10 indulgent ways to see, taste and explore Antigua and Barbuda

October 28, 2024 No Comments

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.

Three of the best places to go hiking in Antigua and Barbuda

June 24, 2022 No Comments
There are endless reasons visiting the Caribbean sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda should top your bucket list. The profound natural beauty of this destination is as good a reason as any: with its numerous white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and warm tropical waters, it is easy to fall in love with the outdoors of Antigua and Barbuda. 
 
Of course, visiting Antigua and Barbuda is the ideal location for some R&R on the beach…but who’s to say relaxation can’t take the form of a scenic hike? After all, being in nature is known to reduce stress! Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or something more challenging, Antigua and Barbuda has the perfect trail for you!
 

Wallings Nature Reserve

 
Wallings Nature Reserve is more than just a beautiful hiking spot. This storied reserve is a community-managed National Park that focuses on sustainability while protecting Antigua’s biodiversity. Wallings Nature Reserve consists of roughly 1,680 acres of rainforest in the Shekerley Mountains with many walking trails intertwined throughout the park. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or rarely go for walks, there is a trail for everyone at Wallings Nature Reserve. The abundance of plants and trees makes Wallings Nature Reserve an ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature. The trails throughout the reserve vary in distance, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete. Whichever route you choose, make sure to take your time; you’d hate to walk by a mango tree and miss out on a mid-hike snack! 
 
Guests can book a guided tour at Wallings Nature Reserve on their website, and the cost of the tours varies depending on which guided hike you choose. There is a $6 USD entrance fee to access the park area of the reserve, or if you wish to use any of the hiking trails and park, the cost is $15 USD. If you give 48 hours of notice, Wallings can prepare lunch and a drink for guests.
 

Green Castle Hill National Park

 
Green Castle Hill National Park is known for spectacular scenic views and captivating rock formations jutting out from the slopes. Green Castle Hill is located next to the village of Jennings, on the west side of Antigua near its volcanic highlands. The hill’s highest point reaches 565 feet above sea level, making the trek up the hill slightly steep but nothing a beginner hiker can’t handle. The rock formations known as megaliths, which are found along the slopes, contribute to the popularity of this hike. Megaliths are prehistoric rock structures, and the ones located at Green Castle Hill are said to be set up by pre-Columbian tribes who likely used the stones for ceremonial purposes. So, if you want to simultaneously cross a history lesson and a hike off your vacation to-do list, this is the sport for you.
 

Mount Obama

 
If you want to take in some of the most incredible views and hike through what feels like a tropical rainforest, consider making the trek up Mount Obama; and yes, it is named after the former U.S president! Mount Obama, formerly Boggy Peak, is Antigua’s highest point offering panoramic views of the island and, on clear days, the neighbouring islands of St. Kitts and Montserrat. Although the hike is somewhat strenuous, the journey through a canopy of trees to reach a 360-degree view of the island is worth the sweat. Altogether, the hike is about 6.6km long and will take a few hours to go up and down. Completing the hike up Mount Obama is rewarding and you’ll deserve a relaxing drink at the beach when you’re done. Luckily, Turners Beach is only 20 minutes away making it a perfect spot to grab a bite and recharge.
 
Antigua and Barbuda offer many different trails that provide unbelievable views. Besides the three walking trails listed, there are many other remarkable destinations for walking and hiking. Any of Antigua and Barbuda’s national parks make for great adventures. So, rather than experiencing Antigua and Barbuda solely from the comfort of your resort, go out and explore the blissful creation the twin-island nation has to offer.