Antigua

In 1784 the legendary Horatio Nelson was attracted to Antigua by its warm steady winds, safe harbours and unbroken wall of protective coral reef.

200 years later, it is no longer the Royal Navy that is drawn to Antigua’s unique characteristics, but those in search of the ideal Caribbean holiday.

The country of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the middle of the Leeward Islands, in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leewards, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide and has excellent direct access from the UK.

The claim that Antigua has 365 beaches – one for each day of the year – may contain a grain of poetic licence, but you’d certainly need more than two or three weeks on the island to test them all. Here, sun and beach lovers need look little further than their hotel or villa terrace, while watersports are another island forte. Picturesque English Harbour – setting of Clarence House and Nelson’s Dockyard – was a major Royal Navy station in the Napoleonic Wars and adds an intriguingly familiar appeal to an island of simple but undeniable charm.

Some of the hotels we offer in Antigua are particularly suited to families, attracted to the island by the direct flights, watersports and safe swimming. Other hotels are more intimate in style for a secluded romantic retreat.

British Airways flies from London Gatwick to V.C. Bird International Airport every day during the winter months and everyday except Monday, Friday and Sunday during the summer. Virgin Atlantic flies to Antigua on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. British Midland flies from Manchester on a Friday.

Flights & Facts:

Fly to: Antigua Flying time: 8 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT - 4 hours Visas: Not required for UK passport holders Health requirements: No mandatory vaccinations Best time to travel: Dec - Apr

Weather:

The best time to visit Antigua is during our winter and spring months of December to April. Although drier than most other Caribbean islands, Antigua has a tropical climate with low humidity. The island is tempered by sea breezes and trade winds. The hot season is between May to November.