NELSON’S DOCKYARD: Just a few minutes by taxi from Curtain Bluff, Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is one of the Caribbean’s most well-known historic sites. Developed as a base for the British Navy in 1725, the dockyard served as home base for Britain’s Leeward-Islands fleet under the command of celebrated naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. The dockyard ultimately closed in 1889 and has since been completely restored. It’s now a designated World Heritage Site.

SHIRLEY HEIGHTS: Perched high above the harbor and accessible by car or by foot via the Lookout Trail, Shirley Heights is a former fortress with superb views across the Caribbean to Montserrat and Guadeloupe. The site offers live music on Sundays, with a steel band from 3 to 6 PM and reggae from 6 to 9 PM. At the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Center, which is located on site, you can watch an impressive multimedia presentation of Antigua’s history from its initial settlement to independence.

MUSEUM: For another glimpse back through the centuries, spend an hour in the cool interior of the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the middle of St. John’s, a half-hour ride from the resort. The collection of artifacts and exhibits tells the islands’ captivating story, from a life-size replica of an Arawak dwelling to the bat of Viv Richards, one of the greatest cricket players of all time.

STINGRAY CITY: If it’s Antigua’s natural beauty that interests you most, take an eco-tour with Antigua Paddles in the village of Seatons on the island’s eastern shore. Experienced guides lead you through a half-day excursion filled with kayaking, snorkeling, powerboating and hiking. To get even closer to the local marine life, snorkel Stingray City, a crystal-clear ocean pool protected by its own reef where you can actually swim with the rays.

ZIPLINE CANOPY TOUR: Gear up for an adrenaline-coursing zipline ride through the rainforest canopy just a few minutes’ taxi ride from the resort. Safe for all ages, including young children, the full tour includes 21 different lines. Photographs are available once you get back to base.

ADVENTURE ANTIGUA: Adventure Antigua offers three award-winning, full-day, water-based excursions: Eli’s Original Eco Tour and the Xtreme Circumnav, which are conducted on specially-designed power boats, and the Classic Sailing Tour, which takes guests on a ride on a traditional wooden sloop. All tours have themes of history and ecology. Snorkeling equipment, lunch and drinks are included.