Antigua Holidays

Holidays to Antigua mean 365 white-sand beaches, year-round sunshine that barely dips below 27°C and deeply welcoming vibes. Also you get incredible water for swimming and snorkelling, and a harbour that hosts one of the world's most famous sailing regattas.

☀️ Highlights of your Holiday to Antigua

• 365 Beaches - If you spend a year on holiday in Antigua you can visit one each day. Dickenson Bay for loungers and watersports, Half Moon Bay for wild Atlantic surf, and 363 others for when you fancy something quieter.

• Year-Round Sunshine - Temperatures sit between 25 and 30 degrees all year with reliable trade winds keeping things comfortable. There's no bad month to visit, just different shades of perfect.

• All-Inclusive Paradise - Some of the Caribbean's best all-inclusive resorts call Antigua home, from adults-only retreats on private bays to family resorts with mile-long beaches.

• Sailing Capital of the Caribbean - Nelson's Dockyard is the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world, and Antigua Sailing Week draws boats from everywhere.

• Caribbean Culture Without the Crowds - Antigua does reggae on a hilltop every Sunday at Shirley Heights, carnival in August with full-scale parades and soca, and cricket at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. All of it feels local rather than staged.

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Antigua

• They don't like Cricket: They love it! Antigua was the first Caribbean island to get a cricket stadium built specifically for the 2007 World Cup. The locals are absolutely mad for cricket, and if you time your visit right you might catch a match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, named after their most famous son.

• Sunday Funday at Shirley Heights – Antigua’s biggest weekly party isn’t in a club – it’s on a hill. Think steel drums, BBQ ribs, rum punch, and views that’ll have your camera roll begging for mercy.

• Antigua Sailing Week is a BIG deal – Every year, this world-famous regatta brings together party people and pro sailors for a week of racing and revelry. Even if you can’t tell port from starboard, you’ll wanna be part of the action.

Our experts tips for your holidays to Antigua

"The best thing we did was a day trip to Barbuda. Hour and a half on the ferry from St John's (take seasickness tablets) and then a local boatman took us out into Codrington Lagoon, there were thousands of nesting frigate birds and the males puff their throats into big red balloons right beside the boat. Absolutely magic but it might be a hard trip with small kids. Go between September and April for the birds. Two more tips. Roti King on St Mary's Street in St John's, cash only, there's always a queue of locals and the chicken rotis are enormous (and delicious). And if you do a taxi tour of the island,  go along Fig Tree Drive and stop at a fruit stall for a black pineapple. They're not just a gothic icon, they're also smaller and much sweeter than the ones at home."

- Rob Brooks, OtB Holiday Expert

Antigua is perfect for you if...

• You want a Caribbean holiday where the beach genuinely is the main event (365 of them, and none of them are duds)

• You're after an all-inclusive that feels more private bay than mega-resort

• You want a Caribbean holiday that's more about the chill than the carnival.

• You like the idea of a Sunday afternoon on a hilltop with a rum punch, a steel band, and a view that goes on forever (Shirley Heights, every week, no booking required)

• You want your kids to see turtles, sail a dinghy, and eat fresh lobster on the beach before they're old enough to be embarrassed about family holidays

What are the best beaches for your Antigua holidays 2026 / 2027?

First of all, rude. Asking us to choose between beaches is like asking us to choose a favourite colleague, or a favourite song. It all depends on our mood. Thankfully, we're always in the mood for a beach holiday, and this island paradise ticks all of our boxes with its 10/10 sandy spots. If you're ready for some towel action, check out these top beaches in Antigua:

• Dickenson Bay - the gleaming example of a typical Antigua beach, with a mile-long stretch of airbrushed white sand, a ton of water sports on offer (from snorkelling to parasailing), and a bunch of swanky resorts and beach bars dotted about

• Half Moon Bay - named after its iconic crescent shape, this stretch is lined with the pink and white sands sloping into the bluest waters (no, we're not exaggerating), bringing the peaceful vibes and a top spot for snorkellers

• Jolly Beach - this place gets point for its name alone (so on-brand), with powdery-soft sands offering plenty of space for a sunbathe, and the mountainous backdrop is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down (cocktail-in-hand optional)

• Carlisle Bay - a paradise for divers, swimmers, and simple sunbathers, this place is decked out with fine white sand and clear waters full of exotic fish

• Pigeon Point Beach - a local fave with calm, clear waters perfect for youngsters, and a choice of two restaurants dishing up tasty Caribbean food right along the sand

• Ffryes Beach - a beach that stays on the quiet side, with a huge stretch of white sand and the most vivid waters you ever did see (but they can get a bit deep, so keep your eye on the little ones!)

