Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Resorts

Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Resorts - Best Price on Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Resorts

Selected Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Resorts for your preview with online hotel booking service!!!

Antigua and Barbuda are two of the Leeward Islands located South East of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. The capital is St John. Total population is little over 76,000 with 1200 being inhabitants in the smaller island Barbuda. Like every island, Antigua and Barbuda boast many beaches, 365, one for every day of the year. Grab a basket when you visit the glorious beaches of Barbuda to collect some of the many delicate pick shells. If you want to travel in Antigua & Barbuda take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will help you be more prepared for travel anywhere in Antigua & Barbuda.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: Antigua: 280 sq km (108 sq miles); Barbuda: 161 sq km (62 sq miles); Redonda: 1.6 sq km (0.6 sq miles). Total: 441.6 sq km (170.5 sq miles). Population: 77,426 (2001). Population Density: 175.3 per sq km. Capital: St John’s. Population: 24,000 (UN estimate 2001). Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained internal full independence in 1981. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir James Carlisle since 1993. Head of Government: Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer since 2004.

Language: English is the official language. English patois is widely spoken.

Religion: Christianity which includes mostly Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Methodist, Lutherans, Moravians, Pentecostals, Baptists, and Seventh Day Adventists. Education is compulsory between age 5-16 years, and 90% of the population is literate. Antiguan Barbuda is a partner of the regional University of the West Indies.

Electricity: 220/110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs. Some hotels also have outlets for 240 volts AC; in this case European-style, two-pin plugs are used.

GEOGRAPHY: Antigua & Barbuda comprises three islands; Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. Low-lying and volcanic in origin, they are part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean. Antigua’s coastline curves into a multitude of coves and harbours (they were once volcanic craters) and there are more than 365 beaches of fine white sand, fringed with palms. The island’s highest point is Boggy Peak (402m, 1318ft); its capital is St John’s. Barbuda lies 40km (25 miles) north of Antigua and is an unspoiled natural haven for wild deer and exotic birds. Its 8km- (5 mile-) long beach is reputed to be among the most beautiful in the world. The island’s village capital, Codrington, was named after the Gloucestershire family that once leased Barbuda from the British Crown for the price of ’one fat pig per year if asked for’. There are excellent beaches and the ruins of some of the earliest plantations in the West Indies. The coastal waters are rich with all types of crustaceans and tropical fish. Redonda, the smallest in the group, is little more than an uninhabited rocky islet. It lies 40km (25 miles) southwest of Antigua.

TOP

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TIPPING/GRATUITIES:

Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TAXES

Antigua & Barbuda has a US$20.00 airport departure tax, a room tax of 8.5% and service charge of 10% (in lieu of tipping).

ANTIGUAN MUSIC

There are several different musical forms featured during Carnival. Calypso, the oldest, has its roots in slavery; a common explanation of its origins is that it began as a way for slaves, who were forbidden to speak in the fields, to communicate with each other. It is a polyglot, improvisational form that depends largely upon the skill of a soloist, (the calypsonian) who weaves the sounds of many cultures into a lyrical whole. Calypso competitions have long been a highlight of Carnival.

Steel drum music was created when the bamboo percussion instruments traditionally used to back up calypso were replaced by hammered steel pans cut from oil drums. Whereas there is no dispute that the steel pan was developed in Trinidad, the indigenous development of the steel band in Antigua and Barbuda was an outgrowth of the iron bands which were prominent at Christmas time. Steel drum music has been an important part of Carnival since that time, and Antigua is home to many of the Caribbean's finest steel bands. Soca is a musical form that grafts the slower beat of American soul music to the upbeat tempos of calypso. Soca began in the 1970s, and by the middle of the 1980s it had become an integral feature of Carnival. Another musical form popular on Antigua is reggae. Although it originated in Jamaica, reggae has been incorporated into the Antiguan music scene for years.


