which will continue for future generations.

We wish to thank the Antigua Environmental Awareness Group for their contribution to this article.

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NELSON’S DOCKYARD

Photo: courtesy Admirals Inn

English Harbour, with its world-famous Dockyard named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, is Antigua’s most prized historic possession. It’s not only a monument to the past but also a focus of activity and a year-round home for yachts.

I

n the Dockyard are all the facilities which make it such a haven for yachts and the floating palaces of the famous. For the landlubber there is the pleasure of the past gained from exploring the lovely old buildings, many now housing restaurants and shops. Admiral’s Inn is a legend and no visit to the Dockyard is complete without lunch on the terrace of this graceful old building.

English Harbour was originally established to provide the British Royal Navy with a dockyard where they could keep their ships in good repair for maintaining their ascendancy in the Caribbean against other European powers. Christopher Columbus himself didn’t even stop in Antigua, content to see it at a distance and name it after the church of Santa Maria de Antigua in Spain.

Antigua was never conquered by any other European power, in good part due to the Dockyard where the British ships could be careened and overhauled, safe from hurricanes. It was also an ideal port to keep the fleet in troubled times since the enclosed harbour of Freeman’s Bay is almost invisible from the sea. The narrow entrance was protected by Fort Berkeley, completed in 1744, and built on a narrow spit of land jutting out from the entrance of English Harbour.

The ruins give a panoramic view and are just a short walk along the peninsula. During sieges, a strong chain and timber boom were drawn across the narrow entrance to English Harbour from Fort Berkeley to the other side. The first reference to English Harbour’s

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advantages is found in 1671 when the Governor of the Leeward Islands wrote to the Council for Foreign Plantations in London.

It was realised that it would be easier to refit ships in Antigua than sending them to the ‘northern colonies’. Wharves, powder magazines, cisterns and storehouses were constructed. A fortress was built on Monk’s Hill, romantic ruins which can still be reached by an energetic walk from the village of Liberta.

To ensure the invincibility of Antigua, the great fortifications of Shirley Heights commenced, named after General Shirley who arrived in 1781 as Governor.

All the construction was in solid local stone and brick imported as ballast for the ships from England. The development took place over a period of many years.

The communication between Britain and her colonies was slow. The death rate of English sailors and engineers was high due to unaccustomed heat, excessive rum and primitive conditions, not to mention malaria and yellow fever (these diseases have now long since been eradicated).

England’s most famous historic hero, Admiral Horatio Nelson, spent formative years here. He arrived at age 26 in command of the frigate Boreas. He was Senior Captain and Second-in-Command of the Leeward Islands Station whose headquarters were in English Harbour. By the time he left for England and greater glory in 1787, he had married a widow from Nevis, Frances Nisbet.

Continued on page 57 ...

Just 27 miles off the north coast of Antigua lies the coral-fringed sister isle of Barbuda, renowned for its tranquility, crystalline waters and deserted beaches ...

By Annabel Fuller

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ENGLISH HARBOUR

10YR OLD

AWARDED 96 OF 100 POINTS AND RATED AS EXCEPTIONAL

by WineEnthusiast Magazine in 2009

FEATURED IN THE BROADWAY PLAY ‘GOD OF CARNAGE’ IN 2009 GOLD MEDAL 2010 AT THE INT’L REVIEW OF SPIRITS

by The Beverage Testing Institute scoring 93 out of 100 points

1981 VINTAGE ENGLISH HARBOUR

AWARDED 96 OF 100 POINTS AND RATED AS EXCEPTIONAL

by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2009

GOLD AWARD WINNER 2010 RUM MASTER COMPETITION in the Design and Packaging category

PLATINUM MEDAL 2010 AT THE INT’L REVIEW OF SPIRITS

by The Beverage Testing Institute scoring 98 out of 100 points

MASTER AWARD – 2013 RUM MASTERS COMPETITION

ENGLISH HARBOUR

5 YR OLD

NAMED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST REMARKABLE RUMS IN 2006

BY FORBES MAGAZINE.

(N.B. English Harbour 5yr was the youngest rum on the list; all the other rums were aged at least 8 years or longer.

GOLD MEDAL AND RATED AS EXCEPTIONAL AT THE INT’L REVIEW OF SPIRITS

by The Beverage Testing Institute scoring 92 & 91 points in 2005 & 2010 respectively

GOLD AWARD WINNER 2010 & 2013 RUM MASTER COMPETITION in the Aged Rums 5-7yr category

GOLD MEDAL – BEST RUM

at the 2011 New York World Spirits Competition

Photos: courtesy National Parks Authority

An imposing Victorian style building in the Dockyard itself was once erroneously known as the Admiral’s House, but Nelson never lived ashore while in Antigua. This is now the Dockyard Museum and is a cool and pleasant building with many interesting artifacts from bygone years. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Clarence House, on the hillside opposite, was named after Prince William Henry, the Duke of Clarence, when he was in command of the Pegasus in 1787. The Commissioner of the Dockyard spent time here and Princess Margaret honeymooned at Clarence House.

The National Parks Authority (NPA) is very active in keeping Antigua aware of its background and heritage.

In 2003, the old stone seawall, built between 1815 and 1830, was restored and yacht facilities added.

As well as all the fascinating historical aspects of Nelson’s Dockyard, there are also some unique shops, restaurants and bars to be found in the area. The Galley Boutique offers a wide range of exclusive items specifically chosen for island living, whilst worthwhile restaurants include the famous Admiral’s Inn, the historic Copper & Lumber Store and Hamilton’s which is charmingly housed on the first floor of the old Officer’s Quarters. If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine just venture across the water to Ristorante Paparazzi on Antigua Slipway, but on Sunday afternoons you have to look no further than Shirley Heights. This legendary party venue offers a barbecue, steelband, calypso and reggae music, as well as spectacular views of the sunset over Nelson’s Dockyard.

The old Dockyard’s history has thus been extended for modern usage as a yacht marina and so the romance of this maritime historic landmark continues. The ‘Step Back in Time’ programme gives visitors a taste of this era when on special days they are greeted and guided around the Dockyard by Antiguan’s in period costume. There are also fascinating multimedia presentations of the island’s past up at the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre.

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Beautiful Barbuda Beautiful Barbuda, Antigua’s little sister island, rises low on the sea, 27 miles north of Antigua. This coral-fringed island is renowned for its tranquility, crystalline waters, vast deserted pink sand beach, unique bird sanctuary - and abundance of delicious lobster!

Photo: by Jeffrey Burton

B

arbuda is easily accessible from Antigua with the ‘Barbuda Express’ ferry or a ‘Tropical Adventures’ tour by fast powered catamaran.

A day trip with Tropical Adventures is a unique experience which you will remember forever - and one which can be accompanied by a great whale to the delight of the passengers. The island can also be reached in less than 20 minutes from V. C. Bird International Airport.

GETTING TO BARBUDA • Barbuda Express ferry departs daily from the bottom of Long Street, St. John’s. Check-in 8:30am. Returning approximately at 5pm.

Licensed by the Antigua & Barbuda Marine Safety Authority and US Coastguard. Drinks can be bought on board during 90-minute trip.

Day tours available.

Tel: (268) 560-7989/764-2291 Email: info@barbudaexpress.com • Tropical Adventures offer a ‘Barbuda by Sea’ tour that includes a 90-minute trip on the Excellence power catamaran, lunch and Frigate Bird Sanctuary tour.

Tel: (268) 480-1225 www.tropicalad.com • ABM AIR/SVG AIR - fly daily to Barbuda; two flights a day - 8am and 4pm from the V.C. Bird International Airport. It is just a short 18 minute flight.

Tel: (268) 562-7183

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The deserted pristine beach, famous for its pink sand, presents an amazing vista which seems to stretch forever. Accommodation ranges from the luxurious Coco Point Lodge (open from November to April), to Lighthouse Bay Resort in Low Bay, and simple guest houses and small hotels located around the island’s capital, Codrington, named after a longago owner of the entire island.

Formed from coralline limestone, Barbuda is 62 squaremiles in size, and flatter than Antigua with a maximum altitude of 40 metres and an average elevation of 4 metres above sea level. A central feature is the famous Codrington Lagoon National Park, which is a unique component of Barbuda’s ecosystem and of national, economic and cultural importance.

The lagoon supports one of the world’s largest colonies of frigate birds (Fregata magnificens), which flourish happily even though they have become a prized tourist attraction. With a wingspan of up to nearly 3 metres, the male frigate birds are particularly spectacular during the mating season, when they blow up a scarlet throat sac the size of a balloon in order to attract a female mate. The young fluffy chicks are clearly visible to visitors and are not perturbed by them. The ever-open beaks are stuffed with delicious local fish by their swooping parents.

With other species such as the West Indian whistling duck, the brown pelican, tropical mockingbirds, warblers, snipes, ibis, herons, kingfishers, oystercatchers and cormorants also in abundance, the Park is considered a bird watchers’ paradise.

Authorised bird watching trips can be organised through the Park’s office. (Contact tel: 268-460-0217 or email at nationalparksbarbuda@gmail.com).

Indigenous animals include wild boar, red-footed tortoises and a variety of sea turtles, plus the elusive fallow deer which is emblematic on the nation’s coat-of-arms.

Offshore there is an abundance of charted shipwrecks (as many as 73) and coral reefs for scuba diving and snorkelling in water as clear as glass. Deep-sea fishing or fly-fishing excursions can be arranged. Natural sites include Spanish Point, Indian Cave and Darby’s Cave.

Foot trails, treks and camping trips are available for the adventurous.

A trip to the historically important ruins of the Codrington estate, Highland House, is interesting, as is the Martello tower and fort on the island’s south coast.

This imposing fortress was originally used for defence and as a vantage point from which to spot valuable shipwrecks on the outlying reefs.

With most of the population (just 1,500 people) living in Codrington itself, visitors can dine in a selection of local restaurants. These include the famous Green Door Tavern established in 1947, Uncle Roddy’s Beach Bar and Grill, CJ’s Diner or The Outback Restaurant & Bar; culinary possibilities including the local seafood, with lobster as a speciality, or possibly venison and wild boar in season.

Barbuda’s Caribana cultural festival is celebrated annually between May and June and is a colourful, fun event. Horse racing takes place twice monthly, and is a very popular local pastime.

Photo: Martello Tower Joseph Jones Photography

WHERE TO STAY There are two hotels in Barbuda, as well as a variety of cottages and guest houses:Coco Point Lodge T: (268) 462-3816 www.cocopoint.com Lighthouse Bay Resort T: (268) 562-1481 www.lighthousebayresort.com North Beach Cottage T: (268) 721-3317 www.barbudanorthbeach.com Palm Tree Guest House T: (268) 784-4331 Island Chalet T: (268) 460-0065 Bus Stop Guest House T: (268) 721-2796 BARX - The Antiguan The Carriage House- 1/4Pg Ad - v1final (06/12/13) T: (268) 771-4510/720-2544/772-1894 Please call or see website for reservations

There are currently only two hotels on the island, the Coco Point Lodge in the south and the Lighthouse Bay Resort in the west. A wide variety of cottages and guest houses are also available in various locations around Codrington or on the beach.

The unique natural beauty and peaceful way of life makes a visit to Barbuda the memorable trip of a lifetime - and beckons fortunate visitors to return.

See www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or contact your nearest Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Office - see page 2.

Photo: courtesy Martha Watkins-Gilkes

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Let us create for you the Caribbean Experience of a Lifetime!

Excellence (Circumnavigation)

Explore the amazing coastline of Antigua with this around the island journey. Visit deserted Green Island for snorkeling. On the southern tip, we enter English Harbour for a view of historic Nelson's Dockyard.

Island Safari - Eco Adventure

Jump into i a comfortable 4x4 Land Rover and hold on for the ride of your life, as we off-road through the lush and rugged countryside of Antigua. After your expedition, it's time to explore the North Sound area on-board your custom kayak.

Mystic II - Lobster Lunch Cruise

A fantastically laid out catamaran brings you to the o most beautiful offshore islands of Antigua, where you can experience the best snorkeling and scenery.

WE ALSO OFFER! • • • •

Excellence Catamaran - Barbuda By Sea Island Safari Adventure Tour Island Safari & Stingray City Sunset Cruises & Private Charters

R ESERVATIONS: (268) 480-1225 email: tropad@candw.ag w w w. tropicalad.com

3 Design: everytingantigua.net

Tropical Adventures Antigua

E xc e ll e n ce C a tam a ra n

Mystic II

Lobster Lunch Cruise

4x4 I s l a n

d S af a

ACTION & ADVENTURE In Antigua there’s nothing better than soaking up the sun and rum punch! However, the island has a great deal more to offer, memorable and exciting adventures available on both land and at sea. Over the next few pages we highlight some of the best ways of experiencing the natural attractions.

ISLAND SAFARI - DISCOVERY TOUR

Discover Antigua’s rich history on the Island Safari Discovery tour. You go off-road through the lush and rugged area of Body Pond on the way to Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley’s Heights and Block House Look-out. Explore and have lunch at Betty’s Hope plantation before a photo stop at stunning Devil’s Bridge. A relaxing swim at Long Bay is a cooling finale after such an interesting and exciting tour.

DISCOVER BARBUDA & ANTIGUA THE EXCELLENCE WAY

The elegant Excellence is Antigua’s premier 5 star power catamaran. Come aboard this exciting vessel for a cruise like no other. Choose between two exciting trips:-

DISCOVER BARBUDA - The ‘Barbuda by Sea’ tour with

Tropical Adventures includes a 90-minute trip to the island on the Excellence power catamaran, with lunch, and a tour of the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION - explore the amazing coastline of

ISLAND SAFARI & HALF MOON BAY

Half Moon Bay is regarded as one of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches. This tour takes you past many stunning beaches, small villages, and through Fig Tree Drive, Antigua’s tropical rainforest. Visit Walling’s Dam, Convent Hill, and Newfield village before enjoying a delicious local lunch at a roadside café on the way to Half Moon Bay which is a spectacular end to this tour.

