🌴 Your Guide to Jolly Harbour & Beyond

The best of Antigua for the modern luxury traveler

Welcome to Jolly Harbour, your gateway to the island’s most stunning beaches, vibrant restaurants, and timeless Caribbean charm. From sunset cocktails and sailing adventures to exploring Antigua’s most iconic sights, your villa at Sugar Ridge puts you right at the heart of it all.

🥂 Eat & Drink: Where Flavor Meets Island Soul

Antigua’s dining scene has blossomed — casual beach bars sit beautifully alongside world-class restaurants. Here are a few favorites locals and travelers love:

📍 Jolly Harbour Marina Commercial Center : Within 5-10 mins golf cart/drive from the Villa:

Casual & Waterfront Dining

• Al Porto – A marina classic with fresh Italian-style pizzas, homemade pastas, and seaside breezes. Great for lunch, sunset drinks, and relaxed dinners.

• Basilico Italian Restautant – Another strong Italian option with views over the water and traditional favorites that pair well with a glass of wine by the dock.

• Sea Dream Restaurant and Bar – Classic Caribbean seafood and cocktails with marina views — perfect for waterfront evenings.

• Petal's Cafe – Charming breakfast and lunch café serving fresh all-day options, pastries, and coffee before you head out to the beach or marina.

• De Underdog – A tucked-away tavern upstairs with breezy balcony views — a great casual pick and local favorite.

• Out Out Bar & Lounge – A hidden gem for evening drinks and laid-back vibes after dinner in the marina.

• Shanaz’s Curry House – A beloved local gem just minutes from the villa. Expect authentic Caribbean curry, hearty rotis, and warm island hospitality — perfect for a cozy dinner after beach time or sunset drinks.

• Fat Urchin – The newest energy-infused restaurant in the marina. Think coastal British-Caribbean comfort food with playful hits like fish butties and loaded fries downstairs, and refined seafood or steak upstairs, all with water views. This is a perfect lunch-into-sunset stop.

• Fox House Bar & Restaurant – A local favorite for relaxed, flavorful dining with an international twist. Great for casual dinners and a drink out with friends.

• Sheer Rocks (Cocobay Resort) – Consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s top restaurants. Cliffside plunge pools, sunset views, and Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion small plates. Perfect for a long, lazy lunch or romantic dinner.

Local Flavour & Classic Comforts

Within just a short stroll of the docks, you’ll also find classic Caribbean fare and relaxed beach bars:

• Miracles of the Caribbean Restaurant and Bar – A favorite for locals and visitors alike for island plates and rum cocktails.

• Al Porto’s neighbors like Palms Bar, Sandra’s Beach Bar & Grill offer a range of flavors from casual beach bites to global comfort food.

Supermarket & Provisioning:

• Epicurean Fine Foods – One of the best stocked international supermarkets in Antigua, perfect for provisioning your villa kitchen, picking up picnic goods, or grabbing quick local eats and drinks.

Further afield but worth a visit:

• Catherine’s Café (Pigeon Point Beach, English Harbour) – Chic, French-inspired beachfront dining with sand-between-your-toes luxury. Think rosé, live music, and fresh seafood.

• The Nest Beach Bar & Restaurant (Valley Church Beach) – Casual, toes-in-the-sand spot for grilled mahi-mahi and rum punch; great for daytime vibes.

• The Fox House (English Harbour, new in 2024) – Stylish newcomer with modern Caribbean cuisine, craft cocktails, and a lively weekend crowd.

  Pro tip: Jolly Harbour’s commercial center is a casual, convenient hub of everyday eats, bars, and boutiques — great for a laid-back meal, grocery run, or sunset juice before heading out to explore.

• Epicurean Fine Foods – One of the best stocked international supermarkets in Antigua, perfect for provisioning your villa kitchen, picking up picnic goods, or grabbing quick local eats and drinks.

🌅 New & Noteworthy:
Antigua’s food scene is growing fast. Keep an eye out for recent openings like Wild Tamarind (farm-to-table dining in Falmouth), and Incanto, a fine Italian addition near English Harbour, known for handmade pasta and waterfront views.

🎶 Bars & Nightlife: Where Antigua Comes Alive

Evenings here are easygoing yet full of rhythm.

• Shirley Heights Lookout – The unmissable Antigua experience. Every Sunday, locals and visitors gather for live reggae, sizzling BBQ, and breathtaking views over English Harbour as the sun sets.

• Castaways Beach Bar (Jolly Beach) – Lively beach bar with DJs, cocktails, and great after-dinner energy on weekends.

• Boom Restaurant & Lounge (Gunpowder House) – Elegant poolside drinks and relaxed music, perfect for golden-hour mingling.

• Abracadabra (English Harbour) – A legendary late-night spot where fine dining turns into dancing; a longtime staple for the island’s social set.

🌊 Must-See Sights & Experiences

Take a short drive or day trip to explore Antigua’s rich history and natural beauty.

🏰 English Harbour & Nelson’s Dockyard
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this beautifully restored Georgian naval dockyard is the heart of Antigua’s maritime heritage. Don’t miss the museum, boutique shops, or afternoon drinks at the Admiral’s Inn.

🌋 Shirley Heights Lookout
Beyond Sunday’s party, visit midweek for peaceful views across the coastline — a photographer’s dream.

🏝 Jumby Bay Island
Accessible only by boat from the mainland, this private island oasis is home to pristine beaches and one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive resorts. Even a lunch visit feels special.

🌿 Fig Tree Drive & Rainforest Canopy Tour
Drive through the lush southwest, stopping for local fruit stands or a thrilling zipline experience through the canopy.

🚤 Charter a Yacht or Catamaran
Jolly Harbour’s marina is perfect for chartering a half- or full-day sailing trip — explore hidden coves and snorkel reefs, or anchor for a private picnic on a deserted beach.

💆‍♀️ Relax & Rejuvenate

After a day in the sun, unwind in serenity.

• Sugar Ridge Spa – Steps from your villa. Indulge in a massage overlooking the hillside - COMING SOON.

🏖 Insider Tips

• Getting Around: Rent a car or golf cart — it’s the easiest way to explore Jolly Harbour and nearby beaches.

• Best Sunset Spot: The west-facing coast from Valley Church to Darkwood — bring your camera (and a rum punch).

• Local Flavour: Visit the Friday night seafood grills at Ffryes Beach for a true island evening under the stars.

✨ Your Antigua, Your Way

Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at Sheer Rocks, dancing at Shirley Heights, or sailing between turquoise coves, Jolly Harbour is the perfect base to experience Antigua’s effortless blend of luxury and laid-back charm.