With a strong tourism outlook for Antigua and Barbuda in 2023, the destination continues to develop its tourism product as it experiences a resurgence in travel post pandemic. It seems like every day new resort and villa projects are announced and new restaurants and tours open. This year is no different. Here are a few of the new experiences which opened in the last couple months, giving visitors a plethora of exciting options for things to see, do and eat! There’s never been a better time to visit Antigua and Barbuda.

HOTELS

Jolly Beach Reopens

Nestled on one of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches, from which it gets its name, the Jolly Beach Resort re-opened its doors on Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Day 2022, just in time for the new winter season. The 464-room resort, on the island’s south-western coast, is once again making vacation dreams come true.

All-inclusive and budget-friendly, the resort is a great choice for a family vacation, or girls or boys trip. Within the resort’s 40 acres, modern amenities include 3 restaurants, 3 bars, 2 swimming pools, a spa + beauty salon, fitness center, tennis courts, volleyball court, game room, coffee shop, gift shop and a wide variety of non-motorized watersports.

Weatherills Hotel

Weatherills Hotel, a historic 17th century colonial mansion set on 40 acres of picturesque gardens, caters for those looking for a unique, boutique experience.

Antigua’s newest hotel, nestled between Marble Hill and Blue Waters, is only a 5 minute drive to the famous Dickenson Bay Beach or 10 minutes to Cedar Valley Golf Club. Weatherills offers a total of seven bedrooms as well as an on-site restaurant and a flexible event space, perfect for any event, especially weddings and celebrations.

RESTAURANTS

Wild Tamarind Restaurant

The award winning Tamarind Hills villas have added the ultimate relaxation spot, The Beach Club, which includes the new Wild Tamarind restaurant. Set between both the Tamarind Deck, with an infinity saltwater pool, and the beach, the Wild Tamarind restaurant is the pinnacle of laid back luxury. Both breakfast and dinner service operating from the restaurant with butler trained service staff, as well as service along the beachfront. The Beach Club and restaurant will fast become your favourite place to spend your day unwinding in the sunshine.

VINTAGE TEA HOUSE NEW MENU

Opened recently in December 2021, The Vintage Tea House, located in the south of the island, brings Caribbean flavours to a quintessentially British tradition. The atmosphere, from the moment you step through the gate, is relaxing and breezy. The open-air pavilion is cooled by the trade winds, the restaurant is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and guests can walk up the preserved historic sugar mill for a perfect 360 degree view of the island.

Taking inspiration from the UK's 'Olde Worlde Tea Shops' The Vintage Tea House's menu gives these old favourites a delicious Caribbean twist and is mouth-wateringly different on the island, including ploughman's lunch with cheddar cheese; artisan bread; a crisp apple; crisps & pickle, scones, fresh clotted cream and locally made tropical fruit jam and the delictable sticky ginger bread.

TOURS/EXPERIENCES

Amenta Wellness Journey

Prepare for an adventurous, wellness experience that will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Antigua. The journey begins in the green pastures of Ebenezer, where Shaman King Swahili, will greet and lead the group into meditation and yoga before the hike to Green Castle Hill. At the summit, be awed by panoramic views of the island. After the hike, fuel your mind and body with a private lunch on a clear turquoise beach catered by some of the finest local vegan chefs. Last but not least, the beach is for your use and ‘fulljoyment'!

Ras Freeman Tour

Explore the roots and culture of Antigua through the lens of the Rastafari faith and culture on a one-hour guided tour through the sacred grounds of Ras Freeman. Located in one of the first villages to be freed following emancipation, the former plantation is now a place for worship, farming, natural living, history and heritage.

Explore incoming crops and visit an indoor green house where cannabis is grown to learn about Rastafari's role in Antigua's budding medicinal cannabis industry.