Antigua with this round-the-island journey. Stop at Green Island for snorkelling and lunch, and then experience a unique view of Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour from the sea.

ISLAND SAFARI-ECO KAYAK

Enjoy the best of both worlds! After your Island Safari expedition and a Caribbean-style lunch it’s time to explore by kayak the wonders of the North Sound National Park. Visit beautiful Great Bird Island for snorkelling over live reefs and relaxation time on the beach.

j

ANTIGUA’S SPORTS COMPLEXES

ANTIGUA ATHLETIC CLUB near V.C. Bird International Airport is a 3,800 sq.ft. health club offering a gym, 25m pool and exercise classes. Tel: 460-2582

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To book any of these exciting tours please contact TROPICAL ADVENTURES Tel: (268) 480-1225 Email: tropad@candw.ag www.tropicalad.com

JOLLY HARBOUR SPORTS CENTRE has 4 floodlit tennis courts, swimming pool, squash court, basketball court and a Sports Bar with TVs. Tel: 462-3085 ext. 642.

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THE TEMO SPORTS COMPLEX at Falmouth Harbour near Antigua Yacht Club. Floodlit synthetic grass tennis courts and 2 squash courts. Tel: 460-1781/463-6376

ACTION & ADVENTURE

SWIM WITH STINGRAYS! Stingray City

Tel: (268) 562-7297 A short boat ride takes you to Stingray City, where you can pet and feed Southern Stingrays in their natural environment. You will learn all about these amazing creatures from your experienced guides and snorkel on colourful coral reef. The calm, clear, shallow water makes this easy and fun for everybody!

Stingray City received a ‘Certificate of Excellence 2014’ from TripAdvisor.

KAYAK TOURS

Tel: (268) 562-7297 Embark on a fantastic kayak and snorkelling expedition to experience the magic and beauty of Antigua’s tropical ecosystem. Your adventure includes kayaks, mysterious mangroves, coral reefs, tropical fish, uninhabited islands, white sand beaches, banana bread, and rum and fruit punch during a 2½ hour unforgettable tour. Wear your swimsuit, and bring a towel and your camera.

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ACTION & ADVENTURE

D-BOAT

Shell Beach Marina Tel: (268) 734-2628 Email: contact@dboatantigua.com Quickly establishing itself as one of Antigua’s ‘must see’ attractions, D-Boat guarantees a unique and fun day at sea aboard a 1974 refurbished 140 ft. oil tanker. A wide range of water activities, excellent food, exotic cocktails, intriguing history and stunning views can all be enjoyed. D-Boat is permanently moored off picturesque Maiden Island and accessed by a short ferry ride from Shell Beach Marina.

Call for reservations.

ANTIGUA OCEAN ADVENTURES

Power boat charters Tel: (268) 464-7576/561-1835 A selection of first-class motor boats are available for full day, six hour or four hour charters. The boats have wonderful names, ‘Coconut Kiss’ and ‘Sunsplash’.

The inflatable boat ‘Sunsplash’ is available for charters to Bird Island and the surrounding North Sound islands with a special Bird Island ferry service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Shell Beach.

Call for ferry times and reservations.

DEEP SEA FISHING

Photo: Kelsang Drime

Nightwing Charters Tel: (268) 464-4665 Overdraft Tel: (268) 720-4954/463-3112 Experience the excitement of fishing for marlin, tuna, kingfish, wahoo, barracuda and even shark in the Atlantic fishing grounds of Antigua. Two deep sea fishing charter companies – ‘Overdraft’ and ‘Nightwing Charters’ aim to have you and your family ‘hooked’ by the end of your trip.

Indigo Divers

Jolly Harbour Tel: (268) 562-3483 Email: info@indigo-divers www.indigo-divers.com Indigo Divers is owned and managed by a group of PADI Scuba Diving professionals with years of international experience. They love diving and have a common goal - to provide visitors to the island with a world-class, safe and enjoyable experience whilst exploring the wonders of the underwater realm. They pick up from Jolly Harbour, as well as surrounding hotels, and dive the sheltered west and south coasts of the island, including Cades Reef. The reef offers plenty of dive opportunities for the novice, as well as the experienced diver. Most of the dive sites are about 20-minutes away. PADI courses, special packages and night dives are all available.

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WINDSURFING

Windsurf Antigua

Tel: (268) 461-9463 / 773-9463 Email: windsurfingantigua@hotmail.com www.windsurfantigua.net Two locations, Dickenson Bay and Jabberwock Beach, both on the north coast of the island.

Windsurfing for all; beginners, intermediate and advanced shredders. Equipment rigged and ready on the beach. Island wide delivery available to your villa, boat or hotel.

For daily wind check, rental or lesson, call (268) 773-9463 or (268) 461-9463.

‘Bend de knees feel the breeze’.

ACTION & ADVENTURE

ATV TOURS

FREESTYLE ATV TOURS

Tel: (268) 726-3572 Email: freestyletours@yahoo.com Adventure awaits on this guided off-road tour in allterrain vehicles (ATVs). Travel from the north-east of Antigua on old cane roads past historic estates, rural farm lands and the ruins of hidden sugar mills. Arrive at Guinea Bush Hill overlooking the scenic harbours of the south coast and enjoy splendid views of the neighbouring islands on the horizon. This is the ultimate Antiguan adventure, travelling along rural tracks and farm animal trails whilst experiencing the natural beauty of the island’s interior.

Customised tours can also be organised for your own special requirements.

ANTIGUA ATHLETIC CLUB & VITALITY CAFÉ

Coolidge, near V.C. Bird International Airport Tel: (268) 460-2582 Email: antiguaathleticclub1@gmail.com Antigua’s premier fitness facility has two maplewood exercise classrooms and a spacious 3,800 sq.ft. gym with state-of-the-art equipment. Daily classes include spinning, yoga and Pilates. Enjoy the 25-metre swimming pool, spacious showers and locker rooms available for all visitors. Spend the day for just US$20 and exercise in the gym, take a swim and then enjoy a healthy smoothie and delicious meal at The Vitality Café.

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ACTION & ADVENTURE

GOLF IN ANTIGUA Antigua has two 18-hole courses, one on the west coast and a championship course located just north of St. John’s.

Cedar Valley GOLF Club

Cedar Valley Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course located just 3-miles from St. John’s. This par 70, 6,157 yard course lies amidst mature tropical trees, the distant views of the Caribbean Sea contributing to player satisfaction. It accommodates golfers of all skills, resident professionals and a 300-yard driving range also available. General facilities include a clubhouse lounge and a pro shop selling golf equipment and logo items.

Tel: (268) 462-0161 Email: cedarvalleyg@candw.ag www.cedarvalleygolf.ag

Jolly Harbour Golf Club

Jolly Harbour Golf Club is an established par 71, 5,587-yard 18-hole golf course lying adjacent to the Jolly Harbour Marina. Designed by leading golf course architect Karl Litton of Florida and set in lush tropical parkland, easterly breezes cool the fairways sculpted into the green, hilly landscape. The clubhouse has showers and a locker room.

Tel: (268) 562-6951 Email: golf@jollyharbourantigua.com

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Photo: Cedar Valley Golf Club

ANTIGUA BARBUDA OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 Cedar Valley Golf Club, Antigua 28 February to 1 March 2015 100 golfers anticipated from the Caribbean, USA, UK, Europe and Scandinavia. Championship, Men, Women, Seniors and Super-seniors events.

Further information and entry forms available from Avery Jonas, Tournament Director Tel: (268) 464-5061 Email: averydjonas@gmail.com

ACTION & ADVENTURE

CARIBBEAN HELICOPTERS

Photo: Montserrat Volcano courtesy Caribbean Helicopters

SALTY DOG’S RENTALS

Jolly Harbour Tel: (268) 562-8444 Email: saltydogsrentals@gmail.com www.saltydogsrentals.com Fancy exploring Antigua the fun way by mini-moke?

You can with Salty Dog’s Rentals, their JUMBY mokes are as Caribbean as rum and reggae! With a JUMBY you can expect a ‘no frills with lots of thrills’ type of ride - provided you know how to drive a stick shift vehicle.

You can also discover Antigua on two wheels with Salty Dog’s, reliable, stable and professionally maintained BWS Yamaha Scooters. Depending upon how many riders, you can choose a 50cc or a 125cc scooter. If you’re simply content to explore the calm, waters of Jolly Beach, then why not rent one of their (SUP) stand-up paddle boards?

ANTIGUA RAINFOREST CANOPY TOUR

Fig Tree Drive, Wallings Tel: 562-6363 www.antiguarainforest.com Embark on an unforgettable journey through Antigua’s lush rainforest high above the trees. The aerial walkways, suspension bridges and tree houses combine with the 9-element ropes course and 13 zip lines (up to 360-feet long and 300-feet high) to give you a bird’s eye view of the rainforest’s unique flora and fauna. Not recommended for pregnant women or persons with pre-existing health problems. Maximum weight 260lbs. Open 9am to 1pm.

Closed on Sundays. Reservations recommended.

FOOTSTEPS HIKING

Tel: (268) 460-1234 / 773-2345 www.hikeantigua.com Email: info@hikeantigua.com Go hiking with Footsteps Hiking and discover the hidden secrets of the rainforest. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through mountain trails to Signal Hill where you will enjoy a 360 degree view of the island. Hiking tours start from Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery and take 2 ½ hours.

Don’t worry that this is a major marathon, but rather a leisurely walk for you to experience beautiful nature.

Custom tours to Rendezvous Bay are also available.

Water and fresh lemonade are provided.

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Fort Road, St. John’s Tel: (268) 562-8687/460-5900 Email: reservations@caribbeanhelicopters.com www.caribbeanhelicopters.com Soar over Antigua’s historic sites, turquoise waters and spectacular beaches or experience the impact of Montserrat’s active volcano first-hand. Enjoy Antigua from both air and land in the new ‘Heaven and Earth’ tour, a must for the island’s first timers. Or for those wanting to go off the beaten path, the truly unforgettable ‘Barbuda Experience’ is the tour for you. Custom charters are also available to most Caribbean islands aboard helicopters or executive style twin-engine airplanes.

MONTSERRAT DAY TOURS

Tel: (268) 461-9361/722-8188/9092 Email: jennytours@hotmail.com www.jennytours.webs.com Jenny Tours offers day tour services to Montserrat via ferry and plane from Antigua. The package includes ferry/air return fares, a guided tour and lunch. Other interesting activities which can be arranged include hiking, birdwatching and a boat tour to Plymouth to see the devastated capital, truly an astonishing sight.

Jenny Tours can also arrange short or long term stayover visits at hotels, villas, guest houses or apartments.

Tours available Wednesday, Friday and Sundays.

Check-in 7:30am at Brysons Pier, Heritage Quay.

MONTSERRAT ADVENTURE A visit to the neighbouring island of Montserrat will give you memories to last a lifetime. It is accessible either by a 15-minute flight with Caribbean Helicopters or a 2-hour ferry ride from St. John’s. Jenny Day Tours organises great expeditions.

Now famous for its volcanic activities, Montserrat presents a landscape almost beyond imagination.

You’ll get a glimpse of all that remains of Plymouth, the island’s once beautiful historic capital, now destroyed by the volcano.

The few remaining Montserratians have shown their stalwart spirit by organising a number of unique festivals and events during the year.

The Montserrat National Trust is also very active.

Before the volcano, Montserrat was known as ‘the other Emerald Isle’ because it was so green and it still celebrates St. Patrick’s Festival (mid-March).

The adventurous traveller can enjoy nine worldclass hiking trails. You might spot one of the 34 species of birds that inhabit the island. You can also explore Montserrat’s aquatic life by hiring a boat or kayak. Little Bay in the north offers safe anchorage for yachts.

While in Antigua try to find time for the experience of a lifetime by visiting Montserrat.

Visit www.visitmontserrat.com

ACTION & ADVENTURE

CREOLE CRUISES ANTIGUA

I

magine yourself gliding across crystal clear waters on a custom-built 40-foot speedboat, the Caribbean breeze gently cooling you, while you sit back and enjoy the beauty of Antigua.

Visit two islands and discover Antigua’s magical underwater world during the guided snorkelling or relax on the beach taking a swim in the warm Caribbean Sea. For lunch enjoy mouthwatering freshly grilled lobster served on the beach, prepared by your very own chef. The freshest local ingredients are used – fish and chicken lunch on request. Drinks are included – try the famous Creole Cruise homemade old-fashioned rum punch.

The Creole Cruises team aims to ensure that you will spend a perfect day in paradise and make this your special vacation experience. The friendly crew will show you secluded spots on the island and answer your questions about island life. The boat provides shelter from the sun, bathroom facility, freshwater shower and comfortable seating. It is equipped with two 300 horsepower engines, G.P.S. Depth Sounder, VHF and radio, and is fully insured and licensed.

On board are life and snorkel vests and all snorkel equipment.

For information visit www.creolecruisesantigua.com Email: creolecruises@candw.ag

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Don’t miss the chance of a day trip at sea. Antigua’s catamarans and yachts offer a variety of different excursions, with swimming, lunch and an endless supply of drinks usually involved! And look out for the chance to snorkel off Cades Reef.

WADADLI CATS

Tel: 462-4792 One of the longest established sailing companies in Antigua, the Wadadli Cats fleet of catamarans includes the 66ft. ‘Spirit of Antigua’. This state-of-the-art vessel offers fast and exhilarating sailing speeds, as well as three different cruises. Choose between Bird Island, Cades Reef and the Circumnavigation of Antigua, the latter including lunch at Green Island.

MYSTIC II SAILING CATAMARAN

Tel: 480-1225 This 72ft. sailing catamaran will whisk you away with the island breezes for an unforgettable day in the sun.

