ST JOHNS, Antigua – With a reputation for 365 picturesque beaches and waters so blue they blow you away, the award-winning twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda, with hot new events, UNESCO World Heritage sites, thrilling excursions, and luxurious hotel openings, is proving to be the coolest location for 2020.
New events and tours
The Sailing Capital of The Caribbean, with a history of prestigious sailing regattas, and perfect sailing conditions, takes advantage of strong Tradewinds, and breathtaking waters to host the first-ever Antigua and Barbuda Kite Surf Week taking place from 24 June – 30 June 2020. The best freestyle riders from across the world will be joining the sun, sea and sand nation for a week of fun and competitive race events.
For the self-proclaimed-foodies and gourmands, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week 11 May – 24 May 2020, will be a feast for your eyes and delight your taste buds. Join in on the celebrations and dine out at Antigua and Barbuda’s finest restaurants, where expert chefs will serve up tantalizing cuisine at attractive pre-fixed prices.
Explore the destination’s rich history within Antigua’s UNESCO World Heritage Site with the weekly Rum in the Ruins tour held on Friday’s. Rum’s seductive history is inextricably linked to the story of Antigua, to Nelson’s Dockyard and to the historic British military sites in the surrounding hills. Take part in an exciting heritage tour led by National Parks experts while enjoying the taste of the Officers’ life with specialty rum cocktails.
St John’s City also has its fair share of historical buildings to observe and explore. A great way to do this is with the Government House Garden Tours. Go back in time, as you tour this 17th-century colonial-style house, with noted Georgian architecture and extensive gardens. Built as the official residence for the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, the Queen of England’s representative in the country, Government House now functions as the Office of the Governor-General. Add some pomp and ceremony to your day, by booking the Afternoon Tea, at Government House Tour, and enjoy a variety of local teas, fruit juices, and delightful eats. Contact the Government House for more information, Tel: (268)462-0003.
For a more laid-back foodie experience, Eat n’ Lime Food Tours takes you into Antigua’s colourful city of St John’s, for an off-the-beaten-path culinary journey, that allows you to sample Antigua and Barbuda’s national dish, and six other tastings, as you visit local family eateries and savor the island culture.
For adventure-seekers wanting to take full advantage of this twin-island paradise, ride the waves over to Barbuda, for The Hike or Bike Barbuda on 25 January and 26 January 2020. This new event features five different distances that persons can either hike or bike around Barbuda’s amazing terrain, and truly explore the island. The shortest distance is 3km and the longest distances goes around the island for 42km. If camping is your thing, those travelling from Antigua, will overnight, sleeping in a serene camping style environment.
One for the laid-back thrill-seekers is the Jumby Bay Fund Rohrman Barbuda on 8 March 2020. Other than enjoying spectacular pink sand beaches and delicious seafood, the athletic and not-so-athletic, will participate in several, fun swimming and running events as well as other activities such as tug-of-war. Expect a lighter, more relaxed day than the more competitive sister event to the Rohrman Barbuda, the AUA Rohrman Triathlon which is held in Antigua. You can register at https://raceroster.com/events/2020/27661/jumby-bay-fund-rohrman-barbuda
Hotel Openings
Antigua and Barbuda has lots to offer with its varied hotel offerings. With these two new additions, the options just got better.
Located on Antigua’s northeast coast, adjacent to Devil’s Bridge National Park, Hammock Cove Resort & Spa is the newest boutique hotel on the island. The property’s three pillars are gastronomy, personalized service, and uninterrupted luxury. Located just 25 minutes from the airport Hammock Cove is the 5-star all-inclusive luxury vacation you’ve been dreaming of.
Boasting a 350-year-old history, The Great House Antigua, one of the only original and restored plantation houses in Antigua, opens four new garden suite cottages for the 2019/2020 Winter season. The luxurious and private cottages are set in 26 acres of tropical gardens with sea views. The Great House Antigua delivers a unique and personal stay in one of the most historic locations on the island.
New flights
Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating the arrival of an inaugural flight from Colombia to Antigua and Barbuda, with Gran Colombia de Aviación (GCA) charter flight organized through a tour operator, South America Venture Ltd. The new service which begins in early 2020, will allow travelers to fly to and from St John’s, Antigua and Cartagena, Colombia within two and a half hours.
For the upcoming 2019/2020 winter season, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, JetBlue and Air Canada Vacations, are also increasing flights into Antigua, offering travelers more opportunities to visit the popular destination.
Promotional offers
Take advantage of these deals for travel to Antigua and Barbuda in December all the way through to 2020.
South Point Antigua
With its understated yet refined décor, exclusive waterfront location, South Point Antigua offers a truly unique and sophisticated boutique hotel experience in the heart of historic English Harbour, the Caribbean’s yachting capital. Book now at www.southpointantigua.com and save up to 30 percent of your winter break.
Catamaran Hotel
The Catamaran Hotel – A true taste of island life – offers all the comforts of home, roominess and all your self-catering needs at an affordable price. The friendly smiles and accommodating presence of the staff is personal and individual, yet non-intrusive. Located minutes away from the historic Nelson’s Dockyard in Falmouth. Book your winter vacation at www.catamaranantigua.com and save up to 20 percent.
Starfish Jolly Beach
Stay at Starfish Jolly Beach for US$300 per night based on double occupancy, US$225 based on single occupancy. Book and stay from December 23rd, 2019 to January 23rd, 2020. For more information log onto our website: www.jollybeachresort.com Tel: (268) 462-0061 EXT 4501 Email: reservations@jollybeachresort.com
Curtain Bluff
Ranked amongst the best inclusive resorts in the World, enjoy a stay at Curtain Bluff with this Family and Friends offer: Use the code FAM20 to get five percent off when you book a 2nd room. Valid for bookings between December 2nd, 2019 to February 1st, 2020. Offer is valid for travel between March 1, 2020 to August 14, 2020. Code must be used to redeem offer, and rooms must be within the same category. For more information log onto: www.curtainbluff.com Tel: (268) 462-8400
South Coast Horizons
For those seeking the ultimate eco-friendly environment, South Coast Horizons offers the ultimate experience. Rooms only, based on double occupancy rates available include: Garden View Studio US$93.00, Ocean View King Suite US$161.50 and Ocean View Suite US$127.50 For more information log onto www.southcoasthorizons.com Tel: (268) 562-4074 Email: admin@southcoasthorizons.com
For more information on What’s New in Antigua and Barbuda for 2020, go to www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