ANTIGUA & BARBUDA APPROPRATE ATTIRE

Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CURRENCY/MONEY

Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.65. US currency, travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA BANKS

Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda Investment, Bank Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank PLC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Caribbean Corporation Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Swiss American National Bank of Antigua. Banking hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and again from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA MEDICAL FACILITIES

There are several general practitioners and specialists on the island, a hospital and a private clinic. No vaccinations are required unless the visitor is arriving from an endemic area. Recompression chambers are available by air ambulance at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas. Pharmaceutical services are widely available.

TOP

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. , Canadian and U.K. nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport, original or certified birth certificate. U.S. residents and others should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.
Click here for Visa Informations

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TRAVELING WITH PETS

The following guidelines must be followed when importing any animal into Antigua & Barbuda:

An import permit must be obtained from the Chief Veterinary Officer before the importation of all animals. In order to obtain this permit, the intended animal must first be micro-chipped and its blood tested for Rabies Titer at an approved laboratory. The result of such tests must then be forwarded to:

The Acting Chief Veterinary Officer
PO Box 1282
St. Johns, Antigua Tel/Fax: (268) 460-1759

The Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory is an approved Lab that uses the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization Test (FAVN). The FAVN consists of a of a three-fold serum dilution series and is used to detect rabies virus neutralizing antibody after vaccination, and is required by many rabies free countries in order for dogs and cats to qualify for a reduced QUARANTINE PERIOD.

Specimen Requirement: 1 ml serum without preservatives; spun and separated from the clot.
Microchip identification must be implanted prior to sample draw.
NOTE: A waiting period of at least 114-21 days between rabies vaccination and sample draw is advised.

Processing Time: The test is initiated each week on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Results can be expected in the mail 10 – 14 days after the set-up date. Fax and/or phone results will only be granted upon request. KSU receives packages 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. However, the lab is only open Monday through Friday and samples will not be dated until they reach our lab.

Shipping Information: Serum should be packed in a leak-proof container with absorbent material. This should then be placed inside a container with dry ice or ice packs. An overnight or next day carrier is recommended since regular mail can take up to two weeks.

Cost: $35.00 by check, money order or credit card made payable to FAVN. Payment must be included at time of submission. A delay in testing may occur if payment is not included. For credit card payment, please contact the lab.

Send Samples to:
Attn: Dr. Deborah J. Briggs, FAVN
Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory
1800 Denison Ave. Mosier Hall
Manhattan, Kansas 66506-5606
Tel: (785) 532-4483 Fax: 785) 532-4474 Email: rabies@vet.ksu.edu

ADDITIONAL HINTS for TRAVELING WITH PETS:

• Always seek the advice of your veterinarian before flying any pet.
• Please check with your airlines for list of requirements i.e. proof of vaccinations, a current health certificate, etc.
• Airlines have specific requirements designed to ensure your pet's safety. Make sure that the kennel in which the animal is confined is approved for air travel.
• ALWAYS leave a collar on your pet that has a tag with your name, your address and your pet’s name on it.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA SHOPPING HOURS

Monday thru Saturday 8:00am to noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA PERSONAL SAFETY

Antigua & Barbuda are relatively crime free, but exercise normal precautions; i.e. don't leave valuables unattended in rental cars or on the beach.

TOP

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TRANSPORTATION

Travelling By Air - V.C. Bird International Airport, located on the northeast corner of Antigua, is the point of entry for visitors arriving by air to Antigua & Barbuda. There are both direct flights and connections from North America via San Juan and St. Martin and several weekly flights from Europe. Scheduled and charter service is available to many of the neighboring islands. Flying times: New York--4 hrs.; Miami--3 hrs.; Baltimore--4 hrs.; Toronto--4 hrs.; Puerto Rico--1 hr.; London--8 hrs.; Frankfurt--9 1/4 hrs.; Paris--8 hrs.

Airlines Serving North America:

Travelling By Air From The UK

Airlines Serving Europe:

Inter-Island Airlines:

Travelling By Sea - Cruise ship ports are located at St. John's Harbour and Heritage Quay, in the heart of the country's capital, and minutes away from Antigua's great beaches and water sports.
Private boaters can enter at St. John's Harbour on the west coast, English Harbour or the St. James' Club in the south, or Crabbs Marina in the northeast.

