Welcome to our Antigua page. Please note that all vacation package prices are in US funds and are mentioned here as a sample quotation only to give you a point of reference. All properties offer specials during the year and, based on your individual departures dates, the rates will vary and they can be less or more expensive than listed. We have quoted average rates as a guideline for you. Exact rates are given at time of booking and will always be the
best price being offered by the property at that time.
Antigua lies in the Leeward Islands, 17 degrees North and 61 degrees West, 300 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, and 1300 miles southeast of Miami. It is 108 square miles in area.
Banking
Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2pm and on Friday from 8am to 1pm and 3 to 5pm. The best bank for visitors is Royal Bank at High and Market streets in St. John's (tel. 268/480-1150). You'll find an ATM here and one at the airport.
Currency
This island uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). Nearly all hotels bill in U.S. dollars, however, and only certain tiny restaurants present their prices in EC$. When you inquire about a price, make sure you know the type of dollars quoted. The EC dollar is worth about 37¢ in U.S. currency (EC$2.70 = US$1).
Customs
Arriving visitors are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes, 1 quart of liquor, and 6 ounces of perfume.
Documents
A valid passport is preferred from U.S., British, and Canadian nationals. An original birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID that's issued by a government agency is also acceptable, but we recommend that you carry a passport when visiting a foreign country. All arriving visitors must have a departing ticket.
Water
Tap water is generally safe to drink here, but many visitors prefer to drink only bottled water.
Electricity
Most of the island's electricity is 220-volt AC (60 cycles), which means that U.S. appliances require transformers. The Hodges Bay area and some hotels, however, are supplied with 110-volt AC (60 cycles).
Hospitals
The principal medical facility on Antigua is HolbertonHospital, on Hospital Road, St. John's (tel. 268/462-0251).
Language
The local language is English with a delightful Antiguan dialect.
Liquor
Beer and liquor are sold in many stores, 7 days a week. It's legal to have an open container on the beach.
Safety
Antigua is generally safe, but that doesn't mean you should wander alone at night on St. John's near-deserted streets. Don't leave valuables unguarded on the beach, either.
Taxes
Visitors must pay a departure tax of $20 and an 8.5% government tax on hotel bills. Most hotels also add a service charge of between 10% and 15%
Time
Antigua is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round, so it's 1 hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. When daylight savings time takes over in the U.S., then Antigua's time is the same as the eastern United States.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Antigua takes on many different forms and gives everybody a choice of things to do. There are numerous restaurants, lively bars, nightclubs, casinos and moonlight sailing cruises to be had. There's even a cinema in downtown St. John's if you feel for a good movie and some popcorn.
Weather
With a sunny climate all year round and an average temperature of 28°C - 84°F and the water temperature only a few degrees lower it is understandable that you might want to spend all day in the sun.
Sun tanning
To ensure you still go home with a good tan try to avoid the intense 'mid-day' sun between 11.00am and 2.00pm and always use a high protection sun cream, even on overcast days. Build your tan slowly - there's plenty of time. Rainfall is modest when compared with the rest of the region with slightly wetter conditions in the hills.
Grand
Explorer recommends the Frommer's Guides which are completely updated every year, Frommer's Caribbean features gorgeous color photos of the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral gardens that await you. There are dozens of islands and hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so our guide compares all
the options, helping you find the tropical getaway that's right for you. We've included web addresses for every hotel, so you can check out pictures as you make your decision. Inside you'll find in-depth, honest reviews of lavish honeymoon resorts, intimate inns, family-friendly motels and condo complexes, and more, with selections in every price category.
HISTORY
As is the case with many Caribbean islands, European explorers were not the first people to set foot in Antigua. The island was first settled by Amerindians at least as far back as 900AD and it is likely there were settlers far earlier.
The peaceful Ciboney Indians were probably the first there, followed by the Arawaks and later by the far more aggressive Caribs. Europeans wandered (literally) on to the scene in in the
shape of Columbus in 1493 on his 2nd voyage to the New World. He called the island Santa Maria de la Antigua after a miracle-working saint from the Seville Cathedral in Spain. Antigua had no natural spring water and was populated by none-too-friendly Caribs, so it was generally avoided until a group of Englishmen from nearby St. Kitts landed in 1632 and, as was the fashion, claimed the island
for the English Crown. The Caribs had other ideas. They proceeded to launch numerous attacks on the new colonials but failed to dislodge them. The English settlers strengthened their foothold and cultivated cash crops such as tobacco, indigo and ginger. In 1674 Sir Christopher Codrington came to Antigua from Barbados and set up the island's first sugar plantation and called it Betty's Hope after his
daughter. His success led to many more sugar plantations being established and over time some 150 sugar mills came into being. Along with Betty's Hope, many of the mills are still standing today. Sugar prospered whilst it had cheap slave labor and a subsidized high price in the English market place. With the abolition of slavery in 1834 cheap slave labor was no longer readily available and sugar became far less
profitable. This, added with the increasing pressure for a free trade sugar market forced many sugar estates to collapse. Sugar still however remained Antigua's main source of income well into the 20th Century.