• Galleon Beach - if you like to escape the tourism buzz, this is the beach for you. Reachable only by car or water taxi from the English Harbour, it's the perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet, with a shingle surface, tons of palm trees for shade, and a choice of scenic hiking trails in the area if you fancy getting some steps in

Top hotels in Antigua

Holidays to Antigua might be all about the beaches, but everyone knows you need an equally-beaut hotel to really make it a jolly to remember. Whether you're craving some five-star luxury or a spa holiday for ultimate chillaxing vibes, and whether it's this winter or Antigua holidays 2027 you're planning, these top hotels in Antigua won't disappoint. See all hotels in Antigua or browse our picks below.

💑 What are the best hotels in Antigua for couples?

• Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. The full Sandals experience on famous Dickenson Bay, with swim-up bars, six pools, eleven restaurants, scuba diving for certified divers and butler service in the top suites. The signature couples-only Caribbean all-inclusive.

• Hermitage Bay. Five-star all-inclusive on a secluded bay near Jolly Harbour, and one of the best-reviewed luxury all-inclusives we list. Beachfront and hillside suites, gourmet dining all day and yoga included. It takes guests from 14, so it's peaceful by design.

• South Point Antigua. Boutique suites in English Harbour, looking onto the marina and Falmouth Harbour, walking distance to Nelson's Dockyard and the Shirley Heights road. Different in feel from the all-inclusive resorts: think dinner in the harbour, sunset at Shirley Heights, breakfast on the terrace.

🍸 What are the best adults-only hotels in Antigua?

• Hammock Cove. All-inclusive on Long Bay for over-21s, with a private plunge pool in every villa, a terrace restaurant serving Caribbean lobster and Wagyu burgers, an art tunnel full of work you can buy, and watersports across the bay. The signature romantic-escape pick.

• Galley Bay Resort & Spa. One of the most-reviewed adults-only resorts on the island, on the beach on the Five Islands peninsula. A pool with a waterfall, four restaurants, properly hideaway-romantic without being remote.

• The Verandah Antigua. Adults-only for over-16s on the northeast coast, next to Devil's Bridge National Park, with two beaches, four pools and four restaurants. Space, privacy and wild coastline on the doorstep.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best family hotels in Antigua?

• Royalton Antigua. All-inclusive on Deep Bay, with a kids' club, a splash pad and eight places to eat, plus overwater bungalows if you fancy an upgrade. The most facility-stacked family base on the island.

• Carlisle Bay Antigua. Sleek five-star on the south coast with a rainforest backdrop, a kids' club, five tennis courts, a spa and four restaurants. Families happy to spend a bit more get a properly polished base.

• Blue Waters Resort and Spa. One of the best-reviewed Antigua resorts on On the Beach, on the north coast above Soldier's Bay with three restaurants and a spa. It welcomes families while keeping plenty of romance for the grown-ups.

🎉 What are the best hotels in Antigua for groups?

• St. James's Club & Villas. The big Groups choice, sprawling across its own peninsula on the south coast with two beaches, six restaurants, a kids' club and two- and three-bedroom villas alongside the main resort rooms. Everything in one place, ideal for a multi-family or wider-friends trip where you want individual rooms but a shared base.

• Hawksbill Resort Antigua. Four separate beaches to spread out on (one of them clothing-optional), free non-motorised watersports and spa treatments on the sand. It takes guests from 12, so it suits a grown-up group or a family with teens.

💰 What are the best value hotels in Antigua?

• Jolly Beach Resort. Right on mile-long Jolly Beach with two pools (one with a swim-up bar), the Pizza Factory by the sand and what it calls the longest bar in Antigua. All-inclusive with the budget kept sensible, for guests aged 12 and over.

