ANTIGUA

Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda form the independent nation of Antigua and Barbuda, within the Commonwealth of Nations. At one time Antigua was poverty stricken and strived off it’s sugar plantations, but has since transformed itself into a 20th-century vacation haven, resulting in economical stability.

The landscape is rolling and rustic, dotted with stone towers that were once sugar mills. The capital is St. John’s, a large town 6 miles from the airport and less than a mile from Deep Water Harbour Terminal. It is a charming town with cobblestone sidewalks and weather-beaten wooden houses with corrugated iron roofs and louvered Caribbean verandas.

This beautiful island attracts American millionaires seeking British serenity under a tropical sun, middle- and lower-income travelers in addition to jetsetters. It is known for its sailing facilities in English Harbour.

The week before the first Tuesday in August, summer Carnival takes place; people parade in exotic costumes that reflect Antiguan’s African heritage. The festivities include a beauty competition and calypso and steel-band competitions. The big event in spring is it’s annual Sailing Week in late April or early May.

Getting Around

The best way to view the island is via private taxi. The general charge is $40 for three or four passengers and will often wait 30 minutes or more while you sightsee around English Harbour. Taxis meet every airplane and drivers wait outside major hotels. If you spend a few days here, taxis will try to adopt you. The taxis are meterless and rates are monitored by the government. There are no weekend banking hours. Passports are acceptable ID. It is not advisable to rent a car while on the island. The roads are terribly potholed and poorly signposted. An Antiquan license is , which costs $20, and a valid driver’s license from home is required.

Where to Stay

A. Very Expensive

Curtain Bluff Long Bay Hotel

Hawksbill Beach Resort St. James’s Club

The Inn at English Harbour

Jumby Bay

Antigua cont.

B. Expensive

Antigua Village

The Copper and Lumber Store Hotel

Rex Blue Heron

Yepton Beach Resort

C. Moderate

The Admiral’s Inn

Falmouth Harbour Beach Apartments

D. Inexpensive

The Catamaran Hotel & Marina

Where to Dine

A. In St. John’s

Big Banana Holding Company

Julians

Russell’s

Redcliffe Tavern

B. Elsewhere Around the Island

The Admiral’s Inn

Alberto’s

Chez Pascal

Coconut Grove

Colombo’s Restaurant

Le Bristro

Shirley Heights Lookout

Beaches

Dickenson Bay

Prickly Pear Island

Darkwood Beach

Long Bay

Paradise Reef

Johnson’s Point

Hawksbill Beaches

Turner’s Beach

Carlisle Bay

Half Moon Bay

Curtain Bluff

Driftwood Beach