To ensure the safety of the lucrative sugar industry in the 17th and 18th Century in the Caribbean the English established their strategic naval base at English Harbor (shown left) in Antigua. Admiral Horatio Nelson spent a good deal of time here but, by all accounts, had a torrid time due to
an inadequate mosquito net. Soldiers had 3 main challenges at English Harbor - illness, rum and lots of women. Not surprisingly it became known as "The Grave of Englishmen". Today things are far less potentially volatile and hazardous. The extensive naval facilities and fortifications built to accommodate the garrisons established there are still visible today and have been beautifully restored at Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Shirley
Heights Lookout and at Monk's Hill.
In the 1960's Antigua & Barbuda pushed for greater autonomy from Britain and in 1967 they became an Associated State with entirely independent internal affairs, foreign affairs and defense led by V.C. Bird. On November 1st, 1981 Antigua and Barbuda became fully independent with V.C. Bird as Prime Minister. Since this point Antigua has grown as a tourist destination with a healthy number of quality resorts, hotels and
villas making the most of its beautiful coves, bays and inlets and (reputedly) 365 white sand beaches. Antigua is also prospering as a centre for offshore banking and has a stable economy bolstered by a stable political environment. Antigua has always reflected the various political and economic changes occurring in the Caribbean over the last 300 years and still continues to be an important player in the region - hence its name "The Heart of The Caribbean".
Antigua is affectionately known as the heart of the Caribbean. It has been, and still continues to be, at the centre of things in the Lesser Antilles whether it be sport, politics or in people's general perceptions of the Caribbean. Antigua has been an important player in the events in the region over the last 350 years and still continues to be active in important regional debates. Today Antigua is a popular destination for
visitors with its 365 beaches, its rich history, its continued importance in the sailing world with the international Antigua Sailing Week, the historic National Park at English Harbor with the beautifully restored Nelson's Dockyard. There's plenty of water sports to enjoy by day including, diving, snorkeling, sailing & cruising, windsurfing, deep-sea sport fishing and water-skiing and when the sun goes down the curtain opens on Antigua's nightlife. The island has
many restaurants ranging from fast food outlets to haute cuisine. There's Duty Free shopping in downtown St. John's with many of the leading brand names in clothing, perfumes and watches plus the chance to pick up unique local crafts, handiwork and t-shirts. So you'll find a little bit of everything in Antigua and the atmosphere very Caribbean. Makes for a good holiday whether you wish to relax on the beach, indulge in water sports, go to good restaurants or do
some shopping. Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda form the independent nation of Antigua and Barbuda, within the Commonwealth of Nations. Redonda is an uninhabited rocky islet of less than a square mile, located 32km (20 miles) southwest of Antigua.
Antigua (an-TEE-gah) is an independent nation, but it is still British in many of its traditions. Economically, it has transformed itself from a poverty-stricken island of sugar plantations to a modern-day vacation haven. The landscape of rolling, rustic Antigua is dotted with stone towers that were once sugar mills.
The inland scenery isn't as dramatic as what you'll find on St. Kitts, but, oh, those beaches! If you want high rises and glittering gambling and nightlife, head elsewhere, perhaps to Puerto Rico. Antigua does have some casinos, but they're hardly a reason to visit, and most of its hotels are intimate one- or two-story inns rather than glitzy, sprawling resorts. In general, the dining and shopping of Antigua are comparable to those of St. Kitts
but don't hold up to those of St. Maarten or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most locals will treat you with respect if you show them respect, but Antigua is hardly the friendliest of islands in the Caribbean -- too much unemployment, too great a gap between rich and poor.
Most hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and water sports facilities lie north of the capital of St. John's, in the northwest. St. John's is a large, neatly laid-out town 10km (6 miles) from the airport and less than a mile from Deep Water Harbor Terminal. This port city is the focal point of commerce and industry and the seat of government and shopping. Protected within a narrow bay, St. John's is charming, with cobblestone sidewalks and
weather-beaten wooden houses with corrugated iron roofs and louvered Caribbean verandas. Trade winds keep the wide streets cool. Since all the major resorts are on good beaches, most visitors tend to stay put, going into St. John's for a day's shopping jaunt or to English Harbor for some history.
Before volcanic ash covered much of Antigua's neighbor, Montserrat, that little island was a destination in its own right. It was once a haven for many American expatriates, mostly retired couples, and at one time was the Caribbean island of choice for music stars like Paul McCartney, who came here to write and record songs.
Unless Montserrat is hit by another volcanic eruption, it is slowly bouncing back, hoping to recapture the tourism it once enjoyed. Until the dust settles, Montserrat is most often visited as a day trip from Antigua, mainly by curiosity or adventure seekers.
There's a lovely white-sand beach on Pigeon Point at Falmouth Harbor, about a 4-minute drive from Admiral's Inn. With calm waters and pristine sands, this is the best beach near English Harbor, but it's often crowded, especially when a cruise ship is in port. It's ideal for snorkelers and swimmers of
most ages and abilities.
Dickenson Bay in the northwest, directly north of St. John's, is one of the island's finest beaches, with its wide strip of powder-soft sand and blissfully calm turquoise waters. This safe beach attracts families with small children. At the Halcyon Cove Hotel you can rent water sports equipment. Refreshments are available at the hotel, or mosey over to the casual bars and restaurants
nearby.
