What's New in Antigua and Barbuda?

ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK PROVED TO BE ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS
A variety of courses were on offer to all classes throughout the week with a busy party schedule for those taking part and spectators from dry land. The event culminated in the Awards Presentation and Final Party at Nelson's Dockyard on Friday 03 May where special trophies and prizes were handed out alongside the impressive winners' silverware. Congratulations to Arethusa who were announced Best Yacht Antigua Sailing Week 2013 and were awarded the Lord Nelson Trophy. Here's looking forward to next year! www.sailingweek.com

CARLISLE BAY WINS BEST INTERNATIONAL SPA AT CONDE NAST TRAVELLER AWARDS

Congratulations to Carlisle Bay who have recently won the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Award as Best for Families. However, don't assume resort is just for families. If you can avoid the school holidays the resorts new Escape Weeks provide a quiet combination of yoga on a pontoon over the sea, pilates in the garden pavilion or nature walks in the tropical gardens.

MOVE IT WITH MR ANTIGUA AT SUGAR RIDGE

The hotel's much loved resident personal trainer, Kennie Jacobs, was recently crowned Mr Antigua after winning the final at the end of 2012. Sugar Ridge guests are able to book personal training classes with Kennie and follow his body toning routines. Kennie is a dedicated trainer who knows everything there is to know about toning muscles and achieving maximum results from training. Surely one of the few opportunities to say you've sweated it out with a potential Mr Universe! www.sugarridgeantigua.com

THE PERFECT MATCH: TENNIS AND WELLBEING AT CURTAIN BLUFF

With Wimbledon fever in the air, Curtain Bluff is pleased to introduce a brand new tennis escape; The Perfect Match: Tennis and Wellbeing. The week long escape will be run with tennis and television stars, Annabel Croft and Andrew Castle along with tennis legend Owen Davidson. The Perfect Match will take place 16-23 November 2013 offering tennis enthusiasts the opportunity to perfect their strokes in instructional clinics and matches with the pros. Afternoon fitness classes will include Zumba and yoga on the exercise deck, a wide selection of inclusive water sports and a relaxing spa treatment that will offer an all-round fitness and wellbeing experience. www.curtainbluff.com

GAIN A ROYAL YACHTING ASSOCIATION QUALIFICATION AT CARLISLE BAY WITH ONDECK

The Carlisle Bay and Ondeck training course is aimed at novice sailors with an interest in learning more about the skills used in the sport. The three day course will focus on the basics providing guests with an improved level of confidence on the water and a grounding to pursue more advanced courses or even take part in one of the island's many sailing regattas. For experienced sailors the course offers the ability to sail in unknown waters and to build up miles and experience. Courses are suitable for adults and children aged 11 and over. At the end of the course, every guest will be awarded with an RYA ‘Start Yachting course certificate on the successful completion of the course. www.carlisle-bay.com

NOTES FOR YOUR DIARY

Turtle Watching Season, July – October 2013

Witness the magic of watching between 100 to 150 baby turtles emerging from the sand and making their way towards the sea with the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG). From mid-July, every Friday EAG will be leading turtle tours to an offshore island to witness the hatching of baby hawksbill turtles.

56th Annual Antigua Carnival Celebrations, 27 July – 06 August 2013

The festival celebrates the abolishment of slavery on the island on 01 August 1834 with people taking to the streets of St John's to rejoice, and was celebrated each year until 1957 when the first official Antiguan Carnival was organised. The festival has since developed into ten days of music, dance and celebration, with street marches and parades and formal evening shows. Visitors obtain a real insight into the culture of the country and are welcome to join in the spontaneous fun.

LATEST OFFERS AND DEALS

Blue Waters is offering seven nights in the four-bedroom Turtle Cottage from £2,849 per person based on eight adults sharing. The price includes breakfast, return economy flights with British Airways and private transfers. www.bluewaters.net

The Perfect Match package is for 7 nights at Curtain Bluff costs from £3,549 per person based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Room on an all inclusive basis with all tennis, wellbeing and other selected activities included in the price. Return flights and private transfers are also included. Book though Caribtours www.caribtours.co.uk. Price based on 16 November 2013 departure, valid 16-23 November 2013. www.curtainbluff.com

Curtain Bluff is also offering 7 nights for the price of 5 from £2,299 per person booked through Tropic Breeze (01752 880880). The price is based on two adults sharing a Junior Suite on an all-inclusive basis with return Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick to Antigua and airport transfers. Valid for holidays completed by 26 July 2013. www.curtainbluff.com

Carlisle Bay's sailing package is for a stay of 7 nights from £2,765 per person. The price is based on two people sharing a Garden Suite on a bed and breakfast basis, sailing for 3 nights, return economy flights from London Gatwick with British Airways including transfers. Based on 18 November 2013 departure, valid 18-20 November 2013 and 02-04 December 2013. www.carlisle-bay.com

Virgin Holidays is offering 7 nights in Antigua from £899 per person saving up to £160 per person based on two adults sharing a Garden Room. The price includes flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Antigua with accommodation at the 3V Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts on a room only basis with transfers included in the price. Prices are based on departures on 17 September 2013. www.virginholidays.co.uk

Until 06 July there is 30% off accommodation at Nonsuch Bay + £197 resort credit on a 7 night stay. Stay from £543 per person based on 2 sharing a 1-bedroom apartment + £197 resort credit. From 06 July bookings also have 30% off accommodation + when half board is included there is FREE sailing and children's programme. Stay from £741 per person with Half Board, sailing and children's programme for a family of 4 sharing a 2-bedroom apartment.

Nonsuch Bay also has the RIDE Antigua Kitesurfing Package available until 16 July with 40% off on a package of accommodation, meals and kitesurfing. Participate from £1,028 per person for a week with accommodation, half board and kitesurfing based on 2 sharing a 1-bedroom apartment.