Antigua
As you fly into Antigua you will be enthralled by the sight of the island surrounded by clear turquoise sea and lined by the many white sandy beaches.
Located about 200 miles south east of Puerto Rico in the Leeward Islands of the Carribean, Antigua enjoys a mildly tropical climate cooled by north east trade winds all year round. Temperatures range from a low of around 23C (73F) in the winter months of January and February to a high of around 28 - 32C (85F) in August and September.
Although Antigua is a small island approximately 13 miles by 9 miles, there are 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is safe for swimming, watersports and snorkelling. Organised catarmaran trips or island tours can be booked from the beach. For those who are keen to sail or golf these facilities are close by.
The main town is St Johns and this is only a 5 minute drive away. Here you will experience the vibrance of the local people. You will find the cathedral and its landmark towers, the museum and the main shopping centre including a multitude of small shops, the market, the vendors mall and the duty free shopping centre.
Alternatively you can relax in the tranquil atmosphere of the island and enjoy the beaches or take a relaxed drive through the tropical rain forest.
Discover the landmarks of Antigua's colourful history such as Nelsons dockyard, the old sugar mills or calypso at Shirley Heights on a Sunday where you can watch the magnificent sun set over English harbour.
Antigua Airport
Major airlines including BA and Virgin and the charter airlines BMI and First Choice fly to Antigua's V. C. Bird Airport. They offer non-stop flights to Antigua. The flight takes about 7 1/2 hours.
Documents for Arrival
A valid UK passport is necessary to enter Antigua Airport.
Airport Transfers
Several transport options are available in Antigua for travel to your villa.
If you choose to rent a car you will need to purchase a temporary Antiguan Driving licence at the time you collect your car. This costs US$20 and will be arranged for you by the car hire company but you need both parts of your UK driving licence for your application.
Should you choose not to rent a car, there are plenty of taxis at the airport for your transfer.
We are happy to arrange your airport transfer by taxi in advance for your comfort or to arrange a hire car with a local company.
Antigua Departure Tax
Taxes & Service Charges -- Visitors must pay a departure tax of US$28 or 70 EC Dollars.
Electricity:
Most of the island's electricity is 110-volt AC (60 cycles) or 220-volt AC (60 cycles), which means that UK appliances require world wide plug adaptors.
Mobile Phones:
If your mobile phone company has a roaming agreement with the local Antigua telephone company and your mobile phone number is active in Antigua, you can enjoy your mobile phone service.
Alternatively telephone calls can be made from the office of Cable & Wireless, on Long Street, in St. John's (tel. 268/462-0840). You can also send faxes and telegrams from Cable & Wireless.
To call Antigua from the United Kingdom, dial 01268, and then the number. To call the United Kingdom from Antigua, dial 00 44, and then the number.
Antigua Shopping
Most of Antigua's shops are clustered on St. Mary's Street or High Street in St. John's. Some stores are open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to noon and from 1pm to 4pm, but this varies greatly from place to place -- Antiguan shopkeepers are very independent. Many of them close at noon on Thursday. Duty-free items include jewellery, English woollens and linens. You can also purchase Antiguan goods: local pottery, straw work, rum, floppy foldable hats, shell curios, and hand-printed fabrics.
Shopping in Antigua includes a little bit of everything. Although it is not a mecca of boutiques like some other Caribbean islands, travellers staying at Hummingbirds villa will find enough quirky shops to occupy a day off the beach.
The main shopping thoroughfares on Antigua are St. Mary's and High Street in St. John's. Here, guests can stock up on just about anything, including duty free goods, fresh produce, and souvenirs and Colombian Emeralds, the world's largest retailer of the sparkling green gemstones. Heritage Quay in St. John's, is a complex of duty-free boutiques, artist's market, and small restaurants and is a favourite amongst holiday makers. In this area you'll find Sun seekers, the Caribbean's biggest duty-free swimwear shop (great for relaxing beside the fresh water pool at the villa). You will also be able to purchase colourful batik wraps, scarves, and other gift items.
The best place for a one-stop shop in Antigua is the farmer's market, open Friday and Saturday mornings on the south side of the city. Many visitors see this lively bazaar as reason enough to journey into St. John's from the peace of the villa. Guests can fill the fridge at the villa with tropical fruits and vegetables or buy handicrafts made by local artisans.