Antigua

Sail sapphire seas while sipping on sweet rum punch

Snuggled in the eastern Caribbean, Antigua – ancient in Spanish – lulls you gently into its laidback lifestyle like a warm embrace, much like the luxury A&K villas located here.

Known locally as Waladli or Wadadl, sailing is the pride and joy of this small Atlantic island thanks to its low-lying coastline, yet bright barrier reefs and pale-sand beaches are equally worth the visit. With more than 365 stretches of beach and coves – including the pink-tinged sands of 17 Mile Beach – there is no shortage of peace and privacy.

Fresh seafood and exceptional rum have contributed to Antigua becoming a popular destination for food and drink connoisseurs. Make sure to try the Antiguan Black during your stay, the sweetest pineapple in the world. There are also sights and landmarks galore, with trails leading up to Shirley Heights, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nelson’s Dockyard named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, and Fort Barrington, which offers the perfect sunset vantage point.

Whether you wish to swim with sea turtles off Long Island or dance the night away with the locals in one of Saint John’s colourful bars, there is something for families and honeymooners alike in this tropical haven.

Things to do
Practical information

Things to do

Antigua's spectacular Carnival takes place in July and August. Often described as the Caribbean’s best summer celebration, the streets come alive with parades, music bands, and troupes with a myriad of vibrant costumes
There is the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Nelson’s Dockyard named after Admiral Horatio Nelson
Shirley Heights is an iconic spot as an ex-military lookout and gun point that has been carefully restored, offering spectacular views

Practical information

Time Zone

GMT -4 hours. Antigua does not have daylight saving.

Language

The official language is English, but some of the local communities speak Spanish or a creole language, which develops from the mixing of languages.

Currency

Although Antigua has its own currency (the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, XCD) U.S. dollars are widely used. $1 USD is approximately $2.7 XCD, and £1 is approximately $3.32 XCD. Notes are in denominations of XCD $100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of $2 and $1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Money Matters

It is recommended that you take USD with you and exchange it for XCD upon arriving in Antigua if you need them. You can also change XCD back to USD at any bank in Antigua. ATMs on the island will only issue XCD.

Credit cards — including Mastercard and VISA — are widely accepted.

Tipping Advice

Tipping in Antigua is discretionary and should reflect the service you have received, though a service charge of 10-15 per cent is typically added to your bill in hotels and restaurants.

Arrival & Departure Formalities

A visitor must be in possession of a passport or other appropriate documentation that is valid beyond the date of their return ticket. You must also be in possession of a paid return ticket or ticket entitling you and your dependents, if any, to travel to your next destination outside of Antigua.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in Antigua. UK, EU and US passport holders can visit Antigua for up to six months without a visa.

Driving

People drive on the left-hand side in Antigua and vehicles are mainly right-hand drive. If you do wish to drive around the island, you’ll need a local driving permit which costs $20 and is valid for three months. You have to be older than 25 years old to rent a car on the island.

Speed limits in Antigua are 32 km/hr in built up areas and 64 km/hr on other roads.

Parking

In the capital St John’s, you’ll find parking is more restricted and as such paid parking areas have sprung up. However, the cost is minimal, and your car is likely safer than when parked on the road.
It’s illegal to park where there are yellow lines at the road edge and double white lines in the middle. You must also avoid parking near bus stops, pedestrian crossings and school entrances or emergency service entrances.

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Luxury Villas in Antigua

Sail sapphire seas while sipping on sweet rum punch

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