Anchored in Antigua
Antigua is more than a waypoint in the Caribbean. It is an island where luxury and authenticity intertwine. Heritage meets refinement, barefoot ease meets culinary craft, and every curve of the coastline holds a new discovery. Even for the most seasoned of travellers, Antigua continues to delight and surprise.
A PATCHWORK OF PERSONALITY
Evolving landscapes
Antigua is divided into six parishes, each with its own rhythm and character. In the northwest, Saint John serves as the commercial and administrative centre and is where the larger cruise ships come into port. To the northeast, Saint George is more rural, with quiet residential areas and roads that wind past coconut groves and farmland. Along the island’s eastern coast, the Parish of Saint Peter features historic architecture and a sense of timeless calm.
Superyacht attraction
It is in the southern parishes of Saint Philip, Saint Paul, and Saint Mary that the island truly opens up. This is where you will find the majority of Antigua’s beaches, as well as much of its yachting and tourism infrastructure. English and Falmouth Harbours are home to world-class marinas, and nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nelson’s Dockyard continues to serve the yachting community while preserving a rich maritime legacy.
FROM SHORE TO TABLE
A laid-back classic
Perfectly poised on Pigeon Point Beach and a short stroll from both the Antigua Yacht Club and Falmouth Harbour Marina, Catherine’s Café remains a firm favourite. First opened in 2006 and part of the Rocks Group since 2017, it continues to earn international acclaim. The French-Caribbean menu is fresh, seasonal, and artfully plated, best enjoyed with your toes in the sand and a glass of chilled rosé in hand. It is the sort of place where long lunches stretch into early evenings, and the sea breeze lingers with the flavour.
The new kids on the island
The Hut, on the island of Little Jumby, has been the most exciting addition to the 2025 Caribbean season. It opened quietly in December 2024 and immediately rocketed to top of the list of must-visit locations in Antigua. Tucked away from the mainland, it offers a globally inspired, brasserie-style menu that’s described as unfussy – yet unforgettable, diners are seated on deck with a view of the ocean. Take a wander down the beach with glass of wine in hand, and Hut guests will find loungers and private cabanas for their exclusive use. The best way to arrive is via yacht but if you prefer to go on-foot, the Hut operate a small shuttle ferry from the mainland to Little Jumby island.
Refinement Rooted in Nature
Also worth a mention, is the newly refurbished Hermitage Bay. The resort has long led the way in barefoot luxury and the renovations put nature even more firmly at its heart. As well as the individual wooden suites for overnight accommodation, the restaurant has embraced a true farm-to-table ethos, guided by seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from local farmers and anglers. Menus change daily, shaped entirely by what is fresh, local, and available.
Surprise the Taste Buds
Antigua’s dining scene continues to surprise, and for those in search of something a little unexpected, we have uncovered two standout spots well worth exploring. The first is for those who like their dinner with a side of party atmosphere, and that is found at Los Cabrones on the corner of Dockyard Drive – grab a sombrero, a tequila or two, and tuck into the fantastic and surprisingly authentic Mexican fare. Another unexpected delight is Indian Summer, near the roadside entrance to Falmouth Harbour Marina. With tables at the water’s edge, this low-key restaurant serves up curries to come back for.
SIGHTS WITH A STORY
Antigua’s Iconic View
No trip to Antigua is complete without a visit to Shirley Heights. Making the pilgrimage to the top will reward you with a breathtaking view any day of the week, but on Sunday this is accompanied by rum and reggae at sunset, with stands selling refreshments, jerk barbecue, and souvenirs. The panoramic vista stretches over English Harbour and beyond. Access to the famous viewpoint is charged at $10 per person, it is closed on Mondays, and it is also accessible by car.
Nelson’s Dockyard
For a dose of history and culture, a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard is the answer. The dockyard was of strategic importance to the British Royal Navy during the early eighteenth century, and it was Nelson’s placement here with H.M.S Boreas that gave the dockyard its name. Visitors can walk at their leisure around the site, where there are shops, galleries, restaurants, and the still utilised marina services.
A YEAR OF BEACHES
365 Sandy Escapes
Whether or not Antigua truly boasts a beach for every day of the year, the sense of abundance is unmistakable. Well-known favourites include Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, and Jolly Beach. Topping our list of recommendations is Galleon Beach, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a sea turtle sanctuary. It is ideal for snorkelling and your swim can be followed by a spot of revelry at the Loose Cannon Beach Bar.
Antigua may be a familiar name on the superyacht circuit, but it continues to reveal new corners, new flavours, and new reasons to stay a little longer. It is the rare kind of island that rewards both adventure and stillness and where the most memorable moments often begin once you have stepped ashore.
Darkwood Beach in Antigua and Barbuda, with its soft white sand and turquoise Caribbean Sea.Darkwood Beach in Antigua and Barbuda, with its soft white sand and turquoise Caribbean Sea.
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