Spotlight on the Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda

We love the diversity of the Caribbean Islands. No matter your interests or vacation speed, you can find an island that is perfect for you and/or your family. With so many destinations to choose from, we'll help you break things down, starting with a spotlight on some of our favorites:  Antigua & Barbuda.

Exquisite beaches, world class sailing, first class hotels and a distinctly British vibe, the tropical twin island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda is the ultimate getaway for families and couples. Antigua is a charming, luxurious escape, pairing perfectly with the beautiful and untouched Barbuda.

​In Antigua you can zip-line through the rainforest, enjoy one of its 365 flawless beaches or reach into the island’s rich colonial history at UNESCO world heritage site Nelson’s Dockyard. Looking for water-based adventure? Swim with the stingrays at Stingray City, or dive the local reefs and coves that are home to 200 shipwrecks.

Just a short ferry ride from Antigua lies Barbuda. Its 17 miles of pink sand beach are awash with wildlife and rare bids. It has one of the largest colonies of Frigate birds in the world! The two islands together are often called the sailing capital of the Caribbean, hosting Antigua Sailing Week and the Classic Yacht Regatta each April - a magnet for the international jet set.

GENERAL:

Currency: The Eastern Caribbean dollar is fixed to the US dollar at US$1.00 = EC$2.70.
Most credit cards are accepted and traveler's checks are generally accepted.

Climate: 
Average temperatures High/Low: Summer 85/77 degrees.
                                                                          Winter 82/75 degrees.
Average annual rainfall: 45 inches.

Languages Spoken: English

Electricity: Part of the island is 110 volts; the remainder is 220 volts on 60 cycles. Most hotels carry dual voltage.

​Tipping: Typically 10%-15%,  though a service charge of 10% is sometime automatically added to your bill in hotels and restaurants. Adding an additional tip is discretionary.

GETTING HERE:

• DIRECT FROM USA: American Airlines from New York JFK and Miami, United from Newark, Delta Airlines from New York JFK and Atlanta and US Air from Charlotte.
• DIRECT FROM CANADA: Air Canada from Toronto and Montreal, Westjet from Toronto and Air Transat in the winter from both Toronto and Montreal.
• DIRECT FROM EUROPE: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick, Condor from Frankfurt and Blue Panorama from Milan.

Flying Times:

• Baltimore: 4 hrs.
• Miami: 3 hrs.
• New York: 4 hrs.
• Newark: 4 hrs.
• Puerto Rico: 1 hr.
• Toronto: 4 hrs.

sightseeing and dining

There is so much to fill your days in Antigua and Barbuda. In Antigua chose from Betty’s Hope, a restored sugar plantation, a visit to the Antigua Black Pineapple fields, the famous Nelson’s Dockyard - the only remaining British Georgian fort in existence- and Shirley Heights, an ancient military lookout with the best views in all of Antigua!

If you’re near capital St. John’s don’t miss beautiful St. John’s Cathedral, or Wadadli Animal Nature Park (about a 15 minute drive from the capital). For adventure, jump into an exhilarating jeep safari tour through the rainforest - or zip-line through it instead! You can also take a helicopter to Indian National Park on the remote eastern part of the island, taking in the natural wonder of Devil’s Bridge. If you are looking for something different, try a hands on cooking class in a private home!

Barbuda might be small, but it still has some fascinating places to visit like the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and the colonial Martello Tower. Explore Castle Hill, Highland Hill and Bryant Cave. Snorkeling, scuba diving, turtle watching, bone fishing, horseback riding, hiking, cycling and herbal tours are some of the many other activities to do. If you’re staying in Antigua, visit Barbuda for the day by high speed catamaran.

Take a short trip to other neighboring islands, such as 'volcano' island Montserrat  or Dominica, the island of rivers and waterfalls, where you can  Eco-Kayak and swim with the dolphins. 

Traveling with kids? Consider Springhill Riding Club, or check out an event or cricket match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Water skiing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours nearby.

