Where To Stay In Antigua

Where To Stay In Antigua

What Antigua lacks in size (you could drive around the whole island in one day) it makes up for in beauty. Hugged by miles of idyllic shoreline, Antigua has 365 beaches in total – one for every day of the year. This Caribbean nation is an authentic tropical paradise doused in history making it as fascinating as it is spectacular.

With the many things to do during your stay in Antigua, you might want to soak up the glorious sunshine or brush up on your naval history with tours of the famous Nelson's Dockyard. Alternatively, you could plan a trip during late July into August to see the island's famous Antiguan Carnival. No matter how you choose to fill your days, there are plenty of welcoming locations to rest your head in the evenings.

The options are endless, from peaceful adults-only hotels to lively all- inclusive resorts, we’ve got you covered. Here we round up some of the best places to stay in Antigua. 

Top Resorts In Antigua To Stay At

Each Antigua resort offers a unique experience, making your accommodation more than just a place to rest your head. This guide will help you choose the perfect base for your holiday. Browse through our carefully selected hotels and resorts that promise to make every moment of your stay worth it.

Blue Waters Resort & Spa

Location: Northwest tip of the island 

Near: Boons Bay

The eternally popular Blue Waters Resort & Spa is spread across two beautiful white sand beaches on the northwest tip of Antigua. A colonial-style resort, this destination offers a top place to stay in Antigua, with a range of hillside and beachfront rooms, junior suites and villas as well as a choice of superb restaurants. 

The atmosphere is impeccable but you can also expect amazing food and faultless service with everything carried out with a genuine smile. Whether you’re visiting as a family holiday or escaping it all as a couple, you can expect nothing less than pure luxury at Blue Waters Resort & Spa.

Facilities & services include:

  • Evening entertainment including live music and cocktail parties
  • Two secluded beaches
  • Beachfront, adults-only and two family pools
  • Gym, spa and beauty salon
  • Water sports with free tuition for beginners
  • Kids club for children aged four to 12
  • Tennis courts
  • Three restaurants including international and Pan Asian cuisine

Nearby attractions:

  • The 17th century Fort James can be reached in just 15 minutes by car
  • Tours offering rides out to the bucket-list-worthy Stingray City are located just 35 minutes away. 

Carlisle Bay 

Location: South Western shore

Near: Old Road

Situated on the spectacular south coast, Carlisle Bay is an incredible resort that offers grandeur with a modern twist. This place to stay in Antigua offers an array of suites to suit all travellers; the Beach Terrace Suites have direct access to the sands and their large size makes them perfect for families. No matter which one you choose, you can expect luxuriously soft beds and opulent décor at Carlisle Bay.

Services and facilities:

  • Cinema room
  • Water sports readily available
  • Kids club for ages six months to six years
  • Teens club for ages seven to 12 years
  • Gym and spa with sauna, hair salon and Pilates pavilion
  • Swimming pool
  • Ocean views
  • Several restaurants, including Italian and seafood grills

When considering where to stay in Antigua, Carlisle Bay offers a contemporary design throughout the rooms, as well as all the touches you would expect from a world-class resort. Everything from the food and service to the two-floor spa are nothing short of incredible.

Nonsuch Bay Resort 

Location: East side of Antigua

Near: FreeTown

Surrounded by luscious tropical gardens and a contrasting blue beachfront, Nonsuch Bay Resort is a spectacular resort to stay at with some of the best watersports facilities on the island. The open-air restaurant offers some of the best ocean views, so you can sample some traditional Antiguan cuisine while soaking up the incredible landscape.

Services and facilities

  • Three infinity pools
  • Live evening entertainment and weekly cocktail parties
  • Kids club for ages 5 to 12
  • In-room spa treatments
  • Water sports and sailing school
  • Restaurant that specialises in traditional Caribbean cuisine
  • 40 acres of tropical gardens

The ideal destination for those who want nothing more than pure relaxation, Nonsuch Bay Resort makes for a tranquil getaway. Spend your days lounging by the pool, getting a spa treatment or sipping on rum punch at one of the weekly cocktail parties.

