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Antigua map
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Spas
Spas have caught up with Antigua relatively late, but there are now a couple in the smarter hotels and a few independent ones aswell that would be happy to receive you for the day. Some of the independent therapists are also happy to come to you in your hotel room or villa.
Akparo Salon & Spa, Nelson’s Dockyard, t 460 5705, akaparo@hotmail.com
Feng-shui designed hair and beauty salon offering Swedish massage, shiatsu head massage, body scrubs, facials and a chiropractic service. Opening times and days vary.
Blue at Carlisle Bay, Old Road
Very stylishly presented spa with six treatment rooms, including a couple’s room and a wet room, offering a range of health and beauty treatments using natural products by Living Nature of New Zealand. Treatments include facials, body polish, body wrap, Swedish and sports massage, Indian head massage, manicures and pedicures. Facilities include a sauna, juice bar, gym, plunge pools, plus an area to relax. Yoga and Pilates classes.
Blue Waters Beauty Salon and Spa, Blue Waters Hotel, Soldier Bay, t 462 0290
A range of beauty and spa services including sea mud wraps, natural sea salt scrubs, Swedish massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.
Equilibrium, Gambles Medical Centre, Friars Hill Road, St John’s, t 462 7919
Air-conditioned health spa which has qualified therapists offering passive exercise and holistic massages as well as a range of spa services including body wraps, body scrubs, Facialtone beauty treatment, aromatherapy facials, manicures, pedicures and Bodyslim electrotherapy treatment.
Esthetiques Plus, Woods Centre, nr St John’s, t 562 2098/2297
Services include massage, facials, body wrap, body sloughing, manicure, pedicure, waxing. Steam room and sauna.
The Sanctuary, St James’s Club, Mamora Bay, t 460 5000
Located on a hilltop with sea views, the Sanctuary is an outdoor treatment pavilion with a range of treatments, including body massages, reflexology and Indian head massages, and runs in conjunction with the hotel’s current full service salon and spa.
The Spa, Curtain Bluff Old Road, t 462 8400
A 5000 square foot spa set on the waterfront. There are five treatment rooms, one of which is a couples suite. The Spa offers a full range of treatments by Pevonia Botantica-trained therapists and include Curtain Bluff’s signature Caviar & Champagne Massage and Myaxy Caviar Mask, a Caribbean Green Coffee body wrap, Sabail Stone Therapy, pregnancy massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.
Touch Therapies, Fort Road, St John's, t 562 1286/5144, islandmassage@hotmail.com
Beauty treatments including facials, body wraps and scrubs as well as Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, sports massage, laser hair removal, waxing and aromatherapy. They provide a mobile massage service to private homes, hotels and villas. They also have locations at Hawksbill Beach Resort and Grand Royal Antigua Resort. Even an airport service.
For an Antigua hotel or accommodation with a spa: | Carlisle Bay
An exquisite hotel set in its own very attractive, natural bay on Antigua’s southern coast. Carlisle Bay is in the vanguard of modern Caribbean style, decorated with metropolitan verve but in keeping with the loveliest tropical calm and charm. | Hawksbill Beach Resort
A large Antigua hotel with 111 rooms stretched over four excellent beaches and waterfront on the western coast of Antigua. All inclusive plan but low key, quietly sophisticated atmosphere and pretty garden surroundings. Good deal for solo travellers. | St James's Club
Set on its own calm inlet, Mamora Bay, in the South-east of Antigua, the St James's Club is a resort particularly popular with families offering an optional all inclusive plan. It has 250 rooms ranged in blocks looking out onto the ocean and villas overlooking the bay itself. Good for children. | Curtain Bluff
An upscale resort in a lovely secluded setting on two bays on Antigua’s southern shore. Curtain Bluff has been a trusty fixture on the luxury Caribbean scene for many years and retains its position among the area’s best loved hotels. |
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Special Interests
Antigua is most famous for its Sailing and it is one of the major centres for the Caribbean. The sport is centred on English and Falmouth Harbours in the South-east of the island, which becomes extremely lively in the season (from December to April). The island is also a popular port of call for cruise ships, including some of the smaller sailing ships. Antigua is also generally good for Sports. Dickenson Bay, the island’s most popular beach, is a lively centre for watersports, but if you are an advanced windsurfer or kitesurfer you will find very good onshore winds and facilities in the North-east. While the Scuba Diving is not among the best in the Caribbean, Antigua does make a good place to learn or dip into the sport. Finally there are two golf courses on Antigua, both of which accept visitors.