Green initiatives:​

In a destination known for turquoise seas and azure skies, local communities work hard to maintain their natural environment within a tourism-driven economy. The southwest coastline, now known as The Green Corridor, is full of rolling hills and lush green rainforest, and is surrounded by environmentally aware hotels, restaurants and activities. Visitors are being encouraged to journey to Antigua and Barbuda to experience the Green Corridor.
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No establishments on the island have used plastic bags since January 2019. Antigua has also banned the use of Styrofoam, becoming the first country in the Caribbean to ban both plastics and polystyrene. 

The island has an approved list of materials to ensure local products are made with sustainably sourced and biodegradable contents. These include:

• Sugar Cane 
• PLA Cornstarch
• Wheat Straw
• Bamboo
• Potato Starch
• Areca Palm
• Cardboard / Paper products
• Coolers with Mycelium, Mushroom or Green Cell Foam

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Accomodations:

There are small and large hotels, all-inclusive and family-friendly resorts, boutique hotels as well as condos. Beachfront, waterfront, ocean view, city and garden views.  There is also a huge assortment of houses, villas, apartments and cottages for rent. Take your pick and we can help you find the type of property you desire.

To start, here is a list of some of our favorite all-inclusive resorts:

• Galley Bay Resort: Enjoy an authentic getaway at the boutique adults only Galley Bay Resort. Set between lush tropical gardens and one of the best beaches on the island, it's ideal for couples and newlyweds seeking a romantic getaway. The resort includes 3 restaurants, 4 bars, a freeform waterfall pool, spa, tennis courts, and watersports. 

Price $$$$ from $750+ per night (for two people)

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• Cocos Hotel: ​ When you stay at this couples only beach property you can enjoy umbrellas and sun loungers. A quiet and private feel, Cocos has just 35 rooms with conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi, balconies, and in-room minibar (all beverages included). Water activities like kayaking and snorkeling are included. 

Price $$$ from $500+ per night (for two people)

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• Curtain Bluff Resort: Located in Carlisle Bay on the south coast, Curtain Bluff Resort feels like a full-service spa on the beach. A smaller boutique hotel with only 72 rooms and 2 restaurants, they include many thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, along with free WiFi and furnished balconies or patios. Great for families, they have a great kids' program, the Cee Bee Kids Club. All onsite activities are included in the price, including scuba diving (with all necessary equipment), snorkel equipment and reef trips, waterskiing (speedboat, equipment and instruction), Hobie Cats, paddle-boats, kayaks and Windsurfers. This property participates in Green Globe, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage and the local economy. 

​Price $$$$ from $800+ per night (for two people)

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• Sandals Grande:  This adults only resort is a couple's paradise. Relax in the couples only full-service spa, then enjoy a meal at one of the property's 11 restaurants. All 373 rooms provide conveniences like sitting areas and refrigerators, plus free WiFi and LED TVs with cable. Guests will also find furnished balconies or patios, iPod docks, and room service. All buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, and beverages are included, along with an in-room minibar (non-alcoholic beverages included). Kayaking, Sailing, Scuba-diving excursions, Snorkeling and Windsurfing are all included. This property participates in EarthCheck, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, and the local economy.

Price $$$$ from $725+ per night (for two people)

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• The Verandah Resort & Spa: Catch some rays on Verandah Resort & Spa Antigua's private white sand beach or spend the day relaxing at the full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the property's 4 restaurants. All 186 individually decorated rooms feature patios and free WiFi. For a bit of entertainment, flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can also appreciate conveniences like refrigerators and microwaves. Onsite food and beverages as well as gratuities are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply). Activities like kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, miniature golf, tennis, water fitness, and
  volleyball lessons / classes / games are included, along with their YogaKids' club and supervised activities for children between 4 and 12 yrs. The Verandah is a Green Globe certified resort.

Price $$$ from $370+ per night 
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• St. James Club: This all inclusive resort for couples and families has 2 beaches; unlimited watersports like windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing; 6 pools; 5 restaurants and a full spa. Families with children are welcome at the St. James's Club, where many kid-friendly activities are covered by the resort's all-inclusive rate. All accommodations have private balconies or terraces, coffee makers, flat-screen televisions and mini fridges. In the villas, guests can stay in 2- or 3-bedroom spaces with kitchens, dining rooms and living areas. This property participates in Green Globe, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, and the local economy.

Price $$$ from $405+ per night 

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