The Caribbean twin-islands of Antigua and Barbuda is the perfect destination for those looking for sunnier climates, beautiful pristine beaches, countless authentic experiences and friendly people. Famous for its 365 beaches, it is known for much more including a “charm that’s good for the soul.” It has a vibe — and beach! — to suit every person and price point. Antigua and Barbuda offers visitors a quintessential Caribbean experience, featuring candy-colored villages, along with an island-driven mellowness from engaging locals who'll greet you with wide smiles.
Antigua and Barbuda’s corrugated coasts cradle hundreds of perfect little coves bordered by cerulean waters, while the sheltered bays have provided refuge for everyone from Admiral Nelson to buccaneers and yachties. Being a twin-island destination means that Antigua and Barbuda offers visitors two uniquely different experiences with ideal temperatures year-round with rich history, vibrant culture and exciting excursions. With more and more flights to Antigua and Barbuda from the U.S. being added in recent years, it’s easier than ever to get there.
The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua and Barbuda is home to a rich history throughout a lush and spectacular landscape. One of the island’s top historical attractions is Nelson’s Dockyard, one of the only UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Caribbean. It is the only remaining example of a Georgian fort that has been fully restored to its original splendor. Today, Nelson’s Dockyard provides many sites and activities for visitors to explore and enjoy. One of the highlights is the Dockyard Museum, located in the former Admiral’s House. The Copper and Lumber Store Hotel offers five-star accommodations and is a magnificent venue for special occasions. Businesses including gift shops, art galleries and restaurants also reside in the Dockyard and demonstrate how the park preserves the area’s unique cultural heritage.
The dockyard is also home to the beautiful harbour, where you’ll find countless glorious boats, especially during sailing and yachting season. Antigua and Barbuda is a coveted destination for nautical events and throughout its history has maintained its reputation as one of the premier yachting destinations in the Caribbean. Due to its sheltered harbours, large number of anchorages and abundant natural beauty, the islands present a haven for visitors seeking adventures on the water.
Antigua’s tourism events calendar offers exciting events for visitors and locals alike, including the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and the annual Antigua Carnival — known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Other highlights include racing events, Restaurant Week, fishing tournaments and a marathon for those looking to “Run in Paradise.”
Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. It is also home to luxury as Nobu Barbuda and Nobu Beach Inn are Robert De Niro’s newest luxury wellness and dining retreat. With just five cabanas, including one with a VIP experience complete with a lounge and private dining, the beach club is designed to be a personal base camp for a luxe oceanside experience, with personal hosts and even massages on request.
Both Antigua and Barbuda offer properties at every price point for visitors to choose from, from luxurious boutique hotels to villas to affordable and charming family-friendly all-inclusives — as well as those properties from luxury to affordable that are adults-only that might be more appealing to couples and group travel.
For those looking for romance, there is no better place for couples to celebrate their love than Antigua and Barbuda, a true romantic paradise. From fine dining on the beach to the romance of the past, to stunning nature and pristine beaches. Couples can see the island from high above in a private helicopter tour, get up close and personal with the local sea life on a private charter or enjoy the stunning sunset on a catamaran tour. Whether it’s spending time on secluded beaches together or getting a couples CBD massage at the Wild Lotus or visiting some of the biggest stingrays in the Caribbean, what isn’t to be missed is Shirley Heights Lookout which offers the opportunity to gaze down upon the island of Antigua from 490 feet above while exploring an old historic British military base.
Antigua and Barbuda has plenty to offer visitors, from guided electric bike tours to snorkeling excursions to yoga sessions in nature to Rastafarian tours to perfect conditions for kiteboarding to plenty of hiking trails. The twin-islands have seen a lot of growth in the past few years as more people have discovered the magic of the destination. Critical to this growth is the commitment to doing so sustainably. A commitment from not just the government but the properties and companies as well. In 2017, Antigua and Barbuda launched “The Green Corridor” which focuses on the lush green rainforest, rolling hills and environmentally aware hotels, restaurants and activities. By working together, Antigua and Barbuda was named Lonely Planet’s “Emerging Sustainable Destination of the Year” in 2021, where the iconic travel guide heralded Antigua and Barbuda as being one of the destinations transforming the travel industry. So visitors can plan their escape to the sun-soaked twin islands, knowing that they’re doing so in a sustainable manner.
Antigua and Barbuda offers visitors something that everyone dreams of: a slice of paradise. From easy accessibility in getting there to tantalizing cuisine to pristine beaches to local rum and music to friendly and welcoming locals. Everyone leaves having enjoyed either a few indulgent days or a few weeks of relaxation. From lounging on the beach to adventure, from affordable to ultra-luxury, the destination has visitors covered year-round.
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