Stephanie Raines

Antigua Is Still Rocking!


Guess what? The island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda is still rocking and is open to holidaymakers. Dr. Dario Item, ambassador and permanent representative of Antigua and Barbuda to UNWTO assures you all is well, despite the 5.0 magnitude earthquake on 15 February 2022. Additionally, the tourism initiatives they set in 2021 are still in progress, with plenty for you to look forward to when you visit. Keep reading to find out what is available.  
  
Where is it?
Antigua and Barbuda is a top dual island destination between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to the friendliest 99,337 people you will ever meet. Most of them live in the capital St John’s. Despite not having an official language in their constitution, most of the population is English speaking. Therefore, you can get by with no fuss.

How do you get in?
You will first land at the V.C. Bird International Airport, where you can take a chartered flight, bus or boat to your final destination. Additionally, the county has a travel advisory for COVID -19 that they update regularly. These are highlights of the most recent one:
•	You will provide a verifiable full COVID-19 vaccination document upon arrival. Furthermore, your vaccination dose should be from a World Health Organization or MOHWE approved vaccine.
•	You do not require to show a PCR/Rapid Antigen test certificate if you are fully vaccinated.
•	It is mandatory to wear a face mask and observe all social distancing protocols when in public spaces.
•	There is no curfew in the country, and public gatherings are subject to venue size. For example, you can bask daily on the pristine beaches from 5 am to 7 pm.
Kindly check the latest travel advisory before planning your trip to Antigua and Barbuda.

Here is the good stuff.
Some of the exciting things you can expect when in Antigua and Barbuda are as below:
1.	Accommodation.
Are you planning to stay at an Air BnB? Here is what to do. 

Ambassador Dario Item advises you to book accommodation with certified properties. Additionally, you can check the updated list directly from their website to ensure your preference meets the requirements. 

A property you should check out is the Weatherills Hotel. It is a 17th-century mansion that features a working windmill, exquisite gardens and seven signature bedrooms. Additionally, the menu features local and international cuisine, ensuring no one in your party is left out.
2.	Drinks galore.
Whatever your preference, there are plenty of places to sample the finest Antiguan and Barbudan beverages, Ambassador Dario Item says. These are some of the activities you can indulge in:
•	The Antilles Stillhouse offers a one-hour immersive experience to tour their garden and learn about their gin-making process. Additionally, you will sample their spirit portfolio in its entirety. For example, you will also taste their signature drinks, Big Wood Gin, Fever Grass Spirit and Pink Gin.
•	Alternatively, you can visit The Antigua Vintage Tea House if hangovers are not your thing. You will enjoy a menu of food and drink that the operator terms as Quintessentially English; Deliciously Caribbean; Blending the islands.
3.	Cultural Events.
Ambassador Dario Item promises you several events when you visit. Below is what is in store:
•	The Antigua and Barbuda Kite Festival will be on the 18th of April. You and your family will get to fly homemade kites at the Devil’s Bridge National Park as you celebrate Easter Monday.
•	Later in the month, you can witness Antigua Sailing Week, which features the Caribbean’s best Regattas. However, you can ignore the regattas and sample the accompanying parties.

The above is evidence that Antigua is still rocking. Most of the island nation’s venues are operational, with plenty more to come. So, you better start planning your trip now to take advantage of the pocket-friendly prices. What are you waiting for? 

Visit: https://www.antiguabarbuda.com/

Antigua Is Still Rocking!

Dario Item - Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the Kingdom of Spain, the Principality of Monaco and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Dario Item Attorney at Law.