Antigua Honeymoons
Antigua’s claim to fame is having a beach for every day of the year. The 365 beaches and tempting waters have been attracting celebrity visitors for years. Until 1981 Antigua was still run by Britain and the English influence is palpable today. A hub in the Leeward islands, tourism is developed, but there is a stark contrast between the visitors wealth and local fishing and farming communities.
Aside from the beaches Antigua has a lot to offer: duty free shopping, luxurious resorts, a wild rainforest and activities aplenty. And, if there isn’t enough to do on Antigua, hop over to its isolated ‘little sister’ island of Barbuda. The unspoilt pink sandy beaches are a must.
The weather stays gorgeous all year round aside from early September’s dreaded hurricane season when many hotels on the island shut down.
Antigua even has a real celebrity following. As well as A’list holidaymakers like Claudia Schiffer and Donatella Versace, mega villas on the island have been built for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston and Timothy Dalton. Eric Clapton is also a local resident and even auctioned off a few guitars to donate the proceeds to a local charity. His exclusive neighbourhood is also home to Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.
Sightseeing Checklist
Admiral Horatio Nelson used Antigua as the main naval base in the British West Indies in the late 18th Century. Now the Dockyard has become a major tourist attraction with its classic British buildings set in tropical surroundings. The harbour's colonial observation post at Shirley Heights has fantastic views across the sea to Montserrat and Guadaloupe. This outpost comes alive on Sunday evenings with steel bands and reggae, when locals and tourists mingle over Rum punches.
For a taste of jungle, venture up Fig Tree Drive by 4x4, or take a leisurely horseback ride with Springhill Riding School across the lush hills overlooking Falmouth Harbour, finishing up with a bareback dip in the sea.
If you prefer to stick to sea and sand, the Southern coast beaches of pristine white sands dotted with picturesque driftwood are simply stunning. To explore the North Sound and go snorkelling around Hell’s Gate, hop onto Eli Fuller’s Antigua Adventure boat and discover the flora, fauna and most of all the underwater world of stingrays, barracuda, snappers and the rainbow of tropical fish.
And, if time allows, don’t miss Barbuda, a favourite of Princess Diana’s, with its world famous beaches of pink sand and Frigate bird sanctuary.
The hottest honeymoon hotels
Carlisle Bay is a swish and luxurious haven in the southern part of the island. Every last detail has been attended to. Far from having the usual rough around the edges Caribbean décor, the Carlisle has managed to blend Caribbean style with urban and contemporary cool.
The entire hotel’s décor is sumptuous: from the entrance pavilion with its plantation style shutters, oversized exotic floral arrangements and sleek dark furniture covered in virginal white fabrics. The mix of Chinese, Indonesian and European styles throughout the resort works, and the sheer volume of space leave you in awe. Gadgets include a snazzy espresso machine, fibre optic bedside reading lights and a DVD player. The beachside hotel also has a stunning swimming pool, 2 restaurants, a slick spa, an ultra hip library, a 45-seater blue leather screening room where you can catch a movie nightly and a poolside bar for sipping refreshing vodka, coconut rum and pineapple Indigo Coolers.
Another stylish option is the all inclusive Jumby Bay private island resort, with its beautifully restored Estate house converted into an upscale restaurant: the perfect romantic setting with fantastic food, dreamy beach and stunning sunsets.
