From the world-class resorts in Antigua to the laid-back, beachy allure of neighboring Barbuda, there are fairly a number of explanation why vacationers are flocking to the twin-island paradise, which is seeing document customer numbers for the vacation spot.
Whether or not you’re seeking to plan an lively getaway, a basic seaside trip or one thing in between, listed below are 7 explanation why now’s an excellent time to go to Antigua, Barbuda, or — ideally — each.
Make a Racket at Elite Island Resorts
Antigua has at all times been a hotbed for racquet sports activities — the Curtain Bluff resort famously hosts Antigua Tennis Week every year — and the Elite Island Resorts chain has gone all-in with the fastest-growing sport on earth by constructing the highest pickleball amenities within the Caribbean. Among the many chain’s 5 resorts in Antigua is The Verandah, which reopened in 2023 as an adults-only resort and added a quartet of pickleball courts which can be lit for evening play; court docket time is complementary as a part of the resort’s all-inclusive package deal.
Plunge into the Overwater Suites on the New Royalton Stylish
The Royalton Stylish Antigua debuted in Might 2024, which was thrilling sufficient, however in July the resort’s luxurious overwater villas have been opened for reserving. Set to simply accept their first friends in September, the 12 villas elevated over the waters of Dickenson Bay are available in three courses (Chairman, Presidential, and Junior Suites), embody entry to the resort’s Diamond Membership, are served by non-public butlers, and have facilities like glass flooring, decks with hammocks, and as much as 3,000 sq. toes of residing house. If that’s not fairly in your finances, the beachfront Inn at English Harbour is including new suites with plunge swimming pools and butler service this fall.
Embrace Nightlife in Shirley Heights and English Harbour
Cannons as soon as thundered from the Shirley Heights Lookout, overlooking the large British navy base at Nelson’s Dockyard; now it rocks with the island’s finest get together scene, together with out of doors barbecues on Sunday and Thursday nights — each with stay music, the latter with a reggae beat to go together with the superb views. On Friday nights, the motion occurs on the weekly barbeque in English Harbour.
Indulge within the Eating Scene
Antigua and Barbuda has quietly developed one of the various eating scenes within the Caribbean, pushed by the groundbreaking endeavors by the Rocks Group, which started with the world-renowned Sheer Rocks and now consists of eateries starting from the tapas-focused Roquita to the gourmand seaside bar that’s Catherine’s Café. From its annual Restaurant Week to a scrumptious mixture of native eateries and fine-dining spots, it’s a haven for foodies — together with Barbuda, which can be house ot the world’s solely Nobu restaurant on a seaside.
Get pleasure from Sheer Pampering at Curtain Bluff
The Curtain Bluff resort already set the posh bar fairly excessive amongst Antigua resorts with its top-notch service, lodging, and Relais & Chateau high quality eating. However the usual rises even larger with renovations of two of the lodge’s Hulford Assortment Suites (the Morris & Grace Bay Pool suites) and several other junior suites.The resort additionally has expanded its wellness space, including a pool and sizzling tub, doubling the dimensions of its health club, and erecting a yoga pavilion for each day courses.
Decide a Seashore a Day
Antigua famously claims to have 365 seashores — one for every day of the 12 months, they are saying — and that’s not even counting Barbuda, which has pretty strands of its personal. Whether or not you want your seashores quiet (Ffryes Bay), secluded (Doigs Seashore), full of life (Dickinson’s Bay), or clothes non-obligatory (Eden Seashore), there’s a playa for each style on Antiqua — plus the fantastic thing about Pink Sand Seashore on Barbuda.
Have ‘Fungee’ with Native Meals
Fungee, the nationwide dish of Antigua and Barbuda, is a cornmeal dish usually served alongside mashed greens or the nation’s different staple, pepperpot stew. For a real taste of the islands, head to a neighborhood restaurant like Cavell’s Cook dinner Store or Buba’s; Papa Zouk serves up a mix of contemporary native seafood, advantageous rums, and high-energy Caribbean zouk music. Uncle Roddy’s is a good seaside bar with even higher meals, and Nobu Barbuda brings world-class Japanese delicacies to Princess Diana Seashore on Barbuda, heralding the eventual opening of the posh Nobu Seashore Inn in 2025.
