Antigua & the British Virgin Islands – Two Sides of Caribbean Paradise
Why settle for one Caribbean island when you can experience two? From Antigua's lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches to the secluded luxury and spectacular sailing waters of the British Virgin Islands, this is a combination I would thoroughly recommend.
Over my many years working in travel, I've been fortunate enough to visit some extraordinary places, and the Caribbean has always held a particular appeal for me.
I've visited Antigua, explored several of the British Virgin Islands and even had the rather wonderful experience of sailing aboard the Estée Lauder yacht. It's experiences like these that remind me why I fell in love with the travel industry in the first place.
And having experienced both destinations, I can certainly understand why combining Antigua with the British Virgin Islands is becoming an increasingly attractive option for travellers looking for something a little different.
Although they share the same beautiful Caribbean waters, these islands offer two quite distinct experiences.
Antigua is lively, welcoming and wonderfully varied, with beautiful beaches, excellent hotels and plenty to see and do.
The British Virgin Islands, meanwhile, offer a different pace of life. Think secluded coves, spectacular sailing, smaller islands and a sense of escaping from the rest of the world.
Put the two together, and you have the makings of a rather special holiday.
Antigua – Beautiful Beaches, History and Caribbean Charm
Antigua has long been one of the Caribbean's most popular holiday destinations, and it's not difficult to understand why.
The island famously claims to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, and while I've never attempted to count them, there's certainly no shortage of beautiful stretches of sand.
What I particularly like about Antigua is that there's more to it than simply spending a fortnight beside a swimming pool.
The island has a fascinating maritime history, particularly around English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard, which remains one of the finest examples of a Georgian naval dockyard anywhere in the world.
Then there's Shirley Heights, perched high above English Harbour, offering some of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean.
It's especially popular for its Sunday evening celebrations, when visitors and locals gather for live music, barbecues, rum punch and a wonderfully relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
It's the sort of experience that reminds you there's a whole island to discover beyond your hotel.
And that's something I always encourage clients to do, wherever they're travelling.
Where to Stay in Antigua
Antigua has an excellent selection of hotels, ranging from intimate boutique properties to some of the Caribbean's finest luxury resorts.
One property worth considering is Carlisle Bay, situated on the island's beautiful southwest coast.
Set between tropical greenery and a sweeping sandy beach, Carlisle Bay combines contemporary luxury with a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
It's particularly appealing for travellers who enjoy a good standard of accommodation but also want activities and experiences beyond the hotel.
Watersports, sailing, guided walks, spa treatments and excellent dining all contribute to its appeal.
The resort has also been undergoing a substantial refurbishment programme, making it an interesting option for future holidays.
Other established names include Curtain Bluff, known for its beautiful location and traditional hospitality, and Hermitage Bay, which offers a more secluded and intimate luxury experience.
The important thing is choosing the hotel that suits you.
Some clients want a lively resort with plenty happening, while others prefer somewhere peaceful, with excellent food, a beautiful room and very little reason to leave.
Neither is right or wrong. It's simply a question of matching the holiday to the person.
The British Virgin Islands – A Different Caribbean Experience
If Antigua represents the more sociable side of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands offer something altogether more tranquil.
Having visited several of the islands myself, I can understand why they have such a devoted following, particularly among people who enjoy sailing and spending time on the water.
The British Virgin Islands, or BVI as they're generally known, comprise around 60 islands and cays, scattered across some of the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean.
Many are small, some are uninhabited, and others are home to exclusive resorts, charming beach bars and wonderful little harbours.
The largest island, Tortola, is the main gateway, but the real appeal lies in exploring beyond it.
Virgin Gorda is famous for The Baths, where enormous granite boulders create a remarkable landscape of sheltered pools, tunnels and beautiful little beaches.
Jost Van Dyke has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and is well known for its beach bars, while smaller islands and secluded anchorages provide opportunities to enjoy a quieter side of Caribbean life.
And, of course, there's the sailing.
Sailing in the British Virgin Islands – A Personal Favourite
One of my own particularly memorable Caribbean experiences was having the opportunity to sail aboard the Estée Lauder yacht.
I've been fortunate to enjoy some wonderful travel experiences over the years, but there's something very special about seeing the Caribbean from the water.
The scenery takes on an entirely different perspective.
Rather than travelling between hotels and resorts by road, you're moving between beautiful bays, secluded beaches and little islands, with the freedom to explore places that many visitors never get to experience.
And the British Virgin Islands are particularly well suited to this.
Their relatively sheltered waters, numerous anchorages and short distances between islands have made them one of the world's great sailing destinations.
You certainly don't need to be an experienced sailor to enjoy them.
Private crewed yacht charters are an excellent option for those who want the experience without having to worry about navigation, sailing or preparing meals.
Alternatively, there are smaller luxury resorts where you can enjoy boat excursions and island-hopping without committing to a full yacht charter.
Having experienced the islands from the water myself, it's something I would certainly encourage clients to consider.
There's a wonderful sense of freedom about it, and it's a very different experience from a conventional Caribbean beach holiday.
