Combining English military history and agriculture, Antigua offers beaches on every side, "a different beach for each day of the year".

With so many coves to pick from, it's not hard to see how yachting has become so popular. Antigua celebrates its naval tradition here every year with Antigua Sailing Week in April, mixing daily races for all sizes of boats with endless beach parties and celebrations.

Because of all this activity, Antigua offers a complete selection of resorts, from world-class Jumby Bay, to top-rated Curtain Bluff and Carlisle Bay, to perennial favorites like Sandals, the St. James Club, and The Inn at English Harbour.

Antigua is also connected to nearby Barbuda, an almost completely undeveloped island designated a Frigate Bird Sanctuary. This makes an interesting day trip, especially for nature lovers.

Antigua also works well as a partner with Dominica, for a beach and jungle hiking combination.

Not To Be Missed - Sailing Week 2008, April 27-May 3, is the granddaddy of all Caribbean regattas - in 2005, 183 boats from 27 countries were entered.