What to see in Antigua

We round up the top spots from across the Caribbean island of Antigua

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We love… Xtreme Circumnavigation

For those into adrenaline-pumping activities, suggest a high-speed boat trip. Adventure Antigua offers a hair-swishing, water-spraying, full-day excursion circling the island, taking passengers bounding up and down sizeable waves to see the likes of Stingray City and Eric Clapton’s house, before stopping at a deserted beach for a picnic lunch with cerulean sea as a backdrop.

There’s also snorkelling, swimming and rum punch, if the rest doesn’t sway. Prices from $170.
adventureantigua.com

Star attraction… Wallings Nature Reserve

Clients keen on hiking? Suggest a visit to this protected reserve, where a series of trails meander through rocky rainforest amid dangling vines and twisted trees. The most popular is Signal Hill, a two-mile route that leads to a serene opening for panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and ocean. It’s steep in places, but worth it for the rewards.
wallingsnaturereserve.org

Take a stroll… St John’s 

Antigua might be famed for its 365 beaches, but for those interested in digging a little deeper, it’s worth suggesting a mosey around capital St John’s. Highlights include Redcliff Quay, where manicured shops and cafes fringe the water, and a sense-overloading fish market where giant catches sit in slippery vats.

Elsewhere, a tangle of streets lined with candy-coloured houses offer a glimpse into the island’s less-polished side, and an impressive cathedral is a legacy of its days under British occupation.

Make time for… Nelson’s Dockyard 

Built in the 18th century to protect British navy ships and fend off the French, this Unesco World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the colonial history of both Antigua and the Caribbean as a whole.

A collection of colonial-era buildings cluster around opal-blue water, forming part of a wider national park that also encompasses Shirley Heights, the famous lookout point known for its twice-weekly steel band sunset parties.

Where to stay… Blue Waters

One of the island’s longest-standing properties, this elegant, family-friendly resort sits on the northwest coast, about a 15-minute drive from St John’s, with three restaurants, multiple pools, a spa, tennis courts and three beaches scattered among lush tropical gardens.

Accommodation ranges from balcony rooms and Cove Suites to private villas, making it especially popular with multigenerational groups, while watersports, fishing, daily yoga and other activities are on hand to keep both adults and kids entertained.
bluewaters.net/resort

Book it…

Carrier offers seven nights from £2,820 per person based on two sharing a Cove Suite, including breakfast, British Airways flights, return private transfers and fast-track business service at Gatwick, departing October 2.
carrier.co.uk

PICTURES: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone, rudvi, windcoast

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