On the north side of Dickenson Bay, you'll find more secluded beaches and some ideal snorkeling areas along the fan-shaped northern crown of Antigua. For a fee, locals will sometimes take beachcombers to one of the uninhabited offshore islets, such as Prickly Pear Island, surrounded by beautiful coral gardens. Glass-bottom excursion boats often visit one of the island's best snorkeling spots,
Paradise Reef, a 1.6km (1 mile) -long coral garden of stunning beauty north of Dickenson Bay.
If you're seeking solitude, flee to Johnson's Point. Between the hamlets of Johnson's Point and Urlings at Antigua's southwestern tip below Jolly Harbor, it opens onto the tranquil Caribbean Sea. There are no facilities, but the sand is dazzling white, and the waters, usually clear and calm, are populated with schools of rainbow-hued tropical fish.
Near Johnson's Point on the southwest coast, Turner's Beach is idyllic. This is one of the best places to lie out in the tropical sun, cooled by trade winds. The beach has fine white sand and gin-clear waters. If the day is clear (as it usually is), you can see the volcanic island of Montserrat.
If you head east of Urlings and go past the hamlet of Old Road, you'll reach Carlisle Bay, site of one of the island's most celebrated shores. Against a backdrop of coconut groves, two long beaches extend from the spot where Curtain Bluff, the island's most deluxe hotel, sits atop a bluff. Here, where the calm Caribbean meets the more turbulent Atlantic, the water is impossibly blue.
South of Jolly Harbor, Driftwood Beach is directly north of Johnson's Point, in the southwest. The white sands and calm, clear waters are delightful. It is close to all the villas at Jolly Harbor Beach Resort Marina, however, and can be overcrowded.
In the same vicinity is Darkwood Beach, a 5-minute drive south of Jolly Harbor Marina and the Jolly Harbor Golf Club. Here the shimmering waters are almost crystal blue. The snorkeling is great, and you can bet that gentle trade winds will keep you cool. Located in a tourist zone, it is likely to be crowded -- almost impossibly so when cruise ships are in port.
If you continue north toward St. John's and cut west at the turnoff for Five Islands, you'll reach the four secluded Hawksbill Beaches on the Five Islands peninsula. The beaches here have white sands, dazzling blue-and-green waters, and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. On one of them, you can sunbathe and swim in the buff. The Five Islands peninsula is the site of major hotel developments.
Though it's secluded, the beaches are sometimes crowded.
Perhaps Antigua's most beautiful beach, Half Moon Bay stretches for nearly 1.6km (1 mile) on the southeastern coast, a 5-minute drive from Freetown village. The Atlantic surf is liable to be rough, but that doesn't stop a never-ending stream of windsurfers, who head out beyond the reef, which shelters protected waters for snorkeling. Half Moon is now a public park and ideal for a family outing.
Half Moon Bay lies east of English Harbor near Mill Reef.
Directly north of Half Moon Bay, east of Willikie's, Long Bay fronts the Atlantic on the far eastern coast of Antigua. Guests of the Long Bay Hotel and the Pineapple Beach Club usually populate this sandy strip. The shallow waters are home to stunning coral reefs and offer great snorkeling.
In the same vicinity, Pineapple Beach is a 5-minute drive heading northeast from the village of Willikie's. It opens onto Long Bay and the west coast (Atlantic side) of Antigua. Crystal blue waters make it ideal for snorkeling. Most beach buffs come here just to sun on nearly perfect white sands.
Eighteen kilometers (11 miles) southeast of St. John's is Nelson's Dockyard National Park (tel. 268/460-1379), one of the eastern Caribbean's biggest attractions. English ships took refuge from the hurricanes in this harbor as early as 1671. The park's centerpiece is the restored Georgian naval dockyard, which was used by admirals Nelson, Rodney, and Hood, and was the home of the British fleet during the
Napoleonic Wars. From 1784 to 1787, Nelson commanded the British navy in the Leeward Islands and made his headquarters at English Harbor. The dockyard museum recaptures the 18th-century era of privateers, pirates, and battles at sea. Its colonial naval buildings remain as they were when Nelson was here. Although Nelson never lived at Admiral House (tel. 268/460-8181) -- it was built in 1855 -- his
telescope and tea caddy are on display, along with other nautical memorabilia.
The park itself has sandy beaches and tropical vegetation, with various species of cactus and mangroves. A migrating colony of African cattle egrets shelters in the mangroves. Archaeological sites here predate Christ. Nature trails, with coastal views, lead you through the flora. Tours of the dockyard last 15 to 20 minutes; nature walks along the trails can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours. The
dockyard and all the buildings noted in this section are open daily from 9am to 5pm. Children age 12 and under are admitted free. The admission price of $5 includes admission to Admiral House, Clarence House, and Dow's Hill Interpretation Center .
The best nature trail on Antigua, a well-tended footpath, goes up the hill from English Harbor to Shirley Heights, beginning at the Galleon Beach Hotel. Follow the sign that points "TO THE LOOKOUT." The trail is marked with tape on the branches of trees. Eventually you reach a summit of nearly 150m (500 ft.) where you're rewarded with a panoramic view. If you'd like to get more
information about the walk, you can pick up a free brochure at the dockyard at the office of the National Parks Authority. This walk is easy; it takes less than an hour to reach the peak.
