The island has a rich maritime history carried into modern times with its status as one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world, showcased by Antigua Sailing Week in May.

Over 31,000 people live in and around St John’s the capital. The old colonial seaport has a deep harbour, which is extensively used by cruise ships that make an important contribution to the island’s economy. Tourism drives the economy and a healthy international airlift ensures thousands of visitors arrive every year and enjoy the island’s attributes.

VC Bird International Airport is a hub for many regional travellers in much the same way that the island was a hub for the English fleet 250 years ago when English Harbour was used to repair naval ships.  A dockyard was built in 1725 and later named Nelson’s Dockyard after the famous admiral who fell in love with the Caribbean and in particular the young widow Fannie Nisbet, who lived in nearby Nevis. Nelson’s Dockyard remains a busy marina and dockyard in modern times and a popular tourist centre with it shops and hostelries.

Jolly Harbour is another big marina, but with a much different culture as the perimeter of the harbour has been developed with condos and townhouses. Several of the island’s most prestigious real estate developments are within a few miles of Jolly Harbour, which is a popular tourist area with shops, supermarkets and a golf course.

The island has a rich cricket tradition with Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Richie Richardson all knighted for their services to the game and another West Indies stalwart Sir Curtley Ambrose a resident. In contrast, the island’s most infamous personality was Texan billionaire Allen Stanford brought money, publicity, employment and business to the country over a whirlwind decade of high profile promotions, but fell dramatically from grace when his ‘Ponzi Scheme’ was exposed and he was jailed.

Several Antigua real estate projects took a hit and others were shelved in the post-2008 global meltdown, but there is evidence the market is slowly coming back. 

With so much magnificent beach available there's no threat of overkill on this island and the door of opportunity lies open to investors to enjoy both the lifestyle and the investment return. Luxury units on the beach or close to the beach continue to attract most overseas investment and with its strong tourism industry, rental returns are expected to continue to be strong in the future.