Everybody is aware of of The Caribbean, however how a lot have you learnt concerning the particular person islands that make up this wanderlust-worthy a part of the world? Have you learnt which Island you’d select in the event you have been planning your individual vacation to The Caribbean? As a approach to spherical up my current expertise on the island of Antigua, I wish to share 7 the reason why I beloved Antigua. In flip, they’re additionally fairly good causes to decide on Antigua to your Caribbean vacation. So in the event you’re planning your individual paradise break or just need just a little escapism, seize essentially the most tropical drink you may get your arms on and revel in this vibrant submit…
1. You Can Go to Throughout The Antigua Carnival
Definitely the spotlight of my journey to Antigua was attending the Antigua Carnival. The Carnival takes place on the primary weekend of August yearly and celebrations span over 13 days round it. Vacationers are welcome to attend any of the occasions, however a little bit of advance planning is really helpful. While some music occasions are ticketed for a small price, it’s utterly free to spectate the road parades. For an much more genuine Carnival expertise, you’ll be able to be a part of a troupe and really dance within the parades! I joined the Myst Carnival Troupe (one in every of Antigua’s greatest troupes) and danced within the Judging of the Bands parade on the 7th August.
The vitality, music and colors mixed to make it one of the wonderful experiences of my life. Visiting Antigua through the Carnival added an additional dimension to my Caribbean expertise as I obtained to witness the Caribbean tradition and practices. You should definitely try my Greatest Dressed at The Antigua Carnival submit.
2. It’s an Island Paradise with 365 Seashores
Native’s love to assert that Antigua is house to 365 seashores – one for every single day of the yr! I can’t verify whether or not that is true, however I can verify that the seashores in Antigua are a number of the greatest I’ve ever seen. Think about advantageous white sand, aquamarine waters and the nice and cozy, calm Caribbean sea. Should you’re dreaming of these image excellent seashores with #nofilter required, Antigua has them in abundance. I stayed on Dickenson Bay which is the place the Sandals Antigua is situated. As with the remainder of the seashores, Dickenson Bay was excellent.
3. It’s house to unbelievable Seafood
I had a number of the most scrumptious seafood I’ve ever tasted in Antigua and it sticks in my thoughts as one other spotlight. Being surrounded by ocean, you all the time know that the seafood is extremely recent and it tastes all the higher for it. Regional classics like lobster and conch are all the time on the menu however I additionally obtained to strive some completely new fish together with fillet of Mahi Mahi. Head to Papa Zouk Fish and Rum bar on the outskirts of St John’s for an impartial, genuine and extremely tasty seafood restaurant.
4. You Can Sail Around the Complete Island in a Day
Antigua has a circumference of 86km and there are numerous boat excursions, which let you sail across the total island in half a day. It’s an effective way to see the spectacular coastal panorama and the well-known sights together with Shirley Heights, Nelson’s Dockyard and Eric Clapton’s Cliffside vacation house. I joined the Tropical Adventures Circumnavigation tour which picks up and departs from Dickenson Bay. The catamaran boat journey lasted round 6 hours and included a BBQ lunch, limitless drinks and a snorkelling round Nice Chicken Island.
5. The Sundown at Shirley Heights is Breath-taking
One other spotlight of my journey was attending the sundown social gathering at Shirley Heights. This iconic spot is thought for its 18th century ruins and is situated 487 ft above the English Harbour. The view is breath-taking at any time of day, however the perfect time to go to is for the sundown. Each Sunday you’ll be able to attend an epic BBQ night time at Shirley Heights when the resident reggae band and a metal drum band present leisure all night time. We sipped on rum punch and danced the night time away to native Soca music. I’ll point out that 95% of the individuals there are vacationers, but it surely’s the proper vacation night time out for {couples}, pals and households.
6. St John’s will Shock You
St John’s is the biggest city in Antigua and is effectively price a visit for anybody visiting Antigua. You may anticipate finding a cocktail of colonial structure, colored buildings, graffiti and reggae vibes. A go to to St John’s lets you perceive the actual Antigua, away from the bubble of your seashore resort. Spots price visiting embrace Redcliffe Key for a little bit of purchasing and the fruit and veg corridor within the Public Market (the place you’ll discover avocados greater than your arms!) For some tasty grub within the coronary heart of St John’s try Huge Banana.
7. You Can Fly Direct from The UK
The 7th and remaining factor I beloved about Antigua is you could fly there direct from London. I flew from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic however British Airways additionally function common flights. The outbound flight took round 8 hours and 45 minutes and the return flight took a straight 8 hours. Though it’s an extended haul flight, there’s no problem of a switch. For UK travellers who dwell within the North like me, it may be price travelling all the way down to London with the intention to take advantage of the direct flight.
High Luxurious Motels in Antigua
Jumby Bay
The A-Lister’s resort of alternative. Jumby Bay is a Rosewood Resort and is essentially the most extremely regarded lodge on the island, and even The Caribbean. Discover out extra.
Curtain Bluff
Curtain Bluff is named the island’s greatest inclusive resorts with 2 seashores, a spa and nice eating places, tucked away in a personal paradise. Discover out extra.
Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay is a luxurious 5 star resort on Antigua’s south coast. Think about white sand and palm bushes with a backdrop of emerald rainforest. Discover out extra.
Funds Motels in Antigua
Sibodey Seaside Membership, Dickenson Bay
That is the place I stayed throughout my journey to Antigua. Sibodey Seaside Membership provides funds lodging which is well-located on stunning Dickenson Bay. It has a pool for company (though no seashore loungers) and a restaurant referred to as Coconut Grove. I discovered the restaurant service right here to be fairly poor however in the event you want funds air-con lodging on one in every of Antigua’s greatest seashores, Sibodey Seaside Membership matches the invoice. Discover out extra.
What did you consider these 7 causes to decide on Antigua for a Caribbean vacation? Have you ever visited Antigua too or are you dreaming of going? Should you loved this submit or assume there may be anything price mentioning concerning the Island, please go away me a remark within the field under. Jess x
My journey to Antigua was complimentary as a part of a press journey with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. All ideas and photographs are my very own.
