11 Best Hotels In Antigua Caribbean

The largest island of the three-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is the eponymous Antigua, which boasts acres of rugged rainforests, gorgeous white-sand beaches, and turquoise, crystal-clear waters. This glorious Caribbean island is an absolute beach-lover’s paradise, so much so that the saying ‘a beach for every day of the year’ might just be true here. The best hotels in Antigua, Caribbean, allow you to sink easily into holiday mode. What’s more, they range from ultra-luxe five-star resorts and boutique hideaways to barefoot, on-the-sand stays that feel like they’re straight from a dream. Furthermore, even the vibe of the island is chilled around the year, with days all about swimming, surfing, and poolside snoozes and evenings about sundowner cocktails and alfresco dinners under the stars. And of course, the marine life is fantastic to watch, whether it’s baby turtles or snorkeling among corals.

Since Antigua and Barbuda is one of the countries to allow online visas, we’d say that it should be next on your travel list to the Caribbean. That, along with the fact that there are so many things to see and do in Antigua and Barbuda, only cements the fact that this should be your next beach getaway. To that end, here’s a detailed guide to the best stays in Antigua, the Caribbean island known as the “Land of 365 Beaches.”

Sandals Grande Antigua

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We begin with what is one of the most well-known and well-established adults-only, all-inclusive resort names in the hospitality world, Sandals Grande Antigua. It rests beside Antigua’s longest white-sand beach, Dickenson Bay, which means that it has two unique sides: the Mediterranean (oceanview) side and the Caribbean (beachfront) side.

A popular resort for holidaying and even weddings, this Sandals outpost has a laundry list of amenities. Besides the branded Red Lane Spa, the resort also has PADI-certified diving as part of its “Luxury Included” packages, which even include Hobie Cat sailing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Did we mention that there are 28 excursions that we could book and 14 bars and restaurants we could eat at? Impressive, isn’t it? 

The choices for digs is daunting: nearly 400 rooms and suites across a whopping 21 categories. So, you can decide whether the views are important, or whether you want to be close to the pool, or if you want the services of a butler. However, most rooms and suites had king-size four-poster beds and sleek bathrooms.

The Verandah

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The Verandah is a good-looking, all-inclusive, adults-only resort on the east coast of Antigua and was the perfect pick for our lazy, seaside holiday. This 30-acre resort was fringed by two lovely manmade beaches, Lovers and Rasta Beaches, both of which had gently sloping sands perfect for swimming.

One of Antigua’s five Elite Resorts, this one is chock-full of amenities. Firstly, there are not one but as many as four swimming pools, including a beachside one and one with a waterfall feature. What’s more, the weekly roster of activities stretches from playing dominoes Antigua-style and siling to mixology classes and even aquagym. Furthermore, there’s also shuffleboard, mini-golf, watersports, two tennis courts, and four pickleball courts. Did we mention that their excursions ranged from jeep safaris and fishing trips to underwater scooter and snorkeling excursions? Yes! When we wanted to unwind, the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa awaited, while the days ended with live evening entertainment. Finally, six restaurants and bars, including a microbrewery, wrap up the amenities here.

We had the choice of multiple white, cottage-style suites set on a bluff, as well as larger villas, some of which even had plunge pools. In fact, the Waterfront Suites even come with balconies! Nevertheless, they all had Infusions Botanica bath products, coffee machines, bathrobes, and contemporary interiors.

Carlisle Bay

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Sitting alongside a long, sheltered beach is the well-designed, contemporary Carlisle Bay, which hits the sweet spot for those looking for Caribbean downtime. This family-friendly five-star pad sits along the island’s untouched, virgin southern coast and is as peaceful and serene as Antiguian seaside living can be.

We were spoilt for choice between the hotel’s four restaurants and bars, one of which is adults-only and sits right by the beach. Most of the time, we’d love to flop by the beach, but there was also the large, curvy pool where we could enjoy swimming and lounging. What’s more, the resort also had a bevy of watersports, mountain biking, a fitness center, and nine tennis courts, as well as complimentary activities such as pilates on the jetty, sunrise/sunset yoga, windsurfing, sailing, and even hiking. We even loved unwinding at the two-storied Cara Organic Beauty Spa, the small cinema, and the air-conditioned library with a good book and some wine.