Other activities on land are slightly less abundant. If you are interested in Nature, or Flora and Gardens, then not very much is formally organised (though Barbuda has some interest in its frigatebird sanctuary, see an article about Barbuda and the frigatebird sanctuary). The human activity is livelier. There are many bars in which you can hear home-grown and general Caribbean Music. Also, if you happen to be on island at the time of Carnival then make sure to go along and have a look. You can even buy a costume in one of the bands and join in the parades.
With its large sailing industry, Antigua makes a fun visit for a Solo Traveller, but it also caters well for families with a number of hotels suitable for Children. Many of the hotels would also happy to arrange a Wedding for you. There are some excellent beaches on which to hold a ceremony and other romantic locations among Antigua’s many fortifications. Although the Holistic side of life is not particularly well developed in Antigua, there is an increasing number of Spas where you can get massage and other treatments. |
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Sports
Watersports
Antigua has good watersports. Different beaches have their specialities, see below, and of course most hotels have some sports equipment for loan or hire, but the liveliest general beach is Dickenson Bay. A general watersports operator there is Tony’s Watersports next to Sandals.
Snorkelling
There are many opportunities for snorkelling around the coast of Antigua. In such shallow, coral based seas there are plenty of reefs close to shore and most hotels carry snorkelling equipment. Snorkelling is included on the day sails and kayaking eco trips. On the Atlantic side the usual stops are on Green Island and Bird Island. On the Caribbean coast you will usually stop at Cades Reef, which is partly designated as a National Park, or a reef and a wreck off the Royal Antiguan hotel at Five Islands.
Sports Fishing
The Antigua and Barbuda Annual Sport Fishing Tournament attracts big game anglers and is held in May of each year around the Whit weekend. The waters around Antigua, depending on the time of year see tuna, kingfish, wahoo and dorado. If you are more interested in bonefish, then they can be found in Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon.
Overdraft, English Harbour, t 462 1961, nunesb@candw.ag, www.antiguafishing.com
A fully equipped, 40ft fiberglass fishing boat (single Detroit-Diesel) with Capt Frank Hart at the helm, which is available for 6 anglers for up to eight hour charters, with drinks included. Can be booked through St James Travel & Tours.
Obsession, Catamaran Marina, Falmouth Harbour, t 462 3174 or 2824/464 3174, obsession@itadmin.com, www.charternet.com/charters/obsession
A 45ft Hatteras Convertible operated by Capt Derek Biel (IGFA certified) since 1991. The boat has twin Detroit-Diesels 8V-71, Rupp outriggers, international fighting chair, custom built rods from 20-80 lbs with PENN spinning reels and ALUTECNOS single and two speed reels. The boat is fully air-conditioned and can accommodate up to 6 anglers for half or full day charters with drinks included. Overnight fishing trips to Barbuda can also be arranged.
Surfing
Antigua is not among the leading islands in the Caribbean for surfing but gets some good swell off the Atlantic in the South-east of the island. The best beach is Turtle Bay, but there are occasionally swells from the west, in which case the best breaks are at Galley Bay and at Sand Haven south of Dickenson Bay.
Please see our notes on Scuba Diving and Windsurfing and Kitesurfing.
Land-based sports
Cycling
The Antigua & Barbuda Amateur Cycling Association, t 462 3476, organise mountain bike races which visitors are welcome to participate in. Companies that can arrange mountain bike trips include:
Bike Plus, St John’s, t 462 2453
Adults mountain-bike rentals.
Cycle Krazy, St John’s, t 462 9253
Adult mountain bike and helmet rentals. Guided group tours available.
