10 Oct 2013
As the X Factor enters its tenth series, Nicole Scherzinger and her six finalists for the girls’ category jetted off to sunny Antigua following the bootcamp stage to select the acts making it through to the live shows. A favourite with celebrities over the years including Eric Clapton, Giorgio Armani, Pierce Brosnan and Oprah Winfrey, it’s no wonder that Nicole had an amazing time on the island for the Judges’ House stage. So what is there to do on the island of 365 beaches?
Top 6 Antigua Attractions
Shirley Heights Lookout
Very popular venue for visitors and islanders alike to enjoy spectacular views, food, drinks and music. There is a quiet night on Thursday before the big night on Sunday. Activities usually start around 4pm with a live steel band and BBQ. At some point you’ll notice a shift in tempo when the reggae/soca/calypso band kicks in. Could this inspire the girls to perform something a little different to get through?!
For more information please visit http://www.shirleyheightslookout.com/
Stingray City
Swim with the puppy dogs of the sea - southern stingrays - a short boat ride from Seatons. Most tour companies offer trips to this amazing open water pool protected by coral reefs for a snorkel and photo op with some of the island’s celebrities.
http://www.stingraycityantigua.com/
Segway Tours
Segway of Antigua & Barbuda is an eco-friendly way to explore some of Antigua’s hidden gems. The upright scooter is easy to master and glides you through ‘historic landmarks and breath-taking beaches with practically no impact to the environment.’ A fun way to see the sites and perhaps evade the ever-present paparazzi…
Catamaran Tours
Antigua is famed for its sailing regatta, but you don’t need to be an old sea hand to enjoy the island’s water features…The girls should try one of these tours, amongst many that can be as active or relaxed as you feel, day or night!
http://www.adventureantigua.com/
Carnival
During Carnival, the streets of St John and the Antigua Recreation Ground play host to shows, competitions and parades. The usual steel bands, beauty pageants and calypso competitions excite the island for weeks before carnival and you are always welcome to join in the costume parades…Being in August, the girls have missed this year, but perhaps they’ll be inspired to return next year.
Thinking of donning a glamorous carnival costume and joining the parade? Book early to guarantee your costume of choice - for more information please see - http://www.antiguacarnival.com/
Walk in Nicole and the contestants’ footsteps and stay at the same property
St James Club & Villas Antigua, part of the Elite Island Resorts Group, welcomed The X Factor and The Xtra Factor crews, as well as Judge Nicole Scherzinger and Guest Mentor Mary J. Blige, after being selected as an official location for the exciting Judges’ Houses part of the popular ITV show. Tucked away on a secluded 100 acre peninsula on the southeastern coast of Antigua, the 254 room St James Club & Villas is located just 40 minutes from the airport. It’s ideal for family getaways or romantic retreats with a variety of rooms, suites and villas to choose from. The resort features four restaurants, a spa and fitness centre and is a great location to explore Island attractions including Shirley Heights and the rain forests. www.eliteislandresorts.co.uk
British Airways offer seven nights at St James Club & Villas Antigua from £1399 per person based on November 2013 departures. Includes return flights from Gatwick and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis. For reservations visit: www.ba.com/stjamesclubantigua or call 0844 493 0758.
Chill like an A-Lister
Celebs work can be hard graft and what better way to relax than have a drink by a lovely setting. There are a plethora of top locations to sit back and enjoy a cocktail including the Admiral Inn’s which is ideally set in Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua’s historic marina. Follow in the footsteps contestants and take in the stunning historical setting while trying out the tantalising cocktails on offer. http://admiralsantigua.com/
For more suggestions on A-lister’s worthy trips to Antigua and Barbuda, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.
-Ends-
For further information please contact:
Edith Meyer
Tel: 0208 877 4510
Email: edith@firstpr.co.uk