Waking up in the spacious, beachfront suites awash in dashes of green and blue was one of the highlights of our stay. We had the choice of six categories, and while the Beach Suites are the epitome of gorgeousness, the entry-level Garden Suites were no less amazing. However, we went for the Ocean Suites, which offered fantastic views. Nevertheless, they all came with terraces or balconies with daybeds, a Nordic seaside vibe, beach bags, coffee machines, and sleek bathrooms.

Admiral’s Inn and Gunpowder Suites

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In the heart of the historic, UNESCO-listed, 18th-century naval base that is Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbor, Antigua, sits the gorgeous Admiral’s Inn and Gunpowder Suites. The yachtie and cultural nucleus of English Harbor, the dockyard’s former gunpowder magazine structure-turned-hotel is one of the island’s most charming stays.

Owned by the Deeth family, the inn sees hosts and siblings Astrid and Paul Deeth (whose parents originally owned the inn) give guests a wonderful tour and take care of everything. We loved hanging out by the infinity pool, which was surrounded by daybeds and loungers. Our days began with breakfasts on the waterside deck, with lunches, dinners, and nightcaps taken in the restaurant and bar. There was even a spa where we’d enjoy massages and treatments, with the friendly local staff taking care of everything for us.

Choose from 18 charming rooms and suites across 3 structures from the 18th century, all of which feature modern bathrooms, antique furnishings, four-poster beds, old beams, and white-painted brick walls. While some have garden views, others have balconies and terraces with splendid views of the ocean. Moreover, many of them have four-poster beds, and they are all sophisticated and serene, with attractive furnishings.

Jolly Beach Antigua

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Best all-inclusive value-for-money resort. Can you find a value-for-money, all-inclusive beachside resort in Antigua? Yes, you can! Welcome to Jolly Beach Antigua, a cheerful, affordable, all-inclusive three-star stay sitting on the magnificently soft white sands of Jolly Beach. In fact, sprawling on the loungers beneath the colorfully painted palapas was one of the best parts of our stay here.

When we weren’t at the beach, we’d either be at the smaller, quiet pool or the huge central one with a swim-up bar. What’s more, amenities included not just the pools, but also a gift shop, games room, fitness center, tennis courts, and water sports at the beach. If that wasn’t enough, there was even a small spa and a beauty salon. An all-day buffet restaurant, a pizza outlet, the alfresco bar, billed as Antigua’s longest, and a well-stocked supermarket ensure that we never have to leave the premises for drinks or food. Did we mention the nightly entertainment, which ranged from DJs to vocalists and live bands? Yes!

We had the choice of more than 200 rooms and suites, all of which came with patios or balconies and were set back from the beach. If you’re looking for something cheap, the smallest but most affordable “SuperSaver” ones are ideal for singles and couples on a budget. However, even their standard rooms are well-priced and spacious. Moreover, they all came with comfy beds, modern bathrooms, and wicker or dark wood furniture.

The Inn English Harbor

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Best boutique hotel. The classy, Italian-owned boutique The Inn English Harbor rests beside the sheltered waters of Galleon Beach on Antigua’s south coast. We loved the seclusion offered by this small but perfect estate with manicured gardens and the golden sands of Freeman’s Bay. Are you a culture vulture? It’s close to English Harbor as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua’s top attraction. 

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The resort sits across two sections: the entrance, lobby, three suites, and the evening bar/restaurant sit high on a hill, while the remaining 28 suites sit by the beach, a second restaurant, and the pool. However, all suites radiate old-school, timeless charm with mahogany furniture, grand four-poster beds, period furnishings, colonial accents, and mod-cons such as coffee makers and marble bathrooms.

Our days began with languid breakfasts, which we’d head to the palm-fringed, sandy beach for swimming and lounging, followed by a visit to the generously sized swimming pool. What’s more, the hotel had a complimentary hourly water taxi service from and to English Harbor during the day, as well as shuttles to get us up and down the steep hill. Water babies will love the roster of non-motorized watersports, while those like us who want to unwind will find the spa and the hotel’s organic garden fascinating. Two flooded tennis courts, a fitness room, a small boutique, and lush lawns wrap up the amenities of this place.

