There is a different kind of beach for each and every day of the year in the Caribbean island of Antigua. It’s a common belief among Antigua residents and most people who visit one of the island’s beaches will attest that the Antiguan beachfront—with its coral reefs and far-reaching coasts–feels like a tropical villa in a separate world.
The Commonwealth of Nations as it’s known by the majority of the world is actually the common name given to the trio of Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda. Just over 25 miles north of Antigua is Barbuda while the rocky isle of Redonda is twenty miles to the southwest and to this day it remains largely unoccupied.
Despite its status as an independent nation, Antigua has held and continues to hold true to its British traditions. It has made tremendous inroads in its development from an obscure sugar plantation isolated from the world to what is now a thriving island. During this transformation Antigua still retains numerous facets of its history like the old stone towers once used as sugar mills that remain prevalent throughout the island.
The Antigua scenery may not be like that of neighboring islands in the Caribbean nor does it have the nightlife but these things come across as a completely trivial afterthought after experiencing the beaches. There are however things to do come evening time like casinos and plenty of shopping and dining, still allowing visitors plenty of sights to see and activities to participate in like snorkeling where visitors can catch glimpses of some of the historic shipwrecks or keeping an eye out for the rare frigate birds that inhabit deeper parts of the island. Nelson’s Dockyard is also a favorite with tourists and locals.
Local Antiguans are known for being quite cordial as long as the courtesy is reciprocated and there are many types of people to meet and get to know depending on what portions of the island are visited. Head northwest towards the town of St. John’s in order to find an Antigua hotel or a beachside bar in which to enjoy a drink by the ocean. The town also offers several aquatic activities and is a little more than six miles from the airport.
The most popular Antigua resorts are all located right by the beaches so chances are visitors will be spending the majority of the time enjoying the beaches in the privacy of their island resort escape.
CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF ANTIGUA REAL ESTATE
Antigua real estate already has some of the finest beaches in the world but it still offers a lot more than just beaches. It’s also known for having a large inventory of residential properties to choose from. Explore Fitches Creek to find lots that grant residents the seclusion of an island while still remaining just seconds from the road.
Anyone who wants to indulge their inner golf pro can choose from a large selection of community homes that offer gated security as well as swimming pools, quick access to a nearby marina and a golf course right in one’s backyard.
To really enjoy the experience of an island home, choose a six bedroom villa in a community like Friars Hill and you’ll have a residence with three bathrooms as well as a separate two bedroom cottage complete with kitchen, bathroom and veranda that can be used as an island guesthouse or perhaps a rental home at Blue Waters, Hodges Bay or Boons Point featuring three or more bedrooms and a guest cottage.
Multiple communities in Antigua offer plenty of Antigua island rental homes, all with varying numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms but each emphasizing a prime location. Bringing to life a custom island home can also be easily done in Antigua. The island offers several acres of empty land available for purchase in locations such as by the waterfront or in secluded areas surrounded by plenty of nature. Purchasing or building upon empty land does however require government permits and the proper approvals.
ANTIGUA HOTELS & RESORTS
Carlisle Bay
Amenities
- Two restaurants
- Three bars
- Outdoor pool
- Nine lighted tennis courts
- Fitness gym
- Full-service spa
- Boat excursions
- Dive center
- Children’s programs
- Movie theater
- Library
- Shopping
- Room service
- Dry cleaning
- Afternoon tea
Curtain Bluff
Amenities
- Two restaurants
- Two bars
- Outdoor pool
- Putting green
- Four tennis courts
- Fitness center
- Aerobics
- Bocce court
- Croquet
- Squash court
- Yoga
- Deep-sea fishing
- Dive shop
- Kayaks
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Water skiing
- Windsurfing
- Children’s programs
- Access to computer
- Room service
- Massage
- Babysitting
- Laundry and dry cleaning service
- TV room
Hawksbill by Rex Resorts
Amenities
- Two restaurants
- Two bars
- Tennis court
- Wellness center
- Snorkeling
- Sunfish sailboats
- Water skiing
- Windsurfing
- Nonsmoking rooms
Jumby Bay Resort
Amenities
- Two restaurants
- Three bars
- Golf arranged
- Three tennis courts
- Fitness center
- Snorkeling
- Sunfish sailboats
- Water skiing
- Windsurfing
- Bicycles
- 24 hour room service
- Babysitting
THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF ANTIGUA RESTAURANTS
- Admiral’s Inn – American cuisine
- Bay House – International cuisine
- Big Banana-Pizzas in Paradise – Pizza
- Chez Pascal – French cuisine
- Coco’s – Caribbean cuisine
- Coconut Grove – International cuisine
- George – Caribbean cuisine
- Julian’s Alfresco – International cuisine
- Le Bistro – French cuisine
- Papa Zouk – Seafood cuisine
- Sticky Wicket – International cuisine
ANTIGUA TRAVEL GUIDE
Currency:
The official currency of Antigua is the East Caribbean dollar (EC$) which is at the exchange rate of US$1= EC$2.70.
Telecommunications:
Calling Code: 1 (268)
Top Level Domain: (.ag)
Cable providers: East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS).
Government:
Antigua is a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system of government. The government is headed by an appointed Governor General and has three branches: legislative, executive and judicial.
Passport requirements:
Passports: Required
Valid Travel Documents: Required Exit/Entry
Government Issued Photo ID: Required
Climate:
Antigua has a typical 80 degree temperature tropical marine climate that has very little seasonal change.
Religion: Christianity
Language: Standard English
Tips when you get there:
In Antigua taxis are the dominant form of transportation, but the bus system is also adequate for travel. Depending on where you are staying there are attractions all around the nearly 108 square mile island.
What to do
The Caribbean island of Antigua has a large national park with nature trails that allows you to experience beautiful Antiguan wildlife firsthand. There’s also the historic St. John’s Cathedral on the island that was constructed in 1683 and remains a tourist favorite attracting most island visitors daily.
One cannot name Antigua activities without mentioning the beaches. Antigua is a large island with many coastal venues from historic naval dockyards to beaches with tropical vegetation.
Finally, islanders, fishermen and tradesmen gather on Saturday mornings to create a vast market of goods available for purchase and trade to locals and visitors alike. With fresh fruit, flowers, handcrafts and trinkets readily available, Saturday mornings in Antigua are quite exciting.
