St. John’s is the capital and major port of the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. The premier Caribbean tourist destination draws visitors for its brilliant blue skies and waters, abundance of white-sand beaches, wall of coral reef, and nearly constant northeast trade winds, making it ideal for activities like sailing, swimming, snorkeling and diving … and pure relaxation. Festivals, sailing events, culinary celebrations and local culture keep the island vibe going all year long.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Visitors arriving by air fly into Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport via direct flights and easy connections from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and the Caribbean. Government-regulated taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Cruise ships dock at St. John’s Harbour and Heritage Quay, in the heart of the capital. Taxis are available throughout Antigua, and taxi drivers are also qualified as tour guides for sightseeing trips (obtain tour rates through hotels). Rent a car to discover Antigua at your own pace; you will need your valid driver’s license and must pay a small fee for a driving permit. Don’t forget, driving is on the left side of the road.

LODGING
Blue Waters Resort & Spa
Indulge in ultimate island luxury at one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts, boasting several freshwater pools, three secluded beach coves and 17 acres of stunning tropical gardens. Choose from 110 luxury guestrooms, villas and suites.

Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort
Enjoy relaxed luxury at this serene island sanctuary a world away from Caribbean crowds. The all-inclusive retreat not only indulges guests with extraordinary dining, powdery white beaches and a holistic spa, but it also remains committed to conservation of the island’s ecology. Sprawling private estates, elegant villas and romantic cottages accommodate every type of guest.

Royalton Chic Antigua, Autograph Collection

Known for its lively beach club vibe, this all-inclusive, adults-only resort on Dickinson Bay offers pristine beaches, infinity pool, chef-made cuisine, creative cocktails, indulgent spa treatments and vibrant shows. Don’t miss the Pescari overwater “diningtainment” experience.

DINING
Le Bistro
Enjoy the unique experience of French cuisine in a luxurious yet relaxing Caribbean atmosphere at Antigua’s first authentic French restaurant, founded in 1991. Expect polished service, exquisite dishes and a diverse wine menu.

Casa Roots
Located right on the sand with panoramic views of the ocean, Casa Roots offers a romantic and casually elegant setting to enjoy French-Caribbean fusion cuisine. Popular dishes include mahi mahi cooked in banana leaves, seafood paella, grilled octopus and Caribbean fish tacos.

Papa Zouk
Don’t be fooled by its small size: Papa Zouk delivers big on delicious meals, complemented by genuine hospitality and authentic Antiguan vibes. Savor seafood specialties such as red snapper, conch and mahi mahi, and sample the renowned rum collection in this locals’ favorite.

ATTRACTIONS
Beaches
From family-friendly Dickinson Bay with its calm waters, gentle slope into the sea and abundant facilities to the snorkeling paradise of Galley Bay Beach with a vibrant coral garden and the rugged seclusion of Half Moon Bay with its rolling Atlantic waves, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect beach day among the islands’ 365 distinct options.

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
Exhibits explore the islands’ geography, geology, Indigenous tribes and plantation life, as well as present-day culture. In the gift shop find jewelry, drawings and pottery by local artists; framed maps; and books about Antiguan history and archaeology, flora and fauna, art, and artists.

Stingray City Antigua
A scenic five-minute speedboat ride takes you to a shallow pool where you can swim and interact with southern stingrays, the brightest rays in the Caribbean, known for their friendly and gentle nature. Then snorkel among tropical fish along magnificent coral reefs.

Contributor Jaclyn Trop recommends those in St. John’s, Antigua, take in the start and finish line for the Oyster World Rally circumnavigation. The Oyster World Rally is a fully supported; 16-month; 27,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation of the globe for Oyster yacht owners. It begins at Nelson’s Dockyard in St. John’s.