While it may be less-visited than other Caribbean isles, Antigua packs a punch with its long list of attractions and family-friendly resorts. Enjoy a more tranquil environment along with 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, guaranteeing no matter where you stay you’ll have one nearby. If you’d like to take advantage of the island’s natural beauty while basing yourself at a top resort, be sure to book one of these.
Hermitage Bay
Renowned worldwide for its barefoot luxuries, Hermitage Bay is a five-star resort that sets a whole new level of standards when it comes to luxury all-inclusive properties. It’s made up of cottages that are tucked into 16 acres of brilliant tropical gardens, fronted by a white, powdery sand beach. Get your glass of champagne and toast to colorful sunsets from your own private infinity plunge pool, and take your relaxation up a notch with decadent spa treatments influenced by ancient Eastern concepts of chakra. Gourmet dining is offered onsite, focused around locally sourced ingredients infused into Jamaican, Chinese and Indian dishes, served with a sea view. The all-inclusive plan includes premium-brand drinks and house wines as well as a host of activities like snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing along with yoga, Pilates and meditation classes.
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa is a couples-only mega-resort that is spread across 27 acres on Dickenson Bay beach, known for its striking white sands that are framed by calm, clear turquoise waters. At this top Caribbean Sandals resort, the luxurious rooms are nestled among lush gardens and meandering pathways that lead to a half-dozen pools and multiple restaurants and bars. You’ll never have to leave unless you really want to because everything is offered right here. There’s a lazy river and private cabanas on the beach for relaxing, opportunities for diving, kayaking, sailing and more. Ideal for a honeymoon, couples might want to book the Mediterranean Penthouse Suite which comes with a large living room, butler pantry, whirlpool tub and breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.
CocoBay Resort Antigua
CocoBay Resort Antigua is an adults-only property that offers the perfect oasis for melting stress away, unplugging from the buzz of your smartphone and the blare of a TV. A stunning resort, it blends beautifully with its West Indies surroundings, featuring bungalows along with unobstructed sea and sunset views. Some include your own private plunge pool or a claw-foot bathtub too. There are magnificent infinity pools, a white sandy beach and a restaurant that offers tasty meals complemented with those dazzling sea views from its vantage point atop a bluff.
Galley Bay Resort & Spa
A secluded boutique resort for adults, the highlight at the Galley Bay Resort & Spa is its long stretch of pristine white sands and wealth of activities. Enjoy everything from non-motorized water sports to entertainment after dark, including live music. There’s a fabulous spa, a lagoon-style pool, fitness center, rum shack and multiple restaurants serving delicious dishes that include fresh seafood and Caribbean BBQ. The air-conditioned beachfront rooms and suites come with private patios that showcase spectacular sea views and comfy king-size beds.
Jumby Bay Island Resort
Jumby Bay Island is known for its over-the-top luxury. While a stay here is a splurge, you’re likely to leave feeling like your money was well spent. A small private islet about two miles off Antigua’s northeast coast, it offers a magical, serene feel for soaking up the Caribbean sun along with powdered sugar-like sands. Accommodation is in octagonal cottages with four-poster beds, wraparound terraces, private courtyards and outdoor showers. Book a private villa and you’ll have your own direct access to the beach and a private pool. A wealth of water and land sports, multiple pools, restaurants and a lavish spa are all on offer as well.
The Verandah Resort and Spa
The Verandah Resort & Spa is a beautiful all-inclusive property spread across 30 acres along the island’s northeastern coast. Every suite and two-bedroom villa boasts its own private veranda for gazing out at the lush grounds or the glistening expanse of the Caribbean. The many amenities include two white sandy beaches and the largest free-form pool on the island, along with a fitness center and tennis courts. There’s a kids’ club for the little ones to enjoy, while parents can indulge at the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa, along with multiple dining options and nightly entertainment.
Blue Waters
Boasting a lush, secluded location on the island’s northern shore, Blue Waters has a whitewashed exterior and overlooks the brilliant blue waters of Soldier’s Bay for an especially striking contrast and awe-inspiring sunset views. There are multiple outdoor pools, including an adults-only pool, three white sand beach areas and non-motorized water sports, along with an array of bars and restaurants. The property also hosts a spa, gym and tennis court. Choose from many different room types, all of which come with upscale perks like private terraces. Suites and luxury villas are available for families or groups, along with both all-inclusive and breakfast-only packages.
St. James's Club & Villas
Tucked along a little strip of land between Mamora Bay and St. James Bay in the southeast region of the island, this all-inclusive resort is popular among couples as well as families with accommodation options including guest rooms, suites and villas, all of which come with private balconies or terraces. Take advantage of multiple dining options, serving everything from casual American to upscale Italian-Caribbean cuisine, as well as the chic bars. Relax on the two white-sand beaches or visit one of the multiple pools (one that includes waterfalls), then visit the serene spa with sea views while the kids play at the kids’ club.
