Antigua for sun, families, couples, sailing – and naturists!
Antigua is one of the most relaxing destinations in the world, offering something for everyone.
You like beaches? It is said there is one for everyday of the year, all with beautiful golden sands.
The southern and western beaches are on the Atlantic Sea and consequently perfect for sailing. Visit Nelsons Dockyard during the first week in May to see hundreds of racing yachts participating in the Antigua sailing week. The sea on this part of the Island is slightly rougher and cooler than on the eastern Caribbean side, but this part has the most stunning scenery with Shirley Heights, the English Harbour and Nelsons Dockyard. Lay one of the beaches here and the cooling breeze can lull you into a false sense of security…you can burn faster than a steak on a barbeque! Seek shade and use plenty of high factor sun cream!
As I mentioned, for warmers waters, and calmer sea go to the eastern Caribbean side of the Island. Whichever part you decide on you will be spoilt for choice regarding hotels. From ultra expensive luxury resorts, to the simple, but equally enjoyable smaller hotels, you pays your money and makes your choice. A word of caution however, eating out in the Caribbean is expensive, so do opt for an ‘all inclusive option’. They may appear expensive in the brochures, but they can be excellent value for money – with no nasty surprises at the at the end of your stay when you come to settle your bill. There are resorts for couples only, plenty for families offering child minding and children’s clubs, others that specialise in sailing….and one with a Naturist beach – the Hawksbill Hotel. So if you want an ‘all over’ Caribbean sun tan this is the one for you!
Hawksbill Hotel
Apart from the magnificent beaches, excellent food and the warm Caribbean welcome from the Islanders what else is there to do on this small paradise island?
Lets start with the shopping. I defy you not to leave the Antigua without making at least one purchase! A visit to the historic capital of the Island with it’s traditional architecture is a must, not just for the history, but for a visit to Heritage Quay….hang on to your credit cards, this is one of the most prestigious duty free complexes in the Caribbean. It’s a shopper’s paradise, with designer shops – one totally dedicated to stunning swimwear. If you want jewellery or watches you are spoilt for choice – the only limit will be your bank balance. Browse in jewellery shops’ dedicated to diamonds, emeralds, and watches, all of excellent quality and beautifully designed. Other outlets include shops selling leather goods, crystal, china, fragrances, fine wines, designer clothes; whatever you taste or requirements you will find it here in abundance.
Nelson’s Dockyard is the only active original Dockyard in the world. There is a historical centre showing a fascinating short film on Antigua’s history, people and culture. The building of the dockyard was started in about 1725, Admiral Nelson served as a Captain in the Leeward Islands from 1784-87, and from the beginning of the dockyards restoration in 1951 it was named in his honour. The whole area is an open-air museum, (there is an ‘inside’ one as well). You will see houses, copper & lumber store, cordage & canvas store, boat house & joiners loft, pitch & tar store, boat house & sail loft, pay office, seaman’s gallery, and masses more. Many off these buildings now house boutiques and restaurants. Other artefacts include; capstans, cannon, ships bells, and anchors, it’s a fascinating journey into history and well worth a visit.
Shirley Heights has a wonderful vantage point over the English Harbour. Every Sunday night there is a barbeque, steel bands play, and the sunset has to be seen to be believed. In some ways it’s a bit ‘tacky’, very crowded, very noisy, a once only trip, but worth going just to soak up the lively atmosphere.
There are trips you can take showing the interior of the Island, but one of the best ways is to hire a taxi, and ask your driver to show you they sights. Antigua’s are justifiably very proud of their Island and this way you will have a personal tour and your own tour guide.
Whist staying on the Island I had a fantastic day circumnavigating the Island by catamaran. This was one of the highlights of my holiday, totally relaxing, an opportunity to view all the wonderful beaches from the sea. Our catamaran was followed by dolphins for part of the journey – a truly magical experience. The anchor was dropped at lunchtime and snorkels provided for the opportunity to swim in the warm Caribbean waters and view the fish swimming in the reefs. Back on board for a freshly cooked lunch of lobster, salad and fruit. I recommend that you go one of the many circumnavigating trips that are on offer.
So what was the main highlight of visiting this Island? It has to be the helicopter trip to see the Island of Monsterrat. It’s volcano erupted in September 1997, and to fly over the (then still smouldering in 2003) was an experience I will never forget. The devastation caused by the eruption seen from the air starts with flying over the airport, all you can see are the tips of the building, the Capital – Plymouth – again totally destroyed by mother nature. The views of the paths of lava flows is awe inspiring, what amazed me was the fact that cattle had started to re colonise the area, and were fending for themselves among all the debris – but looking remarkably healthy.
Antigua is an island that allows you to relax among palm trees on the beach, with a fascinating history to explore, wonderful hospitality. Do go, you will not be disappointed.
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