Enjoy a memorable day on your own ‘private island’ at Bird Island, or sail across to Cades Reef for some great snorkelling. You’re also invited to sail along the coast as the sun goes down, the open bar and finger foods enhancing this romantic experience.

ONDECK

Falmouth Harbour Tel: (268) 562-6696 Email: pa@ondecksailing.com www.ondecksailing.com If you want to go sailing you need to go Ondeck! All their trips are tailored to suit your needs, from fun racing for novices to laid-back cruising whilst sipping a glass of bubbly and sampling great local food. Ondeck also teaches sailing with short and longer residential courses available, and there’s even the opportunity to take part in any of the Caribbean Regattas.

EXCELLENCE POWER CATAMARAN

Tel: 480-1225 The 82ft. Excellence power catamaran offers tours to our sister island of Barbuda. The 6-hour trip includes swimming, beachcombing and a visit to the world’s largest frigate bird colony. Or why not take a Circumnavigation Cruise right around Antigua? You’ll sail past sites like Devil’s Bridge, the Pillars of Hercules and Bird Island, snorkelling and lunch also included.

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Photo: Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

Sail Away for the Day

SAILAWAY

WADADLI WADADLICATS CATS

Choose from 3 cruises ...

25 years of sailing fast and living slow!

Set sail with Wadadli Cats and you’ll remember the day forever.

Choose between three exciting cruises showcasing Antigua’s anything crystal clear bays and uninhabited islands and its fiislands sh-stocked from Antigua’s crystal clear bays and uninhabited to its reefs just perfect cruise will also include fish-stocked reefsfor justsnorkelling. perfect forYour snorkelling.

Your cruise will great music and company, and it’s easy and to get on boardbeas also include greatfun music and fun company, it couldn’t you willtobe up right on the oneon of the beach easier getpicked on board as you’ll be beach pickedfrom up right island’s main hotels. from one of the island’s main hotels.

Wadadli Cats offer 5 well-established catamarans.

66-foot catamarans, The the 66-foot ‘Spirit of Antigua’ is a state-of-the-art vessel that guarantees a state-of-the-art vessel that guarantees thethe fastest and most exhilarating sailing speeds available in Antigua.

Such speedy cruising means that you only have access you’llwill notnot only have access to to the the beaches snorkelling but you’ll plenty bestbest beaches and and snorkelling sites,sites, but you’ll alsoalso havehave plenty of of time relax over your Caribbean-style buffet lunch. open time to to relax over your Caribbean-style buffet lunch.

AnAn open bar, snorkelling gear, convenient stem ladders and freshwater showers are all part of the deal deal.too, Deck awnings andand spacious deck awnings spacious roofed areas provide you with plenty of also available to provide youshade. with plenty of shade.

And, of course, if you’re looking for a special way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or wedding, consider onetoofconsider the don’t forget company’s private charters. into the Antigua’ one of the company’s privateGet charters.

So‘Spirit comeofon, get into and sail away with Wadadli Cats! the ‘Spirit of Antigua’ and sail away with Wadadli Cats!

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ANTIGUA

There’s no better boat than the ‘Spirit of Antigua’ for this 60-mile trip. Your day includes exciting open ocean sailing along the north coast, as well as snorkelling and lunch at Green Island. In the afternoon you take a leisurely sail past English Harbour before returning to your departure point.

CADES REEF CRUISE Cruise along the calm leeward coast past Pelican Island to Antigua’s most impressive barrier reef.

Anchor in shallow waters at this snorkellers’ paradise stretching for an amazing two miles.

BIRD ISLAND CRUISE Sail the tranquil waters of the north-east coast to Bird Island, one of Antigua’s most famous National Parks. Enjoy a tour of the island and a mouthwatering lunch before swimming in the calm protected bay. This cruise is a particularly good choice for children and beginner snorkellers.

Private day and sunset cruises can also be arranged for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and corporate events.

www.wadadlicats.com Call: (268) 462 4792 Email: wadadlicats@candw.ag

WADADLI CATS Sail Fast, Live Slow ...

wadadlicats.com or 268.462.4792

circumnavigation I cades reef I bird island

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A PIECE OF PARADISE

W

hy not really make yourself at home in Antigua? Purchasing or renting a second home on the island is becoming increasingly popular and there is a wide choice of villas, apartments and real estate options available.

Many visitors to Antigua fall in love with the island and dream of having a second home in the sun. It goes without saying it’s also a first-class investment opportunity, many homes rented out either short or long term. But whether you’re buying Antiguan real estate for rental, residential, retirement or investment purposes, you’ll be joining an ever-increasing band of expatriates who simply find the idea too good to miss.

Antigua offers visitors an enviable lifestyle of sun, sea and sand. The economy is driven primarily by tourism and our 100,000 permanent residents are an interesting mix of peoples from other Caribbean islands, as well all over the world. Of course another added incentive for many purchasers is that Antigua passports may be obtained through the new Citizenship Investment Programme (CIP) being introduced on qualified properties.

Today most property buyers are internet savvy and arrive on the island having already narrowed their choices down to certain property types. In advance of your arrival it’s recommended you contact a professional estate agent (a member of ABRA, the Antigua Barbuda

South Point

Association of Realtors) as they will provide you with the most up-to-date market conditions and generally have access to all property listings.

There is a wealth of real estate options on offer in Antigua, many overseas visitors settling in the areas of English Harbour, Jolly Harbour, Browns Bay, Hodges Bay, Crosbies, Paradise View or Cedar Valley - location is vital, of course, and will have a great impact on your own enjoyment, as well as on the re-sale value.

Apartments, condos, villas and pre-owned homes are all readily available. Some are tucked away in gated communities or hotel developments and you can take advantage of common amenities like swimming pools, tennis courts, shops and watersports.

South Point combines high-end luxury with chic elegance of a boutique hotel, and has been designed with the vacation home and investment property buyer in mind. It blends sleek European designs with tropical influences and is the very definition of contemporary Caribbean living. Each spacious open-plan unit features a kitchen, living area, terrace and state-of-theart amenities. Claim one of the 23 residences as your own vacation hideaway and benefit from participation in the Condo Hotel Rental Program. Fully approved Citizenship by Investment Real Estate project.

The Legalities

Photo: Villa Capri - Sea View Heights

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When purchasing real estate in Antigua you’ll need to retain the services of a lawyer. Legal costs range from 1% to 2% depending upon the purchase price.

You’ll also need to apply for a Non-Citizen’s Licence which is generally 5% of the purchase price and can take up to four months to be processed. In addition to this, a payment of 2.5% government transfer fee is required.

REAL ESTATE If you prefer to purchase a piece of land and build your own home here, there are many island-based contractors who’ll be delighted to help with the design and construction. Antigua has excellent architects, builders and contractors who generally handle all building systems, but are especially adept at concrete blocks and wood construction. Materials, windows, doors, cabinets, fixtures and furnishings are readily available, or can be imported specifically for your project.

Of course you don’t actually have to buy to enjoy all the benefits of a private hideaway in Antigua. The island has always had luxury villas available for rental, many of them featuring their own pools and surprisingly cost effective for families or groups of friends. And while you, your family and friends enjoy all the amenities of home, the helpful staff take away all the domestic responsibilities and leave you free to relax.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme, established in 2013, aims to attract Foreign Direct Investment while at the same time supporting the real-estate market in Antigua and Barbuda. The Programme is implemented and managed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.

There are three investment options for persons seeking citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda:1. A contribution of US$250,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF).

2. An investment of at least US$400,000 in an approved real estate project.

3. An investment of US$1.5 million in a business individually or US$5 million by two or more investors, where each invest no less than US$400.000.

The real estate option provides a wide range of opportunities for persons looking for an equity investment. It has attracted noteworthy attention among critical stakeholders in the international marketplace. Antigua and Barbuda has much to offer to potential investors in its citizenship programme.

Benefits of the programme include visa free travel to Canada, the UK and over 125 other countries.

Tamarind Hills

www.cip.gov.ag for additional information and contact details.

a boutique condo hotel 20 one-bedroom and 3 two-bedroom spacious beachfront suites stunning harbour front location · swimming pool docking · high speed wi-fi · restaurant · sushi bar lounge bar · fitness centre · 1st class concierge services · caribbean architecture · contemporary styling a great investment opportunity · approved CIP real estate project

southpointfalmouth.com

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designed for contemporar y caribbean living

T

amarind Hills is one of the most exciting recent developments in the Eastern Caribbean. Created by the internationally acclaimed architect Lane Pettigrew to take the maximum advantage of its stunning location between two of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches, all properties boast magnificent west facing views, floating infinity edged pools with huge wrap around terraces, and the finest European kitchens and bathrooms.

There are a range of one to four bedroom villas, apartments and cottages available for sale on a freehold basis, and owners are free to use their property as often as they choose.

A fully managed rental programme is available for those who wish to benefit from a return on their investment. Alternatively owners can live in their property year round, enjoying all the on-site facilities of a five star resort.

All properties will feature private infinity edged pools, floor to ceiling glass walls, high speed wi-fi, cable TV, built in entertainment systems and many offer private areas for media rooms, personal gyms or offices.

For complete relaxation and reinvigoration the resort will have a signature spa, fully equipped gym, pilates and yoga studios.

The development team at Tamarind Hills have a great deal of worldwide d e v e l o p m e n t experience, and are extremely excited by what they feel is the combination of a world class product on a uniquely beautiful location.

Construction has gone well to date with the majority of the first two phases handed over.

Visitors are welcome at all times to visit the show homes and sales and marketing suites.

For a no obligations site tour visit the onsite sales office and Other facilities will include a beach club, jetty show home at Ffryes Beach. including bar, day moorings, 24 hour concierge services, tennis courts, running tracks and Call +1 268 736 4028 or email shopping galleria. rufus@tamarind-hills.com

w w w. t a m a r i n d - h i l l s . c o m

S

et on a sunset facing bluff on Antigua’s glorious west coast between Darkwood and Ffrye’s, two of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches, Tamarind Hills takes five star luxury to new heights with a stunning collection of residences designed for contemporary Caribbean living.

• Beach and ocean front villas, cottages and apartments for sale on freehold basis • Rental programme available with 24 hour concierge and butler facilities • Beach Club, restaurant, boardwalk and shopping galleria • Beauty salon, gym, pilates and yoga studio • Prices from $425,000 upwards • Antiguan Citizenship by Investment Programme now live *

REAL ESTATE

THE PENINSULA

The Peninsula is located in the North Sound on the Atlantic coast of Antigua. It’s a truly breathtaking setting, the three headlands that make up The Peninsula surrounded by the shallow, navigable waters of Belfast Bay. The stunning harbour is an excellent breeding ground for tropical fish and turtles, whilst small, uninhabited islands with white sandy beaches and coral reefs are easily accessible by boat.

The Peninsula is for people who appreciate peace, tranquility and privacy. A small number of quality land plots are available for the construction of waterfront homes.

Each plot is approximately one-acre in size, the land sloping towards the inlets within the bay and affording privacy, cooling breezes and picture postcard views.

Visit www.antigua-peninsula.com

GRAND ESTATES

Grand Estates is set to become the number one privately-gated residential address in Antigua. Boasting a unique location on a peninsula overlooking Dickenson Bay and the tranquil Caribbean Sea, exclusive amenities will include 24-hour security and a fully-serviced marina.

Owners can purchase a secluded beachfront estate with the option of their own private service dock in the adjacent marina. After you have selected your waterfront lot, Grand Estates can design and construct a residence that best suits your unique location. All of the estates will be finished to very high standards, yet each one will be engineered and designed to suit the buyer’s own taste and budget.

Grand Estates is able to offer a full management service from the approval of the plans to the handing over of the keys. Duty-free concessions on all building materials and furnishings are readily available.

Visit www.grandestates-antigua.com

The Peninsula

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Grand Estates and The Peninsula are registered under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Contact don@wardassociates.com

REAL ESTATE

www.grandestates-antigua.com www.grandestates-antigua.com

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REAL ESTATE

INSURE YOUR PROPERTY

Antigua’s insurance business has developed to meet the increased demand for purchasing real estate. A variety of dependable and well-established insurance companies are located here, giving you peace of mind when it comes to buying property on the island.

Caribbean Alliance Insurance Company Limited is reaching out from their new Head Office in Antigua with an expanding network stretching across the Caribbean region. Rated A-(Excellent) at A.M. Best (the independent rating agency based in the USA) Caribbean Alliance Insurance is the only general insurance company with its head office in the OECS that has a Best’s financial strength.

The strong reputation of Caribbean Alliance has fuelled the company’s business growth. With over twenty years experience, the company offers high service standards and prides itself on its ability to pay claims promptly and efficiently. The prestigious new head office is centrally located on the corner of Newgate Street and Cross Street. This bright new office ambience, with agents providing expert knowledge and professional service, encourages the development of reliable insurance coverage for every need.

Antigua is home to Anjo Insurances, insurance agents for United Insurance Company Limited. Established in Antigua for over 85 years, Anjo has been providing

excellent customer service and fair claims settlement for decades. The company has a well-deserved reputation for dealing quickly and efficiently with insurance matters. Anjo has three branches conveniently spread across the island at Woods Centre, Jolly Harbour and Falmouth Harbour.

As agents for United Insurance, Anjo’s financial strength is reaffirmed with an A.M. Best Rating of A-(Excellent).

Based on Redcliffe Street in St. John’s, ABI Insurance Company Limited offers a full range of insurance products including buildings, contents, public liability and contractors all risks. The company is committed to offering its policy-holders security against financial loss and providing all claimants with a prompt and efficient settlement. Specialist coverage that is not offered on the local market is sourced by ABII on the international market through its highly rated brokers. The aim of ABI Insurance is to provide superior services at affordable prices.

SHOP FOR YOUR VILLA

Antigua has a number of excellent stores able to provide most of the goods required for your new villa, condominium or apartment. While you may be thinking of importing many of the necessary items, you should certainly explore the outlets in Antigua where the products are readily available. An added advantage is the fact that if something goes wrong, you have immediate recourse to the store.

Continued on page 84.

Antigua and Barbuda welcomes foreign investors Advantages of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program: Min Investment: US$ 250,000 Citizenship for spouse and children

Dual citizenship allowed Visa free travel to ± 130 countries

Tax advantages Life style

AURAY Capital, member of Grant Thornton, is specialized in Residency and Citizenship by Investment Programs for destinations around the globe and is proud to be a duly authorized Representative and Service Provider for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. We work in collaboration with our worldwide network of immigration practitioners and our partners at Grant Thornton Antigua to offer you customized investment opportunities and global advisory services.

Member of

Contact us: 1-514-499-8440 / 1-800-363-3915 A&B@auraycapital.com auraycapital.com

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REAL ESTATE

CARIBREP VILLAS ANTIGUA ‘There’s no place like home’ - the mantra of travellers over the years and particularly true in today’s cost conscious times. Indeed villa holidays can often be the most affordable way to vacation nowadays, especially if travelling with the family.

Antigua’s Villa Rental Company since 1982

The Caribbean’s off-season begins in mid-April and runs through to mid-December, rental prices dropping by as much as 50% and some villas offering serious discounts - stay for 7 nights but only pay for 5, for example, or an optional maid and cook included in the rates.

Palm Villa

Our luxury villas are located all around the island and are either delightfully secluded or conveniently close to resorts and amenities. Their sizes and prices also vary and we pride ourselves on finding somewhere to suit your needs.

Tel: (268) 463 2070 / 725 5507 Fax: (268) 560 1824 Email: info@caribrepvillas.com www.caribrepvillas.com lindsay Hill, PO BOx W212, sT. JOHn’s, anTigua

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It you still prefer to travel in the high season, many villa companies are maintaining the same rates as last year, and for even bigger savings, you can book two weeks in the winter and take advantage of a complimentary stay for 5 nights in the summer.

Barbara Japal and Caribrep Villas have been renting some of Antigua’s best villas since 1982. www.caribrepvillas.com

REAL ESTATE

LIVING THE DREAM There are few dreams quite as romantic as the prospect of waking in a beautiful home overlooking the white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Whether it’s just for a week or for a whole lifetime, Island Living Caribbean Real Estate aims to help you do just that.

The specialists at Island Living Caribbean Real Estate have been developing, constructing, selling, renting and managing real estate across the Caribbean since the early 1980s. With Island Living you can combine Antigua’s wonderful year-round climate, untouched beaches and unique flora and fauna with exceptional homes, prime settings and outstanding service.

In 2014 Island Living Caribbean Real Estate welcomed the establishment of its sister company Island Living Investment Services (ILIS). This unique corporate service provider has an extensive network of agents authorised to facilitate and process applications for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

by Investment Program.

Nonsuch Bay

The fusion of Antigua’s rich history, natural beauty and vibrant culture creates a unique charm. Trust your real estate requirements to Island Living and you are assured an experience that encapsulates comfort and peace of mind.

Start to live your dream by searching on www.islandlivingantigua.com or pay a visit to the Jolly Harbour Office.

Email: info@islandlivingantigua.com Tel: + 1 (268) 562 2626

Exclusive Sales Luxury Rentals Resort Developments

Suite 201 Village Walk Mall Friar’s Hill Road P.O. Box 1275 St. John’s Antigua T: +1 (268) 562 8474 E: info@ilis.ag

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W: antiguacitizenshipinvest.com

Citizenship by Investment Exceptional Opportunities Embrace the Possibilities

P.O.Box 262 Jolly Harbour Antigua

T: +1 (268) 562 2626 info@islandlivingantigua.com www.islandlivingantigua.com

JOLLY HARBOUR MARINA VILLAGE “Dear Maggie, I’m so happy you recommended spending my vacation in Antigua, particularly at the Jolly Harbour Marina Village. I feel like I have the best of both worlds, the tranquil seclusion of a tropical paradise complete with all the amenities of home. (I’m actually writing this emaiI whilst I’m lounging on a mile-long white sand beach enjoying a spectacular sunset with a cocktail in hand!)

(I picked you out a lovely sundress for your own visit to Jolly Harbour.) I also enjoyed a delicious lunch at a quaint restaurant overlooking the marina waterfront As a boat lover, you’ll be happy to know that Jolly Harbour is the largest residential marina in the Eastern Caribbean with over 100 serviced berths. It even hosts its very own Valentine’s Regatta!

Yesterday I had such a fabulous jet-skiing and diving adventure. Tomorrow I’ve planned a round of golf at the 18-hole golf course. You know I’m pretty active so getting in some tennis or squash, a few laps in the pool and a bit of weight training in the air-conditioned gym are all a must too. Earlier today I took a stroll in the Commercial Centre and browsed through the souvenir boutiques and salons.

I’m so charmed by Antigua’s glorious climate that I’m actually considering purchasing a vacation getaway here. And, if you ask me, Jolly Harbour is the perfect place to own a stunning waterfront villa. So that’s the latest on my lovely Antigua vacation. How’s the weather with you by the way? I hear it’s 40 below!

”

Love Jane

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continued from page 78 One exceptional store close to St. John’s is the Townhouse Megastore. It has a great selection of top brand furnishings, appliances and household items with wholesale prices offered to villa, condo and apartment owners with a fast delivery service.

The Furniture Gallery on Airport Road and Living Spaces on Old Parham Road are also well worth perusing for international furniture brands, but for something a little different head either to El Caribe Bazar overlooking Perry Bay or The Gazebo on the Friar’s Hill Road. Both these emporiums sell furniture and household items sourced from all around the world.

SEA VIEW HEIGHTS LTD.

Sea View Heights is an Antigua-based real estate agency specialising in the rental and sale of exclusive villas located in stunning locations like Galley Bay Heights, The Peninsula, English Harbour, Emerald Cove and NonSuch Bay. Sea View Heights can arrange your luxury villa holiday and ensure you enjoy a relaxing vacation enhanced by fun-filled activities.

Also available are professional real estate services to guide you in the purchase, or even the construction of a villa in Antigua. Sea View Heights’s partner, the Antigua-based construction company New System Ltd., has been building customised villas in Antigua for the past 20 years.

Contact Katia Fattarelli on (268) 462-6266 www.antiguaholidayvillas.com www.windwardantigua.com

STUDIOS & APARTMENTS

For those looking for independence, there is a wide range of studios or apartments in Antigua including Tranquility Bay on Jolly Beach, as well as Antigua Village, Buccaneer Beach Club, and Siboney Beach Club on Dickenson Bay. Dickenson Bay ranks amongst the island’s best beaches and is a particularly suitable choice for self-catering vacations. It’s an easy drive to supermarkets such as 1st Choice on the Anchorage Road, as well as the impressive Epicurean on the Friar’s Hill Road. Nearby at the Woods Centre, you’ll find other useful facilities such as banks, the wellstocked Woods Pharmacy with expert pharmacists, and the state-of-the-art dental clinic of Dr. Sengupta & Associates. This long-established dental practice caters for international and local clients on a regular basis and also handles dental emergencies.

TIMESHARE

Timeshare is also available and has its own associated benefits. Not only can you take advantage of thousands of different exchange destinations and a guaranteed high standard of accommodation, but also tremendous savings on vacation costs.

The ability to rent, sell or keep a timeshare property as part of your estate gives the owner the benefits associated with a vacation home whilst still enjoying world-wide vacations each year.

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GLOBAL BANK OF COMMERCE ANTIGUA … A Caribbean Home, A Global Market By Brian Stuart-Young, Chairman & CEO Antigua and Barbuda represent a crossroads for financial services within the Caribbean, hosting a 32-year-old financial centre with a broad cross-section of financial service providers. There are eight domestic commercial banks and twelve international financial institutions.

Best known for its 365 white sand beaches, Antigua enjoys a growing reputation as a trusted Caribbean destination for both tourism and international financial services.

The new government elected in June 2014 is vigorously pursuing programmes to enhance and strengthen these two sectors as key pillars of the economy. Whilst Antigua’s international financial centre is still relatively small, its non-volatile, politically stable sovereign jurisdiction attracts clients seeking more personal attention for their wealth management portfolios. Antigua is well positioned as an up-market destination for the more discriminating visitor and investor seeking world-class banking services.

Referred to as the ‘grandfather of international banking’, Global Bank of Commerce, a Caribbean owned and operated institution, has built a solid track record of servicing its Caribbean and international clients, with over 30 years’ experience in the jurisdiction. It is focused on technologydriven financial services that provide secure internet banking, multi-channel electronic payment systems and wealth management portfolios. Clients access a full range of account options including multi-currency deposits, foreign exchange, certificates of deposit and other competitive interest-bearing accounts. Clients also benefit from the

Bank’s affiliate, Global Processing Centre, an internationallycertified card processing centre and payment platform which provides card-based and mobile facilities for international payroll programmes, employee benefits and remittance services. International businesses that require banking facilities to support e-commerce will find it convenient and advantageous to transfer their e-business to Antigua.

Antigua and Barbuda is considered attractive as a vacation destination and an ideal piece of paradise for a second home.

The introduction of new legislation allows approved investors to take part in the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). This provides for citizenship and an Antigua and Barbuda passport to be granted on the basis of persons and families who satisfy a high standard of due diligence requirements and qualify in respect of making personal investments in Antigua and Barbuda. The jurisdiction has spent considerable time and research efforts to design a sound investment process, and the new government administration has indicated that it will ensure it meets international standards and attracts applicants who will only enhance the reputation and economy of the jurisdiction.

The combination of well-regulated financial services, an excellent communications infrastructure, strong professional resources and the possibility of qualifying for citizenship makes Antigua and Barbuda a positive environment and an attractive location to develop international business and property investment. www.globalbankofcommerce.com

E

an endearing quality

Providing the perfect balance of world class banking services, security and convenience, for over 30 years.

Personal Banking Wealth Management Citizenship by Investment Program Electronic Commerce Solutions Global Remittance Services Global Banking Solutions

Global Commerce Centre Old Parham Road P.O. Box W1803 St. John’s, Antigua, West Indies Tel: (268) 480-2240 Fax: (268) 462-1831 email: customer.service@gbc.ag www.globalbankofcommerce.com

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T

he main duty-free shopping areas in St. John’s are Redcliffe Quay and Heritage Quay. The boutiques, jewellers, craft shops and adjacent market are complemented by quaint cafés and bars.

Modern Heritage Quay extends along a wide boulevard leading from the cruise ship pier. The area is enlivened with a casino and clocktower, leading out towards St. Mary’s Street. Heritage Quay offers a wide variety of duty-free shops and boutiques catering for every taste, from designer clothing and jewellery to local arts and crafts. Nearby are bars and restaurants.

The boardwalk along the waterfront leads into the beautifully restored buildings and courtyards of Redcliffe Quay and adjoining Redcliffe Street, both built with old bricks which came as ballast in sailing ships long ago.

There is a cruise ship pier leading into Redcliffe Quay where there are delightful shops in the shade of ancient trees, as well as a number of restaurants and bars. You can buy your starter in one restaurant, your main course in another and your dessert in yet a third! Relax in the friendly wine bar at Redcliffe Quay or visit the ice cream parlour to keep cool.

Between the two Quays and abutting Redcliffe Street and Thames Street is the colourful two-storey Vendors’ Mall with its myriad souvenirs including T-shirts, hats, shirts, wraps and pareos.

On the outskirts of St. John’s along the Friars Hill Road leading north, is the shopping area of Woods Mall. There is a wide range of shops including the excellent Woods Pharmacy, banks, post office, LIME (Cable & Wireless) office and a travel agency - Carib World Travel.

Along the Friars Hill Road is the Village Walk Mall which has a number of shops including a first class liquor store, Quin Farara and the Café Bella which is the perfect place for after-shopping refreshments. Further along is the Royal Palm Mall which has a number of outlets including a beauty salon and The Larder restaurant serving excellent food with the best sushi on island.

The enormous Epicurean supermarket is set back from Friars Hill Road. A number of major companies have built new offices in this vicinity. Not far away on the Anchorage Road is the well-stocked 1st Choice supermarket.

For last-minute gifts, perfume, jewellery and musical memories of Antigua there are also an excellent range of shops at the brand new V.C. Bird International Airport.

To take advantage of the duty-free prices at Heritage and Redcliffe Quays, remember to take your passport and travel documents with you.

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Photo: Joseph Jones Photography

SUPER SHOPPING

ARMILLAS collection

St. John’s Street Map

HERITAGE QUAY Abbott’s Jewellery & Perfumery Baobab Cameras Plus Cattleya Kings Casino Land Lipstick Longchamp Shades Shouls Duty Free Liquor & Perfumery Sterlings Tabaco Negro Tropic Wear World of Watches

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SHOPPING

Chocolatier

Chocolate Diamonds

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Info@AbbottsJewellery.com

SHOPPING

ABBOTT’S JEWELLERY

Heritage Quay Tel: 462-3107/8 Abbott’s Jewellery in duty-free Heritage Quay is the authorised retailer for Rolex and carries renowned Swiss-made timepieces by Omega, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Gucci, Carl F. Bucherer, Longines, 88 Rue Du Rhone, Frederique Constant and Tissot. They also carry Seiko. Available are stunning jewellery collections

by David Yurman, John Hardy, Le Vian, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, Tacori, Chimento, Rebecca and Chamilia, as well as coloured gems, diamonds and pearls. Their adjoining Fragrance Boutique carries the latest selection of fragrances and gift sets, as well as a wide choice of Cross & Parker Pens, Lladro figurines, Swarovski crystal ornaments and jewellery, and pieces by Kosta Boda, Orrefors and Nachtmann. Abbott’s branch in the Airport Departure Lounge has a wide selection of the latest fragrances for your last-minute shopping.

