Antigua Holidays

Spotlight on Antigua Holidays

Antigua is a beach lover's paradise, proudly boasting that it has 365 to choose from. But there is more to the island than this. It is also popular with sailors drawn by the excellent conditions and the island's famous Sailing Week, held every April. This is one of the world's biggest yachting events and is as famous for its wild parties as it is for the races. Antigua Holidays arranged around this event are certainly entertaining.

Antigua also boasts a rich maritime history dating from when it was the headquarters of the British Naval fleet in the West Indies and young Nelson was here in the 1780s. His base at English Harbour, appropriately now called Nelson's Dockyard, is now preserved as the world's only working Georgian dockyard and its stately 18th century buildings make a charming setting for the restaurants and shops which are well worth exploring.

Nearby is Shirley Heights, a rocky bluff which plays host to lively Antiguan parties every Sunday night with fabulous steel pan bands and reggae performers. This has to be one of the best open-air party venues in the Caribbean with its fabulous views over English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour.

Antigua's capital, St John's, is a popular stop for cruise ship holidays, so it can get packed with trippers, but the pedestrianised duty free Heritage Quay area has a good range of shops and reasonable prices, while Redcliffe Quay is tucked away, smaller and more rustic. There is plenty to keep tourists amused here, from catamaran cruises to zip-wire tours in the rainforest, swimming with string-rays and even kite surfing.

By contrast, Antigua's sister island Barbuda is popular for its sleepy, undiscovered ambience that attracts visitors wanting to get away from it all. It also has its fair share of beautiful pink sand beaches and is famous among bird watchers for being home to one of the world's largest nesting colonies of frigate birds.

The national dish in Antigua is funghi and pepperpot. Funghi is a polenta type paste made with cornmeal and okra which is then cooked in a ball. Pepperpot is a type of stew that includes a mix of yam, aubergine, squash, dasheen leaves (not unlike spinach), pumpkin and plantain into which are added salted meats.

Duccana and saltfish - a mixture of grated sweet potato, coconut and cornmeal flavoured with spices and steamed in banana leaf. It is served with a saltfish stew which has a tomato and onion base.

Callalloo soup is a creamy spinach soup, flavoured with cloves or crab.

A local speciality is the Antiguan black pineapple, small, round and extra sweet. Cades Bay Pineapple Station organises tours of the farm where these delicious fruits are harvested.

The local beer is called Wadadli.

Tip! Most tourists disappear by 7pm, when the real partying begins.

Shirley Heights Lookout

Shirley Heights

Tel: 268-460-1785

High above English Harbour and the dockyard is the striking historic fort of Shirley Heights, named after a General Shirley who arrived as Governor in 1781. The Lookout Bar hosts Sunday afternoon barbeques with steel pan and reggae bands (and potent rum punches!) that continue into the night with an infectious party vibe. Try and get there in time for the fabulous sunsets.

Tip! Most tourists disappear by 7pm, when the real partying begins.

The Beach

Dickenson Bay

Tel: 268-480-6940

Funky beach bar/lounge on Dickenson Bay with a DJ and live music most nights of the week - Tuesday nights for Crab Racing and calypso duo Frankie & Charlie.

Miller's by the Sea

Fort James

Tel: 268-462-9414

Live entertainment every night, including calypso, reggae and jazz. It's 'Happy Hour' is the most popular and liveliest in town (5-7pm).

C&C Wine Bar

Redcliffe Quay, St John's

Tel: 268-460-7025

Open Monday to Saturday from 10am

Stone floors, bare brick walls and a great selection of South African wines. In fact, these are the only ones they stock, because the owners prefer them. Light snacks include cheese plates and there are some spirits available. Friday evening barbeque is very popular.

The Coast Nightclub, Bar & Restaurant

Heritage Quay, St John's

Tel: 268-562-6278

Open Tuesday to Sunday, admission free

Popular on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, when live bands play on the open-air deck. There's also a seafood restaurant and two bars. The air-conditioned club inside also features local house DJs.

Liquid Nightclub & Lounge

Grand Princess Casino, Jolly Harbour

Tel: 268-562-9900

Located within the casino building, Liquid provides entertainment most nights including bingo and karaoke, with live music on Fridays, Saturdays (steel band) and Sundays. Besides the Casino with its 250 slot machines and 24 gaming tables, there is also the Gladiators Sports Bar.

English Harbour

Abracadabra

Dockyard Drive, English Harbour

Tel: 268-460-2701

Also a restaurant (see 'Food and Drink') after dark, there's a Disco Bar surrounded by tropical gardens and swaying palms, playing uplifting international beats, plus a chill-out garden where DJs play a mix of music from Lounge and Jazz to Sweet Reggae. Dance the night away on the sands, relax in hammocks or even book a table in the exclusive VIP section (highly recommended at weekends and during busy periods).

Last Lemming Bar & Restaurant

A great waterfront setting below the Antigua Yacht Club, live bands play on certain nights of the week, attracting locals and visitors until the early hours. It is also famous for Sunday brunch.

The Mad Mongoose

Across the water from Falmouth Harbour

An Antigua hot spot, packed with the in-crowd and yachties in high season. Live music on Fridays sees people spill out onto the open patio and into the garden, although every other night can often turn into an impromptu party as well.