Antigua and Barbuda

On the far eastern edge of the West Indies and the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda makes up two of several islands in the Lesser Antilles, north of Guadeloupe and east of St Kitts and the British and US Virgin Islands.

Perfectly summarising everything people think of when they think of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda are sandy beaches, palm trees, coral reefs and the most incredible crystal blue waters.

So, What's Special?

So, so much.

It would be doing the people of Antigua a disservice to not credit them as the most special thing here. Their hospitality is absolutely sublime, they are gracious and cannot do enough to help you. And God help you if they decide to cook for you: you won't be able to help but eat yourself into a 3-week-long food-coma. And you'll love the pain.

This isn't to say that the island itself isn't beautiful, because it is beyond belief until you experience it. It looks like paradise. The beaches are ribbons of pale sand blending into gently rolling seas and reefs. The palm trees swing lazily in the breeze. You can eat mangoes and coconuts straight from the trees, stood waist-deep in the sea whilst tropical fish swarm you to eat the scraps. Sound like paradise yet?

Our Experience

Charlie visited Antigua for 2 weeks, staying with his partner's family.

Staying with locals meant being off the tourist trail and soaking up some local knowledge.

Deserted beaches, abandoned forts, jet skiing, jerk pork, swimming with stingrays, catamaran tours and fresh lobster were all on the itinerary for a two weeks that sailed by way, way too fast.

Our Advice

Talk to locals. Absolutely do your best to mingle and connect with people because, if they trust you, they will tell you about things you would never have found on your own. Make the most of local knowledge.

Also, there are so many beaches (365, if you believe the locals) that you don't need to go to the 'main' ones, by which i mean the ones on the websites. Explore. We visited over 20 and none of them were disappointing.

It is not a wealthy place: expect roads in various states of disrepair, a lack of infrastructure, and homes (in places) made of corrugated metal. These can often be opposite five-star resorts, in a juxtaposition so severe it feels crude and distasteful.

Transport can be very difficult, so it may pay to hire a car, or get taxis. It depends on your budget.

Also be aware that, whilst Antigua survived unscathed, a mere 39 miles away Barbuda was absolutely devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2018 and is struggling to recover. This is largely because the country relied on tourism for its economy, and hurricane equals no tourists equals no money to recover. It is a sad state of affairs.

To Summarise...

The stereotypical view of paradise that most people have in their heads: this is it. Combined with the hospitality of the locals, the amazing food, and the fact that if you avoid luxury resorts it is actually cheap, it is one of our favourite places on the planet.