Antigua
Holidays

Antigua is one of those rare destinations that genuinely lives up to the hype. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this enchanting island — the largest of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda — is famous for its 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. With long stretches of powdery white sand, a sub-tropical climate and some of the warmest, most welcoming people you'll ever meet, it's little wonder Antigua has become one of the Caribbean's most sought-after luxury holiday destinations.

Dickenson Bay is the island's most famous beach and the beating heart of Antigua's resort scene. A mile-long arc of pristine golden sand lined with luxury hotels, beach bars and watersports operators, it's the perfect base for a sun-soaked Caribbean escape. Jet skiing, banana boat rides, snorkelling and boat trips are all on the menu, and the sunsets here are simply extraordinary.

For a more secluded experience, Half Moon Bay on the island's eastern coast is one of the Caribbean's most beautiful hidden gems. The journey there is an adventure in itself, but once you arrive you'll find a stunning horseshoe of white sand and turquoise water that feels like it belongs to you alone. Falmouth Harbour's Pigeon Point Beach is ideal for families, with shallow, calm waters perfect for younger visitors.

History lovers will be captivated by English Harbour in the south of the island. This is where you'll find Nelson's Dockyard — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Caribbean's most remarkable historical attractions. The dockyard was used by the British Royal Navy in the 18th century and has been beautifully restored. Nearby Fort Berkeley, built to defend the harbour, offers spectacular views across the bay. The whole area has a wonderfully atmospheric, colonial-era charm.

The capital, St John's, is a vibrant and colourful city of around 22,000 people. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda takes you on a journey through 10,000 years of the island's history, while the public market is the perfect place to pick up fresh Caribbean produce and browse unique local crafts. The St John's Cathedral, first built in 1681, is one of the most striking pieces of architecture on the island.

Antigua is also the sailing capital of the Caribbean. The island hosts Antigua Sailing Week every April/May — the Caribbean's premier yachting regatta — which draws over 5,000 visitors and around 100 yachts from across the globe for seven days of racing, parties and celebrations. If you happen to be on the island during this time, it's an unforgettable spectacle.

The island's cultural calendar is equally impressive. The Antigua Carnival in late July and early August is a riot of colour, calypso music and vibrant costumes, celebrating the end of slavery in 1834. The Antigua and Barbuda Independence Festival on 1st November is a free, joyous celebration of the island's independence, with steel drums, dancing and the national colours everywhere you look.

The best time to visit Antigua is December to April, during the dry season, when you're least likely to encounter tropical rain. The island enjoys warm temperatures year-round — averaging around 28°C — so there's genuinely no bad time to visit. Direct flights operate from London Gatwick and London Heathrow, with a flight time of approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Whether you're looking for a romantic couples retreat, a luxury family holiday or an all-inclusive escape where everything is taken care of, Antigua has the perfect resort for you. Call our team and we'll search across all our suppliers to find you the best deal.