1010 Antigua

Antigua Guide to Attractions, Places to Stay, Restaurants and Local Resources

Antigua guide to attractions, places to stay, restaurants and local resources - all designed to help you plan and enjoy a better vacation: has info about things to see and do, where to eat and shop and info about hotels, resorts, motels, beaches, boating and golf.

Antigua one of several islands in the Caribbean that is very popular with couples.

Welcome to Antigua

updated - March 20, 2012

One of the larger islands of the Leeward Islands - the Leewards are mainly comprised of limestone and sport beautiful white sandy beaches. 

Sailing is extremely popular on the island thanks in large part to a well protected anchorage - English Harbour. Antigua's coastline features some 365 limestone and coral beaches, with many accessible only by water.

Diving and snorkeling, in addition to the sailing, are quite popular with shipwrecks and reefs in abundance.

Antigua has become a popular honeymoon destination in recent years and several resorts have accommodations gear to young newlywed couples.


Antigua


Because of the many sheltered harbors, Antigua was an important stronghold for the British as European nations jockeyed for dominance during the age of slavery and sugar plantations. While not changing hands as frequently as St Lucia, it still has many of the structures and ruins that marked that era. 

Restaurants


Home
What do you call the restaurant that was once your childhood home? Home-like comfort and hospitality still ring true for owner/chef Carl Thomas. Caribbean preparations put an entirely spin on home cooking, as the cuisine is among the best on the island. Located just north of downtown in St John's.  

Places to Stay


Carlisle Bay
As you cross the moat to gain entrance to the lobby at Carlisle Bay, you might find yourself thinking: "Now that's different". And indeed, Carlisle Bay is quite different from most Caribbean resorts in that the furnishings are ultra chic and more in tune with something from South Beach (Miami), not the Caribbean. Elegant in every respect and set on a dreamy location - it could well be a movie set. Located in St Mary's.

St James Club and Villas
This Mamora Bay oceanfront resort hotel is close to English Harbor but far away enough to occupy a lovely remote peninsula. This location affords the St James two beaches and a totally private experience. Mamora Bay.    

Attractions


Nelson's Dockyard
Former headquarters of the British Royal Navy -  they really knew how to pick a spot - Nelson's Dockyard features many historic building and exhibits. Also serves as the local marketplace for stores and restaurants. Located on the south end of Antigua in English Harbour

Antigua Distillery
Speaking of the Royal Navy, a tour of this working rum distillery with copper kettles and site-history dating back centuries to see how sugar and molasses played it's part in Empire building. Friars Hill Road

St Johns Anglican Cathedral
This site was originally built in 1683, but the 1745 stonework that replaced it was then again rebuilt after an earthquake. Nautical history is pulled into play with references to captured prize becoming part of the structure. Forming the divine intersection of Church Lane and Newgate Street

Local Resources

Antigua & Barbuda Department of Tourism
Queen Elizabeth Highway in St John's. 



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Antigua Vacation Resources


Caribbean Vacation Websites

Puerto Rico - is a grand island with an impressive history that is well preserved. Much diversity in many areas.

The Dominican Republic - is so large and diverse it's hard to believe it shares the island of Hispaniola with its neighbor Haiti.


Related Vacation Websites

Caribbean Vacations - find other Caribbean vacation destinations including the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Jamaica.