by Dawn Hicks
From the moment I landed in Antigua, I felt at ease. The island has such a warm, welcoming vibe, and I never once felt unsafe. On our third day, we decided to hire a private driver, which turned out to be the best decision. Not only did it make exploring easy, but it also gave us the chance to see the island through a local’s eyes.
On our first day out, we visited Betty’s Hope, the island’s very first sugar plantation. Walking the grounds, I couldn’t help but imagine life back in the 1600s. The history is heavy but important—it reminded me how deeply the sugar industry shaped the island and its people.
Next, we drove out to the east coast to see the famous Devil’s Bridge. The view was breathtaking, but the story behind it was heartbreaking. Enslaved people once came here when they felt there was no other way out. Standing there with the wind rushing across the Atlantic—straight from Africa—gave me chills.
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get better, we arrived at Nelson’s Dockyard. This 18th-century British naval base has been beautifully restored, with shops, bakeries, and restaurants tucked into stone buildings. It felt like stepping back in time.
From there, we headed up to Shirley Heights, famous for its sweeping views and lively Sunday sunset parties. Fun fact—we even spotted Eric Clapton’s home on the cliffs!
We ended the day at Darkwood Beach, one of Antigua’s 365 beaches. After a tasty lunch (our driver ordered Bullfoot soup while I went with a classic burger and fries), we relaxed under an umbrella and took in the turquoise water.
We stayed at Sandals Grande Antigua on Dickenson Bay, one of the island’s longest and most gorgeous beaches. And if you’re staying longer, Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, makes for a perfect day trip.
Travel Tips:
- Hire a driver—you’ll see more of the island and learn history you can’t get from a guidebook.
- Don’t miss Shirley Heights on a Sunday evening for music, food, and the best sunset views.
- Antigua has 365 beaches, so pack plenty of swimsuits!
Antigua completely stole my heart. Between the history, the beaches, and the people, it’s a place I’d recommend 10 out of 10.