• Cocos Hotel. Intimate adults-only retreat with hillside cottages, hammocks on every terrace and two white-sand beaches to choose from. Smaller than the big resorts and a softer price point, with a slow, romantic feel that suits a longer stay.

👉 All hotels in Antigua

📍 Where to Stay in Antigua 2026/2027

Antigua is a small island so nowhere is more than about 40 minutes from the airport, but the different areas suit different types of traveller. Here's where to base yourself on your holiday to Antigua.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Where should families stay in Antigua?

Dickenson Bay - The main tourist strip on the northwest coast with calm, shallow water, plenty of sun loungers and restaurants within walking distance. Easy access to St John's for shopping and supplies.

Five Islands / Deep Bay - Home to Royalton Antigua with its splash pad and kids' club. Slightly quieter than Dickenson Bay but still close to everything on the west coast.

💑 Where should couples stay in Antigua?

English Harbour & the South Coast - The historic, upscale end of the island. Nelson's Dockyard, yacht-club atmosphere, boutique stays like South Point Antigua and some of Antigua's best restaurants. Culture and calm in equal measure.

Valley Church / Ffryes Beach - The quieter stretch of west coast where you'll find adults-only retreats like Cocos Hotel and Cocobay Resort. Gorgeous sunsets and a properly romantic feel.

🎉 Where should groups stay in Antigua?

Jolly Harbour & the West Coast - A marina village with bars, restaurants, a supermarket and a string of brilliant beaches running south. Big villas and the Jolly Beach Resort make it ideal for groups who want a social base with independence.

St. James's Peninsula - St. James's Club & Villas has two- and three-bedroom villas on a private peninsula with two beaches and all-inclusive dining. Great for groups who want everything in one spot.

🌿 Where should I stay in Antigua to get off the beaten track?

Northeast Coast - The wild, windward side with dramatic coastline, Devil's Bridge and the National Park. Hotels like The Verandah Antigua and Pineapple Beach Club feel properly remote and nature-focused. Fewer crowds, more adventure.

🗣️ Local Lingo

Antigua's official language is English, so you'll have no trouble getting by. But locals speak Antiguan Creole too, and throwing in a few phrases will earn you big smiles.

• Wah gwaan, wah GWAAN, What's going on? / How are you?

• Liming, LY-ming, Hanging out, socialising, doing nothing in particular (and proud of it)

• Small up yuhself, SMAWL up yuh-SELF, Move over / make room

• Mash up, MASH up, Broken, or to break something

• Soon come, SOON kum, I'll be there shortly (interpret "shortly" generously)

• Sweetness, SWEET-ness, A term of endearment, or something really good

• Nyam, NYAM, To eat (as in "let's go nyam")

🧳 Antigua Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

👩‍❤️‍👨 What are the best things to do in Antigua for couples?

• Charter a catamaran for the day and sail around the coastline, stopping at hidden coves for snorkelling and champagne on deck. It's the kind of day that makes you wonder why you ever holiday anywhere else. Several operators run private half-day and full-day trips from Jolly Harbour and English Harbour.

• Book a table at Sheer Rocks, perched on the cliffs at the Cocobay Resort. Caribbean tapas, creative cocktails and a sunset view that's worth the splurge. It's one of the most in-demand reservations on the island so book early.

• Treat yourselves to a couples' spa day at one of the clifftop resorts. Volcanic stone massages, ocean-view treatment rooms and the sound of waves below. Carlisle Bay and Galley Bay both do brilliant spa experiences.

• Head to Shirley Heights Lookout on a Sunday evening for the weekly party. Steel drums, BBQ ribs, rum punch and panoramic views of English Harbour as the sun drops. It's a couples' holiday highlight that somehow manages to be both romantic and a proper party.

• Take a sunset cruise through the harbour with drinks and a live band. Most cruise operators depart from Nelson's Dockyard and loop around the south coast.

👪 What are the best things to do in Antigua with kids?

• Dickenson Bay is the go-to for calm waves, soft sand and easy access to sun loungers and restaurants. Build sandcastles, splash about in the shallows, and hire snorkelling gear for the older kids to spot tropical fish just metres from the shore.

• Book a trip to Stingray City where kids can swim with gentle southern rays in shallow, warm water. It's safe, supervised and the kind of experience they'll be talking about for years. It's at Seatons on the east coast, about 35 minutes' drive from St John's, then a short boat ride out.

