Antigua is among the driest of the Leeward Islands, but you can still get wet. With 365 beaches, Antiguans say that their island offers a beach for every day of the year. The neighboring island of Barbuda is largely undeveloped, but dotted with its own wonderful collection of solitary beaches. In 1981, both islands gained independence from Britain.

The effects of a tug-of-war history stand staunchly about the island in the form of forts: Fort James, Fort George, Fort Barrington and Fort Berkeley. Shirley Heights was once used to keep watch on ships trying to attack Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour. Walking down history lane, however, is not the only pastime on Antigua. Water sports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, shopping, gambling and good food all abound on Antigua. It¿s certainly an island for the active.

When bedtime finally rolls around, Antigua offers a variety of hotels. There are quaint inns bedecked in antiques and exclusive resorts with spas. Many of the properties have entertainment at night, either in the form of a laid-back piano bar or a hopping reggae band.