recipes

The best Antigua all-inclusive resorts you should know about

Admin

The twin-island country of Antigua and Barbuda is known for having 365 of the most beautiful beaches in the world — one for each day of the year. Each stretch of soft white sand is kissed by clear blue waters that are perfect for snorkeling.

With more and more flights to Antigua from the U.S. added in recent years, according to the country’s tourism officials, it’s easier than ever to get there.

Whether you’re looking for an adults-only romantic escape — there’s even a resort here with overwater bungalows — or the best family beach vacation, there are plenty of luxury all-inclusives that deliver. That’s right, Antigua has a standout selection of all-inclusive resorts where accommodations, dining and often alcoholic beverages are included, plus some water-based activities.

Here are the best all-inclusive resorts in Antigua, ranging from ultra-luxury, adults-only hotels to more laid-back, family-friendly accommodations (and everything in between).

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="8997" post-id="1443007"]

If you appreciate the finer things in life, you’ll love that the house champagne at Jumby Bay Island is Moet & Chandon and that it flows freely.

It only gets better from there at this 300-acre private island escape, which has 40 open-air villas and suites spread across the island, including 12 new beach house-style suites that face the ocean. It feels miles away from civilization, yet it’s only a 10-minute speedboat ride away from Antigua.

Once you’re on the resort’s island, expect attentive staff, white powdery sand and bright green inland pastures dotted with sheep. Spend your days lolling on the beach or by one of three pools, or try your hand at complimentary water sports like Hobie Cat sailing, wakeboarding and kayaking.

Boat trips around the island with snorkeling included are also part of the all-inclusive package. You can even send the littles to the Jumby Explorers Kids Club for some supervised fun in the sun while you splurge on a massage, facial or body wrap with an ocean view at the spa.

For meals, you’ll dine on locally sourced foods at a variety of restaurants, including Mediterranean-inspired fine dining at The Estate House and freshly caught seafood, aged steaks and weekly barbecue parties at The Jumby Bay Verandah. You can also sign up for a rum tasting or Caribbean cooking class, both of which the all-inclusive room rates also cover.

All-inclusive rates at Jumby Bay Island start around $2,232 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="8883" post-id="1444119"]

This longstanding favorite is nestled in a quiet hillside corner overlooking its namesake bay on Antigua’s west coast. Its organic gardens supply the on-site Caribbean restaurant (which accommodates vegan and vegetarian diets), while several solar energy initiatives and sustainable construction efforts are implemented to protect its beautiful surroundings.

The 30 suites at Hermitage Bay are stand-alone bungalows on the hillside, beachfront or with a view of the gardens. No matter where they are, though, they feature outdoor showers and decks facing the ocean. Some even have private plunge pools for an extra dose of luxury while on vacation.

You may find it hard to leave your well-appointed suite, but most travelers do to unwind at the beach and by the main pool. The resort also draws visitors with experiences like fishing charters, scuba diving, sailing and included nonmotorized water sports activities, such as kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

Don’t forget to make time for a specialized treatment at the color therapy spa tucked in the garden, too, when you’re not enjoying complimentary morning pilates, yoga or meditation sessions.

All-inclusive rates at Hermitage Bay start around $1,684 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="8835" post-id="1444199"]

The white and turquoise color palette at this luxury all-inclusive complements the stunning beach on Antigua’s southern coast perfectly.

Guests won’t find plantation-style design trappings here. Instead, the decor and ambiance are ultra-modern. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the 87 open-plan suites put the focus directly on the beach in front and the rainforest behind, bringing nature inside as much as possible.

While relaxing on the beach is encouraged, this resort offers a full schedule of daily activities like fitness classes, guided nature walks, cooking workshops, tennis lessons, wine tastings, a sunset cruise and evening drumming and dance performances (though some of these are not part of the all-inclusive package, so check carefully).

