Antigua and Barbuda: A Caribbean Gem of History

Tucked away in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is this little slice of heaven bursting with history, vibrant culture, and some seriously stunning scenery. These twin islands, plus their tiny sidekick, Redonda, have a tale that’s all about indigenous roots, colonial twists, and a proud leap into independence.

A Place That’ll Steal Your Heart

Antigua’s got this wild, jagged coastline dotted with postcard-perfect bays and harbors, basically a dream come true for anyone who loves sailing or just kicking back on the beach. It’s a decent-sized island at 108 square miles (280 square km), mostly flat with a dry, sunny vibe since it doesn’t have the mountains or thick forests you’d find nearby. Its highest spot, Mount Obama, climbs up to 1,330 feet (405 meters), and the whole place gets about 40 inches (1,000 mm) of rain a year, perfect for that laid-back island life.

Then there’s Barbuda, 25 miles (40 km) north, a coral beauty stretching 62 square miles (161 square km). This place is all about untouched beaches and quiet woodlands, with a small-town feel that’s hard to beat. Codrington, the only village there, sits by a peaceful lagoon, it’s like stepping into a postcard where time slows down.

A Trip Back in Time

Antigua’s story kicks off in 1493 when Christopher Columbus sailed by and named it after a church in Spain, Santa Maria de la Antigua. But it wasn’t until 1632 that the English rolled in and made it home. The French tried to crash the party in 1666, but Antigua stayed British through and through. At first, folks grew tobacco, but by the late 1600s, sugarcane took over, turning the island into a plantation powerhouse built on the backs of enslaved Africans.

Barbuda’s chapter started in 1678, and by 1685, it was handed to the Codrington family. They had big plans to make it a slave-breeding hub, but instead, it turned into this unique spot where enslaved folks carved out a bit more freedom for themselves. When emancipation hit in 1834, labor dried up, and then Mother Nature threw in an earthquake in 1843 and a hurricane in 1847, just to keep things interesting. By the late 1800s, Barbuda was back under the British Crown and tied to Antigua.

The Road to Doing Their Own Thing

After the Leeward Islands colony fell apart in 1956, Antigua teamed up with the West Indies Federation in 1958. That didn’t last long, though, it fizzled out by 1962. So, in 1967, Antigua became an associated state with the UK, running its own show locally while Britain handled the big stuff like defense. The 1970s brought a push for independence, led by George Walter, who dreamed of a united Caribbean but settled for going it alone. On November 1, 1981, Antigua and Barbuda waved goodbye to Britain, with Vere Bird stepping up as the first prime minister. They jumped right into the UN, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States like they’d been waiting for it.

Sail Back in Time on Astrolabe

Ever dreamed of sailing Antigua’s jaw-dropping coastline or dipping into secret turquoise coves? Let me tell you about Astrolabe, a 62-foot Lagoon catamaran that’s basically your ticket to paradise. This beauty doesn’t mess around when it comes to luxury, and if you’re cruising the Caribbean or chasing Mediterranean sun in summer or winter, it’s the real deal.

Four plush cabins that sleep eight, each one decked out with big, comfy beds, your own AC, private showers, and all the modern goodies you could want. The Master cabin even has a flat-screen TV, talk about spoiling yourself at sea!

​But it’s not just about the rooms. You’ve got a huge salon to kick back in, a flybridge with views that’ll stop you in your tracks, and a sunny spot under the bimini for when you just need to soak it all in. Plus, the three-person crew? They’re rockstars, always there with a smile, top-notch service, and insider tips to the coolest, hidden-gem spots.

From the historic vibes of English Harbour to those tucked-away Mediterranean creeks, Astrolabe’s your ride to adventures you’ll never forget. It’s Antigua’s story meets pure sailing bliss. Ready to hop aboard? 

ASTROLABE 62 Feet.  (Cat)  
Sleeps 8 Guests in 4 Queen(s)
Online brochure Click Here ​

A Cool Caribbean Vibe Today
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Since going solo, Antigua and Barbuda have kept things pretty steady, even with the occasional grumble about politics or corruption. The old sugarcane days are long gone, now it’s all about tourism, with the island’s airport and harbors drawing in fancy travelers and yacht lovers. Sure, there’ve been bumps, like that messy 2009 financial hiccup tied to Robert Allen Stanford’s fraud mess, but they’ve bounced back. It's a go-to spot for paradise seekers.

From a colonial outpost to a proud Caribbean standout, Antigua and Barbuda’s journey is all about grit and glow-up. It’s the kind of place where history and jaw-dropping beauty collide, perfect for anyone who wants a taste of both in one incredible trip.

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Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica - Antigua and Barbuda