The Antiguans are justifiably proud of their stunning beaches – all 365 of them. It’s a wonder they managed to count them, as quite a few have inviting castaway-style bars that stock some very quaffable rums – locally-distilled Cavalier, which is aged in bourbon barrels, is a good quality one to bring home and it tastes great too.
There’s even an official Beach Bar Trail listing 28 recommended stops that marry the island’s blissful sands and warm seas with authentic Antiguan hospitality, including delicious local dishes such as conch fritters and curried goat. At night some beach bars have DJs, live bands and bonfires, but it’s equally possible to find quiet and near-empty sands too, such as picnic- worthy Half Moon Bay and Deep Bay where you can snorkel over the wreck of the Andes, which sank here more than a century ago.
One of the best reasons to pick this popular, laid-back island is that it only takes around 45 minutes to get anywhere, so exploring is easy either using your own hire car or on excursions.
Antigua is just nine miles by 12 but feels larger, and one place not to miss is English Harbour. This was awarded World Heritage List status last year for its Georgian-era naval dockyards, and you can admire the massive stone pillars that survive from its great sail loft built in 1797. Nelson was based here and it’s a charming place to visit that combines a national park with a lively harbour reflecting Antigua’s role as the winter capital of the yachting world.
Messing about on the water is an essential activity here, whether it’s stand-up paddle boarding or an exhilarating day trip to feel what it’s like to be part of a crew racing a 40ft yacht. Most resorts offer complimentary non-motorised watersports while memorable excursions include a catamaran cruise to snorkel at the beautiful Cades Reef and a trip to Stingray City Antigua to get in the water with these gracefully flapping creatures.
Inland there’s hiking and biking and zip-lining, while on Sunday afternoon everyone heads to the panoramic Shirley Heights Lookout for a barbecue with steel pan music. This is a very sociable, family- friendly island where people will happily talk cricket all day, and are masters at showing visitors a good time.
With plenty of hotels to suit all budgets, Antigua is one of the best Caribbean islands to look for a deal, there is the all-inclusive Blue Waters Resort in Soldiers Bay, is set in 17 acres of tropical gardens with a spa and kids’ club, plus an 18-hole golf course five minutes away.
Adults-only Pineapple Beach Club on Long Bay has also been upgraded while Carlisle Bay, with a virtually private beach, tip-top spa and views to neighbouring Montserrat, ensures the very best in luxury and indulgence.