ISLAND PROVISIONS COMPLEX

George Walter Highway Island Provisions Complex Tel: 480-5151 Best Cellars Tel: 480-5180 Gourmet Basket Tel: 480-5174 A convenient one-stop shopping experience. Best Cellars is a wine connoisseur’s delight, whilst the adjacent Gourmet Basket provides a fine selection of fruits, vegetables and gourmet products. Caters for hotels, restaurants, yachts and individual shoppers.

TABACO NEGRO SHADES

Heritage Quay Tel: 562-5662 Shades offers a wide range of designer sunglasses at great duty-free prices. Shop in spacious comfort with the best and latest selection of sunglasses available in Antigua: Maui Jim, Rayban, Oakley, Prada, Gucci, Marc

by Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture, Polo, Ralph, Coach and D & G.

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45 Heritage Quay Tel: 562-5866 E: admin@tabaco-negro.com www.tabaco-negro.com This wonderful oasis of aromas is a must for cigar lovers. The only authorised dealer for fine Cuban cigars in Antigua, its wide range includes Cohiba, Hoya de Monterrey and Romeo & Juliet. Whether you enjoy the occasional interlude with your favourite flavour or whether you are a serious connoisseur, the knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

SHOPPING

, , Bulova and Precisionist are registered trademarks. © 2014 Bulova Corporation. t h e p r e c i s i o n i st c o l l e ct i o n st y l e 9 8 B 2 1 2 c h r o n o g r a p h

p r e c i s i o n to 1 / 1, 0 0 0 o f a s e c o n d

Tel: 462-3462 • www.colombianemeralds.com Heritage Quay, Sandals Grande Resort, V.C. Bird Int’l Airport

BULOVA.COM

SHOPPING

LAND

#108 Heritage Quay Tel: 462-0746 A unique store specialising in leather goods for over 20 years - operated by the owner Debra Merchant. Land’s finest 100% leather products are on show permanently at Land’s Miami showroom with three new collections each year. Visit Land in Antigua for travel goods, handbags, briefcases, belts, wallets and fine shoes.

ZEMI ARTS & CRAFT

Redcliffe Quay Tel: 562-7662 www.zemiartgallery.com Discover an authentic collection of indigenous arts and crafts from founding artist Stephen Murphy and other local artisans. You’ll discover creations that are unique and a world away from the mass-produced souvenirs that too often flood the Caribbean. The contemporary art and design collection includes originals, limited editions and reproductions geared towards the true art connoisseur and captures the very essence of Caribbean culture.

Jeweler’s Warehouse

Heritage Quay Tel: 462-2336, Email: 26097@dfch.com Antigua’s duty-free value leader, Jeweler’s Warehouse offers affordable prices, certified appraisals and great deals on its jewellery with savings up to 50%. It stocks a large selection of freshwater pearls and designer watches, as well as gold or silver jewellery set in precious and semiprecious gemstones such as diamonds, tanzanite and topaz.

arts & Craft

Lifestyle

Indigenous & Authentic Local Art

Caribbean & Contemporary Art & Design

art gallery Redcliffe Quay Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5pm Tel +1 (268) 562 7662

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Saint John’s SAT 9.30 - 4pm Tel +1 (268) 764 7622

SHOPPING

SILVER CHELLES

Redcliffe Quay Tel: 789-2662 Email: info@SilverChelles.com www.SilverChelles.com Silver Chelles is a beautiful jewellery boutique situated in historic Redcliffe Quay. Specialising in polished seashells set in sterling silver, every piece of jewellery is handcrafted and unique. A wide variety of pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings are available. You will also find an elegant selection of seashell-adorned evening bags, small gifts, fashion jewellery and specimen shells.

Silver Chelles is a boutique not to be missed.

STERLINGS-WORLD OF WATCHES

Heritage Quay Tel: 562-7080 For the latest styles in trendy watches, not to mention a distinctly personal shopping experience, a visit to Antigua’s only watch boutique is a must. A great selection is available including Michael Kors, Citizen, Shinola, Hamilton, G-shock, Fossil, Swiss Army, Emporio Armani, Guess, Ice and Luminox.

TROPIC WEAR

#17 Heritage Quay Tel: 462-6251 This boutique offers duty-free shopping for men and women’s Levis and Dockers clothing. Tropic Wear stocks the famous 501 original button fly jeans and skinny, straight, de-stressed and bootcut styles. Also available is the full line of Levi’s men’s underwear and accessories including wallets, caps and belts. The essential dress shirt, t-shirt and polo are also available.

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COCO SHOP

Redcliffe Quay Tel: 462-1128 www.cocoshopantigua.com This charming boutique specialises in unique islandstyle gifts and clothing. Everything is made by local seamstresses and artisans using colourful batiks and Liberty of London fabrics. Chic items include cosmetic and toiletry cases, purses, iPad covers, quilted placemats, napkins, bottle bags, beach bags, stuffed animals, not to mention their famous rag rugs.

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CATTLEYA CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

Heritage Quay Tel: 462-8191 Email: lipstickantigua@hotmail.com If you’re looking for glamorous, stylish and sophisticated resort wear, Cattleya Boutique offers a wide selection of day and evening attire suitable for every occasion. Quality brands include Frank Lyman, Cut Loose, Flax, Analili, Eva Varro and Comfy. Located next door to Longchamp, Cattleya Boutique offers great customer service and a special experience.

SHOPPING

EXOTIC ANTIGUA

Redcliffe Quay Tel: 562-1288 Email: exoticantigua@gmail.com Wrap yourself in lush tropical clothing! Exotic Antigua specialises in jewellery, bags, hats and linen clothing for both men and women at affordable prices. No visit to Antigua is complete without calling in at Exotic Antigua voted the number one shop in the Caribbean!

WOODS PHARMACY

Woods Mall Tel: 462-9288/7 This excellent pharmacy has a first class range of pharmaceutical products and is well located with convenient parking. This cool, spacious and efficient pharmacy offers a wide range of necessities and luxuries with good customer service and reasonable prices.

Open Monday-Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-6pm.

THE GOLDSMITTY

Redcliffe Quay Tel: 462-4601 www.goldsmitty.com Since 1981 The Goldsmitty has offered its own unique jewellery in gold and silver. Owner and designer Hans Smit uses only the finest gemstones collected on his trips to exotic locations all over the world. Hans realised that many longtime clients and first-time visitors were looking for an authentic, totally indigenous memory of their Caribbean trip that could be passed on through the generations. Therefore, in honour of The Goldsmitty’s 30th Anniversary, Hans created ‘Caribbean Corner’.

Each unique design is made with rare conch pearls, red and blue amber and larimar. In 2011 Hans discovered our own ‘piece of the rock’, 30 million-year-old petrified coral. This is now cut, polished and set in gold or silver and officially trademarked as ‘Antiguanite’!

Colombian Emeralds International

Heritage Quay; Sandals Grande Resort & Spa; V.C. Bird International Airport Tel: 462-3462 Email: 25093@dfch.com www.ColombianEmeralds.com With over 40 years experience and three convenient island locations, Colombian Emeralds International is an excellent choice for all your fine jewellery, watches and accessories needs. As a division of the Dufry Group and the largest duty-free retailer of Colombian emeralds in the world, CEI offer global customer service, complimentary certified appraisals, insurance and even instant credit.

You can shop in complete confidence with CEI.

Goldsmitty

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LIPSTICK

Heritage Quay Tel: 562-1130/33 Fax: 562-1131 Email: lipstickantigua@hotmail.com This elegant and strategically located beauty boutique offers the widest selection of luxury fragrances, skin care and cosmetics on the island. The gracious, expert staff can guide you through the wide range of products to suit every individual requirement – showing lines of Chanel, Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Yves St. Laurent, Estée Lauder and many more.

CAMERAS PLUS

Heritage Quay Tel: 562-4738/462-3619 Cameras Plus specialises in cameras and accessories to ensure your Antigua vacation is picture perfect!

With brands such as Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, GoPro, GoPole, ISAW sports cameras and Casio, your every need will be satisfied. Also available is a wide range of batteries, chargers and memory cards, as well as an extensive selection of binoculars, spotting scopes, sunglasses, tripods, readers and camera bags.

STERLINGS

Heritage Quay Tel: 562-5662 Sterlings is a jewellery store with a difference. It is the exclusive retailer for Pandora, and also sells watches

by Fendi, Michele, Michael Kors and Swatch. There is a varied collection including silver, gold and stainlesssteel jewellery from top designers. Marah Lago, Michael Kors, Links of London, Roberto Coin, Alex & Ani and one of a kind Amber pieces are all available. You can also find the perfect diamond from Hearts on Fire, the world’s most perfect cut diamonds.

SHOUL’S DUTY FREE LIQUOR AND PERFUMERY

British American Mall Redcliffe Street, St. John’s Antigua, W.I.

giving over 22 years of

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#60 Heritage Quay Tel: 462-2606 This enticing one-stop store offers a wide assortment of liquor, perfumes, confectionary, tobacco products and accessories. Choose from the extensive range of international liquors and spirits, or take a little bit of Antigua back to family and friends with a bottle of Cavalier or English Harbour Rum. Explore the fragrance department and take advantage of the duty-free prices on world-renowned brands like Guerlain, Cartier, Estée Lauder, Bvlgari, Hérmes, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Juicy Couture, Paco Rabanne and Prada. The courteous, professional staff are waiting to serve you.

THE MAP AND BOOK SHOP

Redcliffe Street, St. John’s Tel: 462-3993 Over 22 years of unique service and experience.

Maps; prints and charts; tourist guides; books on tropical fish, birds, flowers, cookery and history of the Caribbean; academic books; vocational books for health, nursing and hospitality training; bibles of all kinds; religious books for adults and children; greeting cards for all occasions. What they don’t have in stock they will order for you. So come and share in the ‘2 for 1’ experience of The Map and Book Shop.

SHOPPING

CRAB HOLE LIQUORS

Cobbs Cross, Falmouth Nelsons Dockyard, English Harbour Tel: 460-1212 Stop in at one of three outlets in the area for a great selection of fine wines and spirits. Crab Hole Liquors is also a handy convenience store providing you with all the essentials from groceries to phone cards.

Crab Hole Liquors

ART AT THE RIDGE

Sugar Ridge (near Jolly Harbour) Tel: 728-1558 Featured in The Culture Trip’s ‘Top Ten Art Galleries’ in the Caribbean, this gallery and gift shop showcases a diverse range of genuine local art and crafts by well-known Antiguan artists and craftspeople. The cards, paintings, fine art prints and unique handmade crafts make great gifts and souvenirs, and highlight the island’s impressive creative talent. A full art gallery service, including exhibitions, viewings and private commissions is offered.

Artwork is also displayed opposite at Sugar Club.

BAOBAB

Heritage Quay – upstairs Tel: 562-8305 Baobab Company is a unique T-Shirt and ready-towear clothing collection born in the Indian Ocean in 1995. The brand’s casual yet highly graphic style beautifully conveys the soul and culture of the islands.

Much emphasis is placed upon ethnic patterns and textures that are always creatively presented.

Retailer, Wholesaler, Agents, Distributors, Dealers in Fine Wines, Spirits, Cigars, Cigarettes, Juices, Sodas, Party Favours, Groceries, Lottery Agent, Phone Card Distributor and lots more.

Cobbs Cross, Falmouth, Tel: (268) 460-1212 Fax: (268) 460-8930 VHF 68 Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Tel: (268) 462-9082 E-mail: crabholeliquors@candw.ag

Te l : 5 6 2 8 3 0 5

b a o b a b . a n t i g u a @ g m a i l . c o m # 35 Heritage Quay • St.John’s Antigua • Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 4pm

Martinique Mauritius Seychelles Mayotte Reunion Madagascar Antigua Grenada South Africa French Guiana Senegal Guadeloupe

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Photo: Sheer Rocks at Coco Bay Resort courtesy AHTA

Antigua’s restaurants suit all tastes and pockets. There’s anything from gourmet venues showcasing French haute cuisine to casual beachfront eateries specialising in the island’s freshly-caught seafood. Treat yourselves and sample as many as possible!

LE BISTRO FRENCH RESTAURANT

Hodges Bay Tel: 462-3881 Recommended by Gourmet Magazine, this charming and long-established restaurant delivers a heartfelt welcome combined with a real sense of occasion.

The French haute cuisine is enhanced by a superb range of vintage wines and champagnes, the service reliably polished yet distinctly personal.

Chef/owner Patrick Gauducheau is in the ‘Who’s Who of Chefs’ and is featured on Discovery Channel’s ‘Great Chefs of the World’.

Reservations are recommended.

BAY HOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR

Trade Winds Hotel Tel: 462-1223 One of Antigua’s ‘top-tables’, the Bay House offers fine dining at affordable prices. Open daily and continuously between 7am and 11pm, you are not tied to conventional meal times here. Get your day off to a great start with the Antiguan breakfast, or enjoy the spectacular views over Dickenson Bay as you treat yourself to something from the deck menu. Selected local produce inspires the à carte dinner menus served from 6pm, the excellent wine list featuring new world wines and classics from around the world.

Daily Happy Hour and tapas 5pm to 7pm.

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LA BUSSOLA

Runaway Bay Tel: 562-1545/785-5436 Email: labussolantigua@hotmail.com www.labussolarestaurant.net Family-owned and operated, the La Bussola menu is designed to inspire a symphony of flavours with a great choice of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes.

There’s also a selection of thin-crust homemade dough pizzas to satisfy every palate.

With its intimate and relaxing atmosphere, this Italian restaurant is the perfect setting for anything from a romantic meal to a dinner party with friends.

Buon Appetito!

