It’s a dream destination – a beautiful twin island with miles of pristine white sandy beaches lined with palm trees surrounded by the most glorious turquoise waters.
Yet Antigua and Barbuda is so much more. This is a seriously laid-back twin island with friendly locals, a rich history to explore and so much to see and do.
And with year-round temperatures in the low to mid-80s and lower than average humidity levels, it’s holiday perfection.
What’s more, British Airways fly to this English-speaking island from London Gatwick 6 times a week in the winter, and 5 times a week in summer, which makes getting there incredibly straightforward.
But what makes Antigua so special? Here are just a few of the things that make it magnificent. . .
THE VERY BEST BEACHES
Oh, where to start? With 365 beaches, it’s impossible to play favourites as all have their own charms.
But Half Moon Bay is breath-taking – nearly a kilometre of white sand and warm blue waters – and the beach regularly pops up on social media. With so many beaches, they’re rarely crowded but if you want isolation, head to Re Bay in the south.
Snorkellers will love Long Bay Beach, while wind and kite surfers will be in their element at Jabberwock Beach and Dickenson Bay is perfect for families.
SAIL AWAY…
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, Antigua has the perfect conditions for sailing with gentle, warm winds and safe anchorages.
It’s a yachters’ paradise, hosting a world-renowned week-long regatta in April every year and is a great place to learn to sail. Alternatively, charter a yacht, book a catamaran trip or take an eco-boat tour to really see the beauty of the island from off-shore.
BEAUTIFUL BARBUDA
Don’t miss Antigua’s stunning sister island which is just a 90-minute boat ride away. Explore with an off-road buggy or village tour, discover its history with a visit to Martello Tower and Highland House ruins or simply relax on Pink Sand Beach (yes, it really is pink).
There are caves to investigate, turtles to watch (head to Low Bay, Two Foot Bay and Princess Diana Beach) and bonefish to catch. And birdwatchers shouldn’t miss the magnificent Frigate Bird Sanctuary….
ADRENALINE HEAVEN
Antigua is a five-star heaven for adventurers too with almost every water sport on offer whether you’re a scuba diver, kayaker, paddle boarder or (any kind of) surfer. There’s even ‘power snorkelling’ – a device that scoots you along in the water at the touch of a button.
The land has equal adrenaline opportunities – try zip lining, UTV (utility terrain vehicle), Jeep or Buggy tours, horseback riding, hiking, climbing Mount Obama…the list is endless.
UNFORGETTABLE FOOD
Surrounded by glorious waters, Antigua has incredible fresh seafood (you must try the conch) but also a farm-to-table ethos that means it has some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.
For a true taste of Antigua, head to Shirley Heights for their Sunday Sunset Party where locals and visitors alike gather to eat, drink and be happy…just make sure you try some of the island’s sweet Black Pineapple during your stay.
A LOVER’S PARADISE
From discovering secret beaches and sultry sunsets to dining with the ocean lapping your toes, Antigua IS romance.
Whether you’re in the first flush of love, honeymooning or celebrating anniversaries, this island will leave picture-perfect memories that last forever.
In fact, Antigua takes romance so seriously, it offers a ‘Love Lane’ service every June when visiting couples are fast-tracked through the airport to their resort… an unforgettable start to a romantic break.
FESTIVALS GALORE
Antigua has one of the finest carnivals in the Caribbean which explodes into life between July and August each year with an exciting mix of traditional and modern culture, masquerades, parades and parties accompanied by steel bands and calypso music. A fantastic time to visit.
HEAVENLY HOTELS
Whether you want all-inclusive, an adult only paradise, a private pool or something more simple, British Airways Holidays has a range of hotel options to suit.
For timeless elegance, British Airways Holidays Antigua destination experts recommend the Blue Waters Resort and Spa.
Nestld away in a private bay on the north west coast this hotel is a colonial dream set in 17 acres of tropical gardens and owned by the same family for more than 40 years.
For something more family friendly, try the Royalton Antigua, an all-inclusive resort with three swimming pools, eight restaurants, five bars and even a spa to spend your days in.
MOMENTOUS HISTORY
Named by Christopher Columbus on a visit in 1493, this is a small island with a big history. Start with Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the great British Admiral in the late 18th century, and Betty’s Hope, a former sugar plantation with a fully restored sugar mill tower.
Also on your list should be the colourful capital St John’s with its fascinating museum and the striking twin-towers of the St. John’s Cathedral.
A WONDER FOR WELLBEING
Healthy living comes naturally in Antigua where tables groan with fresh food and exercise comes easy, after all who wouldn’t want to hike, cycle or kayak in such breath-taking scenery?
But the island also takes the art of pampering very, very seriously with dozens of spas providing top-notch treatments.
Whether you choose the timeless elegance of the Curtain Bluff spa, the romantic setting of the Galley Bay Resort & Spa or the award-winning Red Lane Spa at Sandals Grande Antigua, you’ll go home more relaxed than ever before.
*For more information and to book your Antigua holiday visit ba.com/antigua