Experience Thrilling Activities, Breathtaking Caribbean Scenery, and Unforgettable Memories with My Story About Things to do in Antigua
by Stefanie Michaels
Over the holidays, my husband and I took a break from everyday life by jetting down to the Caribbean Island of Antigua. Barbuda’s sister island, this little slice of paradise boasts 95 miles of sugary white shoreline with those turquoise waters we crave.
As a world traveler, people ask me all the time what my favorite vacation destinations are. I must admit, after years of exploring for work, sometimes I just want to park it on a beach and soak up some island vibes. Antigua for me, is that kind of place.
While Sandals Grande Antigua is the largest resort on Dickenson Beach, the island is home to a wide selection of properties ranging from Blue Waters Resort and Spa with 17 acres of tropical gardens on the northwestern coast to Antigua Yacht Club and Marina and Resort at Falmouth Harbor and to the five thousand on up per night, Jumby Bay Resort on its own private island guests ferry to.
When it comes to hospitality, the restaurants and bars serve it up liberally with any rum drink you could think of. The one and only floating bar in Antigua, Kon Tiki Bar, picked us up in front of Siboney Beach Restaurant at Dickenson Bay for a short boat ride to its floating platform turned bar, decked in total tiki kitsch. If you go, try the vodka “death shot”– fun times!
Ana’s On The Beach is a restaurant and offers cabana rentals. Their menu includes curries and ceviche. Casa Roots Restaurant in front of the Barrymore Apt rentals, lends to a boho-chic beach vibe and the freshest seafood cuisine.
And, for those days when we just wanted to sink our toes into the sand with a beach picnic, we found the island’s answer to Whole Foods – Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy.
We booked a private four-hour charter aboard the Making Memories yacht with Antigua Day Charters. Captain Andy took us to sea on his 40-foot yacht for snorkelling and lunch. Outfitted with lounge pads on its bow, it was the perfect place to join our friends, Michelle, Chad, Brooklyn and Emily, who flew in to surprise my hubs.
And, for the peace-de-resistance, we headed to the Donkey Sanctuary where we spent the afternoon. There’s more than 150 rescued donkeys living on the grounds. One of my favorite times on the island by far was brushing the donkeys and soaking up the love from them. Rescued dogs and cats are also available for adoption, too.
As a part of the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society, visitors can help support the sanctuary’s work by donating to the GoFundMe campaign or virtually adopting a donkey via their website at www.antiguaanimals.com.
A Little History:
Antigua, officially known as Antigua and Barbuda, is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea.
It was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib indigenous peoples before being colonized by the British in 1632. It was used as a base for the British navy and became an important center for trade, agriculture and sugar production.
The island gained independence from Britain in 1981 and today it is a thriving tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, rich history and vibrant culture.
It’s also recognized for its historic English Harbor, which was once a major center for British naval power and is now a popular tourist attraction with a marina and museums.
The official language of is English. However, the most commonly used slang in is Antiguan Creole, also known as “Nation Language”. It is an English-based creole language that has its roots in African, English, and Indigenous Taíno languages.
The currency used is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD).