Nonmotorized water sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, sailing, raft-building and snorkeling are complimentary, as is use of the kids club, which is open daily. There’s also the CARA Organic Beauty Spa, where a full menu of massages, body treatments, facials, hairstyling and more using ESPA products is available to enjoy for a fee.

For dining and drinking, you’ll have your pick of eight food and beverage outlets, including Italian spot Ottimo!, which serves wood-fired pizzas, Asian-inspired East and the oceanfront Indigo on the Beach. Those who need a date night away from the tots won’t want to miss The Jetty Grill, an adults-only establishment with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

All-inclusive rates at Carlisle Bay start around $525 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="9265" post-id="1444235"]

On glittering Dickenson Bay Beach, the enormous Sandals Grande Antigua is kind of the epitome of a couples-only, all-inclusive Caribbean resort.

It has 373 rooms spread across 27 acres with tropical gardens, six swimming pools, a tennis court, a full-service spa and no less than 11 restaurants, including Kimonos for teppanyaki and Mario’s for Italian. There’s nightly entertainment, too, such as live music, karaoke and beach parties, plus a piano bar.

When you’re ready for a beach day, head to the property’s gorgeous stretch of sand. While most all-inclusive beach resorts include nonmotorized water sports, Sandals Grande Antigua also lets PADI-certified guests go scuba diving as part of the inclusive package in addition to offering loaner paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear and more. This is an especially nice perk for divers or those interested in trying it for the first time.

As for accommodations, there are two different options: the all-suite Mediterranean Oceanview Village and the Caribbean Beachfront Village. Both complexes have a colonial-inspired aesthetic, with carved mahogany furniture. Some upgraded spaces have private pools and include butler service, while others overlook the ocean or the resort’s lush vegetation.

All-inclusive rates at Sandals Grande Antigua start around $337 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="9141" post-id="1444242"]

This 30-acre all-inclusive resort sits on a secluded peninsula jutting out of Antigua’s east coast. While many of the 186 suites and villas have ocean views, the two beaches here are relatively small.

Still, water lovers can enjoy the four pools, including the largest on the island, an adults-only pool, a beachfront pool and a shallow pool adjacent to the kids club. To keep busy, there are also nonmotorized water sports available, as well as a fitness center with classes and two tennis courts.

Parents and large groups will appreciate the spacious two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, living rooms and large verandahs (even the smaller suites all have verandahs, hence the property’s name). Some also have private plunge pools.

Guests won’t go hungry during their stay, as there are nine drinking and dining outlets, including a coffee shop, a buffet-style restaurant, a Caribbean-influenced dinner spot and multiple pool and beach bars. A fine-dining option called Nicole’s Restaurant is available as well, but keep in mind that it has a $40 surcharge per person.

All-inclusive rates at The Verandah Resort & Spa start around $1,415 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="8965" post-id="1444264"]

Nestled in a cove on Antigua’s southern coast, Curtain Bluff’s 72 guest rooms and suites are either beachfront or perched on a bluff and embody old-school, barefoot Caribbean luxury.

If you book a suite that’s part of the elite Hulford Collection (named for the late founder), you’ll have a large terrace with a private plunge pool facing the ocean, plus a marble bathroom and a separate living area. Accommodations do not have TVs to encourage you to focus on the beautiful turquoise sea and stunning white sand just a few feet away.

When you’re ready to get out and explore, you’ll find an abundance of activities available, including pickleball, squash, scuba diving (one dive per day, per guest is included in the rate), waterskiing, snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.

Additionally, you can hit up a yoga or gardening class, relax at the 5,000-square-foot spa or catch some rays on one of two beaches — a calm lagoon on one side and a white sand shore with crashing waves on the other.

There’s also an active kids club that entertains little ones outside as much as possible, so parents can enjoy some rest and relaxation.

Besides various activities, all room rates cover meals and select drinks at the resort’s three restaurants. Dining options include the locally influenced Tamarind Restaurant, the alfresco Seagrape Restaurant and the legendary Wine Cellar, which has more than 4,000 bottles, including a number of complimentary house wines.

