Boom at Gunpowder House, Admiral's Inn
Poolside Mediterranean lunches with a Nelson's Dockyard panorama
Why Go
Perched on a breezy headland directly across from Nelson's Dockyard, Boom is English Harbour's most stylish daytime hideaway ΓÇö an infinity pool spilling toward superyachts, plush loungers under sea-grape trees, and a menu built around whatever came off the boats that morning.
The Experience
You arrive either by winding through the Admiral's Inn grounds or, more theatrically, by the complimentary water taxi that skims across from the Dockyard in about two minutes. The vibe is laid-back luxury: barefoot guests padding between loungers, a soundtrack that leans into deep-house-meets-Caribbean, and long, unhurried lunches that stretch straight into cocktail hour. Sit at the covered terrace for shaded harbour views, or claim a lounger by the infinity edge and let servers bring plates and rum punches to you while yachts glide in and out of the anchorage below.
What to Try
The fresh catch of the day and grilled Antiguan lobster are the headline acts — simply dressed, plated Mediterranean-style with citrus, olive oil and herbs. Lighter appetites gravitate to the burrata and heirloom tomato salad, the tuna tartare, or the crisp wood-fired flatbreads. Don't skip the signature Boom rum punch or a chilled glass of rosé — both were engineered for this exact view.
Insider Tip
Non-hotel guests can only dine 12ΓÇô4 PM and day-pass loungers are strictly limited, so book 48+ hours ahead in high season and request a lounger on the harbour-facing side of the pool (not the interior row). Even better: skip the drive and take the free water taxi from the Dockyard dinghy dock ΓÇö it drops you straight at the steps and turns lunch into a mini boat trip.
The Practical Stuff
Open daily; lunch 12ΓÇô4 PM, bar until 6 PM (hotel guests 10 AMΓÇô6 PM). Day passes run roughly US$75ΓÇô$115 per person by season and include a 2- or 3-course meal plus drinks, lounger, pool, WiFi and parking; 17% tax and 10% service added. Smart-casual swimwear-with-cover-up works. Call +1 268 460 1027 or email info@boomantigua.com to reserve. Located on the Admiral's Inn headland, English Harbour ΓÇö free parking on site or take the complimentary water taxi from Nelson's Dockyard.
Pair It With
- Nelson's Dockyard National Park — A five-minute water-taxi ride away ΓÇö wander the restored Georgian naval buildings and museum before or after lunch to earn your poolside recline.
- Shirley Heights Lookout — Head up the hill at sunset (especially Sunday's steel-pan-and-BBQ party) for the postcard view straight down onto English and Falmouth Harbours.
- Pigeon Point Beach — A quiet, calm-water beach ten minutes away in Falmouth Harbour ΓÇö perfect for a morning swim before your Boom day pass kicks in.
- Adventure Antigua Xtreme Circumnavigation — Family-run since 1999, this full-day boat trip around the island pairs beautifully with a next-day recovery lunch poolside at Boom.