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Antigua and Barbuda

Gateway to the Caribbean

Antigua luxury holidays

Introduction

There’s a distinctly English flavour to this Caribbean favourite, its colonial past showcased in the bustling capital, St John’s, a well as across numerous old forts and historical highlights, which dot a dreamy coastline and verdant interior.

Antigua's position on the northeastern tip of the Caribbean island chain has made it something of a gateway to region. But, it remains quiet and delightfully laid back, a true taste of the West Indies. This is perhaps in part due to the vast number of beaches that dot its palm-fringed shoreline; indeed, it's said that there are so many that you can spend each day of a year on a different one. All in all, if you're after some peace and quite – and why wouldn't you be? – you're likely to find it on Antigua.

Away from the beach, you'll still find plenty to do, from exploring colonial-era sugar mills, Nelson's Dockyard and Fort James to lazing away the hours over a game of cricket – the national obsession. Of course, there's plenty of local rum to enjoy, as well as some truly delicious food. Packed with the spices of the region, it makes for a delicious accompaniment to the slower-than-slow pace of life.

Neighbouring Barbuda is essentially just a single, vast beach. Little more than a sand bar surrounded by coral reef and populated by frigate birds; the Caribbean's largest rookery is also here, making it a popular spot with birdwatchers.

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
8½ hours

Time zone
GMT - 4

Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Language
English

Travel advice
(UK/US) None

Special offers in Antigua and Barbuda

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Guide price from £2,875 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Save up to 30% & complimentary upgrade to half-board
Book by: 31 January 2025

The beautiful sweeping beach and backdrop of gently rolling hills make Carlisle Bay the perfect haven for a truly memorable Caribbean holiday – it’s one of the best hotels in the region.

Blue Waters, Antigua

Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Antigua

Guide price from £2,615 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Up to 25% off accommodation cost
Book by: 20 December 2024

Set amid 17 acres of tropical gardens on a secluded cove, this boutique hideaway serves up instant relaxation paired with an elegant yet distinctly Caribbean ambience.

St Kitts & Nevis

A Caribbean Christmas with Silversea

16-day luxury ocean cruise from £9,100 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to £2,000 pp – Save up to £2,000pp
Book by: 31 December 2024

Sail in luxury with Silversea to discover the best of the Caribbean over the festive season, exploring such island idylls as Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts, Grenada, and Antigua.

Top places to stay in Antigua and Barbuda

Galley Bay, Antigua

Galley Bay, Antigua

Contemporary hotel

Almost everything at Galley Bay is focussed on the sweeping white-sand beach. This outstanding all-inclusive resort has guests returning time and time again.

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Guide price from £2,875 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Save up to 30% & complimentary upgrade to half-board
Book by: 31 January 2025

The beautiful sweeping beach and backdrop of gently rolling hills make Carlisle Bay the perfect haven for a truly memorable Caribbean holiday – it’s one of the best hotels in the region.

Spa, St James

St James’s Club, Antigua

Contemporary resort

St James's Club is tucked away on a beautiful, secluded peninsula on Antigua's stunning southeast coast; an exclusive hideaway for singles, couples, honeymooners and families alike. The resort's two white-sand beaches offer wonderful sunbathing, swimming and relaxing, while the waters off the resor…

Dining at Nonsuch Bay, Antigua

Nonsuch Bay, Antigua

Contemporary hotel

Set on a beautifully secluded beach in 40 acres of landscaped gardens om the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, Nonsuch Bay is an award-winning resort perfect for families looking to combine relaxation with water sports and other activities.

See all places to stay

When to go to Antigua and Barbuda

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Antigua and Barbuda articles

Our most popular posts from 2012

As we predict what will be hot in the world of travel in 2013, we decided to take a look back at what you found most popular in 2012. From the sparkle of the Northern Lights and road tripping across the USA to lazing on beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and Croatia to enjoying the old-world charm …

Antigua's English Harbour

Antigua's position in the West Indies makes it the gateway to the Caribbean. Although passed by the majority of shipping routes, it remains quiet, in part due to the enormous number of beaches to enjoy here; enough that you can spend each day of a year on a different one.

Meet our Antigua and Barbuda experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0616

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0616 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

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  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected