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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for an unforgettable escape this winter?
The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, wants you to consider Antigua, their newest sailing destination. Already renowned as a top-tier sailing and diving destination, the island offers a quintessential Caribbean appeal, delighting visitors with its easy pace, friendly islanders, 18th century charm, and distinctive elegance. Nature lovers can look out for the endangered Hawksbill sea turtles who call Antigua home and travelers looking for tasty tropical treats can hunt down the island’s black pineapples, known for being the sweetest in the world. Explore it aboard your very own luxury yacht. www.moorings.com/antigua
The Luxury of More…Activities and Onboard Amenities
Start planning now. In 2019, AmaWaterways’ European fleet will also offer guests a plethora of new onboard activities and amenities. The company’s recently expanded Wellness Program will be rolled out to most European ships, giving guests the opportunity to join group exercise activities – including morning stretches, yoga, cardio/core strengthening, resistance band workouts and circuit training – complemented by healthy eating options and relaxation techniques taught onboard. AmaWaterways will also enhance the popular Wine Cruise Program. In 2019, the line will offer 60 hosted Wine Cruises – the most ever – giving more guests the opportunity to dive into the region’s rich wine culture. AmaWaterways’ Wine Cruises offer guests unparalleled access to some of North America’s top winemakers, and the opportunity to experience the iconic wine regions along Europe’s stunning waterways. www.AmaWaterways.com
Spend the day at The Nikki Beach Club Barbados this winter
Opening soon, this intimate beach club location in Port Ferdinand, Barbados will run along the shores of the ocean and will be elevated to ensure spectacular water views throughout the entire property. The pool will feature an octagon swim up wet bar and seven catamaran-like lounges, each accommodating up to four guests, jutting out over the ocean for a unique seating option. Four oversized luxury pool beds will also line the dock so guests can listen to the waves crashing around them. An in-house saxophonist, percussionist and violinist, among other musicians, will create an exciting atmosphere that lends itself to great memories. Over 50 speakers will keep the property jamming. An impressive runway feature will be present poolside for Nikki Beach’s fashion shows and quarterly “What Women Want” events. Concierge, valet service and ample parking (both on and off property) will be available to guests. Yachts will be able to dock directly at the location, and water shuttle service will be offered as well. A pick-up and drop-off service will be available for VIP clients who come to the venue before mid-day. Nikki Beach can now be experienced in: Miami Beach, Florida, USA; Saint Tropez, France; Saint Barth, Caribbean; Marbella, Spain; Koh Samui, Thailand; Mallorca, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Porto Heli, Greece; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Dubai, UAE; Bodrum, Turkey; Versilia, Italy and Barbados, Caribbean this winter with a pop-up location during the Cannes International Film Festival. www.nikkibeachhotels.com