Paradise Boat Sales, Jolly Harbour, t 460 7125
Mountain and other bicycle rentals from US$15 per day to U$70 per week, including child seat and locks.
Running
Antigua Hash House Harriers, t 464 8609, hashmaster@antiguahash.org, www.antiguahash.org
Started in 1991 in Antigua, the Hash House Harriers meet every other Saturday afternoon, year-round. Runs can attract up to 100 people of all ages to run, jog, walk or stroll the route. The courses often pass through remote areas of the country and so they offer a good opportunity to see places that you would not otherwise see. Afternoons end with a bring your own barbeque and the traditional hash bar. Contact Hash Master, Teddy Damron.
Tennis and Squash
BBR Sportive Ltd, Jolly Harbour Sports Centre, t 462 6260
Four floodlit tennis courts, two clay and two astroturf. Glass backed squash court. The sports center also has a 25m swimming pool, half basketball court, equipment hire, showers and locker rooms and a restaurant.
Temo Sports Complex, Yacht Club Road, Falmouth Harbour, t 463 6376 /460 1781
Floodlit synthetic grass courts and two glass backed squash courts, with equipment for rental. Bar serves snacks and satellite TV for sporting events.
Please see our notes on Horse Riding and Golf.
Horse Racing
After a hiatus of almost two years horse racing is due to come back on line, with repairs to the track at Cassada Gardens near St John's, and general facilities carried out in early 2006. The first race took place in May and the racing calendar currently includes bank holidays only. Antigua Turf Association, Neil Cochraine, t 464 9315 |
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Taxis
Taxis are widely available in Antigua, at the airport, in town and in any of the main tourism centres including Dickenson Bay and English Harbour. Chance that you cannot find one, just walk into the nearest hotel and they’ll call one for you. Taxis are not metered - fares are fixed – but it is still a good idea to confirm the cost of your journey before setting off. It is also probably a good idea to know whether the rate is in US$ or EC$.
Taxi associations and stands include:
United Taxi Association, VC Bird International Airport, t 562 0262
St John’s Taxi Service, Heritage Quay, t 460 6855
West Bus Station Taxi Service, t 462 5190
Some sample fares are, from the Airport to
St John’s – US$9
Dickenson Bay - US$13
Carlisle Bay - US$26
Nelson’s Dockyard – US$25
And from St John’s to
Dickenson Bay - US$7
Nelson’s Dockyard - US$25 |
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Telephone
The international dialling code from the UK for Antigua is 001 268 followed by seven digits. When on-island simply dial the seven digits. Overseas phone calls can be made from most phone booths around the island, payment for which is by credit card or a local pre-paid Cable & Wireless phone card.
If you are staying in a villa you should check to see if the phone allows international calls. Some have debars, which will have to be lifted. There is usually a deposit for this service.
A GSM roaming mobile service is now available on the island, so mobile phones from abroad will work (though calls can still be pretty expensive). The network is Cable & Wireless and APUA PCS. Cellular phones can be rented from Cable & Wireless in Woods Mall, t 480 2636.
Internet services are available at most hotels, and some villas. There are also several internet cafes in the key tourist areas. |
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Time Zone
Antigua is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is four hours behind GMT (Britain in winter) and five behind Europe. During the winter it is an hour ahead of the eastern seaboard of the USA.
Antigua has no summer daylight saving time, so when the clocks change for the summer it is five hours behind Britain and on the same time as the eastern seaboard. |
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Tour Operators
Many tour operators (UK and Europe) and wholesalers (US) offer Antigua in their programmes. On DefinitiveCaribbean we will be picking out the cream of the bunch for you - operators that are Caribbean specialists and give the best levels of service, in all price ranges. Our selection criteria will not however be price-led because we believe the tour operators with specialist knowledge and advice give a more valuable service. Collectively we call them 'travel organisers' because whether in the UK, Europe or the States, tour operators and wholesalers are generally speaking the principals. They put the holidays together that may subsequently be sold to the public via travel agents.