Another major attraction is the Dow's Hill Interpretation Center (tel. 268/481-5045), just 4km (2 1/2 miles) south of the dockyard. The only one of its kind in the Caribbean, it offers multimedia presentations that cover six periods of the island's history, including the era of Amerindian hunters, the era of the British military, and the struggles connected with slavery. A belvedere opens
onto a panoramic view of the park. Admission to the center, including the multimedia show, is included in the price of admission to the dockyards. Hours are daily from 9am to 5pm.
On a low hill overlooking Nelson's Dockyard, Clarence House (tel. 268/463-1026) was built by English stonemasons to accommodate Prince William Henry, later known as the Duke of Clarence -- and even later known as William IV. The future king stayed here when he was in command of the Pegasus in 1787. At present it's the country home of the governor of Antigua and Barbuda. At the time
of publication, it was temporarily closed for renovation, but in theory, it's open to visitors whenever His Excellency is not in residence. A caretaker will show you through (it's customary to tip), and you'll see many pieces of furniture on loan from the National Trust. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon stayed here on their honeymoon.
On the way back, take Fig Tree Drive, a 32km (20-mile) circular drive across the main mountain range. It passes through lush tropical hills and fishing villages along the southern coast. You can pick up the road just outside Liberta, north of Falmouth. Winding through a rainforest, it passes thatched villages, every one with a church and lots of goats and children running about. But don't expect
fig trees: Fig is an Antiguan name for bananas.
Betty's Hope (tel. 268/462-4930), a picturesque ruin just outside the village of Pares on the eastbound route to Long Bay, was Antigua's first sugar plantation (from 1650). You can tour it Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm ($2 for adults, free for children). Exhibits in the visitor's center trace the sugar era, and you can also see the full restoration of one of the original
plantation's two windmills. If you visit, you may see the local masons, who are sporadically involved in the restoration of the curing and boiling plant, where sugarcane used to be processed into sugar, rum, and molasses.
Indian Town is one of Antigua's national parks, on the island's northeastern point. Over the centuries, Atlantic breakers have lashed the rocks and carved a natural bridge known as Devil's Bridge. It's surrounded by numerous blowholes spouting surf, a dramatic sight. An environmentally protected area, Indian Town Point lies at the tip of a deep cove, Indian Town Creek. The park fronts the
Atlantic at Long Bay, just west of Indian Town Creek at the eastern side of Antigua. Birders flock here to see some 36 different species. The park is blanketed mainly by the acacia tree, a dry shrub locally known as "cassie." A large, meadowy headland around Devil's Bridge makes a great spot for a picnic. Arm yourself with directions and a good map before you start out. The main highway ends at Long Bay, but
several hiking trails lead to the coastline. Our favorite hike is to Indian Town Point at a distance of 2km (1 1/2 miles). This is the most scenic walk in the park, passing through a protected area of great natural beauty. Long Bay is also great for snorkeling, if you bring along your gear.
Dolphin Fantaseas (A5): The Dolphin Fantaseas Encounter is more than exciting, more than unique and more than amazing. You will not want to miss this thrilling excursion that combines interacting with stingrays and
swimming with dolphins.
Tel: 1 268 562 7946 (SWIM)
Deep Bay Divers: Deep Bay Divers offers daily dive trips & courses, and is a full service dive centre.
Island Speedboats Ltd. (H6): Get on the water!!! Hourly skippered speedboat charters, tuition, snorkeling and water sports. All equipment supplied. Refreshments included. Ideal family excursion.
Kite Antigua (P1): The only dedicated kite boarding operation in Antigua that offers lessons & rentals to everyone from total beginners to advanced high altitude junkies.
“Paddles” Kayak Eco Adventure (S4): Kayaking - Swimming - Snorkeling - Beaches - Nature walk . Explore the unspoilt North Sound Marine Park. Fun and educational Eco Adventures for all ages.
Stingray City Antigua (S3): Play with friendly Stingrays in their natural habitat. Experience colorful coral reef and marine life. Fun for everybody, even non-swimmers!
Tel: 1 268 562 7297 (RAYS)
FISHING
Many anglers visit Antigua just for the big-game fishing offshore, where wahoo, tuna, and marlin abound. The Obsession (tel. 268/462-2824) is a 15m (50-ft.) Hatteras Sport fisherman with excellent equipment. You can battle the big ones in a featured "fighting chair." For the day, the Obsession charges from $1,300, a fee that is shared by all the passengers (usually at least a dozen). A
competitor of similar size, the Nimrod (tel. 268/463-8744) is captained by Terry Bowen, who knows where the best catches are. You can arrange for the Nimrod to circle the island or go on sunset cruises. A full around-the-island tour costs $1,600, with a half day going for $1,300. This price is usually divided among at least 12 passengers.
NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife in Antigua takes on many different forms and gives everybody a choice of things to do. There are numerous restaurants, lively bars, nightclubs, casinos and moonlight sailing cruises to be had. There's even a cinema in downtown St. John's if you feel for a good movie and some popcorn.
One can choose from the many restaurants and bars in Dickenson Bay, Jolly Harbor, English Harbor and in downtown St. John's. Live entertainment is a feature in some of the bars and any hotel front desk or tour company representative will be able to tell you the most popular venues at any particular time of year. Early evening light entertainment often takes the form of local live music
covering Calypso, Reggae, Jazz, folk and popular international hits. For those who like to try their luck there are a few casinos where there are slot machines, card tables and roulette tables.