Bare-boat or crewed chartering is available through:
Nicholson's Yacht Charters
Tel: 800-662-6066, (617) 661-0554
http://www.nicholsonyachts.com
Sun Yacht Charters
Tel: 800-772-3500, 207-236-9611
http://www.saltyseas.com/sun.html

Nicholson Yacht Charters Inc.
Website: http://www.yachtvacations.com

Barbuda Express - The Barbuda Express is an innovative wave-piercing design giving maximum passenger comfort at high speed and a journey time of 90 minutes in nearly all weather conditions.

It runs 5 days a week between St Johns and Barbuda:

Barbudans can spend a convenient day in St Johns for business &/or shopping with a liberal allowance for personal goods carried on board by hand
Antiguans can visit Barbuda for the day or longer, at reasonable rates, to enjoy the amazing beauty and peace of their sister island
Tourists can economically visit Barbuda with a selection of packages to explore and discover this undeveloped and little-visited island
Freight can be regularly and reliably moved between the islands.

GETTING AROUND BARBUDA

Taxis - Taxis are available throughout Antigua. Fares between the airport, harbour, and many hotels and destinations are fixed and can be obtained upon arrival. Sample fares from V.C. Bird International Airport to: Nelsons Dockyard--US$21; Shirley Heights--US$21; St. John's--US$7. Taxi drivers are also qualified as tour guides for sightseeing trips. Tour rates can be obtained beforehand through hotels.

Buses - There is some local bus service; schedules and routes can be obtained through the hotels.


ANTIGUA & BARBUDA SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Watersports: Most resort hotels offer facilities for a range of watersports. Equipment for snorkelling and scuba diving is cheap and easy to hire and most hotels also hire out windsurfing boards. The coastal waters offer a good selection of coral reefs and there are more than 365 beaches, all of them open to the public and suitable for swimming. Most of the larger hotels provide water-skiing and sunfish sailboating facilities. Antigua has excellent facilities for sailing and is famous for its international sailing regatta held once a year during April or May. Smaller regattas are held throughout the year, in particular a two-day event at the Jolly Harbour Yacht Club starting on Valentine’s Day, a Cruise Race in July, and a two-day regatta in November. An annual Model Boat Race Competition is held in April. The less adventurous may wish to hire a dinghy and find their own secluded cove or sheltered beach and anchor for a day of peace and quiet. There is year-round deep-sea fishing for wahoo, kingfish, mackerel, dorado, tuna and barracuda. Yachts of all sizes can be chartered and an annual sportfishing tournament is held at the end of April to early May. Spear fishing is prohibited. There is also opportunity to go beachcombing and surfing is good on Gallery Bay on the northwest coast.

Crab-racing: A sport for the very lazy, crab-racing is staged in certain bars once or twice a week. A punter may win enough to pay for the next round of drinks, but stakes are moderate and the crabs are unlikely to make anyone a millionaire.

Golf: There are two first-class golf courses: the spectacular 18-hole golf course at Cedar Valley and the 9-hole Jolly Harbour. Daily, weekly and monthly memberships at Cedar Valley also include tennis privileges. K-Club on Barbuda has a 9-hole course.

Other: The national game is cricket, which is played to the highest international standard. In Viv Richards, Antigua produced one of the finest cricketers the game has ever seen. January is the official start of the cricket season, as well as the beginning of the netball and volleyball seasons. There are also many lawn tennis courts and the International Tennis Weeks in January (men) and April (women) attract numerous professionals, some of whom stay for extended periods to train for the international tennis circuit.
Horse riding can be organised through hotels and there is a well-equipped riding club with competition facilities of an international standard. There is horse racing at Cassada Gardens. The annual football season runs from September through to February.
It is also possible to hire bicyles.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TIME ZONE

Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.

TOP