Antigua is a classic Caribbean destination, lined with palm-fringed beaches of white sand, and adored by sailors since the days of Horatio Nelson. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from simple guesthouses to indulgent luxury resorts, suited to a whole host of budgets, and to families, or adults-only travellers. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, a fun-filled family holiday or an active break with friends, the best places to stay in Antigua promise heaps of Caribbean charm and easy access to spellbinding beaches, verdant hills and intriguing heritage buildings.
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If this is your first time to the island, consider staying in St John’s, Antigua’s capital. Expect a plethora of cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as great shopping and a vibrant evening scene. Culture aficionados will adore visiting the impressive Baroque cathedral, excellent museums and historic monuments. There are wonderful nearby beaches, too, including the two-kilometre stretch of Runaway Beach, lined with its own beach bars, eateries and good value hotels. Both places are bustling: great for sociable travellers, rather than tranquil hideaway-types who will prefer the quiet coves of the west coast, punctuated only by the thriving marina at Jolly Harbour.
In fitting with its long sailing history, Antigua’s other big draw is English Harbour, where Nelson once based his navy. Lively, friendly and a little bit glitzy, this is a firm favourite with travellers in search of colonial charm and nautically-inspired hotels — as well as anyone arriving on their own yacht. The town’s highlights include Nelson’s Dockyard, a beautifully preserved Georgian marina, eighteenth-century forts, and some gorgeous secluded beaches with coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving. Slightly more low-key Falmouth sits just along the cove, ideal for laid-back couples.
For expansive resorts, look to Dickenson Bay, a long crescent of pale sand with fantastic water-sports offerings and a fun vibe. Families and hikers, on the other hand, will enjoy sheltered St Mary, where the calm waters are ideal for little ones to swim, and the surrounding hills make for fabulous jungle walks, panoramic views and fascinating wildlife-spotting. If you’re into windsurfing and kitesurfing, head to the Atlantic beaches of Long Island and Nonsuch Bay, on the eastern side, where the best breezes blow. The island’s first sugar plantation, at Betty’s Hope, is nearby and well worth visiting. Antigua is a hugely popular Christmas and New Year destination — though it’s fairly busy throughout the year, too. Book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in Antigua!