Romance and History on Antigua/Barbuda

The sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda are one part historic British civility and one part classic Caribbean hideaway both making for an ideal balance of elegance and relaxation.

Nelson's Dockyard is one of Antigua's most popular and the most historically significant attractions and can be found tucked away into a bay in English Harbour. Once the 18^th century base of the British Fleet in the Caribbean Nelson's Dockyard is also where the famous Captain Horatio Nelson lived. This is where Nelson plotted and led his strategies in the turbulent times of Caribbean colonialism when England was battling the Dutch and the French for the right to call many of the surrounding islands their own.

Visiting Nelson's Dockyard today a visitor will not find it difficult to imagine what the dock and the surrounding village might have looked like. A visit here will take you on a journey though the Dockyard museum, which illustrates the history of the site inside a building that was once the Naval Officer's House to the lumber and copper store and the pay office.

These buildings have all been restored to their former glory as Georgian-style residences and many of them now are being used as shops and boutiques. Should you be feeling puckish then you can even dine outdoors, right along the dock, in a restaurant that was once home to the seaman's galley.

Even though there have been many centuries of European settlement in Antigua and Barbuda the natural environment has remained relatively untouched and unspoiled. In fact it is in this area that Barbuda really comes into her own. Barbuda has no cities and all the hullabaloo that that can bring so wherever you look albeit in the air or under the sea you will find some of Barbuda's unique wildlife.

If you are a bird enthusiast you should make your way to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary at Wa'Omoni Beach Park. This is a mangrove nesting Mecca for birds and here they actually outnumber the human residents on the island.

The sanctuary is open year round and one of the best hotels to stay is to be located just 15 minutes away by boat, the Lighthouse Bay. There are daily excursions to the Frigate Bird sanctuary from here so it is an ideal place to stay if bird watching is your thing.

The beaches on Barbuda boast both pink and yellow sand and cannot be beaten for privacy. Venture into the sea and you will be amazed by an undersea world that is full of life.

Divers love to come to these waters to explore wrecks with some of these wrecks dating back to the 17^th century.

Antigua also offers a lot for divers with the most popular site being Cades Reef. Cades Reek stretches for two miles and is home to dozens of species of magnificently colored tropical fish.

And if it is romance with a capital R you want then Antigua is one of the best destinations to visit. Take a trip to Shirley heights (a former military stronghold) to experience a stunning and never to be forgotten sunset.

Although steeped in history Shirley Heights hosts parties every Sunday. These parties range from barbecues and rum drinking and dancing to local reggae under the stars. Very popular with tourists and locals.

Need more romance? Then take a look at a few of Antigua's 365 beaches. With so many to choose from it is not difficult to find a place to share with your loved one that is yours and yours alone.

Source: A Guide to the Caribbean - Continental Airways