Discovering the real Antigua: more than just a beach escape
In June, I travelled to Antigua on a very special trip: a winners’ getaway hosted by the Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Board. I was team co-captain and my team won, so this trip already felt extra special before I even stepped on the plane. What made it really stand out though was that it wasn’t just a standard “fly and flop” beach holiday. Being hosted by the tourist board meant we were able to get under the skin of the island: meeting locals, eating where they eat, and experiencing the Antigua that lies beyond the brochure. Yes, the beaches are every bit as beautiful as you’d imagine. But there is so much more to do here, and that’s what I want to share.
First stop: settling into island life at Blue Waters
Our first stay was at Blue Waters, the perfect place to ease into Antigua time. From the moment we arrived, life just seemed to slow down a notch. Mornings started with that gentle sea breeze and the kind of views that make you instantly forget what day it is.
Blue Waters was our base for those first “pinch me” moments: waking up early to wander down to the water’s edge, chatting with staff who always seemed to remember our names, and getting that first taste of Antiguan hospitality that feels relaxed but genuinely warm.
This was also where the group started to properly connect. Being there as a winners’ team, there was already a buzz, but sharing those first sunsets together over a drink made it feel really special.
Seeing the wild side on a Tropical Adventure jeep safari
One of the standout experiences of the trip was the Tropical Adventure jeep safari, which showed us a totally different side to Antigua.
Instead of just sticking to the coast, we bounced along back roads, climbed up into the hills and saw the island’s lush interior: tiny villages, roadside stalls, flashes of bright flowers and those sweeping views where the sea suddenly appears in the distance.
Our guide shared stories you just don’t get from a guidebook: local history, how people live day to day, and all those little details that make you feel like you’re really getting to know a place. It was a reminder that Antigua isn’t just about sunloungers and swim‑up bars, it has a real character and rhythm of its own.
Beach bars, local lunches and living like an islander
Of course, food plays a huge part in understanding a destination, and Antigua was no exception.
We had leisurely lunches at local beach bars, the sort of places where the menu is chalked up on a board and the sound of the waves is your background music. Fresh fish, grilled meat, rice and peas, maybe a rum punch!
These weren’t polished, fine‑dining spots. They were laid‑back, full of local chatter, sandy‑footed and completely authentic. Exactly the kind of places I love to recommend to clients who want to experience the real flavour of an island.
Fryers Beach: one of Antigua’s 365 stretches of sand
Antigua is famous for having 365 beaches: one for every day of the year. While I didn’t quite manage to test that theory, we did get to slow down and relax on Fryers Beach, and it was one of my favourites.
Soft sand, clear water and that lovely, easygoing vibe: people dipping in and out of the sea, kids playing at the shoreline, and the sun doing its best to tempt you into an afternoon nap under a palm tree.
What I loved most was being able to combine that dreamy beach time with all the other experiences we were having. You can absolutely come to Antigua to do nothing but relax on a beautiful beach, but you don’t have to.
Sunset, steel pan and smoky BBQ at Shirley Heights
No trip to Antigua is complete without Shirley Heights, and it really does live up to the hype.
We headed up the hill for the famous Sunday BBQ party, arriving in time to watch the sun sink towards the horizon and the sky shift through shades of orange, pink and purple. The views over English Harbour and the anchored yachts are just incredible.
There is such a brilliant energy here: steel pan music, the smell of barbecue in the air, people dancing, laughing and just soaking up the atmosphere. It feels like one big island celebration and you cannot help but get swept up in it.
If you have clients who love live music, social vibes and a good sundowner, this needs to be on their list.
Rum, history and our own blends at the West Indies Rum Academy
One of the most unexpected highlights for me was the West Indies Rum Academy. This is where we dug a little deeper into one of the Caribbean’s most iconic spirits.
We learned how rum is made, from cane to bottle, and explored the different styles and flavours. Then came the really fun part: we each got to create our own blend, bottle it, name it and bring it home.
It was such a memorable experience, partly because it was hands‑on and partly because it connected us with the island’s history and culture. It is the kind of activity I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good drink with a story behind it and loves coming home with more than just a fridge magnet.
Cooking, tasting and chatting at Nicole’s Table
Another experience that really brought Antigua to life was our time at Nicole’s Table, where we had a cooking class and more rum tasting.
This wasn’t a formal, chef‑hat kind of class. It felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home. We chopped, stirred, tasted and laughed our way through dishes that were full of local flavour, all while learning about the ingredients and stories behind them.
For anyone who loves food and wants a deeper connection with the destination, this is exactly the sort of thing that turns a good holiday into a great one. You leave with recipes, yes, but also with memories of conversations, laughter and shared plates.
Exploring Antigua from two more angles: Carlisle Bay and Hodges Bay
As part of the trip we moved around the island, which gave us the chance to experience Antigua from different perspectives.
At Carlisle Bay, the setting felt wonderfully serene: a beautiful bay framed by green hills, perfect for those “I might just stay here forever” moments. It had that tucked‑away feel that suits couples and anyone who really values peace, space and a sense of escape.
Our final stay at Hodges Bay had a different energy again, with a stylish, modern feel and a lovely social buzz. Ending the trip here gave us time to reflect on everything we had seen and done while still enjoying that luxurious, Caribbean‑chic setting.
Moving between Blue Waters, Carlisle Bay and Hodges Bay allowed us to see how varied an Antiguan stay can be. Whether your clients want classic elegance, laid‑back luxury or something a little more contemporary, there is an option to suit.
Why Antigua is so much more than “just” a beach island
Going to Antigua as part of a winners’ trip, hosted by the tourist board, meant we were shown the island with real pride and passion. It was never just about ticking off sights, it was about understanding why locals love it and what makes it special beyond those famous 365 beaches.
For me, Antigua is:
- A place where you can spend the morning off‑roading through lush hills and the afternoon floating in turquoise water.
- An island where you might have lunch in a simple beach bar and dinner in a stylish restaurant, both equally memorable for different reasons.
- Somewhere you can learn, taste, cook and create your own rum blend, then dance the night away at Shirley Heights with the sunset as your backdrop.
Yes, it is absolutely a beach lover’s dream. But it is also perfect for foodies, rum enthusiasts, culture seekers and anyone who wants more from their Caribbean escape than a sunlounger and a good book.
If you are thinking about Antigua and want a holiday that mixes beautiful beaches with authentic experiences, I would love to share more about what we did and help design a trip that feels just as special as this one.
