Spotlight on Antigua
Dreaming of sun kissed beaches? Gentle waves lapping at your toes as you stretch out on the luxurious sand? Us too!! And we know where to go. Introducing . . . Antigua - our new favourite spot for some SERIOUS escapism.
Antigua’s beaches will steal your heart; here is our pick of the very BEST stretches of glorious sand for the ultimate R&R – enjoy!
Marianna is wearing Primrose Dress in Club Tropicana
Live your island dream at Carlisle Bay where the chic suites overlooking a beautiful stretch of sand cocooned between two rocky headlands. They also provide amazing services on site with offerings of sumptuous massages in their organic beauty spa, yoga, and pilates in their serene tropical gardens, or best of all, snorkelling in Antigua's crystal-clear ocean waters.
Love a bit of privacy? We recommend hitting the southern part of the island, Dickenson Bay; where you will find your perfect secluded spot in the sun. Gorgeous Dickenson Bay is home to the picture-perfect Siboney Beach Club – one of our favourite lunch spots! Its rustic charm is hard to beat, as are the crab cakes served up by the Club’s restaurant - Salt Plage Beach Bar.
On the northwest tip of Antigua lies another of our favourite beachside boltholes; the luxurious Blue Waters Resort and Spa. Feel at ease by their first-class facilities and the MOST sensational views over the azure sea. It’s a 15-minute cab ride from the airport so you won’t waste any time on transfers. And it is heaven for the little ones too – a kids club and every water-based activity you can imagine is on tap. Plus, there are EIGHT bars and restaurants to keep your tastebuds happy. In short, you need never leave (and trust us - you won’t want to).
Now on to activities; the island is full of them whether you like to build a sweat or spend your days under the palms, here is our top picks:
If you fancy zipping along the top of the luscious rainforest and spotting monkeys and parrots along the way, try a rainforest canopy tour. Otherwise, delve into the ecology of the island on an Eco boat tour and witness the coastline’s awesome marine life. The reefs are also a must-see paradise for turtles and tropical fish!
Into windsurfing and kite-surfing? The best spot for you is hands down the breezy Buccaneer Cove beach. Just a short stroll from the Siboney Beach Club, the water here is shallow, and the gentle winds are a windsurfer’s dream.
Yearning more for yoga bum than beach bum? We LOVE a cleansing yoga session. And finding the most inspiring backdrop for a sun salutation is a breeze with Yoga Antigua’s detailed schedule of classes, with locations dotted all over the island, you will have no problem finding yourself a space on a mat.
Yoga, not your thing? No worries! A hike up to the must-see Shirley Heights Lookout should get those endorphins rushing too. At 490 feet above sea level, the view from the top is jaw-dropping. Go at sunset and you will get to experience the night lights of Antigua’s famous English harbour (a must see in our opinion).
When afternoon comes around and you KNOW it’s time for a daiquiri, the floating Kon Tiki Bar at Dickinson Bay has your back. Accessible only by a short swim or kayak, you will be blown away by how AMAZING this place is – watch rays gliding through the gentle waves and keep those rum punches rolling!
For a romantic twist to the evening, we highly recommend booking yourself in at the super stylish cliff-front Sheer Rocks with your own private rock-pool (we LOVE). Their sustainably sourced tasting menu kicks off with a glass of champagne whilst looking out over the emerald sea. Top it off with a spectacular sunset and you have the PERFECT soiree.
Now, who doesn’t love a party vibe on vacation?! There are stacks of pop-up bars and beach barbecues at Pigeon Point, one of the buzziest beaches on the island. Drop in at Catherine’s Café and bag a daybed, stay all day sampling their sharing platter and cocktail menu or pop in at night for fine French cuisine.
We could go on and on and ON about this magical island, but often the most unforgettable moments are the ones you discover for yourself. Bring an open mind and an open heart (and your ABSOLUTE best swimwear) and you’ll have your out-of-this-world Antiguan adventures. But don’t take our word for it - pack your Paper bikinis and get ready to RELAX.