Hermitage Bay

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The adults-only boutique hideaway of Hermitage Bay sits on Antigua’s tranquil east coast, swathed in dense foliage and fringed by white-sand beaches with not a single soul in sight. The entire setting seems like such a world away from civilization that it’s the best getaway you could ask for in the Caribbean.

Choose from a clutch of sleek cottages sprinkled across the hillside and surrounded by lush gardens, making them feel like private, secluded digs. What’s more, they all feature a chic mélange of loose, linen fabrics and textures and wooden accents on the inside, making them ideal love nests. While the Hillside and Garden Villa suites have outdoor showers and private pools, the Beachfront Villa ones have ocean views, four-poster beds with white netting, and fruit and champagne on arrival. Nevertheless, they all have amenities like coffee machines, minibars, and British-made bath products by Votary.

The beach and the beach-facing freshwater pools are the highlights here, especially since both have daybeds and fabulous food and beverage service. Trips to the spa aside, we loved digging into the food at the restaurants here, ending our days dancing under the stars to live music. What’s more, the hotel even had a roster of complimentary activities, including Pilates, morning yoga, weekly nature walks, non-motorized watersports, and even cooking classes and demonstrations. Did we mention the standalone fitness center and a small Garden Spa? Yep.

Jumby Bay Island

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A flawless five-star luxury destination that ticks all of the boxes — that’s Jumby Bay for you. It’s undoubtedly Antigua’s most exclusive getaway, and quite the firm favorite of many holidaying A-listers. After all, who can resist the pull of a sprawling, 300-acre private island getaway with a sleek catamaran that whisks you away from the mainland? And that too one that’s surrounded by swaying palms and pristine, golden beaches?

“We loved staying in abject luxury at Jumby Bay; a private beach, pools, restaurants, and bars, and the most gorgeous digs. What more could we ask for?”

WOW Travel

This car-free island utopia is the epitome of luxury. Think thousands of exotic trees, plants, and flowers in its own nursery, and even the beaches are protected nesting areas for the endangered hawksbill turtles. Since it’s an all-inclusive offering, we weren’t hungry, thirsty, or bored. Languid sun-worshipping took place at the beaches and the pools, complete with fresh sunbed-side cocktails like Piña Coladas. What’s more, food adventures ranged from breakfasts by the sea and candlelit dinners to beach barbeques. Moreover, offshore motorboat adventures saw them fully stocked with fins, snorkels, and local beer. Even land adventures were interesting as we had access to on-demand golf buggies and bikes parked outside the villas. A spa and wellness area aside, did we mention that this private paradise has watersports and Taittinger Champagne on tap? Umm, yeah!

We loved the airy, bright villas, all primed towards the ocean and decked out with luxuries: think private pools, fully stocked minibars, butler service, marble bathrooms, outdoor showers, and the like.

Curtain Bluff

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Most luxurious. Curtain Bluff appears on almost every list of the best Antigua stays, and for a good reason. Firstly, this intimate, all-inclusive boutique resort sits on the southern coast of the island and radiates classic Caribbean charm in spades. It sits in a colonial-style, whitewashed structure surrounded by baby pink outbuildings and lush, leafy palms on a 20-acre estate. That’s not all; it sits on a secluded promontory, flanked by not one but two contrasting beaches with the most piercing azure-blue waters we’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for secluded luxury, this Relais & Châteaux property should do the trick.

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Besides lounging at the entirely undisturbed beaches, we’d spend time by the pool; both places had staff coming around with ice lollies and drinks. If you want to work up a sweat, there are four tennis courts, a squash court, weekly village power walks, exercise classes, and even watersports and twice-daily snorkeling trips. Unwinding is best done at the spa with five treatment rooms; we’d highly recommend the champagne and caviar massage. Two restaurants, a bar, and a fantastic wine cellar round up the drinking and dining establishments; don’t miss the Tuesday evening managers’ cocktail party at the clifftop Bluff House.

Choose from 72 sea-facing rooms and suites, all of which come with patios or balconies. In fact, most of them sat right next to the surf beach, so we’d usually fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Meanwhile, others sat up on the bluff with lovely sea views, especially the splurge-worthy Terrace Suite with an infinity pool. Nevertheless, all of them had seaside-chic interiors with pictures of turtles and seahorses, turquoise cushions, tiled floors, warm woods, and marble bathrooms with Molton Brown bath products.  

