White sand beaches, clear blue waters and enchanting rainforests… Antigua is the dictionary definition of a Caribbean getaway.
As the bigger of the two islands that make up the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua is home to the buzzing capital St. John’s which has lots of cool bars and traditional wood-panelled restaurants serving exotic fare while ceiling fans whirl lazily overhead.
It’s a romantic spot too, super popular for honeymoons and weddings on the beach against the backdrop of a love-heart pink sunset.
We have a collection of luxury villas in Antigua that provide you with the perfect base for exploring everything this delightful island has to offer.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked villas in Antigua have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking villas that aren’t only unique but are also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
If what you’re looking for from a Caribbean holiday is gorgeous beaches, fascinating history and lush rainforests, then this little island really packs a punch.
Antigua's historic Nelson's Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a glimpse into the island's maritime history. The island is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and cultural events throughout the year, making it a great place to visit for those who want to relax, explore, and have fun.
The capital St. John’s is known for its great shopping, particularly around Heritage Quay right on the waterfront. Why not escape the Caribbean heat and indulge in a little retail therapy?
All over Antigua you’ll find a diverse range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual beachside cafes and everything in between - there’s something to suit every taste.
Antigua’s food scene is varied and colourful, with influences from all over the Caribbean, Africa and Europe. The island was originally a base for sugar plantations and rum distilleries and many still operate today. You should definitely seek out a distillery tour and try out a few strains of ‘Nelson’s blood’.
The nation’s official fruit is the black pineapple. They’re not really black at all, but they are rare and known as the sweetest kind of pineapple you can find anywhere.
Interrupt your day of sun worshipping and indulge in a lunch of saltfish and fungi, an Antiguan vegetable mash dish similar to polenta or grits. Make sure to try ducana, a delicious sweet potato patty with coconut, sugar, raisins and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf and boiled.
Spend evenings sipping on Wadadli beer, the only Antiguan brand on the island, and or kicking back with a mangria cocktail, a cooling blend of white wine, rum, cognac, melon liqueur and pineapple juice that's as pinky-orange as the sunset.
Black Pineapple
You won’t be short of choice with Antigua’s 365 sandy stretches and they range from busy beaches with watersports options and restaurants, to spots that are a little more out of the way and could be all yours for a day.
Half Moon Bay is known as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, a secluded, crescent shape surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for snorkelling and swimming.
Dickenson Bay is a long, white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters and a range of water sports and activities, or Jolly Beach is a popular spot with a long stretch of white sand, great for swimming and sunbathing.
Antigua Carnival is a colourful and lively festival held annually in July, featuring parades, live music, traditional dances and lots of fantastic food and drink. It’s an absolute must for any travellers during this time.
The island is known for its love affair with sailing, and April is when both Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta are held. Sailors from around the world come to compete in races, socialise and admire displays of classic and historic yachts.
There’s also the Antigua Independence Day Celebrations for the national holiday celebrated on November 1st, which marks Antigua's independence from Britain in 1981. It is celebrated with lots of music, dancing and stunning parades.
To get a real feel for the gorgeous rainforest that makes up so much of the island, don’t miss Wallings Nature Reserve and get up close to lush tropical vegetation and drink in the view with the site’s famous lemongrass punch. The reserve is accessed along the winding mountain route Fig Tree Drive which has to be the most scenic road on the island.
Wallings Nature Reserve
The view over English Bay from Shirley Heights - a historic gun battery - is incredible and well worth a short hike in the heat. You’ll be rewarded with the sight of forest-strewn peninsulas and turquoise blue shores that lap palm-lined beaches. Bliss!
It’s not all about greenery and beaches on Antigua, the settlements are very much worth exploring too and brim with history and character. Mix with the locals and shop at markets and watch the world go by at a cafe with a cup of the freshest, locally-grown coffee.
Ok so it’s not exactly hidden, but you absolutely should take a ferry ride over to the less-explored island of Barbuda and explore the fascinating caves and sinkholes. Darby’s Cave is home to 8-foot stalactites and Indian Cave has incredible ancient drawings left by the Arawak people..
With candy-coloured buildings and shopping galore, the island's capital city is a big draw for tourists. Take a look inside the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Divine with its gleaming wood interior and curved ceiling, or if you’re after something more decadent, then hit the city as the sun sets to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
This former naval base is now a yachting marina and tourist destination. English Harbour is a charming town with well-preserved colonial-era buildings, a rich maritime history, and a lively atmosphere. Nearby Pigeon Point beach has gentle waters and is a great place to spend a day in the sun.
A picturesque harbour town, Falmouth Harbour is a popular spot for yachting and boating, with a relaxed atmosphere and many bars, restaurants, and shops. The town lies to the eastern end of the Shekerley Mountains and is a gateway to lots of incredible hiking trails.
Direct flights from London Gatwick take around 8 hours. British Airway has 3 direct flights a week and Virgin Atlantic has up to 4 direct flights a week, making Antigua super easy to reach!
Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or called in advance. They’re not super cheap though, so only use them for short journeys.
Many rental car services are available for those who prefer to explore the island at their leisure. We recommend renting a car with four-wheel drive if you plan to drive on unpaved roads. Try Hertz or AntiguaRentalCar.com.
Buses are a cheap option for getting around Antigua, however, they can be crowded and slow during peak hours.
St John’s is a key port in the Caribbean and a popular spot for cruise liners to dock up. There’s also a ferry service from Montserrat, and if you plan on visiting the tiny isle of Barbuda, you’ll need to board a ferry.