In the UK and Europe, all tour operators should be bonded for your financial protection. They sell flight inclusive holidays under licence from government bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority (UK). Some travel agents also have the required bonding and licences to put together flight inclusive holidays, and there are a few Caribbean specialists among them.
Message to Tour Operators, Wholesalers and specialist travel agents:
We invite any travel organiser working as a Caribbean specialist with a programme to Barbados to contact us if we are not already in communication with you. Initially please email us for further details.
The list that follows will obviously be developed but among the best Caribbean specialist travel organisers offering holidays to Antigua are:
| | CaribtoursA lovely company that has not diluted its high standards of personal service for the sake of profit; excellent brochure; fairly priced holidays. Strong following of repeat clients, some famous, some infamous and others simply seeking consistently reliable service and value for money. | | CV TravelA long established villa holiday specialist with an extensive Caribbean programme. CV Travel offers a broad range of Caribbean villas of all sizes and prices in twelve islands, ranging from simple beachfront homes to substantial staffed villas, estates, even private islands. Also a selection of the region’s finest villa resorts and characterful hotels and inns. | | Tropic BreezeA small and knowledgeable UK tour operator with a good depth of accommodation, particularly in the mid to upper price range, in twelve islands in the Eastern Caribbean, from the BVI down to Tobago. Tropic Breeze is friendly and offers tailor-made advice from long-time Caribbean specialists |
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Tourist Information
There is a tourist information desk at the airport, located within the Arrivals Hall, beyond the immigration desks.
The head office of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism is in St John’s, at the corner of Nevis Street and Friendly Alley St John's, Antigua, t 1268 462 0480 deptourism@antigua.gov.ag . There is a desk at which you can get information.
There are overseas offices of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism in
Britain: Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office, 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London, W1H 4LP, England, t 0207 258 0070 tourisminfo@antigua-barbuda.com
Canada: Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism & Trade, 60 St. Claire Avenue East, Suite 304, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4T 1N5, t 1 416 961 3085 info@antigua-barbuda-ca.com
USA: Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism and Trade, 25 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 300, Miami, FL 33131, t 1305 381 6762 cganuear@bellsouth.net
Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism, 610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311, New York, NY 10020, t 1212 541 4117 info@antigua-barbuda.org |
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Tours of Antigua
With its large numbers of visitors there are plenty of tours of Antigua and they cover all the things that you expect, from shopping in St John’s to the historic sites, with stops along the way to beach bars and local restaurants. If you would like to see the some of the island’s excellent bays and reefs, then there are also plenty of sailing trips, see Day Sails. Another option is to go by helicopter which will give a spectacular view of the whole island form above.
It is also fun to make the trip to Barbuda. There is now a day trip on the catamaran Excellence, see below.
Other recommended tours of Antigua include:
Tropical Adventures, Island Safari, t 480 1225
They operate a variety of excursions including their Island Safari for off-road tours in open-top jeeps and Kayak Antigua, a paddling eco and snorkel trip. They also offer the Tiami sailing and Excellence boat trips.
Antigua Paddles Kayak Eco Adventure, Seatons Village, t 463 1944 www.antiguapaddles.com
A half day trip exploring the North Sound Marine Park by kayak and motor boat, plus reef snorkelling and a hike at Bird Island. Minimum age 7 yrs.
Estate Safari & Classic Jeep Tours, t 463 2061
Choose from the off–the-beaten track estate safari or the more historical classic tour in air-conditioned jeeps. Lunch included.
Caribbean Helicopters, t 460 5900, www.caribbeanhelicopters.net
See Antigua from the air with either a 15 minute half island trip or a 30 minute full island tour. They also operate a 45 minute aerial tour of Montserrat and its volcano. A donation from each Montserrat trip goes towards aid for Montserrat.
Excellence, t 480 1225
A day trip to Barbuda are operated by the luxury high speed catamaran. There is a choice of either a tour of Barbuda by sea or a land tour and includes lunch (lobster when in season) and drinks.