Peter Island – Barefoot Luxury at Its Best
For travellers looking for a particularly peaceful escape, Peter Island Resort is worth considering.
Situated on its own private island, a short boat journey from Tortola, Peter Island offers the sort of seclusion that many people imagine when they think of a luxury Caribbean holiday.
The island covers approximately 1,800 acres, yet the resort has just 52 rooms and suites, along with two private villas.
That means plenty of space, beautiful beaches and an atmosphere that's a world away from the larger Caribbean resorts.
The island has five beaches, walking trails, wonderful viewpoints and excellent opportunities for snorkelling and exploring the surrounding waters.
It's the kind of place where the greatest decision of the day might be whether to spend the morning on the beach, enjoy a spa treatment or head out on the water.
And sometimes, that's exactly what a holiday should be about.
For couples celebrating a special anniversary, honeymooners or simply those wanting to escape somewhere beautiful, Peter Island could be an excellent choice.
Why Combine Antigua and the British Virgin Islands?
For me, the real attraction of combining these destinations is the contrast.
You could begin with four or five nights in Antigua, enjoying the beaches, exploring English Harbour, visiting Shirley Heights and perhaps taking a sailing excursion along the coast.
Then, after a short regional flight, continue to the British Virgin Islands for a further five or six nights.
Here, the pace changes.
You might choose a luxury private-island resort, spend a few days exploring Virgin Gorda and the surrounding islands, or perhaps arrange a private yacht charter.
It's a lovely way of combining two quite different Caribbean experiences within one holiday.
And importantly, you don't need to spend days travelling between them.
Regional flights connect Antigua with Tortola, making this a practical combination, although flight schedules and connections do need careful planning.
My advice would generally be to visit Antigua first and finish in the BVI.
That way, you can enjoy the activities and atmosphere of Antigua before slowing things down for the final part of your holiday.
Of course, the itinerary can be arranged the other way around if the flights and accommodation work better.
How Long Should You Go For?
Personally, I think a holiday of around 10 to 14 nights works particularly well.
You could certainly do a shorter seven-night twin-centre, but I would be inclined to allow a little longer if time and budget permit.
For example:
Days 1–5: Antigua
Stay at a luxury beachfront hotel, explore English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard, enjoy Shirley Heights and perhaps take a boat trip along the coastline.
Days 6–12: British Virgin Islands
Fly to Tortola and continue to a private-island resort or luxury hotel. Spend your days relaxing, snorkelling, sailing and discovering some of the smaller islands.
Alternatively, replace part of your hotel stay with a private crewed yacht charter.
Days 13–14: Return Journey
Depending on airline schedules, return via Antigua or another suitable Caribbean gateway for your flight home.
As with any multi-centre holiday, I would always check the flight connections carefully before finalising the itinerary.
What About the Cost?
This is very much a luxury holiday combination, particularly if you're considering some of the more exclusive hotels or a private yacht charter.
As an indication, luxury specialist Inspiring Travel has featured a seven-night Antigua and British Virgin Islands twin-centre from approximately £6,285 per person, including international and regional flights, transfers and luxury accommodation.
Naturally, prices vary considerably depending on your dates, choice of hotel, room category and the arrangements included.
For a longer holiday, particularly one involving a private yacht, the overall cost can be substantially higher.
However, there are different ways of putting together the itinerary, and that's where careful planning and choosing the right properties can make a considerable difference.
Why Book Through DG Travel?
One of the advantages of booking through an independent travel agent is that you're not restricted to a single hotel, tour operator or pre-packaged itinerary.
At DG Travel, we've been arranging holidays for over 40 years, and we work with a wide range of established specialist operators, including those offering luxury Caribbean holidays, private-island resorts and yacht charters.
Having personally visited Antigua and several of the British Virgin Islands, I can also bring my own experiences into the conversation.
I know that what looks wonderful in a brochure isn't necessarily the right choice for every client.
Some people want complete peace and quiet. Others want excellent restaurants, plenty of activities or the freedom to explore independently.
And for some, the idea of spending a few days aboard a yacht, visiting beautiful little islands and secluded bays, is exactly what they've been dreaming about.
That's why I still believe the best holidays begin with a proper conversation.
Two Islands, One Extraordinary Holiday
The Caribbean is wonderfully diverse, and it's easy to forget just how different one island can be from another.
Antigua offers beautiful beaches, excellent hotels, history, culture and a lively Caribbean atmosphere.
The British Virgin Islands offer a more secluded experience, with extraordinary sailing, beautiful little islands and some exceptional luxury accommodation.
Together, they make a superb combination.
And having experienced both destinations myself, I can certainly see the appeal.
If you're considering a special Caribbean holiday, perhaps for an anniversary, honeymoon or simply because you fancy treating yourself, Antigua and the British Virgin Islands are well worth putting on your list.
At DG Travel, we'd be delighted to help create a tailor-made itinerary that brings together the best of both destinations.
After all, if you're travelling all the way to the Caribbean, why not experience a little more of it?
DG Travel Centre – Henley-on-Thames
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