There are two tiny Islands in the heart of the Caribbean virtually untouched by modern-day tourism. Antigua and Barbuda may be separate islands, but both offer pure relaxation to anyone desperate to escape the dreary mornings trudging to work in a grey suit, or those tired of the unpredictable weather and crowded commutes.

Exploring Antigua is a glimpse into a complex past, as many used the island as a tropical sanctuary, including Admiral Nelson. If your aim from a Caribbean holiday is to unwind on a blissful, sandy beach letting the sun warm your bones, Antigua is the perfect place. It boasts of a coastline, which looks as though it has been plucked from a postcard, see for yourself the natural beauty of the Half Moon Bay or Dickenson Bay.

Barbuda is one long strip of pink coast-line and the perfect place to indulge your inner bird spotter. The red-breasted frigate bird outnumbers the locals and can be found gliding through the air, hunting food by day and at night they’re nestled in the cliffs for a good night’s sleep.

St Barnabas Anglican Church

Dotted across the island of Antigua are many churches of all shapes and sizes, but the St Barbican Anglican church in Liberta is a vibrant building with a unique design, which gives it one-of-a-kind style you won’t find anywhere else on the island. The church is devoted to the apostle Saint Barnabas, who is one of the earliest seafaring saints. It’s one of the oldest existing structures on the island and the perfect place to gain an understanding of Antigua’s harrowing past.   

English Harbour in Antigua 

In the south of the Island of Antigua is the ‘English Harbour’ a sheltered deep-water harbour, that was once home to Nelson’s Dockyard, a former British naval base. It’s the perfect place to truly understand daily life on the island and the laid-back atmosphere is just what you need for a relaxing stroll to look at the boats.

 Twilight at St Johns landscape

St John’s is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The bustling city is littered with colourful buildings and stylish boutiques, selling designer clothes and jewellery. It became the seat of Government when the Islands gained their independence in 1981.

Barbuda's pink shells 

The blissful island of Barbuda is famed for its pink-tinged beaches, because of the tiny shells that litter the sand. This is the perfect place to escape from all humanity, the island is 62 square meters and has an estimated 1,500 residents. Just what you need to enjoy these vibrant pink shells and tropical beaches, without having to fight your way through hordes of selfie-taking tourists.

Antigua landscape 

Antigua is a quiet Island with very little metropolitan life. It may take you a long drive to find what you’re looking for, but the distinct lack of people and an unspoilt landscape is one of the things that appeals to many curious travellers.

So, it's time to enjoy a little calm and tranquillity in Antigua and Barbuda.