Happy Trails Antigua, t 464 2089/772 0413, amw@candw.ag, www.happytrailsantigua.com
A family-run jeep tour business operated by Ann Marie Williams and her son Gareth, which offers a range of combination off-road tours in 4x4 air-conditioned Toyota Prado jeeps. Tours include a hike through the forest trail to Wallings Dam, to historical forts such as Fort Barrington or Fort Berkeley, visits to Nelson’s Dockyard or Betty’s Hope sugar estate and activities such as swimming with stingrays at Stingray City and the Paddles kayak and snorkel eco tour. All tours include a beach stop for a simple chicken lunch and swimming. A recent addition is a ‘combo tour’ which includes Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights followed by a drive through the rain forest to Canopy Tours where you do the zip wires and have lunch. Refreshment as well as freshly baked banana bread and home made rum punch are provided on all tours as well. New tours currently being developed include a Cultural tour, a Rum Runner tour and a Honeymooners Sunset tour for two. Private, personalised tours can also be arranged.
Most of the above tours can also be booked via St James Travel & Tours. |
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Water
The mains water is generally safe to drink in Antigua (it is a combination of treated rainwater and desalinated seawater), but to be safe you may prefer to drink bottled water, of which there are plenty of brands. Antiguan brands include Oasis, Blue Waters and Paradise. |
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Weather
Antigua is a relatively dry island. With its lower-lying terrain, it does not collect the huge rainclouds that the taller volcanic islands see. That said, tropical rainstorms do pass and there is still an average 45 inches of rain each year. There is a short rainy season in June, but the main one is much later in the year, in November.
The temperature varies by just a few degrees across the year, usually between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit from winter to summer. The island rarely gets too hot, except occasionally in summer, particularly if it is still for a few days when it can become humid. Generally though, there is a breeze to take the edge off the heat.
Antigua is in the hurricane belt and these massive storms do pass by from time to time in the late summer when the Atlantic Ocean, where they are generated, becomes warm enough. The most likely week for a hurricane to hit is in the middle of September. More likely to interrupt your holiday however, are the storms in the North Atlantic, from where a blanket of cloud will occasionally spin off a weather system and send cloud cover down to the Caribbean for a few days. |
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Weddings
Antigua is well set up for a truly memorable wedding or renewal of wedding vows. There are some fantastic settings. You might choose to marry on the beach, in the garden of your hotel, in a villa or even on a yacht.
The other vital component of a successful wedding in the Caribbean is an on-island organiser who can put the whole thing together for you. Arranging and ceremony in a romantic setting and then a reception somewhere else can become something of a logistical exercise, so to ensure that everything is just as you would wish and that it runs smoothly, it is a good idea to include your wedding plans at the same time as you plan your holiday.
If you are booking via a tour operator, discuss your requirements with them before booking, or if you are making your own arrangements, then make sure to contact your hotel, villa agent or the local organiser for advice. Most hotels offer wedding packages, and some have dedicated wedding co-ordinators. For villa weddings, you will need to check that the villa of your choice is happy to accommodate your ideas. You will find that villas require that their local manager or a local wedding co-ordinator is involved to supervise the event.
Unless you are going for a relatively simple wedding, you may want to include the services of a local organiser especially if you have in mind something larger than the hotel or villa can cope with. On Antigua our chosen local organiser is St James Travel & Tours, who can tailor your wedding to your exact requirements.
Their basic wedding package covers garden or other outdoor ceremonies and costs US$600 and includes the following:
Meeting the couple as soon after arrival as convenient, to discuss and coordinate the arrangements
Round trip transfers to the Ministry
Special licence fee
Wedding cake
Bottle of sparkling wine
Obtaining registered copy of the Marriage Certificate
Full services of a wedding co-ordinator at all times
Two witnesses are required on the wedding day, and will be provided if necessary.
This package can be tailored as you wish. Church weddings carry additional charges.
At all times you will have the full services of their wedding co-ordinator, who will accompany you throughout your wedding procedures, having taken care of processing ancillary requirements prior to your arrival. These may include flower arrangements, headdresses, hairdresser, make-up, photographer, video, guitarist, steelband,
St James Travel & Tours can also arrange Renewal of Vows Blessings, and will arrange receptions, wedding dinners etc.
