Travel Queen
- Sep 13, 2022
- 7 min read

Antigua: The Ultimate Luxury Travel Guide

Updated: May 10, 2023

Whether you're looking for a tropical paradise or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Antigua offers it all.

Antigua is a small, English-speaking island nation in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Leeward Islands. Antigua is one of the smaller islands in the region, but it has a big heart and people who love it. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and culture. The island is particularly popular with tourists who love to snorkel and scuba dive due to its clear water and beautiful reefs. For travelers who prefer to stay on land, the capital city of St. John's is a fantastic place to explore, with beautiful colonial architecture.

From its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts, to its rich history and culture, here is everything you need to know before visiting Antigua for your next vacation.

Why Visit Antigua?

Antigua is a beautiful island with a great mix of culture, history, and luxury. The people are friendly and welcoming, the weather is warm and sunny, the beaches are amazing, and there is plenty to do! From diving to sailing, hiking, and suntanning, there's a great mix of activities for guests to enjoy.

The island is also home to several historical sites, with many old colonial buildings in St John's still standing proud. With plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, as well as its beautiful harbor, the city is one of the most picturesque places on the island. Explore its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture on foot, bike, or by horse-drawn carriage.

Antigua is also an excellent location for couples to relax and unwind. The natural beauty of the island and its secluded beaches produce a laid-back environment perfect for spending time with your loved one. We think Antigua is a fantastic location for a destination wedding!

Know Before You Go

When to Visit: While you can visit Antigua in any month of the year, some months are better than others. The peak season in Antigua is January through April, when the weather is still warm but not too hot, with less chance of storms or hurricanes.
Currency: The official currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar by U.S. currency and card are widely accepted.
Language: Antigua is part of the British Commonwealth and is an English-speaking island, so it's easy for tourists to get around.

What to See & Do in Antigua

For those who have never been to Antigua, you're in for a treat. There's always something new to do on this beautiful island. Whether you want to relax on one of the many beaches or explore the numerous attractions this island offers, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Here are a few of the top things to see and do in Antigua:

Darkwood Beach: Darkwood Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Antigua, which makes sense because it offers almost everything a visitor could ask for: white sand beaches, clear blue water, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. It's located near Dickinson Bay and has calm waters that are great for swimming and snorkeling. Hike along the beach to find hidden caves or lounge under an umbrella while enjoying your meal from one of the nearby restaurants.

Shirley Heights: Shirley Heights is located on the island's southeast coast and offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. A short drive from the center of town, Shirley Heights provides incredible views of the valley below. The hike up is fairly steep, but it's worth it once you reach the top. Here, you'll get a 360-degree view of Antigua and the English Harbour below.

St. Johns: The capital city of Antigua is St John's, which has a busy harbor area with shops and restaurants. Redcliffe Quay is one of the central shopping districts in Antigua and a good place for souvenirs such as spices, rum, or handmade items from local artisans. For those who want to sample some local food while visiting Antigua, several restaurants serve traditional dishes in this area, as well as high-end cuisine.

Where to Stay in Antigua

A secluded island in the Caribbean, Antigua provides an idyllic escape for those looking to relax. Here you can enjoy being surrounded by the luxury found all over the island, including five-star resorts and gourmet restaurants. For the discerning tourist, Antigua presents luxury accommodations that set the standard for the Caribbean region. With everything from boutique hotels to private villas, there is no shortage of options.

So, for those who want to make the most of their Caribbean experience, let yourself unwind and enjoy gorgeous Antigua at one of these luxury resorts.

Hermitage Bay

Experience the ultimate hideaway and indulge in the most exquisite of all Antigua's resorts. Hermitage Bay is a luxury boutique resort that offers guests an incomparable experience just minutes from St Johns. Nestled in a beautiful beachfront location, Hermitage Bay is rich with elegance and sophistication throughout its 30 exclusive suites. Enjoy an authentic Antigua experience alongside all the amenities of a world-class resort.

