Antigua and Barbuda's three hundred and sixty five gorgeous white sandy beaches are what dreams are made of, and with some of the biggest and best events in the Caribbean, and a variety of activities taking place year round, this twin-island paradise becomes the perfect winter-getaway for adventure-seekers, families or holiday-makers seeking a luxury escape, this new year.

In 2015, Antigua and Barbuda, known for its family appeal, gets even more family-friendly when the AUA Tinman Rohr Triathlon returns on March 28. The largest triathlon event in Antigua, the AUA Tinman Rohr Triathlon features the half-iron, sprint and mini distances, along with races for teams, children and a 5k walk/run, bringing together a wide array of persons from international and regional athletes to fitness enthusiasts www.antiguatinmantriathlon.com. If a half-marathon is more your speed, look out for new event Run in Paradise scheduled for May 24. www.runinparadise.com

Be in Antigua on Easter Monday to witness kites of all colours and sizes, as they take to the skies at awe-inspiring natural attraction Devil's Bridge for the Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Fly, on 6 April. And if you fancy a good game of cricket in the birthplace of party cricket, make your travel arrangements now. Test cricket returns to Antigua, home of Sir Vivian Richards, when the West Indies take on England from 13 – 17 April during the first test of the series.

The 'Sailing Capital of the Caribbean', Antigua, hosts one of the most prestigious sailing regattas in the world, The Antigua Sailing Week from 25 April  – 1 May. Attracting over 100 yachts, Antigua Sailing Week consists of five days of competitive racing off the rugged south coast of Antigua plus an optional day of racing around the island. Antigua Sailing Week, is equally known for its nightly parties www.sailingweek.com.  Thousands of party-goers come out to stunning English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, for the open-air bars, laid-back rum parties and music festivals. Yachties can enjoy many other yachting events, including the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, The Super Yacht Challenge and the Jolly Harbour Regatta.

Sports-fishing enthusiasts and sea-food lovers will enjoy the Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament and Seafood Festival from 23 – 24 May 2015. The popular seafood festival in the afternoon draws crowds.  It's all about trying the grilled lobster, tasty seafood chowder, crab, carpaccio, sushi, conch water and as many seafood dishes as you can manage. Held in the historic Nelson's Dockyard, the atmosphere makes this event a perfect day out for family and friends. www.antiguabarbudasportsfishing.com.

For a cultural explosion, the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival, Antigua's Carnival from 26 July – 5 August provides a colourful insight into the culture of the country. This energetic festival intensifies as Carnival Monday and Tuesday approach with party lovers embracing the lively music and costumed parades throughout the day and night. www.antiguacarnival.com

Antiguans and Barbudans love to party and with a buzzing music scene, live music bands can be found at most island bars and restaurants. Visit Nelson's Dockyard for the Shirley Heights Sunday Sunset Barbecue Party, one of the longest running parties in the Caribbean.

A new international airport set to open in 2015, will welcome direct flights into Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport from major International gateways such as New York, Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, London, and Frankfurt.

Other Key Events for Early 2015:

29 January - 1 February: Super Yacht Challenge www.thesuperyachtchallenge.com 

April 15 – 20: Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, www.antiguaclassics.com

May 1 – 3: Nautical Music Festival, www.nauticalmusicfest.com

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For media requests, please contact
Kate Riley, First Public Relations
T: 020 8877 4511
E: kateriley@firstpr.co.uk 

Notes to Editors:
High resolution images of the destination available on request

About Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew' da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors.  Antigua's rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty's Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil's Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com