Among the many isles of the Lesser Antilles, Antigua stands out for her coasts, jagged and rich of deep bays often protected by coral reefs, for its sweet orography, for its dry climate, but mainly for a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere connected to its history, to the long- lasted English domination, to the base for the Royal Navy, to her call for the sea life that today christened one of the main cities of Caribbean yachting.
For decades Antigua has been a favourite destination of English Kings, Queens and social elites, and today it has become a destination for international tourism, attracted there not only by the beautiful nature, but also by the tropical and out-of-our-time colonial atmosphere, guaranteeing a unique experience.
Antigua’s nature expresses herself in a combination of flourishing greens, multi-coloured flowers, exotic fruits, tropical forests and dry areas. The plants are peculiar of the rain forest: giant bamboos, gum tree, mahogany, many types of orchids. On the coast we can spot acacia, ficus and agave trees. In the lagoons we can take a peek at mangroves, whose soaked roots keep sand and coral fragments at place.
Antigua is known as the island of 365 beaches, among the most beautiful in the world: from the wild and secluded beaches to the modern ones with organised activities and comforts. Pigeon Point Beach, Half Moon Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Johnson’s Point, Darkwood, Long Bay, to name a few.
Antigua is renown also for its food: the mixture of cultures and traditions reflects in an experience of exotic and intense tastes. The local fruit is mainly represented by the black pineapple, a pineapple variety that only grows in Antigua. Very popular is the roasted lobster. The most famous spirit is the rum, in particular the English Harbour Rum – seasoned in durmast barrels for a minimum of five years – is considered an excellent rum by connoisseurs. Many are the sports activities to be practiced in Antigua: sailing, surf, kite surf, windsurf, diving, fishing, hiking, golf, cycling and fitness.
INFO ON THE CAPITAL CITY
The lively capital city, St John’s, can be discovered by walking tours: the walking area in Heritage Quay has many luxurious shops and boutiques, the ancient area of Redcliffe Quay – formerly headquarters for slave markets and then for general stores – is a pleasant oasis of peace facing the sea. In the ancient building of the Court House you can find Antigua and Barbuda’s Museum, housing archaeological discoveries from the Siboney era, before the Arawak and the Caribi, roughly 4000 years ago. The cathedral, made out of wood in 1681 and then rebuilt with bricks in 1720 and with stones in 1843 is currently undergoing a restoration process.
Other jewels of the cultural heritage of Antigua are the English Harbour and the former Royal Navy yard, known as Nelson’s Dockyard – saluting admiral Horatio Nelson – and they are so unique that they have been awarded the status of human heritage from UNESCO. Inside the walls and protected by the plateaus and the promontory, these buildings form a unique collection from King George’s era in the area of the Eastern Caribbean and represents a memory place that is unique in the world.
HOW TO REACH ANTIGUA
The isles can be easily reached in only 7 hours of flight from Europe, with flights from Paris, London, Frankfurt, Zurich. Air Canada, British Airways and Air France companies have daily direct flights going there. With LIAT flight company is then possible to reach many of the islands with short, economic, breath-taking flights.
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
Antigua is known by its visitors non only as a first-class destination for those who are looking for a piece of heaven and for the perks we highlighted, but it also stands out for being a meeting place for international financial services. The island has a stable financial centre: the Global Bank of Commerce Limited, a private institution built in 1983, is renown in Antigua for the customised services that satisfy the most peculiar investors. The combination of a well-ruled financial service, great professional resources and secure electronic commerce in a stable environment enables private and international financial services for firms. Another perk is the new law system, that builds a bridge between local people and foreign investors.
Nowadays Antigua has become one of the favourite destinations for those who are looking for a second house in the Caribbean: the world crisis and the strong bank system of the island allowed the market to stay desirable and in the next few years there will be plenty of opportunities for investors.