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.
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!
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Antigua
Relaxed family-run hotel just two minutes drive from some of Antigua's best beaches. Large rooms have colourful fabrics and balconies. Outdoor pool and spa treatments available. Breakfast is served in the sunny gardens. Casual, friendly, pretty and perfect for those on a budget.
Antigua
Pleasant self-catering villas near the St Johns. The rooms are spacious and filled with tropical prints, bamboo furniture and living areas. Outdoor pool, fragrant gardens and spa treatments available. Family friendly and laid back.
Antigua (English Harbour)
Characterful hotel by the harbour. The elegant rooms feature exposed beams, four-poster beds and wooden floors. Sun drenched terrace with large parasols overlooking Nelson's Dockyard, and charming restaurant serving local seafood. A wonderful spot to soak up the island's history & great for sailors.
Antigua (Five Islands)
Charming hotel with four secluded private beaches. Large rooms have vaulted ceilings, hand painted tiles and big balconies. Outdoor pool, spa, tennis courts and gardens. Excellent seafood bbq cuisine, buzzy bar area. A great all inclusive choice for couples.
Antigua (Jolly Harbour)
A sophisticated and secluded resort tucked away on a hillside above Jolly Beach on Antigua’s west coast. Enjoy fine dining with tremendous sunset views at the elevated Carmichael’s restaurant and relax in the island’s only Aveda concept spa. Secluded, intimate and lush.
Antigua (St Johns)
Splendid beachfront hotel. Enormous rooms feature Italian tiles, big beds and most with sea-facing balconies. A range of outdoor pools, tennis court, spa and private beach area. Fresh, healthy cuisine in the choice of restaurants. A perfect stay for families.
Antigua
Beachfront glampsite facing the water with top eco-credentials. Spacious pod-style tents are furnished with four-poster beds and rainforest outdoor showers. Breakfast and dinner can be arranged and toilets and wifi are accessible nearby. The place to indulge in romantic Robinson Crusoe fantasies.
Antigua (Saint Philips)
Contemporary beachfront hotel. Bedrooms have large French windows, wooden floors and ipod docks. All come with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas. Outdoor pool, private beach and spa. Great fresh international cuisine. Plethora of watersports available. Ideal for families.
Antigua
Adult-only hillside resort with direct beach access. Series of individual cottages with a jungle feel enjoy unparalleled sea views, large balconies and outdoor showers; some come with private infinity pools. Enjoy generous full-board dining, sea-view pool and a spa cottage. Tropical island paradise.
Antigua
Designed for couples, this vast all-inclusive adult-only resort boasts an incredible private beach. Impressive on-site facilities include fab outdoor activities, multiple eateries & a spoiling spa. Traditional colonial-style rooms come with beautiful sea views. Perfect choice for busy beach breaks.
Antigua
Collection of contemporary self-catered villas & suites with an incredible oceanfront location. Well-designed indoor/outdoor living areas make the most of the Caribbean climate; think large decks, al fresco dining & water-facing private pools. A sexy stylish option that works for couples & families.
Antigua
Family friendly all-inclusive hotel on the beach. Rooms have vaulted ceilings, bamboo furniture and big balconies. Outdoor pools, spa, tennis courts and vast gardens. Fantastic Caribbean cuisine in the choice of restaurants. Ideal for families and water-sport adventurers.
English Harbour (English Harbour)
Excellent beachfront hotel. Charming rooms feature mahogany four poster beds and colonial style furniture. tennis courts, heated outdoor pool, spa and gym. Caribbean spice meets Italian at the restaurant, chic bar area. Elegant, exclusive and spacious.
English Harbour (Falmouth Harbour)
Condo-style waterfront suites with a private beach and sea-view pool overlooking Falmouth Harbour. Spacious self-catered units decorated in contemporary monochrome style provide a minimalist home-away-from-home vibe. Tropical chic; works equally well for couples, older families and friends.
Antigua (St Johns)
A super friendly adult-only resort in a spectacular lagoon setting on Antigua’s west coast. Enjoy the beach-front cottages, the rambling grounds filled with tropical plants, and the nightly entertainment. Choice of sublime cuisine. Romantic, quiet and idyllic.
Antigua (Old Road)
Sublime beach resort close to English harbour. Rooms and suites feature silk furnishings, contemporary colours, hammocks and large bathrooms. Outdoor pool, direct beach access, spa, yoga space and tennis courts. Superb fresh cuisine in choice of restaurants; chilled bar areas. Effortless indulgence.
Antigua (St Peters)
Antigua's finest hidden gem. A truly historic property situated amid extensive tropical gardens. Choose between beautiful individually designed suites in the main house or a more contemporary feel in the garden suites. Banana Spa for pampering, beach or pool for lounging and fabulous food too!
Antigua
Set on Turners Beach close to the amazing blue waters of Valley Church Bay. Rustic beach cabins are a perfect couples hideaway. With no children permitted - the entire property lends itself to just that! There is a spa, all inclusive dining, outdoor pool (some cottages have their own). Charming.
Antigua
Couples-focused adult-only beach resort in a protected cove. Contemporary & minimalist in style, each of the loft-style suites boast outdoor bathrooms & private plunge pools; the best offer stunning sea views. An all-inclusive package makes dining simple & cost-effective. Romantic beach retreat.
Antigua
Secluded, family friendly, luxury all inclusive beach resort with Caribbean and Atlantic facing beaches. Spacious rooms & suites feature private terraces with sea views and big marble bathrooms. Outstanding facilities for tennis and watersports. Fantastic food. Peaceful, stunning and chic.
Antigua
Upmarket all-inclusive adult-only beach resort. Range of pastel plantation cottages all boast private balconies and views; some come with extra special sea-facing plunge pools. Enjoy access to two perfect beaches, waterfront dining and drinks across two venues, beachfront yoga and watersports.
Antigua
This chic, five-star resort is located on Antigua’s northeast coast, next to Devil’s Bridge National Park. Beautifully appointed villas have vaulted ceilings, local hardwood furnishings and sea views from infinity-edge plunge pools. Complete with its own private beach, this is an exclusive stay.
Antigua
Superlative all inclusive beachside resort in lush gardens. Huge suites feature darkwood floors, shuttered windows, outdoor rain showers and day beds. Infinity pool, sandy beach, spa and gym. Excellent Caribbean and European cuisine, laid-back bar. Ideal for a sophisticated, relaxed beach holiday.
Antigua (Jumby Jay Island)
Perhaps one of the most exclusive places to stay in the world, this small island off the north coast of Antigua hosts the rich and famous who come to unwind on the sandy beaches and lounge in the lavish villas. Superb fresh Antiguan cuisine; chic bar. Gorgeous, luxurious and family friendly.