All-inclusive rates at Curtain Bluff start around $1,029 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="9215" post-id="1444124"]

With 294 suites and bungalows, eight restaurants, four bars, a casino and three swimming pools, Royalton Antigua is one of the larger resorts on the island, and it’s the only one where you can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

It’s also the only place in Antigua where you can spend the night in an overwater bungalow, an experience that typically requires traveling to locales like the Maldives or French Polynesia.

Royalton Antigua’s overwater bungalows (which are only for adults) hang over the cerulean waters of Deep Bay and include an overwater hammock, an infinity plunge pool, a glass floor in the living room and an in-suite Jacuzzi, among other perks. Other rooms and suites come with plenty of their own amenities, such as balconies or terraces and rainfall showers.

Upgrade to a Diamond Club Luxury Suite for a preferred room location, butler service, use of an exclusive pool and beach area, one bottle of in-suite liquor per week and access to the Diamond Lounge, featuring premium drinks, daily breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres.

Outside your room, enjoy activities like tennis, cooking classes, beach volleyball, water sports (including an introductory scuba lesson) and dance lessons. For younger guests, there are kid-friendly offerings like face painting and movie nights as well.

Don’t miss The Royal Spa and gym, which offers hydrotherapy circuits; indoor and outdoor fitness classes in everything from yoga to CrossFit; and a full massage, facial and beauty treatment menu.

All-inclusive rates at Royalton Antigua start around $437 or 106,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="8786" post-id="1444274"]

Galley Bay Resort & Spa’s ultra-romantic setting on Antigua’s west coast makes it an ideal place to reconnect with your partner.

Here, you’ll find a stunning white sand beach and four oceanfront restaurants, including intimate Gauguin, which features private dining cabanas on the sand. Most of the 98 spacious rooms and suites also offer direct access to the sand — and those that don’t have private plunge pools — so you can maximize your time outdoors.

While the all-inclusive package covers the usual inclusions (nonmotorized water sports, land sports like tennis and volleyball, a fitness center with yoga classes and all meals and drinks), you’ll also have access to cooking demonstrations, guided hikes to nearby Fort Barrington and tours of the on-site herb garden.

However, most guests prefer to spend their time soaking in the free-form pool with a waterfall or unwinding on the secluded shore. Should you seek even more relaxation, splurge on a treatment at the property’s spa, where options include facials, massages and body wraps featuring tropical ingredients like coconut milk or lemongrass.

All-inclusive rates at Galley Bay Resort & Spa start around $928 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="9016" post-id="1444649"]

With only 29 rooms and cottages, this couples-only boutique resort appeals to guests who desire privacy by a gorgeous stretch of sand.

Adjacent to Turners Beach on the southwestern side of the island, Keyonna Beach Resort is made for water-loving duos, as every room has its own dedicated loungers and beach bed.

Also, all accommodations come outfitted with romantic elements like four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting, outdoor showers and large decks with garden or ocean views, with some offering direct beach access and private plunge pools as well.

Since this property is designed for couples, the atmosphere is low-key, with few on-site activities. Guests do have some options, though.

You can borrow loaner kayaks and snorkeling gear, participate in weekly yoga classes, learn how to play the steel drum or enjoy a wine tasting. For an additional fee, lovebirds can also treat themselves to a couples massage at the spa.

Because room rates here are all-inclusive, meals and drinks from the open-air restaurant and beach bars do not cost extra. However, couples can book a private beachfront dinner or dine from the comfort of their room or cottage’s balcony for an additional fee.

All-inclusive rates at Keyonna Beach Resort start around $506 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="9085" post-id="1444654"]

This contemporary adults-only resort sits in a secluded section of the larger Nonsuch Bay Resort complex on the east coast of Antigua.