There are sports bars too for those that don't want to miss the big fight or other sporting events. Karaoke is also increasing in popularity in several of the bars and is always a source of entertainment (and amusement!). There are also a few nightclubs in downtown St. John'swhere locals and visitors mix freely and party until very late indeed!
There are a few venues that have become regular fixtures on the nightclub calendar and are well-known for their entertainment line-up. The jump-up at Shirley Heights Lookout overlooking English Harbor on a Sunday is not to be missed. It includes over 6 hours of entertainment. Things kick off at 4pm with a traditional steel band and a big barbeque. Later into the night a top reggae band performs and there is
dancing until 10pm. Drinks are aplenty and the atmosphere is much like that of a carnival. For those seeking something quieter and not so jam-packed for the kids then on Thursday the Shirley Heights Lookout is a much more relaxed affair.
For live entertainment Miller's by The Sea,an established restaurant & barjust outside St. John's, offers acts ranging from jazz to local music every night of the week. Several other bars in the area offer various types of entertainment too.
Rum Shops are another feature of Antiguan nightlife. It's a focal point where Antiguans gather to have a drink, an animated debate about politics or sport (often cricket) and a game of warri (ancient African board game) or dominoes (played with a characteristic thumping down of each piece on the playing table). There's usually one or two in every village. The atmosphere is often lively and verbal exchanges,
however loud, are always punctuated with peels of laughter. Hearty food is often available, usually offering fresh fish and chicken and the price is always very reasonable. You will always be welcome, once you get into the spirit of things!
A moonlight cruise is another great way to spend the evening. The sea is as beautiful at night as it is in the day and there are several charter boat agencies that offer evening cruises with food & drink layed on. It is a special way to get away for the evening especially when the moon is full.
Nightlife in Antigua is highly varied and has something to offer everyone. Seek out the various good hang-outs (or "limes" as they are locally known) and you will be well rewarded.
Most of Antigua's shops are clustered on St. Mary's Street or High Street in St. John's. Some stores are open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to noon and 1 to 4pm, but this rule varies greatly from place to place -- Antiguan shopkeepers are an independent lot. Many of them close at noon on Thursday.
Duty-free items include English woolens and linens. You can also purchase Antiguan goods: local pottery, straw work, rum, floppy foldable hats, shell curios, and hand-printed fabrics.
If you're in St. John's on a Saturday morning, visit the fruit and vegetable market. The juicy Antiguan black pineapple alone is worth the trip.
One prime hunting ground in St. John's is the Redcliffe Quay waterfront on the southern edge of town, where nearly three dozen boutiques are housed in former warehouses set around tree-shaded, landscaped courtyards. Our favorite is A Thousand Flowers (tel. 268/462-4264), which sells linens, all natural fiber, rayon and other fabrics.
At the Gazebo (tel. 268/460-2776), expect a little bit of everything, a mass of south-of-the-border pottery to Indonesian wood items, and (our favorite) stunning blue-glaze plates. West Indies Oil Co. (tel. 268/462-0141) is a big hit with kids, offering British toys, beach games, island crafts, and more. Additional Redcliffe Quay shops include Isis (tel.
268/462-4602) for unique Egyptian jewelry, cotton gowns, and handcrafts; and The Goldsmitty (tel. 268/462-4601), where precious stones are set in unique, exquisite creations of 14- and 18-karat gold.
Noreen Phillips, Redcliffe Quay (tel. 268/462-3127), is one of the island's major fashion outlets. Cruise-ship passengers beeline here for both casual wear and beaded glitzy dress clothes. Island Hopper, Radcliffe Quay, St. Mary's Street (tel. 268/462-2972), specializes in Caribbean-made gifts and clothing, including T-shirts and casual wear, and handcrafts.
The Scent Shop, Lower High Street (tel. 268/462-0303), is the oldest and best perfume shop on the island, and also stocks an array of crystal. Shoul's Chief Store, St. Mary's Street at Market Street (tel. 268/462-1140), is an all-purpose department store selling fabric, appliances, souvenirs (more than 300 kinds), and general merchandise.
Heritage Quay, Antigua's first shopping-and-entertainment complex, features some 40 duty-free shops and an arcade for local artists and craftspeople. Its restaurants and food court offer a range of cuisines and views of St. John's Harbor. Many shops are open all day, Monday through Saturday.
At the foot of St. Mary's Street, stop in at Benjies Photo Centre (tel. 268/462-3619), a Kodak distributor and photofinisher, selling film and brand-name cameras. Fashiondock (tel. 268/462-9672) is known for its duty-free Prada, Moshino and Gucci accessories, plus other Italian styles. Sunseekers (tel. 268/462-4523) carries the largest collection of duty-free
swimwear in the Caribbean. Colombian Emeralds (tel. 268/462-3462) is the world's largest retailer of these gemstones. Albert's Jewelry (tel. 268/462-3108) sells the best selection of watches on Antigua, plus china and crystal. Island Arts, upstairs at Heritage Quay (tel. 268/462-2787), was founded by Nick Maley, a makeup artist who worked on Star Wars and The Empire
Strikes Back. You can purchase his own fine-art reproductions or browse through everything from low-cost prints to works by artists exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. You can also visit Nick's home and studio at Aiton Place, on Sandy Lane directly behind the Hodges Bay Club, 6km (4 miles) from St. John's. The residence is open Monday to Wednesday and on Friday, but call first (tel.
