The Islands - Romantic Escapes in the Caribbean: Lovetripper Guide - page 71

tall coconut palm and sit until the sun sinks into the sea and
marks the end of another perfect Caribbean day.
This 108-square-mile limestone and coral island is somewhat
scrubby, with rolling hills, especially on the southern reaches.
The capital city is St. John's, home of most of the tourist shop-
ping and the cruise port.
The south shore of the island is favored by yachties, who call
into Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour.
For lovers in search of real peace and quiet, tiny Barbuda may
just be the answer. This exclusive island is a jetsetter's hide-
away, but it's also a nature lovers' island. Accessible as a day-
trip from Antigua or as a vacation destination of its own, this
small island is much less developed than its larger sister. Out-
side the lavish resorts, the island belongs to the wildlife, pri-
marily the feathered variety. It's also noted for its spectacular
beaches, long stretches of either pink or white sand that divide
the sea from the land.
Festivals
The hottest event of the year is Antigua Sailing Week , held
each year in April. During this time, Antigua hotel rooms can
be hard to come by (in fact, many hotels continue their high sea-
son prices just to include this busy week). During this week,
Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour comes to life with the
color and pageantry of the largest regatta in the Caribbean.
Parties, barbecues, races, Lord Nelson's Ball, and more high-
light this annual event, now in its third decade.
Other special events include the Culinary Exposition in late
May and Independence Day on November 1st. Carnival is
the hottest summer activity, held each year from late July to
early August with musical entertainment, parades, and
Antiguan cuisine.
In late October and early November, the Hot Air Balloon Fes-
tival lights the skies. Close to a dozen hot air balloons schedule
launches at English Harbour, Newfield, Jolly Harbour, St.
John's, Curtain Bluff, and other sites around the island. To cele-
brate Antigua's independence, British skydivers jump from
2,000 feet carrying the Antiguan flag. Other festivities include