1. Head to the beach
There are a whopping 365 beaches on this Caribbean isle, palm-fringed swathes of slick white and pink sand lapped by glittery turquoise seas. Everyone will find one that suits, from cool hangouts at Dickenson Bay to Fort Bay's impossibly opaque waters. Windsurfers should head to Half Moon Bay for its shiny waters, while sun-worshippers will adore the beautiful stretches of sand at Jolly Beach.
2. Take a historical tour
This small island has a mighty big history, and Nelson's Dockyard is a must-see. This restored marina, once a naval yard for British warships and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was home to Horatio himself in 1784 and it's a fascinating snapshot of Georgian navy life. Antigua was built on sugarcane - venture around the island and you'll spot many of the 112 mills that dot the hillsides. Dating back to 1651, the first sugar mill at Betty's Hope is pretty emotive stuff: hundreds of African slaves toiled here over the centuries, and you can nose around the restored windmills and working distillery.
3. Hang out in a beach bar
There are some sensational places to eat and drink on the island: head to Turners Beach Bar for a toes-in-the-sand feast of curried lobster and whole roasted red snapper, while Rachel's Bar, the shiny new joint on the island, will mix up a fiery rum punch. For sundowners, make an appointment for happy hour at Castaways in Jolly Harbour - by day it's touristy, but the atmosphere is brilliantly buzzy and come sunset the bars heave with the yacht set.
4. Out at sea
With fantastic off-shore reefs and bath-warm waters, Antigua & Barbuda is an excellent place to don a mask and fins and explore the brightly coloured corals. Book a Sea Escape tour aboard a glass-bottom boat for a day of swimming amongst the reefs, exploring hidden wrecks and drinking rum punch. Head to Green Island for one of the finest spots, Cades Reef, best for spotting lobsters, eagle stingrays and nurse sharks.
5. Put your best foot forward
Antigua is shrouded by lush rainforest and there are countless walks and hikes for those wanting to explore on foot. For breath-taking views across the island, Monks Hill is a little-known trail leading past the remains of the 18th-century Fort George and onto a knoll with jaw-dropping vistas out to sea. Hiking the trail to Boggy Point is also well worth the trek, but early risers should join the 5am Hike Club for the sunrise walk to see the island at its prettiest.
6. Get an appetite for a sunset BBQ & Friday-night fish fry
The imposing fortifications of Shirley Heights are set high above English Harbour and named after General Thomas Shirley, who arrived here in 1781. But they enjoy a peaceful role now: Sundays here are legendary and it's a good chance for visitors to mingle with the locals. From 4pm the Lookout Bar hosts live steel bands and reggae beats. There's a BBQ and rum bar, and the sunset views across English Harbour take some beating. And don't miss the Fish Fry at English Harbour on Fridays at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel - it's best to appreciate the restored beauty of the building while snacking on yummy specialities such as coconut shrimp and conch fritters.
7. Set sail for Barbuda
Hop on a boat to see Antigua's sister island of Barbuda - it takes just 90 minutes by boat (or 20 minutes by plane). Lying 27 miles to the north, this dozy islet fringed by luminous powder-soft pink sand and is home to stunning beaches, caves and exotic birds. Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary to see the lagoon and nesting grounds - it's the second largest in the world after the Galapagos. Then head back to the beach to explore the caves and rest amidst swaying palms and crystal-clear shores.
8. Celebrate a year of anniversaries
Sailing is a mainstay on Antigua and come April, the whole island revels in a festival atmosphere. 2017 is set to be bigger and better than ever. During the Classic Yacht Regatta, now in its 30th year, Falmouth Harbour transforms into a yachting mecca with every type of boat riding the wind around the island. During the 50th anniversary Sailing Week (April/May) there are five days of formal racing, with chase boats to charter and a full-on party schedule for post-race action. Back on dry land, the Antigua Carnival (60th Anniversary) in July-August shakes the island up with 10 days of food fairs, Calypso bands and candy-bright costumes.
Dates for your diary: 30th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta: 19 to 25 April 50th Antigua Sailing week: 29 April to 5 May 60th Antigua Carnival: 28 July to 8 August
9. Stay here in style
There are plenty of brilliant hotels on Antigua. Hermitage Bay, a collection of 17 wooden cottages set on a hillside, has cascading views across the dazzling emerald sea. The effortlessly stylish Carlisle Bay has an excellent menu, and for a swish room with wild views book a Cove Suite at Blue Waters, while Galley Bay tops the list for all-inclusive luxe. Another on the chic hotel scene is Rosewood's Jumby Bay, set on a private island and reachable only by boat, with its own butter-soft beach, spa and a glorious variety of restaurants.
10. Pick up a new look on Redcliffe Quay
Fashion-hunters will love Heritage Quay's arcade in St John's, the island capital. Complete with restored Creole townhouses, brightly painted shutters and tiny alleyways, the waterfront promenade comes alive each day with friendly cafés, artists and thriving markets selling trinkets, T-shirts and more. There are also plenty of shops where you can browse everything from Caribbean-inspired jewellery, silks and hand-painted fabrics to cool fashion labels and delicious foodie finds.
GETTING TO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA For more information on the islands, and details on the latest holiday offers, please visit visitantiguabarbuda.com