Blue Waters Resort and Spa

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The splendid, family-owned beachfront Blue Waters Resort and Spa is nestled in a private bay in Saint Johns, on the northwestern Antiguian coast. Sprawled across 17 lush acres and fronting a powder-soft sand beach, this resort dates back to the ’60s, having been run by the British Randall family since 1984.

Choose from a host of Colonial-style rooms and suites, all of which have their own private balconies or terraces. Besides the elegant furnishings, they all also feature huge, cloud-like beds, Italian linens, luxe bathrooms, and tons of space. Are you looking for something more spacious? There are even a handful of larger villas ideal for larger groups and huge family takeovers. Did we mention that there are even cottages with kitchens, which are perfect for preparing pre-beach picnics? Yep.

With four bars and restaurants on the property, we didn’t have to step out of the resort for any drinking or dining experiences. Our days were spent alternating between exploring the shoreline, boat rides, and reef snorkeling. When we were on the property, we had tons of places to choose to enjoy: the private beach area, the mesmerizing spa, and a range of outdoor pools. What more could we ask for?

Galley Bay Resort and Spa

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Best overall. Sitting at the top of the list is the super-friendly, adult-only Galley Bay Resort and Spa. Tucked in a spectacular lagoon setting on Antigua’s western coast, this was the perfect place for us to spend our second honeymoon. Sandwiched between the expansive lagoon and the ocean, we were surrounded by the best wildlife and a dense tropical thicket, making it a true Caribbean sanctuary. The three-quarter-mile-long beachfront was definitely the highlight, especially since our choice of accommodations was a bunch of stripped-back beachfront suites. So, we’d wake up to the faint sounds of wildlife, but with mod-cons such as massive walk-in showers and large soaking tubs. Are you looking for privacy? The Gauguin suites come with plunge pools and sun decks!

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The vibe here was leisurely. Mornings were for long breakfasts at the restaurant, followed by swims in the sea or at the pool, followed by time spent on a sun lounger. Afternoons were reserved for either downtime at the spa or in the water, enjoying paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling. The best bit was that all these water activities were part of the hotel’s all-inclusive rate. Evenings were for winding down on the rambling grounds filled with tropical plants, coupled with drinks and nightly entertainment. Idyllic, serene, and romantic, this is the Antiguian life.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the stays we’ve listed, here’s a specialized list to help you choose where to actually live.

• Best overall: Galley Bay Resort and Spa
• Most luxurious: Curtain Bluff
• Best boutique hotel: The Inn English Harbor
• Best all-inclusive value-for-money resort: Jolly Beach Antigua

Where to Stay in Antigua?

With 365 beaches, Antigua is no small island. So, deciding where to stay is as important as it is a daunting task. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best towns and neighborhoods to stay at, each offering something unique.

There’s no doubt that Jolly Harbor is the best place on the island to stay, especially for first-timers. As the Caribbean’s largest man-made marina, this village on Antigua’s west coast has many postcard-perfect beaches, restaurants, boutique shops, beaches, and hotels. Secondly, there’s Saint John’s, the capital city, and the best place to experience Antigua’s nightlife. Not only is it the island’s largest city, but it’s also the chief port and commercial hub of the island country. What’s more, it’s also famous for its culinary delights, boutique shops, and shopping malls. The best bit? It’s also steeped in history. If you want a break from the crowds of Saint John’s, head to Runaway Beach, which is just north of it.

On the southern shores, Falmouth is Antigua’s original British settlement and is home to tons of historic landmarks and attractions. Finally, sitting on the west coast is the stunning parish of Saint Mary, which is an excellent family-friendly destination to stay with kids.

Where is the best part of Antigua to stay?

We’d highly suggest Saint John’s, as it checks all boxes, especially for a first-time visit.

Where is a good place in Antigua for families?

That would be the West Coast in towns such as Saint Johns and Jolly Harbor.

Which is the most luxurious hotel in Antigua?

That would be the intimate, all-inclusive boutique resort of Curtain Bluff.