For the perfect island holiday, offering much beyond sun, sea and sand, Antigua and Barbuda gives double the value

Antigua offers year-round sun and an astounding 365 beaches - one for every day of the year. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda provides the ultimate getaway experience with its perfect climate, azure-blue waters, natural beauty, colonial-era historic sites, wide range of accommodation choices and world-renowned events.

But its not just sun, sand and sea as Antigua and Barbuda offers an array of sporting activities. These include golf, tennis, squash, riding, cycling and all kinds of water-sports. Its turquoise waters attract sailors, windsurfers and kite surfers from around the world and the islands are a haven for those wanting to explore the underwater world as there are many excellent dive sites.

Pirates on the Caribbean
With warm waters teeming with fish such as marlin, tuna and barracuda, deep sea fishing is also popular and boats are readily available for charter. For a great family day-out Stingray City offers the exciting opportunity of swimming with amazing titular creatures. Alternatively, for a swashbuckling Caribbean adventure on board a pirate schooner called The Black Swan, the Pirates of Antigua Tour is highly recommended, particularly for aspiring black beards. To appreciate the beauty and ecological diversity of the islands, there’s an eco-kayaking trip through the mangroves or the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour which transports adventure-seekers on a journey through the verdant forest, high above the trees supported by wires and an assortment of suspension bridges, zip lines and swings.

For those who prefer things a little more relaxed, there’s a host of pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments available at many of the deluxe resorts or simply just relax on one of Barbuda’s pink-sand beaches.

Antigua offers a wide selection of hotels and resorts to suit all budgets. Holidaymakers can stay at one of the new hotels such as Sugar Ridge, Hodges Bay, Nonsuch Bay or, popular with the glitterati, Jumby Bay, which has now re-opened after an extensive refurbishment.

Rub shoulders with A list celebs such as Hilary Swank, Colin Farrell, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Beckinsale and Whitney Houston, who have all visited the island or perhaps spot Oprah Winfrey, Eric Clapton, Giorgio Armani, Pierce Bronson and Emile Heskey, who all own houses on the island.

Even the briefest of visits to Antigua reveals the island’s rich history and culture. St. Johns, the capital, offers harbour-front shopping in Heritage Quay, and in the more rustic Redcliffe Quay - shops, restaurants and galleries inhabit restored stone and wooden buildings. English Harbour, home to Nelson’s Dockyard with its collection of original buildings, forts and museum, is Antigua’s most popular visitor attraction.

Other sights in Antigua include Devil’s Bridge and Shirley Heights, a traditional, weekly Caribbean ‘jump-up.’ The pulsating music of the steel bands and aromas from the outdoor BBQ have made this the place to be on a Sunday night.
Saltfish Balls, Okra Fungee, Antigua Pepperpot and of course the freshest of seafood are just some of the tantalising and traditional foods to be tasted and enjoyed during a stay on the twin-island nation. A range of restaurants, from award-winning gourmet to fun beach bars, cater for all tastes and budgets.

Local events
Be sure to catch one of Antigua’s exciting events such as the famous Antigua Sailing Week (April/May), Soul II Soul’s Back II Life music event (April), Barbuda’s Caribana (May), Romantic Rhythms Music Event (June), Calypso Spektakula (June), Wadadli Day (July), Antigua Carnival (July/August), DeJam Festival (October) National Warri Festival (October), Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Day (1 November) and the Antigua and Barbuda International Literary Festival (November).

For romance, adventure, natural beauty or a relaxing family holiday, the beautiful twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has it all.

For further information on Antigua and Barbuda, please visit www.antigua-barbuda.com