Antigua – A Beach for Every Day of the Year
The claim that Antigua has a beach for every day of the year might just be a slight exaggeration, but there is no doubting they are numerous and excellent quality – some of the very best in the region. A generally flat island with some rolling hills, rather than mountains on the south coast. As such, one of the drier islands, so what it might lack in scenic beauty is compensated by the many rain-less days.
The beaches will be difficult to resist but take time to visit the historic English Harbour/Nelson Dockyard area on the south shore, plus the capital St John’s has an easy going charm and some good duty-free shopping. Nightlife is low key and mainly hotel based, although there are some excellent restaurants.
Antigua Quick Facts
Antigua is one of the main sailing centres in the region, and this really comes to life during Antigua Sailing Week (usually end April) when the island takes on a total party atmosphere.
Combinations
Combinations with neighbouring islands are easy to arrange and, for the beach lovers, the idea of 7 nights in Antigua followed by another week in Anguilla is fantastic. For wild, totally tropical scenery with a real eco thrust, look at the combination with Dominica.
Weather
The most popular months are usually November to May when the days are generally bright and sunny. The months June to October can see increased humidity and the occasional tropical storm, or even occasionally a hurricane.
Best Time to Travel
The hotel rates reflect the weather pattern. December to April probably has the best weather and the highest prices, and of course, North America and Northern Europe are at their least attractive. The summer remains hot, with more rain -usually in short heavy bursts, and rate wise the prices tumble. It all depends on your priorities and budget.
Why Antigua?
Of course the beaches, a fantastic selection. The historic Nelson’s Dockyard area on the south coast. The island has a gradual rather than instant “Wow”, but that usually changes after a few days of soft sand and turquoise waters. The water sports. The improving restaurant scene.
If We Were To Be Critical…
Scenically it is more pleasant than spectacular.
How To Get There
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct several times weekly. Flying time 8 hours.
Hotels & Resorts in Antigua – A Chic Location
“There’s no such thing as the best hotel, just the right one…”
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All price guides are Per Person Sharing Double Room (Entry level), based on travel between May and/or June when prices are generally at their lowest and include promotional offers.
Supplements will probably apply at other times, particularly mid-summer in the Med, and for rooms and/or transfers arranged for single travellers.
For example, the Caribbean and Indian Ocean prices for winter can be approximately double the May – June level and about 50% more in Asia.
For the Mediterranean & Canary Islands, Caribbean, Arabia and the Indian Ocean (except Sri Lanka) price guides generally include airfare and transfers.
*For Sri Lanka and Far East we show a per person per night hotel guide, excluding air fare, as arrangements tend to be individually tailored multi-centre itineraries.
Please refer to Travel Advice on our home page or look at www.fco.gov.uk as the Foreign Office may have issued specific destination information on safety and terrorism.
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