268/461-6324).
Other worthwhile specialty stores include Caribelle Batik, St. Mary's Street (tel. 268/462-2972), a reasonably priced outlet for the Romney Manor workshop on St. Kitts. The Caribelle label consists of batik and tie-dye beach wraps, scarves, and casual wear for women and men.
Rain Boutique, Lower St. Mary's (tel. 268/462-0118), offers casual clothes, formal wear, hats, scarves, shoes, jewelry, and handbags.
At Falmouth Harbor, Seahorse Studios & Gift Shop (tel. 268/460-1457) specializes in batiks, T-shirts, signs and table linens. Their affiliated branch at English Harbor, Seahorse Art Gallery (tel. 268/460-1485), sells paintings, engravings, and watercolors, with lots of emphasis on seascapes.
The best for last: Head for Harmony Hall, in Brown's Bay Mill, near Freetown (tel. 268/460-4120), following the signs along the road to Freetown and Half Moon Bay. This restored 1843 plantation house and sugar mill overlooking Nonsuch Bay is ideal for a lunch stopover or a shopping expedition. It displays an excellent selection of Caribbean arts and crafts. Lunch is served daily from noon
to 4pm, featuring Green Island lobster, flying fish, and other specialties. Sunday is barbecue day.
HQ
Aussie-born Darryn Pitman, a resident of Asia for 5 years, creates some of the most sophisticated cuisine on-island. There's a lot of emphasis on sushi, chutneys, relishes, and spices evocative of the lands where he has lived, including tamarind, lemongrass, and star anise. His signature dishes, each superbly flavored, include pan-seared wahoo served with a lime and
ginger-flavored dressing. His tender roast pork comes with an amazingly good chutney made with bitter orange and apple. And wait until you taste his desserts.
Cuisine
PACIFIC RIM, FRENCH
Hours
Wed-Mon 11:30am-5pm, 6:30-10pm
Location
Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbor, Around Town
Reservations
Reservations required
Phone
268/562-2563
Prices
Lunch main courses $8.50-$28; dinner main courses $15-$28
Credit Cards
AE, DC, MC, V
They are the finest and most imaginative on the island, including a first for us -- a cake that's made with fresh beets and gobs of chocolate. His other signature dessert, for which he has been praised by food critics, is a passion fruit crème brûlée made with
white Swiss chocolate. His restaurant occupies three storefronts, plus most of the veranda, of the 18th-century stone-and-brick monument in Nelson's Dockyard known as Officers' Quarters. At lunch, you can dine informally on the veranda, soaking up rum-based cocktails and eating salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Emphasis is on high-turnover, affordable prices, and dishes that are relatively uncomplicated. Dinners are more elaborate, served in a dining room that's outfitted with international flags, ropes, antique maritime hardware, and a venue inspired by an antique officers' mess in the days of Lord Nelson.
Alberto's
Cuisine
International
Hours
Tues-Sun 7-10pm
Location
Willoughby Bay, Around the Island
Reservations
Reservations recommended
Phone
268/460-3007
Prices
Main courses $20-$35
Credit Cards
AE, MC, V
Season
Closed May-Nov
One of the most stylish and cosmopolitan restaurants on Antigua is Alberto's, the creative statement of Venice-born Alberto Ravanello and his English wife, Vanessa, who prepares much of the food herself. You'll find it close to the edge of the sea, near the St. James's Club, in an open-sided pavilion lavishly draped with bougainvillea. The owners' frequent travels have inspired the menu's
satisfying medley of Italian, French, and Continental dishes. The best dishes include ravioli stuffed either with pulverized asparagus and shrimp, or with mascarpone cheese and sage-flavored butter; a zesty pasta with fresh local clams; savory stuffed crabs; and one of our favorites, fresh wahoo steak with a wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce. Lobster, a favorite here, is boiled in seawater, then grilled and served simply,
usually with garlic-flavored butter. It's lip-smacking good, but pric
Chez Pascal
Cuisine
French
Hours
Mon-Sat 11:30am-3pm, 6:30-9:30pm
Location
Galley Bay Hill, Five Islands, Around the Island
Reservations
Reservations recommended
Phone
268/462-3232
Prices
Main courses $20-$30
Credit Cards
AE, DC, MC, V
Season
Closed Sept
This small but well-groomed corner of France blooms with tropical vegetation and well-prepared cuisine on the west coast. On a plateau near the Royal Antiguan and the Galley Bay Hotels, it centers on a terrace with an illuminated swimming pool.
French colonial trappings include copper pots, rough-textured ceramics, dark-stained wicker and rattan, and tropically inspired fabric designs. The chef, Pascal Milliat, inherited generations of cooking skills in his former home, Lyon. Assisted by his Brittany-born wife, Florence, he prepares and serves classic French dishes with sublime sauces and seasonings. Fine cookery showcases a chicken liver
mousse with basil-flavored butter sauce, lobster bisque en croûte, sea scallops on a bed of leeks, roasted rack of lamb with herbes de Provence (prepared for only 2 diners at a time), and grouper with beurre blanc sauce.
