Luxury Antigua holidays

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Colourful Antigua is the primary island of Antigua and Barbuda, known as Wadadli by indigenous Antiguans. With just over 100 square miles of paradise (that’s only 11 miles wide and 14 long!), Antigua offers a diversity of landscapes to encapsulate every Caribbean dream.

A luxury Antigua holiday can mean all sorts. Whether you wish to retreat into Caribbean calm, relax on pristine sands sipping a cocktail, experience the colourful pastel hues of St John’s or go in search of the island’s diverse flora and fauna - above or below the waves.

The best way to explore Antigua is by boat, whether dipping into isolated coves and bays, jumping overboard into refreshing waters or committing to full-on yacht life. But its waters are only the very beginning of what Antigua can offer to the discerning luxury traveller.

The remaining vibrant and cheery Creole buildings that welcome you to St John’s, the island’s capital, could be a metaphor for the Antiguan people you’re likely to meet. Explore the city’s cathedral, and the museum, to get a firm grip on the fascinating history of this island, colonial and beyond.

Nelson’s Dockyard is the perfect choice for a day trip. The original British naval base was Britain’s primary naval base for the whole north-eastern Caribbean.

The UNESCO-recognised heritage Georgian harbour is wonderfully atmospheric. A handful of bars, restaurants, workshops and museums sit alongside exclusive Antiguan hotels, catering to the sailing crowd who tend to dock here.

Award-winning family-friendly hotel Blue Waters borders two beaches and is perfectly placed in a secluded cove, with over 17 acres of tropical gardens, making it the perfect luxury escape for anyone looking to get away from it all.

For calm and quiet Caribbean seclusion, head for Galley Bay, and the Galley Bay Resort and Spa. With idyllic white sands and turquoise waters to one side and a positive botanical garden of lush and verdant Caribbean plantlife (spotted with goats and the trills of Caribbean birdlife) to the other, this hotel is the epitome of quiet luxury, seclusion and retreat.

On the other side of the island is Hermitage Bay, a resort well-known for providing a haven for those looking to relax and rejuvenate and perfect for those seeking a romantic getaway.

A day trip to Barbuda is a must for those with the time and energy for a little exploration - head to Frigate Bird Sanctuary off Barbuda’s north west coast for the spectacular experience of one of the world’s largest colonies of frigate birds.

As Caribbean specialists, trust Inspiring Travel Company to help you discover the perfect Antiguan destination for you, booking you in for the Caribbean holiday of a lifetime.

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Blue Waters

This much-loved resort somehow keeps getting better. An extensive upgrade last year introduced a range of enhanced features, including the addition of acclaimed Chef Lisa Sellers and a new partnership with ila Spa...

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If you haven’t already heard, Antigua is famous for its sailing – which is why it hosts several world-class boating events throughout the year. Its circular formation and constant trade-winds make sailing fairly straightforward, while the endless delightful coves and harbours are perfect for anchoring. You can hire all sorts of boats in Antigua, and the island’s geography means that there is a boating experience on offer for everyone – for the more experienced sailors, the rugged east coast is ideal, whereas Dickenson Bay or the Jolly Harbour area are perfect for a more relaxing amateur sail.

To connect with the island’s vibrant marine life, head over to Sting Ray City, which offers visitors a memorable experience snorkeling with tame sting ray, surrounded by unspoiled coral reef and spectacular scenery. Back on land, the island boasts many popular hikes, with hilltop fortifications and stunning views to be enjoyed. Although hiking remains a fairly underdeveloped organised activity in Antigua, there are endless nature trails and hiking trails to be explored; why not head up to the lively Shirley Heights via the gorgeous Lookout Trail, for example. For a unique adventure, try zip-lining through the lush Antiguan rainforest with a Canopy Tour – you need to be in pretty good shape, but the experience is unforgettable.

Antigua is famed for its lively festivals and events running throughout the year. Popular with boating fanatics, the island plays hosts to the annual Antigua Sailing Week, which attracts over 300 yachts in late April and early May, and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in mid-April. There’s also the Antigua Tennis Week in May, hosted by the Curtain Bluff resort, and the Antigua and Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament. Another highlight is definitely Carnival, a ten-day festival celebrating emancipation and running from the end of July to early August. It’s colourful, exciting and entertaining, thanks to the eclectic mix of costumes, music competitions, food fairs and parades.

Throughout the rest of the year, head up to Shirley Heights, where you can spend Sunday afternoons lounging in the sun to live music, and the evenings partying the night the away. The restaurants on the island offer a wide variety of menus, from European and American cuisine, to authentic Caribbean and Antiguan delicacies. Local specialities include chicken and rice, fresh fish and lobster. Some of the best restaurants and bars can be found in and around English Harbour, while mouth-watering fresh juices should be tried from a local farm – the pineapple juice is divine!

Time difference: GMT -4 hours
Flight duration: 8 hours 40 minutes (direct)
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (although the US Dollar is widely accepted)
Capital: St John's
Language: English
Visa information: No visa required for citizens of United Kingdom, United States and Canada; valid passport required.

Luxury holidays to Antigua are ideal for

Couples
Family holidays
Beaches
Watersports
Twin centre holiday with other Caribbean islands, such as Anguilla, Nevis, St Martin or St Barths

How to get to Antigua

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London Gatwick, landing at Antigua's VC Bird International Airport in the north-eastern corner of the country, a 15-minute taxi ride from the capital, St John's.

Antigua Weather

The weather in Antigua is hot and dry all year round with even the highest temperatures cooled by refreshing sea breezes and the trade winds. The weather becomes unsettled between June and November, with storms an occasional possibility.

Antigua’s high season is the same as the majority of the Caribbean and most travellers will visit the island from December through to the middle of April as the weather during this period is at its warmest and driest.

For those looking to avoid the larger crowds and take advantage of the lower prices should visit in the off season which runs from mid-April through to late November. Antigua however remains relatively dry during most of the year.

Another element to take into consideration when choosing when to visit is the island’s seasonal events calendar. Like most of the Caribbean Antigua hosts many festivals and events that would make a great addition to your holiday.

At the end of April and start of May Antigua plays host to Sailing Week, which is the most popular of the events held on the island. Over five thousand spectators visit the regatta to watch the world’s best sailors in action. Also in April is the Classic Yacht Regatta which means April is the ideal time for sailing enthusiasts to visit.

The Antigua Carnival is held in late July and early August and includes the wonderful combination of fantastic cuisine, drink plus costumes and dancing. The island’s Independence Day is on 1st of November and its heritage day on 29th of October.