ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

10 things to keep your eyes on in 2013
 
1. Boot Camp at Jolly Beach Resort – Insane Boot Camp, a fitness program run by ex-military personnel elevates fitness options, allowing guests to keep their New Year’s resolutions

2. Completion of new airport terminal at VC Bird Int’l. Construction is well underway and work should be completed by yearend.

3. Eric Clapton 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival April 12 -13 at Madison Square Gardens. This music festival and benefit concert, benefits the Crossroads Centre founded by Eric Clapton, a drug treatment center located in Antigua.

4. Glamping in Barbuda – This summer, “Glamorous Camping” in “state-of-the-art eco pods comes to the sister isle. Glamping is all about sensitive, small-scale luxury. Leave only footprints on a trek around Barbuda’s pristine pink sand beaches where camp meals feature delectable local wine and produce.

5. New Ferry Service to Barbuda – Getting to Barbuda will get easier and more convenient with the introduction of a high speed vessel offering daily service.
6. Transatlantic Crossing – OnDeck offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to cross the ocean onboard a 72ft ocean racing yacht. The 21-day voyage to the UK departs Antigua on the 10th January with a short stopover in the Azores.

7. The Antigua and Barbuda Horticultural Society has launched a series of garden tours to private homes throughout the destination.

8. Analysts continue to watch the possible merger between American Airlines and US Airways. Since both airlines serve A & B, this merger is likely to have some impact on airlift.

9. Caribbean Waterbird Census – The 2013 count will marshall troops of volunteers in A & B and other Caribbean islands to help preserve waterbirds and their habitats. A count of various waterbirds in ponds, marshes, mangrove swamps and other wetlands will be conducted.

10. Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta 20th Anniversary, February 7 to 10. Held on the weekend closest to Valentine’s Day, the event goes international, offering classes for CSA-rated boats, bareboats, Carriacou sloops, Lasers, Dragons and other one-design boats and dinghies. A pursuit race series, poker run and dinghy racing offer exciting spectating opportunities.

Hotels Help Guests Stay Healthy

To help resolution setters keep their goals in site, many A&B hotels are getting in on the action. One of the most popular resolutions is the vow to get fit and stay healthy. Whether guests want to hit the gym more, try out shore side exercise routines, or sample healthy gourmet meals, many hotels are getting more innovative in enticing guests to get fit while vacationing in A & B.

From in-room workout videos, beach side boot camps, Pilates and kick boxing there so many fitness offerings for guests who are mindful of their waistline while traveling.

1. Jolly Beach – Boot Camp Insane Beach Body training is part of the resort’s new “Get Into the Beach of It” fun and fitness program for 2013 The five (5) day program challenges “campers” to push their mental and physical limits against a backdrop of some of the most beautiful Caribbean scenery.
2. Curtain Bluff – Antigua Tennis Week
3. Jumby Bay Resort - YOLO Yoga
4. Sugar Ridge – State-of-the-art gym
5. Hermitage – Organic Garden Spa
6. The Inn at English Harbour - Organic Gardens
7. Galley Bay –Spa Alfresco
8. St. James’ Club - Watersports
9. Verandah Resort – Mini golf
10. Nonsuch Bay Resort – Sailing lessons