IL GIARDINO

Jolly Harbour Golf Club Tel: 722-3956/788-2822 Email: caribittaly@gmail.com At the Il Giardino Italian Restaurant, crisp white table linen and solid wood furniture set the scene.

Il Giardino is located in a prime position overlooking the Jolly Harbour golf course and is a very popular meeting place. The dishes are beautifully presented and cooked fresh from scratch with homemade sauces and pastas. There are set lunch menus with one or two courses.

The Monday Ladies Night is a special fun occasion.

The perfect setting at the Trade Winds Hotel, Dickenson Bay on the popular north coast.

Serving international and regional cuisine on the terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Breakfast and lunch are uniquely served all day without time limit. Open daily and continuously from 7am until 11pm. Romantic dining atmosphere and first class cuisine.

This cosy restaurant is available for private functions and conferences.

Reservations Tel: 462-1223 Trade Winds Hotel Dickenson Bay www.twhantigua.com

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COCONUT GROVE RESTAURANT & BEACH BAR

Dickenson Bay Tel: 462-1538 Dine right on the waterfront at the Coconut Grove Restaurant & Beach Bar on Dickenson Bay. This is surely one of the most romantic restaurants in the entire Caribbean and specialises in the freshest seafood with a Caribbean flavour.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is also the perfect place for watching the sun go down join them for ‘Happy Hour’ from 4pm to 7pm.

CLOGGY’S

AYC Marina, Falmouth Harbour Tel: 460-6910 Recently re-located to a smart new venue in Falmouth Harbour at the AYC Marina. Cloggy’s unique Mediterranean-influenced cuisine is now accompanied by unblemished views of the yachts at anchor. The stylish, nautical vibe is enhanced by carefully-created menus that include seafood skewers, grilled meats and fresh lobster. Particularly popular weekend events include relaxing Sunday Brunches, or tapas and sundowner specials on lazy Saturday afternoons. Reservations are recommended.

Tuesday to Saturday: Lunch 12 noon to 4pm.

Dinner 6pm to 10pm. Tapas available all day.

Sunday: Brunch 11am to 4pm. Tapas until 7pm.

Closed Mondays.

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SUGAR CLUB

Sugar Ridge, St. Mary’s Tel: 562-7700 Sugar Club is the social epicenter of Sugar Ridge.

The indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar overlook the resort’s two swimming pools and are informal but smart. High ceilings and large open shutters provide a contemporary atmosphere cooled by Caribbean breezes. A great menu includes Tapas and Sushi. Open every day from 7am to 10pm. There is live entertainment most nights so that Sugar Club is ‘the place to be’ - only 5 minutes drive from Jolly Harbour Marina. Sugar Club offers some of the best party nights in Antigua. See www.sugarclubantigua.com

CARMICHAEL’S

Sugar Ridge, St. Mary’s Tel: 562-7700 Carmichael’s is quite literally above all at Sugar Ridge, commanding stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, neighbouring islands and Jolly Harbour Marina.

Carmichael’s is Sugar Ridge’s open air fine dining

restaurant. The service is highly professional but the ambience is relaxing. The chic décor, wooden floors and shutters and contemporary furnishing create the atmosphere. Carmichael’s is considered one of Antigua’s finest restaurants. The international menu reflects fresh produce from Antigua’s local markets with an excellent wine list. Complimentary shuttle from Jolly Harbour Marina. Phone for reservations.

CECILIA’S HIGH POINT CAFÉ

Dutchman’s Bay Tel: 562-7070 Email: cecilias@highpointantigua.com Cecilia’s offers waterfront dining in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. You can look forward to an enticing menu, fresh seafood, pleasant music, attentive and friendly service, a comfortable setting and a view you will always remember. Cecilia’s High Point Café is five minutes from the airport and available for private functions.

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HARMONY HALL RESTAURANT

Brown’s Bay Tel: 460-4120 Email: harmony.antigua@gmail.com www.harmonyhallantigua.com Enjoying a get-away-from-it-all setting near Half Moon Bay, Harmony Hall has long ranked amongst Antigua’s most delightful dining experiences. Set around a restored 200-year-old plantation house, it offers excellent cuisine enhanced by breathtaking sea views from its terraces. There is also a fine art gallery, as well as luxury accommodation available for rental. An ideal getaway.

Open every day for lunch. Open Wednesdays to Saturdays for dinner. Closed during the summer season.

Reservations are recommended.

TOULOULOU BAR & RESTAURANT

Marble Hill, Friars Road, St. John’s & English Harbour Tel: 561-6395/764-6358 Email: reservations@villatouloulou.com www.touloulourestaurant.com Touloulou Bar & Restaurant welcomes you to Asia!

The chefs are dedicated to the fine art of authentic Asian cuisine offering a wide variety of styles from the East, including a tempting selection of signature fusion dishes.

The sophisticated ambience and attentive staff ensure Touloulou is a dining experience you’ll want to repeat.

Marble Hill, Friars Road St. John’s: Monday – Saturday from 7am to 11pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

English Harbour: Sunday dinner only from 6:30pm to 10pm. Reservations essential.

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ANA’S

Dickenson Bay Tel: 562-8562 Email: info@anas.ag www.anas.ag The hot pink doors are now open at Ana’s on the Beach Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge. Located at Dickenson Bay, Ana’s dynamic chefs and leadership team have combined their talents to create a journey of epicurean delights. The inspirational wine list has been created for a distinctly discerning palate, whilst the Mediterranean-inspired dishes evolve according to the latest food trends. The signature cocktails and sunset ‘Anapasti’ menu will keep you coming back for more.

Open daily from 10am to 1am.

SHEER ROCKS

at Cocobay Resort, St Mary’s Tel: 464-5283/562-4510 Email: reservations@sheer-rocks.com www.sheer-rocks.com With its unique waterfront setting, spectacular views and sunsets, Sheer Rocks is one of the island’s highly rated restaurants. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the Mediterranean-inspired menus are brought together with the emphasis upon fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce. The popular tapas lunches are an opportunity to spend the day sampling the cocktail menu, lounging on a daybed and dipping in the plunge pool. From sunset the restaurant transforms into a romantic and stylish retreat for dinner. Reservations recommended.

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SHIRLEY HEIGHTS LOOKOUT

Shirley Heights, English Harbour Tel: 728-0636 Enjoy lunch or dinner in a magnificently-restored 18th century building or dine outside in the courtyard with its spectacular views of Nelson’s Dockyard, English and Falmouth Harbours. Local lobster and fresh fish are daily specials as are spectacular sunsets. The Sunday barbecue party, now in its 32nd year, is indeed an Antiguan institution which National Geographic Traveler endorsed many years ago and heralded as ‘The Place to be on Sunday’.

Come to Shirley Heights Lookout for your private parties, your wedding, or just come for an intimate drink…and panoramic view. 2014 Winners of a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.

Closed on public holidays.

Please call for summer schedule.

Photo: South Point

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THE LARDER

Royal Palm Place, Friars Hill Road Tel: 562-7880/480-6940 Email: info@thelarderantigua.com The Larder is a unique gourmet deli-café popular with locals and visitors in search of great food and service. Renowned as Antigua’s best sushi bar and deli-café, The Larder also offers an upscale takeaway and catering service. The bar provides an excellent selection of fresh juices, premium spirits and fine wines. New features include a ‘Build Your Own Salad’ bar, Gelateria and genuine Napolitano style thin-crust pizzas, baked-to-order in a woodstone oven.

Breakfast 7am to 11am. Deli-café, sushi bar, salad bar, gelateria, pizzas 11am to 9:30pm Monday to Saturday.

SOUTH POINT

Falmouth Harbour Tel: 562-9600 restaurant@southpointfalmouth.com With a dining deck that extends right out over the harbour, South Point’s restaurant is a popular choice for lunch or dinner. The signature small plate menu showcases authentic flavours inspired by the best of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.

There is also a Sushi Bar. The Lounge Bar opens for breakfast from 7am. An excellent cocktail menu, discerning wine list and delicious aperitivo ensure there’s always a cosmopolitan gathering enjoying its relaxed vibe.

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Antigua’s Iconic Big Banana Company Celebrates 30 years of ‘Pizzas in Paradise’ In 2015 Big Banana will be celebrating 30 years as an original Antiguan brand and much loved dining spot in the heart of historic Redcliffe Quay, downtown St. John’s.

Over the years, Big Banana has played host to a multitude of locals, visitors and celebrities all in search of great food, friendly service and a fun atmosphere.

Big Banana promises ‘wicked taste in a groovy place’!

While Big Banana has enjoyed local acclaim since it first opened its doors in 1985, its international appeal soared after Rolling Stone’s rocker Keith Richards appeared on the Barbara Walters show sporting the restaurant’s trademark ‘yellow banana man’ novelty tee.

Although a lot has changed in 30 years, Big Banana’s legendary pizzas and great value menu choices continue to keep the customers coming back for more.

Many teenagers and twenty somethings recall being brought in as children by their parents.

BIG BANANA PIZZA’S IN PARADISE

Redcliffe Quay Tel: 480-6985 www.bigbanana-antigua.com ‘Pizzas’, as it is affectionately known by locals has established itself over the last 30 years as a legendary casual dining rendezvous and hot spot. It is not only rightly recognised for serving some of the best pizzas in the Caribbean, but it is also renowned for its great food featuring international favourites and local specialities. The fun atmosphere and historic setting attract both locals and visitors, and over the years an impressive list of celebrities too. Located in downtown St. John’s in the old rum warehouse at Redcliffe Quay, a visit to Big Banana Pizzas in Paradise is a must for visitors to Antigua.

Open Monday to Saturday from 11am until late.

Eat in, takeaway or delivery.

BIG BANANA 17° 61°

VC Bird International Airport Tel: 480-6979 www.bigbanana-antigua.com Now re-located in the new terminal at V.C. Bird International, Big Banana 17º61º has been providing Caribbean travellers with tasty and wholesome dishes for over 18 years. Brought right up-to-date in its new home, Big Banana offers a superb selection of local and international dishes (including its legendary hot dogs and signature Big Banana Pizzas), as well as new flavours and inspirations from around the world. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner and your favourite beverage.

antigua’s favourite pizzas wings burgers sandwiches wraps & more

gourmet deli-café · sushi bar napolitan pizza · homemade gelato awesome salads · premium bar

royal palm place · friars hill road mon-sat 7am-9:30pm tel: +1 268 562 7880 · +1 268 480 6940 www.thelarderantigua.com

redcliffe quay open mon - sat 11am - 11pm 268 480 6985 bigbanana-antigua.com 105

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RUSSELL’S BAR & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Fort James Tel: 462-5479/726-5242 Russell’s Bar & Seafood restaurant is located in a beautifully-restored 18th century building at picturesque and historic Fort James. A perfect setting for lunch and dinner, it offers traditional local dishes, as well as a Caribbean-inspired fresh seafood menu.

Enjoy the view of the sunset with a glass of their signature rum punch as they ‘Hold Down the Fort’ from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Live entertainment weekly. Reservations recommended.

Open from 12pm until late.

D-BOAT

Shell Beach Marina Tel: 734-2628 For a unique gastronomic experience, dine aboard a completely modernised tanker anchored off Maiden Island. Just a short ferry ride from Shell Beach Marina, D-Boat offers an exceptional dining experience with speciality cocktails, including their famous mojitos.

Lunchtime is casual fun and an opportunity to swim with a 25ft slide into the crystal clear waters. In the evening, D-Boat transforms to a night time setting with magnificent sunsets.

Reservations required.

Available for corporate and private events.

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SOTTOVENTO

Ocean Point, Hodges Bay Tel: 562-8330/720-0134 ‘Sottovento on the Beach’ is an alfresco beachfront restaurant located just a few steps from the sea.

The menu is an Italian medley with Mediterranean influences, the dishes simple, but well created. The emphasis upon local products, particularly fish, seafood, vegetables and freshly-picked salads always ensure a seasonal flavour. Cocktails, fresh fruit juices and a good selection of wines and beers are readily available at the bar. This romantic venue may also be accessed by boat, with dock mooring available for guests.

ADMIRAL’S INN PILLARS RESTAURANT

Nelson’s Dockyard Tel: 460-1027 www.admiralsinnantigua.com When visiting Nelson’s Dockyard don’t miss Pillars Restaurant in its historic setting right on the water amidst lush gardens and 18th century pillars. Its waterfront terrace looks out over elegant yachts and is the perfect setting for cocktails. Enjoy lunch in the cool afternoon breeze or watch the moon rise over Shirley Heights while you dine in the evening. Executive Chef Juan Gil’s dishes such as Tuna Tartare, Beef Duo and Thai Shrimp Cake Salad receive rave reviews.

Admirals Inn Pillars Restaurant

BOOM RESTAURANT AT ADMIRAL’S INN

Nelson’s Dockyard Tel: 460-1027 www.admiralsinnantigua.com Enjoy the unique setting of Boom with its alfresco dining terrace providing stunning vistas over historic Nelson’s Dockyard. Moules Marinière and baby back ribs are just two of the culinary delights in store. Come for lunch and spend the day lounging on daybeds and take a dip in the infinity-edge pool. You can even enjoy a massage in the spa. Explore the art gallery converted from an 18th century gunpowder store.

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THE CROW’S NEST RESTAURANT AND PUB

Jolly Harbour Sports Centre, Marina side Tel: 562-2637 Email: crowsnest2014antigua@gmail.com www.crowsnest-antigua.com A popular open-air restaurant overlooking the Jolly Harbour Marina. Enjoy the view, the ambience and The Crow’s Nest signature international and local cuisine using only the finest products. Check out Facebook at the Crow’s Nest Antigua.

Open daily from 7:30am to midnight.

