• Advertising

• Contact

• About Us

• Submissions

For generations, Antigua has lured yachtsmen with its tropical trade winds, beautiful beaches and international flair. Now, as new resort communities emerge and seasoned properties reinvent themselves, Antigua is poised to deliver more Caribbean luxury real estate opportunities than ever before. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua boasts an astounding 365 beaches-one for every day of year. With a varied coastline of protected harbors, steep cliffs and literally hundreds of secluded beaches, it's not hard to find luxury Antigua real estate with stunning views.

Settled by the British to cultivate sugar cane, Antigua quickly became a significant contributor to the region's largest export. By the mid-18th century, more than 150 sugar cane-processing windmills dotted the island's hillsides, many of which can still be seen today, worked into the architecture of buildings and homes. A commonwealth of the British crown until gaining full independence in 1967, Antigua's style is an interesting blend of Colonialism meets laid back Caribbean. Since the early '60s, this Caribbean island has had another fast growing and lucrative "export"-tourism. The island draws visitors from the U.K., Italy, France, Spain, and America, to name a few. The mix of cultures convenes on the 108-square-mile island to create a vibrant international atmosphere.

Antigua benefits from steady trade winds, which provide first-class sailing and a comfortable year-round climate. Renowned for its excellent sailing, Antigua hosts many famed yachting events. One of the top sailing events in the Caribbean and quite possibly the world, Antigua Sailing Week takes place every April, welcoming international sailors for six days of tough competition. April is also when 50-plus classic boats-from sloops to tall ships-descend on Antigua for the Classic Yacht Regatta. Each December, the Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show attracts up 100 vessels-including the finest and largest megayachts up for charter in the Caribbean. "Right now, there are ninety-plus megayachts anchored in the harbor across the street from my office," said Brad Stanley of Stanley's Estates, one of the island's top realtors, who was excited about the crowds attending the recent 2009 Charter Yacht Show. Click to View Related Video

For the landlubber, Antigua offers plenty of things to see and do with fine dining, a healthy nightlife and great shopping. Those in the know avoid the shopping frenzy of the Heritage Quay, where the cruise ships pull in, and instead head over the Redcliffe Quay, a wonderful and quaint local's bazaar filled with old-world, Caribbean fare. For a unique island experience, visit the fort on Sunday evening for a weekly barbecue, serving up great local food, fun calypso music and, of course, Caribbean rum punch. English Harbour is also home to Nelson's Dockyard, the British naval base built in 1725.

Yachtsmen may have been at the forefront of the Antigua tourism trend, but sailors and non-sailors alike have fallen for the island and seek to stay long-term by purchasing property. Tourism and real estate have taken off in Antigua, thanks in part to new resort communities offering expanded amenities, such as Emerald Cove, a new luxury real estate community planned in NonSuch Bay. Whether you crave the lively party of St. Johns or prefer the quiet solitude of NonSuch Bay, there is something for everyone.

Brady Stanley of Stanley's Estates would be glad to show you around in your quest for prime Antigua real estate. (Jolly Harbour, NonSuch Bay, Falmouth Harbour and St. Johns are the island's current hot spots.) According to Stanley, buyers can absolutely find a beautiful Caribbean-style home on a cliff or beach offering privacy and year-round beauty-it's simply a matter of the desired view and your budget. Learn from his in-depth research and local knowledge by visiting his Web site at www.stanleysestates.com. Over the past decade, some affluent buyers from the U.S. and Europe bought larger parcels of land and created private, relatively non-amenitized communities. But, if you prefer to be pampered after a day of yachting or playing tennis and include a spa, fine dining and a marina in your list of vacation home must-haves, then Antigua has a growing list of communities, each with a different view and a variety of price-points. Developers with a vision of providing spectacular views, full-service marinas, superb spas and great food have staked a claim for you and endeavor to provide very unique real estate offerings.

In addition to the new Emerald Cove, Antigua's luxury real estate developments such as Tamarind Hills, Sugar Ridge and NonSuch Bay offer you almost any kind of real estate-and amenities-you could want. As their names imply, Tamarind Hills and Sugar Ridge come with hilltop views overlooking Jolly Harbour on the southwestern coast of Antigua. NonSuch Bay Resort and Emerald Cove capitalize on the quiet and solitude of NonSuch Bay on the southeastern corner of the island. The four communities offer buyers luxurious amenities and a variety of home plans, from condos to estate homes. Jolly Harbour, a town in and of itself, offers buyers villas and condominiums and close proximity to St. Johns for those looking for more in the way of nightlife.

There are many first-class resorts to make your stay comfortable while you property-hunt in Antigua. Jumby Bay, located on Long Island-a private island rimmed by spectacular white sand beaches and set two miles of the northeast coast of Antigua-is a popular Caribbean resort run by run by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts. The well-manicured 300-acre property gives guests the "castaway" feel and provides striking views of the Antigua coastline. The Half Moon Bay Resort, which has been dormant for as long as most people can remember, is preparing to reopen, bringing one of the country's most exclusive resorts back to life. For those looking toward a higher level of privacy and independence in their travels, there is an active villa rental market as well. Visit www.antiguanice.com before you go to find out everything from where to rest your head at night to upcoming island events.

As the trade winds carry more visitors to Antigua each year, more and more people are falling in love with the island's charms and looking to stay. Fortunately, the latest crop of luxury real estate developments and those to come will satisfy visitors looking for a slice of paradise. It's Antigua's time to shine.