Here, there are just 40 pool suites, each of which measures 600 square feet and features a clean, minimalist design with teak and white furnishings and a bathroom with a deep soaking tub that opens onto a large outdoor deck with a plunge pool. Guests have a choice of bay or garden views.

Dining options include gourmet Caribbean or international fare at Drift Restaurant & Bar. Private dinners inside suites, by the main pool, on the resort’s dock or elsewhere on the property can also be arranged for a fee. The resort even offers the option of enjoying a meal from your suite’s pool via a floating tray or sushi boat (extra charges apply).

As for activities, The Escape offers kayaking on the bay, nature walks with a local guide and outdoor yoga classes, plus in-room spa treatments — including a flower-filled soak in the bath — for an additional fee.

All-inclusive rates at The Escape at Nonsuch Bay start around $419 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="9233" post-id="1444666"]

Families, large groups, solo travelers and couples can all find their own niches at this sprawling resort.

On a 100-acre ribbon of land straddling two gorgeous bodies of water — Mamora Bay and St. James Bay — on Antigua’s southeastern coast, St. James’s Club Antigua offers all the conveniences of a megaresort without the cookie-cutter appearance of a chain hotel.

The resort comprises 242 accommodations — rooms, suites and villas. All come with private balconies or terraces and traditional decor like wicker furnishings, vibrant textiles and tile floors.

After a restful night’s sleep, guests can spend their days on the property’s two beaches, where they can kayak, windsurf, snorkel, paddleboard and sail. Or, visitors can swim and sunbathe at the six pools, including one for adults and another for kids.

There are also four tennis courts, three pickleball courts, a fitness center, a kids club for younger guests aged 4 to 12 and a spa, which has an outdoor treatment pavilion overlooking Mamora Bay. (Spa treatments are not part of the all-inclusive package.)

For meals, choose from seven on-site restaurants, six of which don’t cost extra. The Rainbow Garden Restaurant features international and Caribbean dishes served a la carte and buffet-style. The casual Beach Grill serves burgers, grilled bites and more). The menu at The Docksider includes Caribbean-inspired cuisine and weekly theme nights. Piccolo Mondo, the resort’s upscale Italian restaurant, charges a $40 fee per person.

All-inclusive rates at St. James’s Club Antigua start around $523 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type="hotel" capi-id="8863" post-id="1444673"]

Only 35 wooden cottages are available on this lush property on Antigua’s west coast, affording privacy and seclusion amid nature.

There are no TVs in the rooms, so you can concentrate on your partner. The views and locations of the cottages vary. However, they all feature open-air designs, private balconies with hammocks and Adirondack chairs, outdoor showers and king-size, four-poster beds. Some also feature plunge pools.

The resort’s all-inclusive rates cover three meals a day at the open-air restaurant with ocean views, plus drinks, taxes and gratuities.

The eatery’s rotating menu leans heavily Caribbean, with as much locally sourced produce from nearby farms and freshly caught fish as possible. Dinner is often set to live local music. Private beach dinners, room service and floating canapes in your private plunge pool are also available for an extra fee.

Beyond food, drinks and accommodations, you’ll also enjoy use of the sun-splashed beach (with loaner kayaks and snorkeling gear) and the intimate pool — plus weekly outdoor yoga classes — with the resort’s all-inclusive package.

There’s also an on-site spa with two treatment rooms (one is specifically for couples), though services cost extra. The property does offer some classes like steel-pan drumming, cooking and water aerobics, too. However, in general, things are rather low-key here, providing the chance for couples to reconnect in a tranquil setting.

All-inclusive rates at Cocos Hotel start at around $547 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”8792″ post-id=”1444694″]

In a cove on the island’s north shore along Solder’s Bay and away from other hotels, Blue Waters appeals to those who may not want the full-blown all-inclusive resort experience.

Instead of only offering all-inclusive rates, the property has an optional all-inclusive meal plan, giving guests the best of both worlds.