MAYDAY

Jolly Harbour Marina Tel: 717-2498 Located right in the heart of Jolly Harbour Marina, Mayday prides itself on offering a wide range of culinary options. Soups, salads and sandwiches all feature on the extensive menu, alongside pasta dishes, steaks and their signature Hungarian Chicken Paprikash. Classic desserts include Coconut Lime pie or for something different why not try the original Viennese Kaiserschmarrn? Stop in for an espresso, café latte or iced coffee and surf the internet on their free Wi-Fi.

Boxer SHACK

BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT

Open 11am - 10 pm. Opening hours vary in the off season.

Ristorante Paparazzi

Antigua Slipway, English Harbour Tel: 562-8136 Email: info@ristorantepaparazzi.net Enjoy fine dining at this waterfront restaurant located across from Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour.

‘Ristorante Paparazzi’ brings the special home-style cuisine of the old country of Italy to this island paradise.

The menu is stocked with the freshest, highest quality ingredients and a selection of the finest wines from around the world. ‘Paparazzi’ snaps all the right pictures! Enjoy the amazing food and atmosphere at prices that will have you saying “Magnifico!”

BOXER SHACK

From fresh seafood and lobster to curries and prime steaks, our food is as memorable as our sea views.

Join us on Sunday for a traditional roast.

Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Saturday and lunch only Sunday. Sunbeds available on beach.

BOXER SHACK by Carlisle Bay, Old Road T:562-8442/723-5143 E:theboxershack@gmail.com

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Old Road Tel: 562-8442 / 723-5143 Tony and Gill, the original owners of legendary Gibson’s, have returned to Antigua’s south-west coast to open Boxer Shack. This delightful restaurant overlooks the sea with steps leading down to the beach. You can enjoy prime steaks, lobster, seafood and curries, alongside a fully-stocked bar which includes ales cider, as well as a selection of fine aged rums.

Open for lunch and dinner Wednesdays to Saturdays with a traditional roast lunch served on Sundays.

Sunbeds are available and there are secure moorings for boats.

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earth

salads soups sandwiches breakfast e daily specials sweet stuff lif coffees teas smoothies juices y jo

peace

our reputation is built on the best grounds

CAFÉ BELLA

VillageWalk Center, Friars Hill Rd Tel: (268) 46BELLA (462-3552) This is the perfect place to relax and meet friends in air-conditioned comfort, with a tasty menu of breakfast and lunch specials. The decadent deserts are all made fresh in-house every day. All your favourite coffees are available, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Bellaccino plus fruit smoothies and a wonderful selection of refreshing teas. Make Café Bella your second office as free WIFI is available.

BEACHLIMERZ

Fort James Beach Tel: 562-8574/723-9534 Email: info@beachlimerZ.com www.beachlimerz.com A celebration of Caribbean cuisine, music and décor, BeachLimerZ is located at historic Fort James Beach, one of the finest beaches in Antigua. Experience the best in local, regional and international cuisine.

Co-owner and popular Antiguan entertainer Barry ‘Scorpion’ Edwards stirs your soul with reggae, jazz, R & B and calypso music. Cocktails, local entertainers and steel bands contribute to the relaxing, tropical vibe.

free WiFi

joylifehappiness

Cafe Be a

villagewalk center friar’s hill road lo antigua ve the tel: 462-3552

CURTAIN BLUFF HOTEL RESTAURANTS

The Tamarind Tree & The Sea Grape Old Road Village Tel: 462-8400 A great meal isn’t all about gourmet cuisine. Dine in Curtain Bluff’s two restaurants and the varied international menus are enhanced by beautiful surroundings and the very best service. The Tamarind Tree specialises in Continental cuisine infused with Caribbean flavours. It looks out on a tree-canopied terrace that’s simply perfect for cocktails and after-dinner dancing. The Sea Grape sits right on the sands, this intimate venue open four evenings a week and offering an Italian menu with an Antiguan twist. Call for reservations.

Photo: BeachLimerz

Where food & drink make waves!

A celebration of local cuisine, music and décor just steps from the white sands and turquoise waters of Fort James Beach.

The reggae, calypso and jazz rhythms combine with the speciality cocktails and regional and international foods to stir your soul, as well as your tastebuds!

Fort James Beach • 562-8574 • www.beachlimerz.com

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DINING OUT

HARBOUR VIEW BAR AND CAFÉ

Redcliffe Quay, St. John’s Tel: 462-2972 Email: exoticantigua@gmail.com The Harbour View Bar & Café brings a new dimension to St. John’s Harbour. It is the only waterfront bar and café downtown with a splendid bay view. Its elevated position allows guests to spend time relaxing in the lounge area enjoying the cooling trade breezes. Primarily open for breakfast and lunch, Harbour View serves fresh salads, sandwiches and paninis. Enjoy exotic cocktails and refreshing smoothies.

Chippy Antigua

KFC

Fort Road Tel: 481-1531/35/36 Old Parham Road Tel: 481-1527/28/29 High Street Tel: 481-1542 The world’s most popular chicken restaurant chain and Antigua loves it too! The ‘Original Recipe’® fried chicken meals are made fresh every day, french fries, kids’ meals, desserts and soft drinks all available too. “So good.”

Open from Sunday to Thursday 10am - 10pm. Friday and Saturday 10am - midnight.

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CHIPPY ANTIGUA

Dickenson Bay, Runaway Road Tel: 724-1166 / 734-8945 Email: chippyantigua@msn.com The only place to be on Wednesday and Friday nights.

An authentic traditional fish and chip van run by Dave and Jane. All your favourites available - fish, lobster bites, scampi, curries and pies. All served with chips and good humour in an outdoor casual atmosphere. Dine there or take-away. Open 4pm to 9pm Wednesday and Friday.

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ANTIGUA (AUA) College of Medicine

F

or nearly ten years, Antigua is proud to have AUA as part of its community. The University’s modern, impressive campus is located near the airport, adjacent to Jabberwock Road on the north side of the island.

With a diverse student body, an experienced faculty, and a U.S.-modeled two-semester curriculum, AUA provides students with an exceptional medical education. AUA is one of the few international medical schools to be approved by the New York State Education Department, recognized by the Medical Board of California, and provisionally accredited by

the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Medicine and Other Health Professions.

AUA’s Wi-Fi enabled campus is one of the most technologically advanced in the Caribbean.

BlackboardLearn™ and Echo360 lecture capture technology allows students to learn beyond the classroom and the Center for Simulated Learning contains some of the latest medical simulators.

Students also have access to early hands-on training at Mount St. John’s Medical Centre.

The campus also includes a gym, tennis courts, cricket fields, lecture breakout rooms, research labs, and a library. There are beautiful white sand beaches just minutes from campus.

After two years on the island, students finish their medical education at affiliated hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. Alumni have secured residencies at the Mayo Clinic, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Case Western Reserve, University of Toronto, and other prestigious universities.

For more information about AUA please visit: www.auamed.org

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ANTIGUA NIGHTLIFE

Photo: courtesy Sandals Grande Antigua Resport & Spa

Antiguans know how to party and the fun continues long after you leave our famous beaches.

Many of our hotels offer live entertainment after dinner, while our island restaurants, bars, nightclubs and casinos often stay open until the small hours. This is particularly true in the winter months between December and April when our visitors are celebrating their escape from the freezing weather back home. The temperatures certainly heat up when the sun goes down!

• DICKENSON BAY

Dickenson Bay is the number one hotspot on Antigua’s north coast, particularly on Friday nights. Putters and Coconut Grove are casual, island-style bars popular with both visitors and locals alike. Nearby, Ana’s is a chic beachfront venue offering anything from mellow mood music as the sun sets to the latest tunes for dancing on the sands. You can boogie the night away to the latest in R&B and hip-hop at the air-conditioned Studio 79 Nightclub in nearby Runaway Bay.

• ST JOHN’S

King’s Casino still ranks as the number one nightspot in our capital. The Yard in St. Mary’s Street is also very popular on ‘Thirsty Thursdays’, but if you’re feeling mellow make for the quaint C&C Wine Bar in Redcliffe Quay where Cutie and Claudine will welcome you with a glass of South African wine. Prefer to take in a movie?

Deluxe Cinemas on the High Street have now been joined by the impressive Caribbean Cinemas complex just outside town. And for a party scene with a distinctly Caribbean flavour head for BeachLimerz overlooking Fort James Beach on the weekends.

• JOLLY HARBOUR AREA

This is where it’s all happening on the west coast of Antigua. The Sugar Club at Sugar Ridge is a great place for tapas, sushi and live entertainment, or why not enjoy a rum cocktail overlooking the marina at the Crow’s Nest or Westpoint. Expect quite a few yachties to drop anchor here too.

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• ENGLISH HARBOUR AREA

Jam-packed with boats in the winter, English Harbour’s bars are always overflowing with sailors determined to make the most of their shore leave. The Mad Mongoose in Falmouth is traditionally one of the most popular venues with yachties, and the nearby Scullduggery Café is much loved for its chocolate martinis! Cloggy’s and South Point offer a more sophisticated ambience combined with views of the yachts at anchor in Falmouth Harbour. Don’t miss out on Abracadabra just outside Nelson’s Dockyard - this might be an elegant Italian restaurant early in the evening, but stick around and watch it transform into a pulsating outdoor nightclub later. Of course everyone heads for Shirley Heights on Sundays. The island’s ‘biggest and best party’ has been taking place here for many years. The evening begins as the sun sets and the steelband music fills the air. It ends at a fast pace with live reggae, soca and calypso music.

• CASINOS

Antigua is also a great choice if you enjoy a flutter, our Vegas-style casinos offering roulette, blackjack and poker, as well as the latest slot machines. Stay at St. James’s Club and you can place your bets without even leaving your hotel. Dickenson Bay is home to the glamorous Majestic Isle Casino with its live entertainment, a poker room also available at the nearby Studio 79. Head for King’s Casino in St. John’s and you can take your pick from 16 different table games and 300 slot machines. You can bet on a memorable evening!

Joseph Jones Photography

‘Coco Shop, Redcliffe Quay

Antigua Homegrown

by Edna Fortescue

Visitors to Antigua are always looking for locally-made souvenirs and presents to take home. Even the residents prefer to take gifts that reflect Antigua for their friends overseas. It’s becoming easier to find Antiguan products. Look around, and you will be pleasantly surprised at what is available.

Antiguan rums - some of the world’s best - are produced

by Antigua Distillery and much appreciated as they are not readily available outside Antigua. English Harbour Light Rum and English Harbour Five Year Old Rum make very attractive presents. I always take the plastic bottles of Cavalier as they are light and easy to pack, cannot break and are available at most Antiguan supermarkets, and there is also a miniature collection which is handy for gifts.

Antigua Distillery also produces Bay Rum which is used as a cool, restorative aftershave lotion or rubbing compound.

While in Antigua you can enjoy Oasis purified water in its new attractive packaging which is also produced

by Antigua Distillery.

Into my luggage always go a few bottles of Antiguan made hot sauce, which are readily available throughout Antigua and much appreciated overseas.

In local supermarkets you can find delicious honey and well-packaged local preserves such as guava jelly, pineapple jam and stewed tamarind. The best honey I have ever tasted is Paige Honey, produced by Alphonso in attractive handy bottles and readily available throughout Antigua. At the St. John’s fruit and vegetable market is a shopping mall which sells a variety of handicrafts including coconut oil soap and tee shirts printed in Antigua with local designs. Pure coconut oil is the latest health craze internationally, and locally grown coconut oil is readily available throughout the island.

Please note that it turns into a butter like consistency when cold but runs smoothly and sweetly when warm.

Not to be missed are the delightful little books by Antiguan designer, Gilly Gobinet, long known for her colourful prints.

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These make excellent presents and the series consists of ‘Caribbean Cocktails’, dedicated to me (!), ‘Caribbean Cookery’, ‘Caribbean Herbs & Spices’ and ‘The Top 20 Places in Antigua.’

At the entrance to Nelson’s Dockyard you’ll find unique seed jewellery made by Antiguan ladies. The seeds come from the wild tamarind and mimosa trees which grow in Antigua. The seeds are boiled, dried in the sun and then strung with a needle to make original works of art.

Look out for Vanessa’s stylish hand-painted tee shirts with fine designs especially incorporating flowers, birds and tropical fishes.

Close to the airport - and with a pretty shop in Redcliffe Quay - is The Antigua Pottery, which makes a unique range of items ranging from small figurines and dishes to exotic table lamps.

A new, useful and attractive local product comes from the Antigua Candle Factory located in a large airy building at Jolly Harbour Marina. The factory produces Mr. Shooz soy wax and anti-mosquito citronella candles in attractive glass jars which are available at retail outlets.

Established over 50 years ago, and still retaining the tropical ambience originally created by Amos Morrill, the Coco Shop and its special label has an international following. You will find their island-inspired shirts, dresses, purses and small local items in their shops at Redcliffe Quay and the airport.

Enjoy your homegrown shopping!

ArtisticAntigua The purity of light and colour in Antigua combines with its intrinsic tranquillity to inspire a whole host of Caribbean artists. There are some excellent galleries and studios on the island representing a wide range of art, crafts and media ...

ART GALLERIES ART AT THE RIDGE

Sugar Ridge (near Jolly Harbour) Tel: 728 1558 Email: ArtAtTheRidge@hotmail.com Art At The Ridge is featured in The Culture Trip’s ‘Top Ten Art Galleries’ in the Caribbean. Genuine and attractive local art and crafts are brought together in one convenient and stunning location. Artwork is also displayed opposite at Sugar Club.

HARMONY HALL GALLERY

Brown’s Bay Tel: 460-4120 Email: harmony@candw.ag www.harmonyhallantigua.com This spectacularly set gallery hosts a wide variety of high-quality Caribbean arts and crafts. Every first Sunday (December to April) is an opening of the work of a special artist.

RHYTHM OF BLUE GALLERY

Dockyard Drive, English Harbour Tel: 770-788 Email: arawakart@yahoo.com Inspired by the Caribbean Sea, Nancy Nicholson uses local clay to produce her distinctive blue pottery in all shapes and sizes. The Rhythm of Blue Gallery displays Nancy’s pottery, as well as her sculptures, paintings, fine hand-crafted silver jewellery and popular salt scrubs.