Venue suggestions for Antigua weddings include: Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Harmony Hall, aboard a yacht and of course the beach.
There is no waiting period in Antigua prior to obtaining a Special Licence to get married. Both parties need to be present when the application form is completed and signed which is done at the Ministry Of Justice and Legal Affairs in St John’s. Opening times are 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Thu and 8am to 3pm on Fri.
Legal requirements for getting married in Antigua are:
Valid passports are required for UK/European residents. US citizens can produce valid passports or original or certified copies of the applicants’ Birth Certificates along with photo ID such as a drivers licence or state issued ID card.
Proof of status: if single, a declaration is signed in Antigua. If divorced, original Decree Absolute papers must be produced or a certified copy and both must have the court seal where the Decree was issued.
If widowed, the Marriage Certificate and partners Death Certificate must be produced.
If either party is under 18 years of age, he/she must have written parental consent.
Legal proof must be presented if either party has changed their name by Deed Poll.
The Special Licence fee is US$150 payable to Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs on Lower Nevis Street in St John’s and a registration fee of US$40 to be paid at the Courthouse in St John’s. The cost of a Marriage Officer to perform a wedding ceremony outside of the Courthouse is US$50. The cost of an additional copy of the wedding certificate is US$10.
The wedding ceremony can be performed between the hours of 6am and 8pm and will be performed by the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar or a Marriage Officer. Two witnesses are required to solemnise the marriage.
Church Weddings may require special documents and permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. Contact should be made well in advance to make arrangements and may involve contact with your church back home. In the case of Roman Catholics, couples are required to attend pre-nuptial counselling and proof of this is required from your priest back home.
Do think about the time of day you are hoping to get married, and what you are going to be wearing. Is it practical or comfortable to choose full blown traditional attire and high heels if you are going to marry on the beach? What about your guests? Does getting sand in your shoes bother you? Most weddings take place late afternoon to avoid the heat and to use the best of the sunsets to get romantic photos. Think about the practicalities of what you want to do and how it will affect the enjoyment of the event.
Small cottages such as Twinkle and K'ai Etoile make delightful honeymoon spots and the other featured properties below either offer weddings packages or will organise weddings on property: | Blue Waters Hotel
A large and lively Caribbean hotel tucked into its own secluded bay in the North-west of Antigua. Blue Waters is a beach resort hotel with its own strong character, with plenty of watersports and other activities, including a spa and entertainment. | Carlisle Bay
An exquisite hotel set in its own very attractive, natural bay on Antigua’s southern coast. Carlisle Bay is in the vanguard of modern Caribbean style, decorated with metropolitan verve but in keeping with the loveliest tropical calm and charm. | Curtain Bluff
An upscale resort in a lovely secluded setting on two bays on Antigua’s southern shore. Curtain Bluff has been a trusty fixture on the luxury Caribbean scene for many years and retains its position among the area’s best loved hotels. | Jumby Bay
A small and stylish Antigua hotel set on its own island just off the north-eastern shore of Antigua. Jumby Bay is understated and elegant, and set on a superb beach that gives onto a fantastic sea. | Galley Bay
A large hotel with a magical setting, stretched along a cracking strip of sand and sea on the west coast of Antigua. Galley Bay’s 70 rooms are in both rustic, Gauguin-style cottages and in modern Caribbean style. All inclusive plan, but full of character. | The Carib House
Immensely stylish property, with a fusion of earthy Caribbean flair and European refinement, set in landscaped grounds above Falmouth Harbour and Antigua’s southern coast. A three-bedroom main villa (with a one-bedroom apartment and a one bedroom chattel house cottage), all designed to get the best in open-air living. A perfect getaway for families or couples seeking privacy in style, an excellent setting for special occasions such as a wedding. | Moondance