If you're looking for the perfect romantic getaway or honeymoon destination, Hermitage Bay is an excellent choice. The hotel offers an array of services and amenities that will surely make your stay unforgettable. From butlers to private dining experiences, every detail will be attended to with utmost care and attention. Of course, the star of this resort is the hillside pool suites that feature an ocean view. These suites are the epitome of luxury, with private infinity-edge plunge pools and wrap-around decks. Wake up every morning to views of the Caribbean Sea feeling relaxed and recharged for another day sightseeing or lounging on the beach in Antigua.

For an Antigua experience that is personal, intimate, and impeccable, you can't go wrong with a stay at Hermitage bay.

Jumby Bay

Discover your perfect escape at Jumby Bay Island, a luxury Caribbean resort on a private island off the coast of Antigua. This 300-acre island paradise offers a luxurious all-inclusive experience that combines warm hospitality and personalized service with beautiful surroundings. With 40 luxurious suites, 14 villas, and 22 private residences, this intimate resort is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy island life.

With king-size beds, private balconies with views of the sea or gardens, and stunning outdoor showers, you'll love the roomy suites at Jumby Bay. Or, for an elevated getaway, stay in a private residence with a large private pool, golf carts, housekeeper, butler, and chef. Jumby Bay also offers a variety of activities for all ages, including tennis courts, swimming pools, and kids' clubs. For adults looking to unwind after a long day in paradise, there are plenty of ways to indulge in some R&R. Enjoy massages at the spa or head out on the catamaran to explore the surrounding islands. At Jumby Bay, experience what really counts in the world: good food, great people, and unforgettable moments.

With 12 new ocean-view suites open to reservations and a five-star status awarded by the Forbes Travel Guide for 2022, there has never been a better time to explore the magic of this Antigua Resort.

Hammock Cove

Hammock Cove is a luxurious boutique resort located on the northeast coast of Antigua. They have built their reputation on three pillars: Gastronomy, Personalized Service, and Uninterrupted Luxury, and it certainly shows. The resort is an intimate property with only 41 villas. The rooms are large and spacious, with lots of natural light and beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. Overall, Hammock Cove is the perfect place for couples looking for the ultimate romantic getaway.

Carefully designed with comfort in mind, guests can truly relax during their stay at Hammock Cove. Each villa features its own private plunge pool, as well as a personal guest ambassador and spacious indoor-outdoor living space. Enjoy in-room dining paired with a drink from your all-inclusive wet bar, explicitly stocked to your liking. The resort also provides plenty of activities to keep you busy all day long. Explore nearby Devil's Bridge or take a trip out on the boat for some deep-sea fishing.

With miles of white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and crystal clear water, Hammock Cove is an oasis that offers guests an escape like no other.

Carlisle Bay

Finally, we have Carlisle Bay Resort, which offers an unparalleled experience on the south coast of Antigua. As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World since 2001, you can expect your stay at Carlisle Bay to be nothing short of exceptional. This all-suite boutique resort offers an adult-only beachfront location that is 'suite-to-sand,' and includes butler service. Plus, families can enjoy Carlisle Bay's three-bedroom suites, perfect for larger groups.

Carlisle Bay provides a pleasure-filled vacation experience in paradise, offering access to exquisite dining, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. Enjoy your meals at four outstanding restaurants, including 'Indigo on the Beach' which serves up Mediterranean fare on the gorgeous beachfront. With a full-service spa, shopping at the onsite boutique, and private cooking classes, everything you need for a fantastic Antigua vacation is right at your fingertips.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there's a lot to do and see in Antigua. The island is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the resorts are impeccable. So, if you're looking for a place to relax, unwind and enjoy some of the best amenities in the world, then Antigua is an excellent choice for your next luxury getaway.

If you want to visit this island paradise, reach out to the expert planners at Travel Queen LLC! We can help you find the perfect place to stay, as well as plan all of your activities and excursions. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway for two or hoping for a family vacation where everyone will have something fun to do, Antigua is the perfect spot for your next vacation.

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