Antigua is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and is blessed with rolling hills covered in green, 365 white sand beaches and trade winds that make this one of the top spots for Caribbean boating and sailing.

Antigua is the big sister of the two island nation shared with secluded and laid back Barbuda.

Antigua was a very strategic British stronghold for centuries and at one time over 40 forts stood guard. Today many of those forts can be visited and the best shots now taken are from a camera of the surrounding views. English Harbour was the center of British Naval power in the Caribbean and in its restored form is the number one place to visit on the island with historic sites, shopping village, restaurants and marinas. Antigua is often called the Heart of Caribbean Sailing and sailors and yachtsmen come from all over the world to enjoy catamaran sails around the jagged coastline containing secluded coves, bays and spectacular beaches. Caribbean sailing trips include day trips over to the isolated charm of Barbuda, excursions to the volcano island of Montserrat, or longer trips to Nevis, St. Kitts or down the Caribbean chain. In fact Antigua is also home to the Sailing Academy and Antigua hosts some of the top sailing races in the world with the Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sailing week and the Antigua Yacht Show. This is a top ranked wind surfing and kite boarding destination. And the reefs are fantastic with many dive and snorkeling spots to be enjoyed. Kayak expeditions will take you out to sea where you can explore uninhabited off-shore islets- swimming with Dolphins can be experienced as well.

Hikers can climb up Boggy Peak which at 1,300 feet is the highest point on the island or climb up Signal Hill. There are plenty of biking trails and it is a blast to tackle the island’s rugged interior with a 4 by 4 or a ATV! A challenging round of Caribbean Golf can be found at the Cedar Valley Golf Club. (Par 69, scenic & spread out in a valley and over rolling hills!)

Just as there is a lot to see and do on Antigua there are many choices concerning Caribbean hotels, resorts and luxurious villa accommodations- Carlisle Bay Antigua, Curtain Bluff Hotel, St. James Club, Blue Waters, Grand Pineapple Beach, Royal Antiguan Resort, Sandals Resort and Spa and the Rex Halcyon. Caribbean Luxury Villa choices would include the Jolly Harbour Villas, Jasmine Hill Villa, The Caribe House Villas, The Antiguavilla and the Ocean Inn Villa.

And when you are ready to get away from your villa or hotel and want to relax after sailing, diving or hiking- then get out and enjoy some of the following Col.com recommendations from Edward...

For dining in a sugar mill head to the Harmony Resort, for Caribbean-type cuisine The Home Restaurant, for the sports-bar environment the Steely Bar & Restaurant at the Jolly Harbour sports complex, for French faire try Le Bistro or Chez Pascal. For dining with a view- Jimmy’s Restaurant has views of the bay and Las Lemming gives you marina and yacht views. Step out for a night of dancing at the Abracadabra Disco and there are many great jazz, blues and local Caribbean bands to be found at nightspots all over Antigua.

Antigua- Caribbean sailing and yachting, diving, hiking, kayaking, shopping, dining and nightclubs not to mention 365 powder white beaches- one for every day of the year! So what are you waiting for?