A thoroughly exotic retreat in eclectic tropical style, with designer décor and quality furnishings, set within the grounds of Galleon Beach (with use of their facilities). Three-bedroom main villa, one bedroom studio cottage and one bedroom cottage (both of which can be taken separately), all with lovely views over English Harbour. Virtually beachfront, set above a quarter mile stretch of a safe, white sand beach. Perfect for families, weddings or honeymoons. | Hawksbill Beach Resort
A large Antigua hotel with 111 rooms stretched over four excellent beaches and waterfront on the western coast of Antigua. All inclusive plan but low key, quietly sophisticated atmosphere and pretty garden surroundings. Good deal for solo travellers. | Harmony Hall
A very small and secluded hotel set around a small estate house and windmill art gallery near Antigua’s eastern coast. Just six rooms in a quiet but very pretty setting. Closed mid-May to early November. | Galleon Beach Villas & Resort
Low key and affordable beachfront retreat set in leisurely gardens overlooking English Harbour in the South-east of Antigua. Galleon Beach has a mix of self-catering cottages and private villas with pools, all giving onto a pretty white sand beach. Excellent, relaxed family resort. Good for weddings and honeymoons too. | Catamaran Hotel
A collection of 14 self-catering rooms and suites set on a small strip of sand on Falmouth Harbour in the south of Antigua. The small hotel is good value and has a friendly atmosphere. It has a pool, some watersports and a restaurant and bar close by, so you can to tuck yourself away, but it is also within a shout of the activity of English Harbour. Good place to stay for Antigua Sailing Week. | Twinkle
A rustic, charming cottage with a typical tropical style, set below the main property Moondance Villa, and within the grounds of Galleon Beach, with sister cottage K’ai Etoile next door. Has lovely views over English Harbour. Virtually beachfront, sitting above a quarter mile stretch of a safe, white sand beach. Perfect for couples, and honeymoons. | K'ai Etoile
An enchanting guest cottage with a traditional tropical style, set below the main property Moondance Villa, and within the grounds of Galleon Beach, with sister cottage Twinkle next door. Has lovely views over English Harbour. Virtually beachfront, set above a quarter mile stretch of a safe, white sand beach. Perfect for couples, and for honeymoons. | Lime Hill
An elegantly dressed 4 bedroom villa with delightful views from its elevated position overlooking Galleon Beach resort at English Harbour. Guests can enjoy both the privacy of villa life and the complimentary facilities of the resort. Ideal for entertaining, mature families or groups of friends. | Sirius Villa
A delightfully light and airy private 3 bedroom villa at Galleon Beach resort with well-furnished open plan living/dining/kitchen area, a sizeable wide veranda, pleasant pool terrace with excellent views from its hillside position overlooking Galleon Beach at English Harbour. Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends. | Rock Cottage
A secluded, very private five-bedroom villa in a stunning location at the tip of a point at Blue Waters Hotel. Spectacular master suite, bathroom and pool with a view, very comfortable living areas on a small clifftop, private jetty. | Anchorage Inn
A friendly, family-owned inn with some self catering rooms in the north of Antigua, within easy reach of the Dickenson Bay beach, St John’s and the airport. Set in brightly decorated buildings, Anchorage Inn offers good value and sees an interesting mix of holidaymakers and other travellers. | Siboney Beach Club
A family owned, beachfront property with just twelve one-bedroom suites, set on Dickenson Bay, Antigua’s liveliest beach. Tucked in an oasis garden bursting with tropical greenery, it is informal, friendly and ideal for travellers seeking an independent holiday while still being close to the action. Very well priced. |
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What to Pack
Consider the following items for your packing list when heading out to the Caribbean:
Sun protection, high factor sun cream, sunglasses, hat/cap and a lightweight shirt/blouse/t-shirt for the beach, suitable beach and walking shoes, mosquito repellent containing DEET suitable for use all day, cream for insect bites, toiletries including feminine items, beach mat/towel.
