Where to stay and what to do in Antigua and Barbuda

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.

Where to stay and what to do in Antigua and Barbuda

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.

Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with Fred. Olsen

22 July 2024

Step aboard a journey that promises to captivate your soul and awaken your adventurous spirit. Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruises in the Mediterranean invite you to embark on smaller, more intimate ships designed to navigate the hidden gems of this enchanting region. Picture yourself exploring the sun-kissed islands of Dalmatia, where history and natural beauty intertwine, or marvelling at the vibrant, colour-drenched clifftop towns that adorn the Amalfi Coast.

Try something new this year with these destination dupes

15 July 2024

Tired of the usual tourist traps? Looking for a unique adventure that not everyone will have been to? You're in the right place. Welcome to our second guide on destination dupes—unexpected places that offer the same allure as popular spots but without the huge crowds. Perfect for adventure travellers and luxury seekers alike, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences in beautiful, less-talked-about locales.

Discover the cultural highlights of Europe with Riviera Travel

15 July 2024

Imagine stepping back in time to an era of grand voyages, where the joy of travel was found in the act of exploring, learning, and immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. Riviera Travel's European Grand Tours offer you the chance to relive that golden age of travel on luxurious 9 to 13-day adventures. If you're a lover of art, culture, and history, these tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll cherish forever.