Antigua’s glorious 150km shoreline is washed almost exclusively by the Caribbean Sea, while her sister island Barbuda is surrounded by protective reefs and features a large lagoon. For both, envisage a Caribbean paradise of pink- and white-sand beaches, the clearest waters and the dreamiest climate.
Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – meaning there are lots of aqua-based activities for water-lovers to engage in, from swimming near stingrays and jet-ski adventures to romantic sunset catamaran trips. Meanwhile, landlubbers love the historic walking tours through St John’s City and the UNESCO World Heritage site of English Harbour, and there are also thrilling off-road island safaris, horse riding and zip-lining through the rainforest.
Luxury Hotels and Villas in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are renowned for their luxury hotels and resorts, which are among some of the finest in the world. Among our favourites are iconic Jumby Bay with its 12 brand-new suites, Blue Waters (a longstanding and firm favourite with Travel Counsellors customers), and Tamarind Hills, which has just opened a new beach club.
Jumby Bay is an all-inclusive, 300-acre private-island hideaway off Antigua, combining ultra-luxury with raw nature. Car-free and intimate, it’s a place to spy on swooping pelicans, nesting turtles and the island’s black belly sheep, to kayak, SUP paddleboard
Having celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020, Blue Waters Resort & Spa also has an off-the-beaten-track feel, a serene vibe and secret coves. Its gorgeous luxury villas, including Pelican House and Turtle Cottage, are perfect for holidaying with family and friends.
The beachfront boutique retreat of Tamarind Hills has a spectacular location on a waterfront bluff between two gorgeous white-sand beaches. You can book one of its modern Caribbean suites, or there are more private-pool villas to choose from.
Luxury Restaurants and Bars
There’s very good cuisine to be had all over Antigua, with stand-out venues including the award-winning Sheer Rocks, Nobu Barbuda and the waterfront Pillars restaurant at Admiral’s Inn in historic Nelson’s Dockyard.
But as well as top-notch fine dining, as good as you will find anywhere in the world, this is also a place for relaxed, toes-in-the-sand dining in colourful waterfront cafés, and for food on the hop in enticing fast-food options.
Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary offerings range from classic West Indian dishes to global fare, meaning there’s something to suit all tastes, moods and ages.
Cookery classes and rum tours can be arranged via your resort concierge or are sometimes hosted at resorts themselves. And one of the most memorable things to do in Barbuda with its impeccably fresh seafood is take the opportunity to dine in a local home and visit village shops, for an authentic immersion in island life.
To book your Antigua or Barbuda holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Aruba beckons with its serene beauty, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking a luxurious tropical getaway. Aruba boasts award-winning, uncrowded, white-sand beaches that promise a slice of paradise where you can unwind to your heart's content. With guaranteed sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and stunning architecture, Aruba is a gem waiting to be discovered.
The personal experiences of our Travel Counsellors, together with their combined insider knowledge of hotels, resorts, and destinations, ensure that they can hand-pick the very best holidays for your needs.
Continuing the pioneering spirit of the innovative, award-winning Virgin Voyages cruises, Brilliant Lady is set to cross the United States in her highly anticipated 2025 debut season. Highlights among the once-in-a-lifetime five- to 16-night journeys will include a voyage through the Panama Canal and a trip through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
