Your Next Winter Escape
Looking for a luxurious, sunny destination for your next vacation? Look no further than Antigua and Barbuda, twin Caribbean islands offering 365 stunning beaches, scrumptious international and local cuisine, hospitable people as warm as the weather, and endless all-inclusive resort options! The unique allure of Antiguan and Barbudan culture and history has attracted many visitors to its shores over the years. For some, these trips are a chance to relax on the beach, crack open a new book and bask in the beautiful Caribbean sun. While this sounds quite peaceful, there are also tons of fun activities you can do while staying on island.
Antigua and Barbuda remains eminently accessible from Canada all year long, with direct service from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) with Air Canada on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and WestJet on Wednesdays and Sundays, in the winter season (November through April). For the rest of the year, May to October, both Air Canada and WestJet operating flights on a Sunday, meaning 365 beautiful white and pink sand beaches are just 4.5 hours away
Photo caption: Verandah Antigua
Whether visiting with family, a significant other, or a solo trip, be prepared to fall in love with Antigua and Barbuda's many all-inclusive resorts, each exuding comfort and unparalleled hospitality.
Antigua, the more populous island, is home to a couple of global hotel brands including the Sandals Grande Antigua, the Royalton Antigua (family friendly) and Royalton Chic (adults only). The Elite Island Resort company operates the most resorts on the island: from the budget-friendly Jolly Beach Resort, and the reliably 4-star St James’ Club (family-friendly), Pineapple Beach Club, and Verandah Antigua, to the luxurious Galley Bay and Hammock Cove resorts.
For those looking for a 5-star, premium experience, Antigua is also home to other boutique properties that still operate all-inclusive plans. Blue Waters, Carlisle Bay, Cocobay, Curtain Bluff, Hermitage Bay and Jumby Bay are wonderful options.
Barbuda is home to smaller, more rustic and low impact hotels such as the Barbuda Belle (8 rooms) and Barbuda Cottages (4 rooms). Be sure to book them well in advance as they fill up quickly!
Your Stingray City adventure will be the highlight of your vacation, and an experience that will live with you forever. Come and enjoy this unique experience of interacting and feeding Southern Stingrays which are gentle and friendly creatures. A short speedboat ride whisks you to a shallow sand bank surrounded by beautiful coral reef. You may stand up or swim with the rays. After feeding, snorkeling and taking some pictures with your new friends, the professional team returns you to land base with a complimentary glass of rum punch.
Start your trip off with a wild, wet adventure! There is no better way to embrace the Antiguan sea life than by learning how to sail at the Antigua Sailing Academy. Sailing and boat racing are a large part of the Caribbean lifestyle, with Antigua serving as a hub for the international boating community in April. Sailors from all over the world converge on Nelson’s Dockyard during the month for the new-kid-on-the-block Antigua Racing Cup and the renowned Antigua Sailing Week.
Head back into the water for the third day of your trip and observe the extravagant world under the sea. Scuba diving is a great activity to see amazing sea creatures such as sea turtles and observe beautiful coral reefs. The Antigua Scuba School is a great organization to help guide you as you plunge into the sea. Visitors are in safe hands as the instructors are PADI certified (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) with more than 30 years of teaching experience as well as more than 60 years of diving industry experience.
For all the hiking enthusiasts, Antigua and Barbuda have some amazing trails, which offer the chance to see the destination in new, panoramic ways. For those looking for a fun and quick hike, the Shirley Heights Lookout Trail is a short 1.8-kilometre distance that offers an amazing view of the famous bay. A slightly more difficult trail but worth the adventure is the Middle Ground Trail located near English Harbour. The 4.2-kilometre loop offers an amazing view of the water as well as some splendid wildflowers! There is no better way to end your vacation on Antigua and Barbuda than holding your loved ones as the sun gently goes down over the horizon, symbolizing your time on the islands has come to end.
Lovers who choose Antigua and Barbuda as their destination will find tranquil escapes for two. Soar above the islands with a heart-pumping helicopter tour with CalvinAir and take in breathtaking views that will leave you and yours in awe. Care to stretch your legs? Enjoy a fascinating hike through lush rainforests leading to the beach at Rendezvous Bay, a secluded paradise perfect for an unforgettable private getaway. Finally, for an impeccable ending to a perfect day, set sail on a Catamaran Sunset Cruise on the Mystic II at dusk, complete with tasty cocktails and panoramic ocean views.
Ready to get your destination wedding in the books? Consider the perfect venues and excursions that are sure to keep your guests entertained. From luxurious beachfront views to charming historical venues such as Clarence House in the UNESCO World Heritage Site-designated National Park, there’s a venue to suit every aesthetic.
Discover your home away from home this winter. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking outdoor thrills, a foodie ready to savour fresh island flavours, or simply looking to relax under the Caribbean sun - Antigua and Barbuda has something for everyone. For Canadian snowbirds dreaming of a warm, long-term escape, this twin-island paradise offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Enjoy an easy-going lifestyle, welcoming locals, and all the amenities you need to settle in and stay awhile:
• Access to modern healthcare facilities and pharmacies
• Grocery stores with global brands
• Fast internet connectivity
• Canadian-friendly banking and ATMs
• Six-months visa-free stays for Canadian passportholders
www.visitantiguabarbuda.com and contact Northstar Travel to to book your perfect island escape!