For each destination we have chosen to profile an establishment which epitomizes the best hotel offered on the island. This featured property has been chosen based on a combination of : exceptional location, unusual architecture, superb amenities, outstanding accommodations and above-average service. We use a rating system in each category and the hotel with the most points gets to be our featured hotel for that destination.
We proudly present....
Curtain Bluff
This serene oasis on two beautiful beaches is the island's premier resort. Fifteen miles from the airport on the southwest, the hotel occupies the most lushly tropical section of the island, in the
village of Old Road.
For over 40 years, Curtain Bluff's extraordinary service and amenities have set the standard for excellence throughout the Caribbean. In many ways, owner Howard Hulford has created a tradition of excellence unique to his very special island retreat. Its private grounds encompass thirteen acres of carefully-planted,
lush tropical vegetation. Here, impeccable staff service is considered a mission, and attention to detail is a pledge fulfilled at every level. Surrounded by vibrant tropical gardens overlooking Antigua's southern shore, Curtain Bluff is the choice for Caribbean travelers who expect more than just sun and sea.
• Enjoy legendary cuisine and a world-class wine cellar.
• Private beaches.
• Experience water sports and sailing of every kind.
• Perfect your game at the 5-star, professionally-staffed tennis facility.
• Choose from spacious, ocean view rooms and suites with every amenity.
The beautifully furnished accommodations include deluxe units with king-size beds; a terrace room with a king-size, four-poster bed; and spacious suites with two balconies. The roomy bathrooms have beautiful tiles, deluxe toiletries, tubs and showers, dual vanities, and bidets. Accommodations in the newer units are more spacious, with upgraded furnishings and two double beds. The two-story suites are
among the most luxurious in the Caribbean. Although at times in the midday heat you may wish for air-conditioning, ceiling fans and trade winds generally keep the rooms cool. Some guests come primarily for the superb food. French-born Christophe Blatz keeps his Continental menu limited, so he can freshly prepare and artistically arrange everything. Curtain Bluff restaurant boasts the Caribbean's most extensive wine
selection. Although it's not a requirement, men are encouraged to wear jackets during the dinner hour in high season.
The following are our picks for a great vacation in Antigua. Please note that rates are subject to change if the properties increase or decrease them during the year. Rates quoted are based on current exchange rates and can vary slightly when actual reservations are made. All rates are based on availability at time of booking. Rates are only
garanteed upon reservation and can be changed at any time.
These are our personal favorites and are the better hotels on the island, however, any hotel of your choice can be booked on request.
Sandals Antigua Resort & Spa
All-Inclusive
Adults Only
OVERVIEW
Set on breathtaking Dickenson Bay, the island's best and most famous beach, this romantic getaway offers the charm of a quaint Caribbean village accompanied by the refined luxuries of a world-class all-inclusive that has been voted World's Leading Honeymoon Resort four years in a row. Here you can engage in every land and water sport such as water skiing, scuba diving and an impressive fitness center. Then relax at the full-service spa. When it comes to
dining, there are five extraordinary restaurants to choose from. Discover Sandals Antigua and rediscover each other.
No other resort in the world with 193 rooms can offer as many as 4 exceptional dining choices - more than any other resort in Antigua. The flash of a knife reflects exotic Teppanyali cuisine. Sophisticated international dishes are served by candlelight with Sandals signature white-gloved service. From sumptuous Northern Italian cuisine in an intimate setting to Southwestern grilled specialties prepared in a down-home style, Sandals Antigua makes it easy to
fall into temptation.
Be romanced by every sporting activity on land, at sea, even deep below. A few footsteps from the island's finest white-sand beach are 5 freshwater pools including a main pool with a signature swim-up pool bar that serves tropical drinks in limitless fashion, 5 soothing whirlpools, 6 bars, and 4 delicious restaurants. We also include extensive diving privileges with the Caribbean's most comprehensive resort scuba diving program. Plus you are free to windsurf,
waterski, sail or kayak with infinite abandon.
At the Spa indulge in a full menu of restorative treatments and salon services. Cleansing body wraps. Swedish Massage. Sense stimulating Aromatherapy. Organic skin care products. These are just a few options that await you when you take the time to replenish at Sandals.
When the moon takes center stage the mood shifts to a different mode. Take part in a private party for two, a lively conversation at the piano bar, or a beach party featuring authentic island entertainment. Head to nearby King's Casino, Antigua's largest gambling establishment, home to every game of chance from sizzling slot machines to Caribbean stud poker.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
In order to make your vacation perfect you can now pre-book all your excursions ahead of time! No more will you need to wait in line or be disappointed with sold-out tours and attractions on the day you want them. By pre-purchasing these tours you will get instant online confirmations and be able to print your vouchers right from the comfort of your home. To view the many tours and attractions you can reserve, simply click the
banner below.
CLICK THE AREAS ON THE MAP TO SEE A VIRTUAL TOUR
To make a booking request for this destination click the appropriate link below:
As is the case with many Caribbean islands, European explorers were not the first people to set foot in Antigua. The island was first settled by Amerindians at least as far back as 900AD and it is likely there were settlers far earlier.
