Antigua
Curious guests with an appreciation for history will want to first take time to embark on a walking tour of St . Johns , and then make a beeline for Nelson ’ s Dockyard . Named after Royal Navy Admiral Horatio Nelson , this UNESCO-recognized world heritage site has a storied history dating back to the 18th century . The hills surrounding this painstakingly restored site are full of pleasant hiking trails that wind around venerable colonial forts . The nearby lookout of Shirley Heights may be the best place to catch the sunrise ( or sunset ) on the island , stunning us with its sweeping , panoramic vantage over English Harbour . Devil ’ s Bridge National Park , just beyond the village of Willikies , is our pick for the most awe-inspiring natural site on Antigua , so-named for its limestone sea bridge carved over millions of years by geysers and blowholes .
Standard Caribbean fare like cruising , kayaking , and duty-free shopping aside ( all of which we heartily recommend , of course ), Stingray City was the breakaway excursion of our trip . Traveling to the warm shallows of Seatons Village , we were ushered into the water with snorkel gear and encouraged to touch , feed , and swim with incredibly majestic stingrays . Our team was collectively astonished at the intrepid and friendly nature of these animals , who actively sought to interact with the humans visiting their colorful reef home . The fun didn ’ t end when we returned to dry land : we opted to book a combination tour and got up close with vivid parrots , giant ( truly , giant !) tortoises , as well as a host of aquatic creatures on a mangrove snorkeling tour .
TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 15