Why Antigua for Your Honeymoon
Antigua is ideal for couples who want beaches above all else. The sheer number and variety of coves means you can find a quiet stretch of sand almost anywhere. The western and southern shores are especially calm, which makes them good for swimming and snorkeling.
But there is more to Antigua than lying on the sand. The island has a rich maritime heritage, celebrated at Nelson's Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and during the famous Antigua Sailing Week. Its rainforest hills offer zip-lining and hiking. The island's festive spirit shows at Shirley Heights' Sunday sunset party and the summer Carnival. The resorts, many of them small and independent, have a personal warmth that large chains rarely achieve.
Best Time to Visit
The best weather runs from about mid-December through April, with plenty of sunshine, low humidity and pleasant temperatures generally in the 80s Fahrenheit. This is peak season, so book well ahead. Antigua Sailing Week, typically around late April or early May, brings yachts, races and parties to English Harbour.
May and June are often lovely, with fewer visitors and lower rates. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak risk typically from August through October. Some resorts close for part of this period for maintenance. Antigua's Carnival, held in late July and early August, is a colorful, music-filled celebration if you want to experience the island at its most exuberant.
Top Honeymoon Destinations
Our featured honeymoon region is Antigua's Southwest Coast, a string of sheltered coves and forested hills between Jolly Harbour and Old Road. It is home to two exceptional resorts.
Hermitage Bay is a kid-free retreat in a private cove with about 30 villa suites, many with private pools. Its generous all-inclusive plan features Champagne and daily changing menus. Curtain Bluff, open since 1962, sits on a headland between two beaches and includes waterskiing, sailing and snorkel trips in its all-inclusive rates. Its plunge-pool suites on the bluff are classic honeymoon choices.
From the southwest coast, English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights are a short drive. Day trips to Barbuda reveal miles of empty, pink-tinged sand.
How Long to Stay & Sample Itinerary
Five to seven nights is a good length for an Antigua honeymoon, with a week allowing time for a Barbuda day trip and plenty of beach time.
- Days 1–2: Arrive at V.C. Bird International and transfer to the southwest coast. Settle in on your resort's beach, book a spa treatment and toast your first sunset.
- Day 3: Snorkel Cades Reef on a private catamaran charter, anchoring in a quiet cove for lunch.
- Day 4: Explore Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour, then stay for the Sunday sunset party at Shirley Heights (plan this around a Sunday).
- Day 5: Take a day trip to Barbuda for its long beaches and frigate bird colony.
- Days 6–7: Drive Fig Tree Drive, zip-line through the rainforest canopy, then spend your final day doing nothing at all.
Budget & Costs
Antigua's top honeymoon resorts are firmly in the luxury category, though the island has options at many price points. These ranges are approximate and vary considerably by season and room category:
- Luxury boutique and all-inclusive resorts, such as Hermitage Bay and Curtain Bluff, typically start well into four figures per night in peak season.
- Mid-range and family all-inclusive resorts often fall in the several-hundred-dollar range per night.
- Villas and apartment rentals can offer good value for longer stays.
All-inclusive plans make budgeting easier, especially at secluded resorts where dining out requires a drive. Factor in excursions such as catamaran charters and Barbuda trips, spa treatments and tips. Check whether service charges and taxes are included in quoted rates.
Practical Tips for US Travelers
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) receives nonstop flights from several US cities, including Miami, New York and Charlotte; the flight from New York takes about four hours. Most resorts are 30 to 45 minutes from the airport. Entry and visa rules depend on your citizenship and can change at short notice, so check the official government website before you book.
The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar, pegged to the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at resorts and most restaurants. Many hotels provide US-style outlets, but bring a universal adapter just in case. Driving is on the left. You need a temporary local driving permit to rent a car. Taxis use set fares, which you should confirm before starting your journey. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and light layers for breezy evenings. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur in the Caribbean, so if you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for Antigua before you go.
Culture & Etiquette
Antigua and Barbuda became independent from Britain in 1981. British influences remain, from driving on the left to a deep love of cricket; legendary batsman Sir Vivian Richards is a national hero. Locals often call the island Wadadli, its traditional name, which also gives the local beer its name.
Antiguans are friendly and courteous; greet people with a good morning or good afternoon before asking a question. Swimwear is for the beach and pool, so cover up in towns and shops. Camouflage clothing is not permitted for civilians, so leave it at home. Many restaurants add a service charge; if not, a tip of around 10 to 15 percent is customary. Ask before photographing people, especially at markets.
Quick tips
- Sunday sunset at Shirley Heights Lookout is a beloved island tradition.
- Take a day sail to Barbuda's pink-sand beaches.
- Trade winds keep the island breezy even in summer.
