While we are going to consider three main reasons to pay a visit to Antigua this winter, the islanders themselves would tell you that there are 365 good reasons. Before you begin thinking about the days of the year, though, that number is actually related to the beaches. Though small, Antigua is home to 365 individual beaches; offering a mixture of white or pink sands.
So, if you are eager to escape winter’s chill, you have those 365 excellent reasons to choose Antigua as your holiday destination, and yet, there are many other valid and excellent reasons to make it your preferred spot for a winter getaway.
The Luxurious Lifestyle
You may not know that Antigua is home to some of the world’s most famous celebrities, but the island is actually a major playground for both the rich and the famous. While that means you get to enjoy a lot of “star gazing” during your visits to local beaches and night spots, as well as the gourmet restaurants, it also means that all of the luxuries that such big names require will be available to you, too.
From the stunning shopping that draws many to St. John, to the access of helicopter rides and tours and the long list of fantastic gourmet eateries, the luxury lifestyle is the daily lifestyle on the island. This is precisely why even some of the most casual beach bars have a distinctly premium atmosphere, and why so many unforgettable villas are readily available.
Perhaps, this is also why Antigua is home to one of the most famous and prestigious regatta’s in the Caribbean – the Antigua Sailing Week. This takes place every year around the end of April. It is viewed by thousands and hosts more than 100 boats. At the end of the week-long event is the exclusive and highly coveted Lord Nelson’s Ball.
The Culture and the History
If you are eager for a firsthand experience of authentic island culture, Antigua is definitely the place. A distinctly Creole influence is apparent throughout the island, but there are also many traditions inspired by the island’s African heritage. Yet, you also find influences from the days of British colonization, and all of this makes for an unforgettable visit.
After all, where can you take a seat at a fiercely competitive cricket match played out on an authentic green? The island participates in an annual, formal cricket season that runs from January through July, and you may find that sipping a drink in the shade of a pavilion and watching cricketers play a match becomes an instant, favorite memory.
Of course, the island is also noted for its dedication to preserving its history. You can see this when you visit spots like the impressive Nelson’s Dockyard and marina. While there, you can savor some of the finest island foods and specialties at the dock front restaurants. There is also Betty’s Hope, a former sugar plantation dating to the 1650s which is now fully restored and serves as a fascinating West Indian cultural heritage site. With a visitor’s center, it makes for a remarkable afternoon in the hills of Antigua.
And speaking of the hills…
The Landscape
It is easy to say that Antigua is an island of incredible diversity. Few other spots have the kinds of geological formations and wonders that this island boasts. There are the Pillars of Hercules that were naturally carved by the sea as well as the equally stunning Hell’s Gate, which is the point at which the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. You will want to hire a local guide to escort you to the sites, but even sticking to the land and beaches, you will find Antigua a place of rare natural beauty – especially when winter is dominating the landscape at home.