Cocos Hotel 

Location: Southwest coast 

Near: Jolly Harbour

Coco’s Hotel is a boutique hideaway where couples go to escape the every day and enjoy time together, alone. If you’re looking for where to stay in Antigua for an all inclusive holiday, this resort, with its collection of thatched cottages, combines luxury with stunning Caribbean Sea views. Guests can immerse themselves in this idyllic tropical setting in their very own hammock on their balcony.

Services and facilities:

  • Live entertainment in the evening, three times a week
  • Weekly yoga class
  • Mini fridges that are restocked every day 
  • Waiter and poolside service 
  • Water sports equipment available for snorkelling and kayaking 

This couple's only resort – no under 18s are allowed to stay – provides a calming base for those looking to explore the island. Enjoy a la carte dining, complimentary yoga classes and endless hours with your toes in the sand at this stunning resort. 

Hermitage Bay Hotel 

Location: Western coast 

Near: Jolly Harbour Beach

This place to stay in Antigua is set against a breath-taking beach backdrop. The Hermitage Bay Hotel is a popular choice amongst sun-seeking families with older children and honeymooners looking for a romantic atmosphere. There are several suites to choose from: we're big fans of the hillside suite that overlooks the sea with a wrap-around open air deck.

Services and facilities:

  • Yoga, meditation and pilates sessions 
  • All Inclusive packages available 
  • Freshwater pool
  • Evening entertainment
  • Complimentary water sports including snorkelling, sunfish sailing and paddleboarding 
  • Cooking courses with the in house chef 
  • Beach service

This western resort is where many go to have it all. Opt for the all inclusive package to enjoy VIP treatment upon arrival including private transfers, fresh fruit in-suite and a fully stocked mini bar. 

Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Location: Northwest coast 

Near: Galley Bay Beach

Boasting an unbeatable combination of sandy beaches and vibrant emerald gardens, Galley Bay Resort & Spa is certainly a sight to behold. This adults-only resort is serene and tranquil, allowing you to escape the stress of everyday life and immerse yourself in the luxury holidays of Antigua. While it may be a 4-star plus resort, Galley Bay has a unique, rustic feel. Expect charming thatched roofs and bamboo features; all the natural decor is further enhanced by the 40 acres of tropical landscape that surrounds it.

Services and facilities:

  • Spa and salon
  • Fitness room
  • Complimentary water sports, including snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing
  • Multiple restaurants, including fine dining and outdoor grill
  • Live entertainment
  • Jogging track and tennis courts
  • Beachfront yoga pavilion

When pondering where to stay in Antigua, consider a resort that caters to relaxation and your well-being. If the peacefulness of this resort doesn’t instantly chill you out, the amenities surely will. Slow things down by indulging in a relaxing massage at the spa before heading to the beachfront pavilion for an afternoon of yoga. 

The Verandah Resort & Spa 

Location: East coast 

Near: Devil's Bridge National Park

Families will be big fans of the Verandah Resort & Spa. This fun-filled resort is located alongside 30 acres of beach, with three pools to cool off in and an 18 hole mini golf course to test your skills on, it offers everything you need to make unforgettable memories. Four restaurants keep things interesting when it comes to dining and with the All Inclusive package you can tuck into breakfast, lunch and dinner plus enjoy access to the water sports centre.

Features include:

  • Golf cart shuttles to transport you around the resort 
  • Three swimming pools
  • A fitness centre plus two tennis courts
  • A mini cinema 
  • The Verandah Kids' Club for ages two to 11 years 
  • A la carte dining at the Buccaneer restaurant 
  • Two beaches with water sports available to try 

We're big fans of the rooms that come with their own plunge pool – great for cooling off before taking a lunchtime nap back at your villa. Be sure to also look into the diving experiences available at St James's Club Dive Centre, at the sister resort.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Antigua, you can explore all of these luxury resorts in Antigua and more on our website. Handpicked by travel experts, we’re proud to offer the very best in luxury holidays at an affordable price.