Antigua holidays

1. Antigua offers plenty to do beyond relaxing on the beach, from sailing and snorkelling to island drives, historic sights and spa days. Its beaches are still a highlight, so choosing which ones to visit may be one of the hardest decisions you make on holiday. Discover Runaway Beach, where the white sands stretch for miles, let romance flourish on a boat ride to secluded Green Island or see the pink-hued sands at Half Moon Bay where surf fans can catch waves. From the restaurants, bars and water sports at Dickenson Bay to the tranquil weekday atmosphere and sweeping views at Pigeon Point Beach, there’s no shortage of experiences.
2. Famous for its fantastic sailing conditions, Antigua plays host to world-class sailing events. With the annual Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April and the annual Jolly Harbour Yacht Club Regatta every November – it’s easy to see why water sports are hot on this island. Take a cruise on a catamaran, try kayaking along the shoreline or head out wind-surfing. Make a splash when you snorkel or scuba-dive beside the florid coral reefs. Whether you’re looking for easy-going or adrenaline-fuelled activities, plenty of our hotel resorts offer a variety of water sports. Take a break at the boutique Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort located on the seafront of Falmouth Harbour, providing a prime spot for spectators.
3. The best way to explore Antigua is by hire car. Create your own island itinerary and tick off must-see sights, as well as off-the-beaten-track treats. Make a pit stop to see the candy-coloured colonial architecture in St. John’s – and if you’re peckish, try a plate of Ducana (sweet potatoes and coconut wrapped in a banana leaf) . Drive south to English Harbour to explore the coves or head west to where you can find exhilarating zip line adventures amongst the rainforest treetops. Afterwards, make tracks further west to Ffrye’s Bay or Darkwood Beach for a mesmerising sunset.
4. Experience a dash of Antigua’s history and discover some of the island’s most iconic spots. No trip to Antigua is complete without a visit to the old fort at Shirley Heights. Soak up the sweeping views across the Caribbean Sea and English Harbour. If you plan to visit on a Sunday afternoon, you can join the Sunday barbeque party, with the sounds of steel-pan drums in the zestful atmosphere and tasty bites. Head down to Nelson’s Dockyard, in Antigua’s largest National Park and wander around the marina. If you have time, pop into the naval museum, or stay outdoors and walk the hiking trail to Fort Berkeley.
5. The Caribbean is the perfect place to unwind and Antigua is no exception. Savour a slice of the spa life on a rejuvenating break. Lounge next to pristine pools, relax in fragrant treatment rooms and let any stress ebb away in a bubbling hot tub or steam room.

• Some of the best places to visit in Antigua include its beaches, Shirley Heights, St. John’s and the island’s tropical interior. Start with the island’s coves and bays, from popular Dickenson Bay in the north to laid-back Pigeon Point in the south and the more secluded Half Moon Bay.
• Venture to the tropical rainforests of Antigua for a chance to whiz through the green canopy on a zip line. 
• For a slower pace , join a guided hike and listen for the calls of exotic birds. 
• Then, for a snapshot of history and striking views, make a move to the iconic Shirley Heights. 
• Looking for a little culture? Visit the capital, St. John’s, and tuck into a bowl of local Creole cuisine.

• The best place to stay in Antigua depends on the type of holiday you want. For an all-inclusive break, many resorts bundle meals, drinks and selected activities into the price. Pineapple Beach Club by Elite Island Resorts offers an adult-only beachside stay, while Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa combines a broad choice of restaurants and bars. Galley Bay Resort & Spa by Elite is another adult-only option with a spa and Caribbean Sea views.
• Enjoy every drop of opulence on our luxury holidays in Antigua. From fine dining and butler service to exceptional facilities – you can expect the best from our luxury hotels. Stay at Hermitage Bay for incredible beachfront luxury. Or stay at Jumby Bay Island, where you can hire a bike and cycle around its private island.
• Antigua is also ideal for families looking to blend their beach break with adventurous activities. Whether you’re looking for brilliant facilities, kids’ clubs, babysitting services or a variety of exciting experiences for the whole clan – take a look at our selection of family-friendly hotels is Antigua. There's something for everyone to smile about at St James's Club & Villas by Elite., with its award-winning kids’ club, sandy beaches, water sports and variety of restaurants and bars. The Verandah Resort & Spa by Elite is a great choice for spending quality time together too. Go kayaking, play on the tropical 18-hole mini-golf course or spend an afternoon on a catamaran. When you’re ready for some down time, there’s a kids’ club for your little ones to socialise at. Or indulge your adventurous side at Blue Waters Resort & Spa with sailing, snorkelling or kayaking. Play a spot of tennis, then make a splash in one of three pools. There’s even a rustic rum shack on the beach, perfect for a tasty sundowner.

Antigua’s tropical climate means you can expect warm weather all year round. The best time to enjoy the island’s famed white-sand beaches is during the December to April dry season, characterised by sunshine and low humidity. For a balance of good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices, try visiting just before or just after the peak months.

A week is a good amount of time to enjoy Antigua at a relaxed pace and see more than one side of the island. Shorter stays may focus on the beach and hotel, while a longer trip gives you time to explore different stretches of coastline and visit places such as English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard. The island is compact, but its varied coastline makes it worth exploring beyond one resort or beach.

Antigua is a good option for a family holiday, particularly if you choose a resort with plenty of on-site facilities. Many hotels offer kids’ clubs and organised activities, while the island’s compact size can make days out easier to plan. Beyond the resort, families can combine beach time with boat trips and outdoor activities, giving you plenty of ways to vary the pace of your holiday.