The sprawling 17-acre property is well-manicured, with accommodations occupying several low-rise buildings and villas, allowing guests to feel secluded if they prefer.

All 85 rooms, suites and standalone homes are modern, featuring neutral tones with pops of blue in art and accent linens. They range in size and layout, though all have furnished balconies or patios, as well as stocked minifridges, flat-screen TVs and coffee makers. Select upgraded spaces also offer semi- or fully private pools, airport transfers and concierge service.

When it’s time to eat, you can visit any of the three Caribbean- and French-focused restaurants (though certain items from a special “Connoisseurs Menu” at the Cove Restaurant come with a surcharge). The meal plan also covers most drinks, including those served at the two bars.

An array of activities and facilities are complimentary for meal plan guests, too. You can enjoy nonmotorized water sports like windsurfing and kayaking, play tennis, use the kids club and enjoy various wellness and culinary activities available daily.

There are three small white sand beach areas and three swimming pools open to all guests, too, plus a spa with a range of fee-based treatments using Elemis products.

All-inclusive rates at Blue Waters Resort & Spa start around $813 per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9112″ post-id=”1444701″]

This small 28-room inn is set on 19 beautiful beachfront acres on Antigua’s south coast. It boasts all kinds of facilities, including an infinity pool, spa, two restaurants, a gym and two well-kept tennis courts — not to mention a stunning stretch of white sand dotted with swaying hammocks.

Accommodations, which are either suites or beachfront cabanas, are styled with traditional decor accented with various objects and artworks that the property’s owners have brought from China, Bali, the Middle East and Africa. Each measures at least 430 square feet, providing ample space for guests to stretch out during their stays. (Guests must be at least 10 years old to stay here).

While the inn is not a true all-inclusive resort, it offers an all-inclusive meal package that comes with daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This is ideal for those looking for a little more flexibility to perhaps leave the property to try a few local restaurants.

The rate also covers the use of clear-bottomed kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, laser sailboats and snorkeling gear in addition to a weekly tour of the on-site organic garden that supplies the restaurants and a water shuttle to Nelson’s Dockyard.

All-inclusive rates at The Inn at English Harbour start around $700 or 35,000 points per night for double occupancy.

[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”8865″ post-id=”1444714″]

Opened in 2019 next to Devil’s Bridge National Park on Antigua’s northeast coast, Hammock Cove Antigua offers a dose of sophistication. Its adults-only, all-inclusive aspect only adds to its allure.

Each of the 41 modern, 1,080-square-foot villas features sweeping ocean views, a vaulted ceiling, a spacious bathroom with a double shower, and an expansive furnished deck with a plunge pool and an outdoor bar.

Additionally, every room is assigned an “ambassador” who guests can call at any time of day to fulfill practically any need or request.

You’ll find exceptional service outside the rooms, too. Staff on the sugary-white, sandy beach are at the ready with umbrellas, cold drinks and a full food menu — they’ll even wade into the water to bring you a cocktail as you relax on a floating ring in the ocean.

Kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats are also on hand, and snorkeling is a popular activity, thanks to the thriving reef just offshore.

If you tire of the beach, cool off in the three-tiered infinity pool that overlooks the ocean, pamper yourself at the full-service spa (extra charges apply) or grab a drink from one of four bars, which range from a beach shack to a rum hideout to a cushy library lounge.

The resort’s gastronomy is particularly impressive. In addition to weekly cooking classes with the executive chef, guests can dine in the two on-site restaurants, which make everything to order.

Irina’s Bistro is more casual with bistro-style bites, while the Lighthouse Restaurant is a fine-dining spot serving three-course dinners with mains like lobster, steak, rack of lamb and fresh fish. On Fridays, guests can enjoy a beach barbecue with live steel-drum music.

All-inclusive rates at Hammock Cove Antigua start around $1,182 per night for double occupancy.


Older Post Newer Post


Leave a Comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published