Antigua is one of the Caribbean’s most magical islands, and the resorts it is home to are equally magical. This island has a bit of everything, from affordable family-friendly picks to overwater bungalows perfect for honeymooners. Whatever your budget and travel style, Antigua delights.
Hodges Bay Resort
Opening its doors on Antigua’s north shore in November 2018, this upscale, sleek hotel stands out for its private beach, adults-only infinity pool overlooking the ocean—and neighboring Prickly Pear Island—as well as four restaurants, including an open-air tapas lounge. The 78 rooms mix clean, modern style with colorful, bohemian island decor.
We also like that the resort offers a wide variety of room categories, from one-bedroom suites to villas with private pools. Breakfast is included, taken either in your room or at the beachside White Sands restaurant.
Nonsuch Bay Resort
We love the name of this unpretentious getaway on the island’s eastern edge, tucked along the namesake Nonsuch Bay. Here, you’ll find three- and five-room villas, as well as six categories of suites, divided into a family- and an adults-only section. All suites, including the couples-only plunge pool suites, include white-and-natural styling throughout, including the kitchens, which allows guests to save money and time, freeing up more space in the itinerary for adventure.
Nonsuch Bay also has one of the island’s best watersports offerings, including a rental fleet of kayaks, snorkel gear, RS sailing dinghies and keelboats—as well as lessons in kitesurfing and sailing.
Galley Bay Resort and Spa
Galley Bay Resort, an all-inclusive found on Antigua’s northwest side, caters to travelers who love the quiet escapism of nature. This adults-only enclave stretches along a 1-mile beach that remains a nesting site for sea turtles, which is why the resort maintains a low-light restriction in the evening so the animals won’t confuse bright lights for the moon. To further protect marine life and the mellow vibe, no motorized watersports are allowed in the bay.
What is available: sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis, yoga, volleyball, croquet and cooking demos. Come day’s end, retire to one of four room categories, including the premium beachfront suites with sliding doors opening right onto the beach—perfect for a moonlit dip.
Cocobay Resort
This adults-only all-inclusive on Antigua’s west coast is known for its charming pastel cottages, tucked along a hillside and surrounded with vegetation for added privacy. Rooms, available in four categories, feature an updated plantation style—with a hammock on the porch and netting over the beds.
Cocobay offers two restaurants and three bars, but what’s most fun and certainly Instagram-worthy are the floating meals, from breakfast to sushi, served in trays and boats that float in a special private pool available for booking.
The Admiral’s Inn
With the main building dating back to 1788, The Admiral’s Inn, set in Nelson’s Dockyard, offers more history and character than any other island property. Rooms at The Admiral’s Inn are updated and modern, with a mostly white color palette. Shuttered windows open to the harbor and hillside. Note that this hotel does not sit on a beach; rather, it has a pool with sea views.
Another perk: The poolside restaurant, dishing up consistently excellent meals, has a local following. Rates are extremely affordable, making this a solid choice for the traveler who wishes to explore the island and eat at a different restaurant every night.
Hawksbill Hotel
This 111-room, adults-only hotel on Antigua’s west side has a few claims to fame. One, its affordability and classic, timeless appeal. Second, it sits on 37 acres with tennis and watersports and four private beaches. That brings us to the third selling point: this hotel is home to the island’s only clothing-optional beach, which can be a fun bit of escapism for couples—especially honeymooners.
Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa
One of the only vertical hotels on island, the Royalton is unique in offering elevated views of the ocean. Moreover, this property is home to six Chairman overwater bungalows—the only overwater bungalows on the island of Antigua. We like the hammocks that sway over glass floors, allowing guests to fish watch while staying dry and relaxing.
Each unit also comes with its own infinity plunge pool. Best of all, guests can arrange private yoga sessions, cocktail hours, dinners and massages all at their overwater bungalows.
Siboney Beach Club
One of the most affordable picks on island, Siboney Beach Club is for the traveler who wants to explore the island and dine out rather than stay at an all-inclusive. Located on the beach on the northwest side of the island, this getaway offers 30 rooms—12 of which have kitchenettes, letting you save even more money by fixing a few meals in.
St. James Club
This all-inclusive is one of the best picks for families. This hotel sits on a peninsula, with one beach on the Atlantic and one on sheltered Mamora Bay, a cove free from waves. For kids, this means the choice between bigger waves and a calmer ocean experience where paddle boarding, sailing and other watersports are offered.
St. James Club also has its own on-site scuba center—convenient for travelers wanting to explore Antigua’s coral-covered underwater slopes.
Carlisle Bay Antigua
We love the vibe at this elegant, 87-suite all-inclusive property. Styled in whites and neutrals, Carlisle Bay keeps the focus on the natural beauty of the beach and estate. Likewise, the menu at East restaurant, dishing up Japanese, Thai and Indonesian fare, features dishes that let ingredients, like tuna and lemongrass, sing. Of course, Carlisle Bay offers yoga—along with tennis, sailing and other watersports.
