10 indulgent ways to see, taste and explore Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua, the most populated island of the country Antigua and Barbuda, is beautifully located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country boasts of 365 beaches making it oh-so-easy to snorkel, sail and while away the hours. Plus, you can learn about the historic sugar plantations, dance to steel drum bands and indulge with refreshing rum punch.
Restaurant Week
This year, everything from the island’s famous goat water (aka soup) to handmade coconut ice cream was available at the historic Dow’s Hill launch event, overlooking the picturesque English Harbour.
Celebrity chefs, including Angel Barreto, Digby Stridiron and Shorne Benjamin did mouth-watering demos. And more than 60 restaurants featured prix-fixe menus. Get a taste of the action at next year’s Restaurant Week, running May 4 – 18, 2025.
Betty's Hope
Take a look at Antigua’s past by visiting one of the country’s original sugar plantations, which was founded around 1650. Betty’s Hope was one of about 190 plantations on the island that relied on slave labour to produce the sweetener.
Even after emancipation in 1834, many labourers continued to work there for low pay.
Cheers to Carnival
Known locally as a marker of summer, from the last week of July to the first Tuesday of August, Antigua is taken over by the sound of steel drums and colourful costumes.
Carnival is an historic celebration that dates back to Aug 1, 1834 when slavery was abolished on the island. The vibrant event showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage through lively parades, music and dance, attracting visitors from around the world.
Humble and Free Wadali
Get a different perspective on Antigua by visiting this Rasta development, which has wonderful views of the countryside.
The community promotes farm-to-table dining, as well as eco tours, and grows melons, pumpkins and beets alongside cannabis. You can listen to drumming, taste their cooking and learn about one of the first estates where Antigua’s slaves were emancipated.
Get cooking
Learn how to master Caribbean flavours with Chef Nicole Arthurton Dennis.
Her small group classes take place in her beautiful home, overlooking the capital of St. John’s and the harbour. Think plantain chips with salsa, jerk chicken, banana fritters, red beans and rice, garden salad and coconut custard tart.
Swim with stingrays
Stingray City offers you a chance to snorkel with rays in the open sea.
If you’re brave, the tour operator’s experts will show you how to gently hold one and feed it squid. The clear, cerulean water is breathtaking, plus, you’ll see lots of tropical fish.
Rise and dine
IIf you want to catch the action at the Saturday market in St. John’s, aim to get there around 6 a.m.
That’s when you’ll find the freshest fish, an abundance of fruit and vegetables – think dasheen tubers, breadfruit and mangoes – and even some arts and crafts to boot. A pared down version of the market is also held on weekdays.
Try the rum punch
A favourite spirit on the island, rum has been made in Antigua since the 17th century. And thanks to the abundance of fresh fruit there are lots of yummy punch drinks to keep you cool.
Drop by Ana’s on the Beach, Darkwood Beach Bar or Pillars Restaurant to quench your thirst. And if you want to learn more, you can try a tasting at Antigua Rum Experience.
Enjoy sweet treats
The island has a history of growing cocoa and it’s still a major export. You can treat your taste buds to artisanal, organic chocolates at the House of Chocolate. Dig a little deeper and learn about the role slaved labour played in making the area a major producer.
BBQ and boogie
Sunday nights from 4 to 10 p.m. are a bit of an island tradition at Shirley’s Heights. The restored military lookout and gun battery offers revellers an amazing view of English Harbour, tasty food and steel drum bands to keep you dancing.
For more information, or to plan your own adventure, go to visitantiguabarbuda.com.