Lightweight cotton is the best clothing, with elegant/casual attire for evenings. Note that most good restaurants and top hotels require men to wear long trousers and shirts with a collar in the evenings. During the festive season people tend to dress up more and the most exclusive establishments may request a jacket and tie. Ladies may wish to pack a lightweight wrap or jacket during the winter months, as the evenings (Jan/Feb) sometimes feel cool after the heat of the day. You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing in Antigua.
Antigua is usually well stocked with batteries, but do not depend on there being camera film or batteries. Also bring an electrical adapter and you may want to bring a small torch.
Any prescription medication that you need to take should be carried in your hand luggage and should remain in its original packaging for clear identification by customs in case they want to check contents.
Don’t forget your passport, driving licence and insurance (medical and travel) documents. |
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Windsurfing/Kitesurfing
There are good opportunities for windsurfers and latterly kitesurfers in Antigua. The winds come straight off the Atlantic and can blow reliably at up to 20 knots and stronger. Windsurfing has been in place for a long time and many hotels have equipment that you can borrow or hire. Although it was possible to kite-surf here too, no operator is currently in business.
The season is early in the year when the winds are at their best (between December and March, with a rise in June and July), though it is possible to surf year round. Out of season the winds are still pretty reliable, just slightly less strong, usually between ten and fifteen knots, an perhaps better for less experienced sailors.
The best location for both sports is in the North-east beyond the airport, where they blow onshore at an angle. This is where the serious companies with high standard equipment are based. Less experienced sailors may want to start off in Dickenson Bay and graduate over when they feel ready. The two main companies
Windsurf Antigua, Jabberwock Beach, t 268 461 9463, m 268 773 9463, windsurfingantigua@hotmail.com, www.windsurfantigua.net
Jabberwock is a beautiful white sandy beach just 5 minutes from the airport. Good enclosed area with cross and onshore winds, shallow water, instruction at all levels. Patrick Scales specialises in teaching beginners. Mistral, Starboard and Fanatic boards, North and Ezzy Sails. Lessons for all standards of windsurfers available. |
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Yoga/Holistic Activities
Antigua is not that developed in the way of holistic activities, though a couple of the hotels offer yoga, Pilates and T'ai Chi sessions, including Carlisle Bay and the Beach House (in Barbuda). Most hotels will have someone on call, but there is one centre and some private practitioners who hold sessions around the island. On request they will also come to you.
Chakra Body Works, Shopping Centre store #2, Building B, Jolly Harbour, t 772 6491, leilanigriffing@gmail.com
Air-conditioned clinic with licensed massage therapists. They also run regular yoga classes at the Dogwatch Tavern on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am and an Ashtanga yoga class on Saturdays 9am, at Paradise Fitness, North Street in St John’s. Times may vary. Private lessons are available.
Equilibrium, Gambles Medical Centre, St John’s, t 462 7919
An air-conditioned day spa with qualified therapists who offer passive exercise and holistic massages as well as their spa services.
Kathleen Sharpe, t 461 2484
A Hatha yoga teacher with over forty years experience, Kathleen holds classes at various locations throughout the island. There are weekly classes to suit all levels. Can do special group arrangements.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Definitive Caribbean is most grateful for the photographic contributions we received for use in the Antigua Guide. Contributions came from Alastair Abrehart, Broadsword www.caribbeanracing.com, Antigua Paddles Kayak Eco Adventure, (www.antiguapaddles.com), Blue Waters Hotel, Brooks LaTouche Photography - Cable & Wireless (www.cwcricket.com), Caribtours, Carlisle Bay, Cedars Pottery (www.cedarspottery.com), Dickenson Bay Cottages, Galleon Beach Villas & Resort, Galley Bay, Harmony Hall, Hawksbill Beach Resort, (Rex Resorts - www.fotoseeker.com) Island Pearl, Jumby Bay, K'ai Etoile, KiteAntigua (www.kiteantigua.com), Lime Hill, Moondance, St Barths Commuter, St James's Club, The Carib House, The Owners' Syndicate, Tim Wright (www.photoaction.com), Wadadli Cats (www.wadadlicats.com), Feona Gray, Deana Bellamy, James Henderson and the Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Office.
Picture Editor, Alexander Gray |
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