Original works by other ocean-inspired Caribbean artists are also on display. Gallery open November to May and by appointment at the Pottery Studio from June to October.

THINGS LOCAL GALLERY Edison Liburd

The Best of Antiguan Art and Craft www.antiguanartists.com This useful website is an online directory of professional artists (painters, potters, photographers etc) living and working in Antigua, listing websites, email addresses, telephone numbers, an image of each artist’s work and a brief description of media, styles and inspiration. Visitors to their work places are welcome following a telephone appointment; a map indicates their respective locations.

Officers’ Quarters, Nelson’s Dockyard Tel: 562-5386/461-7595/770-5780/726-7465 Owner Carl Henry is Antigua’s foremost wood carver. Using Antiguan mahogany and wood from trees naturally felled, his boats, fish and warri boards are much sought-after.

ZEMI ARTS & CRAFTS

Redcliffe Quay, St. John’s Tel: 562-7662 www.zemiartgallery.com A unique display of indigenous and local art a world away from mass-produced souvenirs. The contemporary art and design collection includes originals, limited editions and reproductions by Stephen Murphy, as well as other local artists.

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Artistic Antigua Sallie Harker Gilly Gobinet

DRAGONFLY STUDIO

Cobbs Cross Tel: 460-1417/720-4342 Email: ktfsh@candw.ag www.katiesfineart.com Katie Shears-McConnachie uses prisma-colour pencils and acrylic for her detailed originals and prints. Also an illustrator of children’s books available at Lord Jim’s Locker, Antigua Yacht Club Marina.

BUCKLEYS STUDIO

Buckleys Village Tel: 764-8803 Email: janfarara@hotmail.com www.janfarara.com From abstracts to impressionist seascapes, Jan Farara paints large acrylics on canvas and carries out many commissions. Paintings, prints and cards are on sale at the studio.

ART STUDIOS PELICAN STUDIO

Fitches Creek Tel: 464-6084 Email: gobinetg@candw.ag www.originalcaribbeanart.com Gilly Gobinet’s original paintings and fine art reproductions in acrylic, oil and watercolour all capture the purity of light and intensity of colour so typical of the region. She has also written and illustrated a series of very attractive small format ‘Cool Caribbean’ books - her ‘Cool Caribbean Cookery Book’ won her the 2008 ‘Best Illustrated Cook Book in the World’ award for Antigua.

Nicholas Hadeed

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Stephen Murphy

FIG TREE STUDIO ART GALLERY Uniquely located in the heart of the rainforest.

Tel: 460-1234/773-4321 Email: figtree@apuainet.

Sallie Harker’s gallery features her oil and water colours capturing the romance of the Caribbean. Also featured are the work of Caribbean artists such as Jacob Scott and Nzimbu Brown.

Sarah Fuller’s pottery

EDISON LIBURD

Jennifer Meranto

Artistic Antigua

Best of Books, Lower St. Mary’s Street, St. John’s Tel: 562-3198/723-6513 Email: edisonartsgallery@gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/edisonartsgallery Edison Liburd is an Antiguan artist whose love of nature, music and people is reflected in his expressive mannerism style. With formal training in the United States, Edison’s uninhibited fluidity and sense of freedom perfectly captures the vibrant energy and varied moods of Caribbean life.

Each piece is originally hand done and available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

YELLOWBOAT STUDIO

Turtle Bay Tel: 764-8035 Email: merantoj@candw.ag www.yellowboat.com Jennifer Meranto’s hand-tinted photos of Antigua and the Caribbean are increasingly popular, as are her oneoff shots capturing the essence of island life. Jennifer also sells art made from reclaimed materials found on Antigua’s shoreline, the proceeds from her ‘Vintage Beach Collection’ going towards cleaning up the island’s beaches. Visitors welcome at her studio by appointment.

NICHOLAS HADEED

SHEM ALEXANDER

Tel: 782-1384 Email: shem.92@hotmail.com Shem Alexander is an emerging young visual artist who works in oils and acrylics on textured surfaces. He is recognised for his innovative and unique paintings on the West Indian Turpentine Tree bark. He also paints portraits and figures inspired by the traditional Antiguan way of life. Shem’s work can be found at Art at the Ridge Gallery in Jolly Harbour.

POTTERY STUDIOS CEDARS POTTERY

Tel: 464-9836 Email: hnh@candw.ag Nicholas Hadeed is an Antiguan abstract artist specialising in acrylics. His work is not only strongly influenced by the Impressionists, but also by the heat, light and vibrant colours of the Caribbean.

Nick came to painting late in life, his degree in Civil Engineering having led him to a successful career in the contruction industry. Today though all his energies go into his paintings, his passion creating distinctive art characterised by bright hues and either intense movement or serene stillness.

Buckley’s Road Tel: 460-5293 Email: potteryc@candw.ag Imogen Margrie and Michael Hunt produce original pieces in urban ware and porcelain clay. Michael’s sculptures in stone and wood are much sought-after.

JANE SEAGULL

Coolidge Tel: 562-1264 The Pottery Shop, Redcliffe Quay Tel: 462-5503 Email: Sarahfuller51@gmail.com The longest-established pottery in Antigua is where Sarah Fuller produces her unique mobiles and sconces, together with bowls, plates and lamps finished in highly attractive glazes.

Tel: 734-8945 www.janeseagull.com Jane has an eclectic and, at times quirky, approach to art. Whilst acrylic, oil and watercolour is the standard palette, her papier maché creations are ‘off the wall’ fun!

ELVIE’S POTTERY

Seaview Farm Tel: 463-1888 Hyacinth Hillhouse continues in the tradition begun by her grandmother and mother of making coalpots and other items from local clay – a pleasure to behold.

THE POTTERY

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DELIVERING THE GOODS With more than 50 years experience in the region, Geest Line is your direct route to the Caribbean for all your cargo needs.

Geest Line has fostered trade links between the UK and the Caribbean for more than 50 years, and today carries more cargo between Europe and the Windward and Leeward islands than any other shipping line. The origins of the service lie in the shipment of bananas eastbound.

Instead of the ships returning with ballast, it provided the perfect opportunity for establishing a general cargo service carrying everything from small packages to large project machinery.

The flexibility of the service is maintained today, with a wide range of breakbulk and containerised cargo carried on the weekly westbound departures, which sail from Portsmouth in the UK and also Le Havre in France.

So whether you are shipping a pallet of goods, a truck, have a requirement for containers or special equipment including open top, flat-rack containers or reefers, Geest Line can handle it.

Surveys show that Geest Line has the highest schedule reliability for round-trip crossings and the shortest

transit times to the first port of call in the Caribbean.

The movement of perishable fruits means that ships must arrive and depart on time, enabling Geest Line to offer a precise, fixed-day service that allows UK exporters to be certain their goods will arrive at the scheduled time.

In addition, Geest’s experience in the Caribbean puts it in an unrivalled position to offer efficient, careful handling and swift clearance of cargo. Geest Line’s comprehensive network of island calls also means that they can offer an efficient inter-island service, enabling exporters and importers to ship their cargoes regionally within the Caribbean.

A container and break-bulk service is also offered alongside the existing European service.

The services run exclusively to the Caribbean. This means that by concentrating on the region they know best, Geest can maintain their position as the No.1 shipping line to the Caribbean.

Telephone: +44 1489 873500 Email: bookings@geestline.com Website: www.geestline.com

Picture: English Harbour

Supporting Antigua for Over 50 Years

Regular sailings to Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St.Kitts, St.Lucia, St.Vincent and Trinidad – DIRECT from Europe.

THE GEEST LINE

Bookings & Quotations Telephone: +44 1489 873500 E-mail: bookings@geestline.com Website: www.geestline.com

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antigua database GEOGRAPHY

Strategically located in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua is 108 square-miles, Barbuda (27 miles north) is 62 square-miles plus the tiny uninhabited rock of Redonda (20 miles to the north-west). There are about 80,000 people in Antigua, 1,500 in Barbuda and only seagulls on Redonda. From Antigua you can see Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Nevis and St. Kitts.

CLIMATE

Temperatures range from an average low of 73°F (23°C) in the winter to about 85° (30°C) in the summer.

The trade winds blow fairly constantly except in September. The average rainfall is only about 45 inches so there is constant care not to waste water. The rainy season is September, October and November but there are usually only short showers.

CLOTHING

Antigua retains a semblance of formality and swimsuits are limited to beaches. There is a nude beach beyond Hawksbill but this is not generally frequented by the residents of Antigua! Casual clothes are the unwritten rule for dining and trips to town.

LANGUAGE

Although English is the only language ever adopted in the island, you may wonder what Antiguans are saying when they chat in their lilting accents. Everybody sooner or later acquires a few idiomatic phrases such as “No big ting” or “Antigua me come from”.

ELECTRICITY

Antigua has a definite current quirk. Most hotels operate on 110 volts, 60 cycles (the same as in the US and Canada). However, some have 220 volts and some homes even have a bit of both. Check before plugging in appliances.

CALCULATING COST

Since there is such diversity of hotels it is best to check with the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association, Newgate Street, St. John’s, Tel: 462-0374/3703/4928 if you wish to budget exactly. There is 10% service charge (which saves the bother of tipping for everything) and a 12.5% ABS Tax. Rates are cheaper throughout Antigua outside the ‘season’ from December to April 16. Many hotels offer special packages for golfers, tennis players, gamblers, honeymooners - check with your travel agent.

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and pegged to the US$ at an official rate of EC$2.70 to US$1.00. The ECCB quotes daily rates for the Canadian $, the Euro and £ Sterling and other international currencies.

POST OFFICE

The Main Post Office is centrally located at the foot of Long Street in St. John’s and is open Monday to Thursday from 8.15am to 4pm. On Fridays it is open until 5pm.

Post Offices are located at the Woods Centre, at the airport and in Codrington, Barbuda. Fedex - the agent in Antigua is Unlimited Services Plus located on Redcliffe Street, St. John’s Tel: 562-7587

EMBASSIES/CONSULAR OFFICES

Antigua entertains representatives from the following foreign governments:F British High Commission In Barbados

1 246 430 7800

Hon. Consular Office c/o Grant Thornton

561-5046

F U.S. Hon. Consular Office

463-6531

F Hon. Consulate of Germany

F Hon. Consulate of Norway c/o Frances Trading

462-3174 464-3174 462-0858

F Hon. Consulate of the Netherlands c/o Gomez Insurance

481-1850

F Venezuelan Embassy

462-1574

F Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

462-1125

F Hon. Consulate of Denmark c/o AWH Holdings Ltd

480-3070

F Consulate of Austria

463-8698

GROCERY SHOPPING

Antigua now has a range of excellent spacious airconditioned well-stocked supermarkets including a wide variety of imported goods. These are located in the north of the island close to St. John’s. The long-established Epicurean has grown into a supersupermarket just off Friars Hill Road. There is also an Epicurean at Jolly Harbour. A splendid supermarket, 1st Choice is located on the Anchorage Road close to Dickenson Bay.

EMERGENCIES

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable vacation in Antigua and Barbuda. However, it is comforting to know that if you run into problems help is not far away. Most hotels are serviced by a 24 hour ‘Duty Doctor’ and in an emergency the reception desk staff will contact their doctor. Mount St. John’s Hospital is situated just off Queen Elizabeth Highway Tel. 484-2700; the Adelin Clinic is on Fort Road Tel. 462-0866; there is also the Hanna Thomas Hospital in Barbuda Tel: 460-0076. The Police Headquarters is on American Road Tel. 462-0125. There is also a station on Newgate Street in St John’s.

The emergency helpline is 911

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Cruise Tourism A

ntigua continues to welcome some of the largest and most beautiful cruise ships in the world.

Our unique little sister island Barbuda is also opening its shores to smaller, exclusive cruise ships which do not need the infrastructure Antigua can provide. Cruise tourism is a major component of our economy and every effort is made to enhance the island’s facilities and to attract more prestigious ships to our twin-islands strategically located in the heart of the Caribbean.

The destination is actively promoted by The Antigua & Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association (ABCTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, The Antigua Pier Group and the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority.

Now a plan is in place by the Government to undertake a major enhancement of Antigua’s capital city of St. John’s. The dredging of the Cruise Port is eagerly anticipated, as it will make a striking difference to our facilities on completion.

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Meanwhile the Antiguan tour operators understand that visitors may want more than our 365 beautiful beaches, and they are continually developing adventurous activities to suit every taste. It is hoped that a cruise ship visit of one day will inspire visitors to take a longer vacation in our twin-island nation of vibrant Antigua and our Robinson Crusoe island of Barbuda.

Nathan Dundas, long time President of the ABCTA, spearheads the continued drive for Antigua and Barbuda to welcome cruise ship visitors, and for our country to benefit from this dynamic, developing industry.

The Antiguan

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As most of the cruise shipping lines operating in the Caribbean are based in Florida, there are regular meetings between our officials and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association. Antigua and Barbuda is represented at all the major cruise conventions, including the Seatrade Convention and The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Convention that will be held in St. Maarten in October 2015.

THE ANTIGUAN is the definitive tourist guide to Antigua and Barbuda. This pocket-sized handbook enjoys the distinction of being the first comprehensive guide to the twin-island nation, and since 1990 has been an important marketing tool for the Ministry of Tourism.

Now available on-line, on-island and from Antigua and Barbuda tourist offices around the world, it not only encourages new visitors to the islands’ shores, but keeps them well informed whilst they are here.

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To advertise in the 2016 edition contact FT CARIBBEAN, PO Box 2686, St. John’s, Antigua, West Indies Tel: (268) 462-3292 Fax: (268) 462-3292 Email: ftcarib@apuainet.ag www.theantiguan.com

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