Antigua is a lively island, offering magnificent sandy beaches and some excellent hotels. As a coral based island, the sand is pure white and the water is a spectacular turquoise blue. As well as offering excellent swimming, snorkeling and other water sports, the sheltered coves and beaches are also popular for yachting. One of the major regattas in the Caribbean sailing year, Antigua Sailing Week, takes place at the end of the winter season and attracts sailors from all over the world. On-shore activities include tennis, golf and riding.

Back in the 18th century, Antigua was the centre of British influence in the West Indies and reminders of this era are to be found in the many old forts to explore around the coastline, and also the historic buildings at Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour. Inland, there is little evidence of the old sugar plantations, and the fields now consist of open scrubland, with a few areas of lush vegetation. Today, Antigua relies upon its tourist industry and, around its beautiful coastline, many fine resort hotels and villas are to be found. One of these is the Rock Cottage, part of the Blue Waters Resort, which is on the north-west of the island, set in 14 acres of tropical gardens in its own pretty and secluded bay. Our other property, Villa Tradewinds, is situated on the east coast, near Long Bay, a long, sandy beach, completely protected by a reef and ideal for families.

The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua has the advantage of being one of the most accessible, with regular flights from London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Canada and many U.S. cities. It also has excellent connections to other Caribbean islands, with a choice of both scheduled and charter flights, making it a good option for a two-centre holiday with one of the smaller islands.