• The Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour has zip lines, rope bridges and guided trails through the treetops. It's suitable for kids aged four and up, and the views from the canopy are brilliant. A proper adventure that gets everyone off the beach for a morning.

• Take the family to Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour, where kids can explore the restored Georgian buildings and the museum, then watch the yachts come in.

Most family-friendly resorts on the island have kids' clubs, splash zones and shallow pools. Royalton Antigua and St. James's Club are particularly well set up for keeping younger ones entertained.

👯 What are the best things to do in Antigua for groups?

• Base yourselves around Jolly Harbour where you'll find big villas, a marina lined with bars and restaurants, and a supermarket for stocking up on supplies. It's the social hub of the west coast and the starting point for most boat trips and island tours.

• Rally the group for a hike up to Mount Obama, the highest point on the island at 402 metres. It's a proper walk but the 360-degree views from the top are worth every bead of sweat. Bring water and wear decent shoes.

• Darkwood Beach is a brilliant group day out. Paddleboard races, a couple of chilled beach bars, golden-hour photos that'll have the group chat buzzing for months, and enough space that you won't feel hemmed in.

• Book a group catamaran trip with a rum bar on board and a reggae soundtrack. Most operators do half-day and full-day options that include snorkelling stops, beach barbecues and as much punch as you can handle. This is peak group holiday energy.

• For something competitive, Carlisle Bay has five tennis courts and St. James's Club has four floodlit ones. Nothing settles group debates like a doubles tournament.

All-inclusive holidays in Antigua

Antigua's all-inclusive scene is more boutique-bay than mega-resort, perfect for a sophisticated evening cocktail looking out over the beach, and of course we all know drinks taste better when they're free.

Where some Caribbean islands line up 2,000-room complexes along a single strip, Antigua tucks its all-inclusives into private coves and peninsulas where the beach outside your room might have twenty people on it at peak.

Below are some of our favourite all-inclusive properties in Antigua, but if you want to browse all our all-inclusive options just use the search bar at the top and then you can filter by all-inclusive.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Antigua for couples?

• Pineapple Beach Club. Adults-only all-inclusive on a secluded Long Bay beach with Italian, Caribbean and international restaurants and a full watersports programme. The package covers food, drinks, entertainment and non-motorised watersports. Solid value.

• Hermitage Bay. Five-star all-inclusive with an organic garden feeding the kitchen, yoga included, and beachfront or hillside pool suites. Everything from breakfast to sunset cocktails is part of the rate. This is what luxury all-inclusive looks like when it's done quietly.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Antigua for groups?

• Jolly Beach Resort. A 40-acre all-inclusive on a mile-long beach with three restaurants, two pools (one with a swim-up bar) and evening entertainment. The all-inclusive means the group bar tab is sorted before you land, which is half the battle.

• St. James's Club & Villas. Two beaches, six places to eat and villas with two and three bedrooms on its own peninsula, so a big group can spread out and still meet at the bar.

🌍 More Caribbean & Long-Haul Holidays

Caribbean

• 🇧🇧 Barbados - Rum distilleries, platinum coast beaches and a buzzing food scene

• 🇯🇲 Jamaica - Reggae, jerk chicken and legendary all-inclusive resorts

• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic - Mega resorts and championship golf at unbeatable prices

• 🇱🇨 St Lucia - Dramatic Pitons, rainforest hikes and luxury honeymoon hotels

• 🇧🇸 Bahamas - Crystal-clear waters and iconic Atlantis resort

• 🇨🇺 Cuba - Classic cars, salsa and all-inclusive beach breaks

• 🇹🇹 Tobago - Rainforest-meets-reef on a quieter, less touristy island

Long-Haul

• 🇦🇪 Dubai - City glamour meets beach luxury, year-round sunshine guaranteed

• 🇲🇽 Mexico - Ancient ruins, tequila tasting and the turquoise Riviera Maya

• 🇲🇻 Maldives - Overwater villas and the bluest water on the planet

• 🇹🇭 Thailand - Temples, street food and island-hopping on a budget

• 🇺🇸 Florida - Theme parks, Everglades and the Miami Beach strip