Highlights of Antigua
You’ve probably read that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, but there is so much more to the island than just the gorgeous white sands. Antigua is a beautiful island boasting stunning scenery, impressive culinary options and an array of luxury hotels. I was extremely lucky to experience it all on my recent trip to the Caribbean Island.
My stay on the island was during “Restaurant Week”, a unique chance to experience the culinary heritage of Antigua, savouring vibrant dishes and the island’s authentic hospitality at pre-fixe (discounted) prices across a range of restaurants. At Sheer Rocks, I enjoyed excellent dishes from the tapas-style menu whilst perched atop the cliff with stunning ocean views, the perfect backdrop for those Instagram-worthy shots! Gather Steakhouse offered a distinct and equally captivating dining experience. Renowned for its flawlessly cooked steaks and elegant ambience, it delivered a taste of sophistication infused with true Caribbean flair.
However, my first taste of Antigua was during a wonderful evening at the famous Shirley Heights. The lookout, at 490ft high, offered the most stunning view over English Harbour (the best in Antigua) and as the sun set, the vibrant atmosphere came alive with the sounds of the steel drum band and local singer along with the delightful smells from the Caribbean barbeque (I highly recommend the ribs!). I had such a fun evening, and it was one of the highlights of my trip – you must visit Shirley Heights if you are on the island!
For something a little different, you may enjoy a trip to Stingray City. We took a short scenic speedboat across the ocean to a shallow sandbank where I was greeted by the friendliest stingrays and had the opportunity to hold, interact and feed them. I’m a little cautious when it comes to the ocean, but the staff were super friendly and made me feel at ease and you could see just how much those stingrays were loved and looked after by them. On the journey back to the mainland, we took a little detour to Laviscount Island where we had a private tour of the sanctuary to see the tropical birds, iguanas and over 50 giant tortoises. It was a great experience getting up close and feeding the tortoises in their natural habitat.
My favourite part of the trip was our visit to the Academy of Rum, where I had the unique opportunity to craft my own rum. This hands-on experience was lots of fun and gave me a real sense of Antigua's rich rum-making traditions. The local distillers were really passionate about their craft, and taking home my own rum creation was the perfect keepsake from my time on the island.
I had the pleasure of staying at many luxury hotels around all parts of the island during my trip. Carlisle Bay offered a tranquil, beachfront sanctuary with true Caribbean hospitality, while Tamarind Hills provided stunning villas with panoramic views (and one of the best beaches on the island!). Blue Waters, with its lush gardens and calm ambience, was a haven of relaxation, and the stunning Rock Cottage had the real wow factor, offering ultimate privacy and breathtaking views. However, Jumby Bay Island stands out as the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. Accessible only by boat, the resort is the ultimate destination for those seeking the very best in Caribbean luxury.
From its breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures to its exquisite dining and luxurious accommodations, Antigua is truly an island that has something for everyone.