The peaceful Ciboney Indians were probably the first there, followed by the Arawaks and later by the far more aggressive Caribs. Europeans wandered (literally) on to the scene in in the
shape of Columbus in 1493 on his 2nd voyage to the New World. He called the island Santa Maria de la Antigua after a miracle-working saint from the Seville Cathedral in Spain. Antigua had no natural spring water and was populated by none-too-friendly Caribs, so it was generally avoided until a group of Englishmen from nearby St. Kitts landed in 1632 and, as was the fashion, claimed the island
for the English Crown. The Caribs had other ideas. They proceeded to launch numerous attacks on the new colonials but failed to dislodge them. The English settlers strengthened their foothold and cultivated cash crops such as tobacco, indigo and ginger. In 1674 Sir Christopher Codrington came to Antigua from Barbados and set up the island's first sugar plantation and called it Betty's Hope after his
daughter. His success led to many more sugar plantations being established and over time some 150 sugar mills came into being. Along with Betty's Hope, many of the mills are still standing today. Sugar prospered whilst it had cheap slave labor and a subsidized high price in the English market place. With the abolition of slavery in 1834 cheap slave labor was no longer readily available and sugar became far less
profitable. This, added with the increasing pressure for a free trade sugar market forced many sugar estates to collapse. Sugar still however remained Antigua's main source of income well into the 20th Century. 
To ensure the safety of the lucrative sugar industry in the 17th and 18th Century in the Caribbean the English established their strategic naval base at English Harbor (shown left) in Antigua. Admiral Horatio Nelson spent a good deal of time here but, by all accounts, had a torrid time due to
an inadequate mosquito net. Soldiers had 3 main challenges at English Harbor - illness, rum and lots of women. Not surprisingly it became known as "The Grave of Englishmen". Today things are far less potentially volatile and hazardous. The extensive naval facilities and fortifications built to accommodate the garrisons established there are still visible today and have been beautifully restored at Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Shirley
Heights Lookout and at Monk's Hill.
Antigua is affectionately known as the heart of the Caribbean. It has been, and still continues to be, at the centre of things in the Lesser Antilles whether it be sport, politics or in people's general perceptions of the Caribbean. Antigua has been an important player in the events in the region over the last 350 years and still continues to be active in important regional debates. Today Antigua is a popular destination for
visitors with its 365 beaches, its rich history, its continued importance in the sailing world with the international Antigua Sailing Week, the historic National Park at English Harbor with the beautifully restored Nelson's Dockyard. There's plenty of water sports to enjoy by day including, diving, snorkeling, sailing & cruising, windsurfing, deep-sea sport fishing and water-skiing and when the sun goes down the curtain opens on Antigua's nightlife. The island has
many restaurants ranging from fast food outlets to haute cuisine. There's Duty Free shopping in downtown St. John's with many of the leading brand names in clothing, perfumes and watches plus the chance to pick up unique local crafts, handiwork and t-shirts. So you'll find a little bit of everything in Antigua and the atmosphere very Caribbean. Makes for a good holiday whether you wish to relax on the beach, indulge in water sports, go to good restaurants or do
some shopping.
There's a lovely white-sand beach on Pigeon Point at Falmouth Harbor, about a 4-minute drive from Admiral's Inn. With calm waters and pristine sands, this is the best beach near English Harbor, but it's often crowded, especially when a cruise ship is in port. It's ideal for snorkelers and swimmers of
most ages and abilities.
Eighteen kilometers (11 miles) southeast of St. John's is Nelson's Dockyard National Park (tel. 268/460-1379), one of the eastern Caribbean's biggest attractions. English ships took refuge from the hurricanes in this harbor as early as 1671. The park's centerpiece is the restored Georgian naval dockyard, which was used by admirals Nelson, Rodney, and Hood, and was the home of the British fleet during the
Napoleonic Wars. From 1784 to 1787, Nelson commanded the British navy in the Leeward Islands and made his headquarters at English Harbor. The dockyard museum recaptures the 18th-century era of privateers, pirates, and battles at sea. Its colonial naval buildings remain as they were when Nelson was here. Although Nelson never lived at Admiral House (tel. 268/460-8181) -- it was built in 1855 -- his
telescope and tea caddy are on display, along with other nautical memorabilia.
Dolphin Fantaseas (A5): The Dolphin Fantaseas Encounter is more than exciting, more than unique and more than amazing. You will not want to miss this thrilling excursion that combines interacting with stingrays and
swimming with dolphins. 
Most of Antigua's shops are clustered on St. Mary's Street or High Street in St. John's. Some stores are open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to noon and 1 to 4pm, but this rule varies greatly from place to place -- Antiguan shopkeepers are an independent lot. Many of them close at noon on Thursday.
For each destination we have chosen to profile an establishment which epitomizes the best hotel offered on the island. This featured property has been chosen based on a combination of : exceptional location, unusual architecture, superb amenities, outstanding accommodations and above-average service. We use a rating system in each category and the hotel with the most points gets to be our featured hotel for that destination.
We proudly present.... 
Curtain Bluff
The following are our picks for a great vacation in Antigua. Please note that rates are subject to change if the properties increase or decrease them during the year. Rates quoted are based on current exchange rates and can vary slightly when actual reservations are made. All rates are based on availability at time of booking. Rates are only
garanteed upon reservation and can be changed at any time.
