Luxury Holidays in Antigua & Barbuda

At the heart of Antigua’s maritime heritage, Nelson’s Dockyard is one of the island’s most important historic attractions. In operation since 1745, it’s the only surviving Georgian marina and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016. Fully restored to its original splendour, buzzing restaurants and shops now sit inside the quaint 18th-century buildings, presided over by a number of forts that pock the hillside. The interesting museum there charts Antigua’s seafaring history, life on the dockyard and boasts a number of fascinating artefacts, including a telescope once used by Nelson himself.

Discover a vibrant underwater world just beneath the surface of Antigua’s crystal-clear waters. Known for its stunning coastline and calm, turquoise seas, Antigua offers some of the Caribbean’s most accessible and breathtaking snorkelling and diving experiences.

Whether you’re a first-time snorkeller or a seasoned diver, Antigua’s coral reefs provide the perfect setting to explore. Drift above colourful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, or dive deeper to uncover dramatic reef formations, hidden caves, and fascinating marine life.

Expect to encounter parrotfish, angelfish, sea turtles, and rays gliding effortlessly through the water. The reefs here are alive with colour and movement, offering unforgettable moments at every turn. Many sites are located just offshore, making them easy to reach and ideal for half-day or full-day excursions.

For beginners, guided snorkelling trips offer a safe and relaxed introduction to the reef ecosystem. More experienced divers can explore deeper sites, including reef walls and shipwrecks, with certified instructors and well-equipped dive centres.

Highlights:

• Calm, clear waters ideal for all experience levels

• Rich marine biodiversity and vibrant coral formations

• Easy access to snorkelling spots directly from the beach or by boat

• Professional dive centres offering guided tours and certifications

Contact Antigua specialists to find out more about their personal snorkelling and diving experiences in Antigua.

Everywhere you look in Antigua is postcard-perfect. So why not absorb all its beauty in one eye-popping panorama? That’s why we love Shirley Heights, a military lookout and battery perched atop a lush peak. The restored complex and parade ground is well worth a wander but peer past its walls for epic, sweeping views of English Harbour and the glittering Caribbean Sea beyond. It’s a sight that really takes your breath away. On Sunday evenings, watch the sunset while sipping on a rum punch ahead of the night's festivities - enjoy a delicious barbeque and savour local bands playing into the night. 

Antigua’s 365 beaches may take the plaudits but the island’s tasty cuisine is a fusion feast that feels like it has almost as many flavours. Dining out in one of the many restaurants that are spread across the island is the perfect way to savour Antigua’s spectacular views. Eat delicious French food on a pristine beach near English Harbour at Catherine’s Café or head to the north coast to soak up incredible ocean views while trying the fresh seafood at Cecilia’s in Dutchman’s Bay. The finest of Caribbean cuisine can be found among the friendly beachside surroundings of Coconut Grove in Dickenson Bay, while Gallic gourmet has been a speciality of Le Bistro for over 30 years. Yum!

You can’t fully grasp the culture of Antigua & Barbuda until you witness the locals’ passion for cricket. There’s no better place than at the national arena, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, named after the country’s most famous cricketing son. Time your holiday right and you’ll have a chance to watch a premier international match here and the exhilarating atmosphere truly makes this a bucket-list experience.

If your toes are itching to get off the beach for a few hours, then a dune buggy safari is the best way to explore Antigua’s wild interior. Drive through historic local villages, lush grasslands, unspoiled beaches and sugar plantations that you probably wouldn’t see otherwise. It’s an exciting adrenaline-fuelled adventure that shows a hidden side of beautiful Antigua.

No routine vaccinations are required for travel to Antigua and Barbuda from the UK. There is a risk of mosquito borne illnesses such as Zika virus. However, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

Antigua and Barbuda operates on GMT -4 hours year round. The islands do not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference with the UK is typically four hours.

The flight time from London to St John’s is around 9 hours.

The official currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). US dollars are widely accepted across the islands, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.

UK nationals don’t need a visa to travel to Antigua & Barbuda. Visitors are usually granted entry on arrival, provided they hold a valid passport and onward travel details.

Most visitors travel by car or taxi on Antigua, while ferries connect Antigua to Barbuda. Some resorts offer shuttle services.

English is the official language in Antiqua and Barbuda although many locals speak Antiguan Creole and Spanish.