The postcard-worthy islands of Antigua and Barbuda are a dream getaway for any traveler: couples on a honeymoon, families looking for a warm getaway, or even just a group of friends looking to party. I spent just a few days on the welcoming and laid-back island of Antigua and came away feeling refreshed and happy!
Whether you’re into lazing around your resort, stuffing your face, or trying water activities, Antigua has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to start, here are 5 things you absolutely must do in Antigua.
1. Lounge in Your Luxury Hotel’s Infinity Pool
Nothing screams “luxury vacation” more than your very own private infinity pool from your oceanside villa. Luckily, I got to have this experience at Tamarind Hills, one of Antigua’s finest luxury resorts! Forget sharing an infinity pool with the rest of the hotel guests; the villas here have their very own private ones, overlooking the fantastically blue Caribbean.
I spent an idyllic afternoon splashing around in the pool and soaking in the peace and quiet before retreating to the refreshing air conditioning inside. My stay here was extra relaxing because everything I needed or wanted was within the comforts of my own villa.
Book your stay at Tamarind Hills here!
2. Swim With Pigs
You might have known that you can swim with pigs in the Bahamas. But did you know that you can do it safely, humanely, and educationally in Antigua as well?
Pigs in Paradise (or Pig’s Paradise) is a wonderful experience on a secluded beach in Antigua where you can spend two hours feeding, running with, and swimming with a horde of adorable pigs and piglets. What’s more, the staff here clearly care about their pigs and treat them with love and care. You will also learn a lot about the pigs and pigs as a species over the course of the two hours, with the owner Chantelle giving you an educational discussion at the end while you recover from the heat with complimentary waters or craft beers.
I was invited to experience Pig’s Paradise for free, but I would definitely go again even if I had to pay! I loved playing with the adorable little pigs and I seriously respect how much care and love the staff gives their animals.
The easiest way to book (as of 2022) is through their website or by messaging them on Instagram or via WhatsApp. You can also check out their Tripadvisor page here.
Love Caribbean islands and love swimming with animals? How does feeding flamingos in Aruba sound? Take a look at my Flamingo Island article on the beautiful One Happy Island here.
3. Watch the Sunset From Your Hot Tub
Make no mistake, the temperatures in Antigua are hot, hot, hot. I was perpetually soaked in sweat whenever I stepped outside! However, in the late evenings, it becomes just cool enough to warrant a soak in your private hot tub—cold drink in hand, of course.
The Caribbean islands are known for their fantastic sunsets and there’s nothing more romantic than treating yourself to a good soak while watching the sky turn pink and purple!
My Oceanview Suite at Tamarind Hills had a private jacuzzi on the front steps and was perfectly situated to see the gorgeous stretch of coastline. Every night, I hopped in with a glass of cold juice or soda and let the water soothe all my aches away!
Book your stay at Tamarind Hills here.
4. Visit Antigua’s 365 Beaches
Antigua has a shocking 365 beaches; as they say, one for every day of the year! In true Caribbean fashion, you’ll find bright teal water and soft white sand at pretty much any destination you choose. My favorite beach is Dickenson Bay Beach for its iconic red phone booth!
Some of the beaches are definitely geared toward tourists (Dickenson Bay Beach being a prime example) while others are frequented mostly by locals. There are too many beaches to list here, but here are some of the most excellent choices:
- Ffryes Beach
- Fort James Beach
- Pigeon Point Beach
- Long Bay Beach
- Rendezvous Bay Beach
- Half Moon Bay
5. Enjoy Antiguan Food
Antiguan food is quite unique; a mix of Spanish and British influence from their colonial past and the tropical staples that come with being a Caribbean island. While I certainly wasn’t able to try every local dish during my short stay, I was very interested in the cultural mishmash of foods that I read about and saw!
If you are lucky enough to visit Antigua during Independence Day (November 1st), there is a massive food fair traditionally held on the island. Pretty much all local families will flock there in the evening, where you’ll find endless vendors selling every manner of real local food—a much more authentic experience than you’ll get at the fancy resorts!
I’m no expert on Antiguan dishes, but some obvious cultural must-try’s include fungee/fungie (the national dish of Antigua), ducana, saltfish, and the classic jerk chicken.
Antigua is an easygoing paradise where you can spend as little or as much time as you want! While there are certainly more than 5 amazing things to experience while on the small but loving island, these will be an introduction to what will definitely be a wonderful stay.
I only had 3 days to spend in Antigua, but I loved the gorgeous beaches, the friendly locals, and the relaxing resort life. Now, I can see why it’s such a popular destination for anyone looking for a getaway!
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