From the world-class resorts in Antigua to the laid-back, beachy charm of neighboring Barbuda, there are quite a few reasons why travelers are flocking to the twin-island paradise, which is seeing record visitor numbers for the destination.
Whether you’re looking to plan an active getaway, a classic beach vacation or something in between, here are 7 reasons why now’s a good time to visit Antigua, Barbuda, or — preferably — both.
Make a Racket at Elite Island Resorts
Antigua has always been a hotbed for racquet sports — the Curtain Bluff resort famously hosts Antigua Tennis Week each year — and the Elite Island Resorts chain has gone all-in with the fastest-growing sport on earth by building the top pickleball facilities in the Caribbean. Among the chain’s five resorts in Antigua is The Verandah, which reopened in 2023 as an adults-only resort and added a quartet of pickleball courts that are lit for night play; court time is complementary as part of the resort’s all-inclusive package.
Plunge into the Overwater Suites at the New Royalton Chic
The Royalton Chic Antigua debuted in May 2024, which was exciting enough, but in July the resort’s luxury overwater villas were opened for booking. Set to accept their first guests in September, the 12 villas elevated over the waters of Dickenson Bay come in three classes (Chairman, Presidential, and Junior Suites), include access to the resort’s Diamond Club, are served by private butlers, and feature amenities like glass floors, decks with hammocks, and up to 3,000 square feet of living space. If that’s not quite in your budget, the beachfront Inn at English Harbour is adding new suites with plunge pools and butler service this fall.
Embrace Nightlife in Shirley Heights and English Harbour
Cannons once thundered from the Shirley Heights Lookout, overlooking the massive British navy base at Nelson’s Dockyard; now it rocks with the island’s best party scene, including outdoor barbecues on Sunday and Thursday nights — both with live music, the latter with a reggae beat to go along with the amazing views. On Friday nights, the action happens at the weekly fish fry in English Harbour.
Indulge in the Dining Scene
Antigua and Barbuda has quietly developed one of the most diverse dining scenes in the Caribbean, driven by the groundbreaking endeavors by the Rocks Group, which began with the world-renowned Sheer Rocks and now includes eateries ranging from the tapas-focused Roquita to the gourmet beach bar that is Catherine’s Café. From its annual Restaurant Week to a delicious mix of local eateries and fine-dining spots, it’s a haven for foodies — including Barbuda, which is also home ot the world’s only Nobu restaurant on a beach.
Enjoy Sheer Pampering at Curtain Bluff
The Curtain Bluff resort already set the luxury bar pretty high among Antigua resorts with its top-notch service, accommodations, and Relais & Chateau quality dining. But the standard rises even higher with renovations of two of the hotel’s Hulford Collection Suites (the Morris & Grace Bay Pool suites) and several junior suites.The resort also has expanded its wellness area, adding a pool and hot tub, doubling the size of its gym, and erecting a yoga pavilion for daily classes.
Pick a Beach a Day
Antigua famously claims to have 365 beaches — one for each day of the year, they say — and that’s not even counting Barbuda, which has lovely strands of its own. Whether you like your beaches quiet (Ffryes Bay), secluded (Doigs Beach), lively (Dickinson’s Bay), or clothing optional (Eden Beach), there’s a playa for every taste on Antiqua — plus the beauty of Pink Sand Beach on Barbuda.
Have ‘Fungee’ with Local Food
Fungee, the national dish of Antigua and Barbuda, is a cornmeal dish typically served alongside mashed vegetables or the country’s other staple, pepperpot stew. For a true flavor of the islands, head to a local restaurant like Cavell’s Cook Shop or Buba’s; Papa Zouk serves up a blend of fresh local seafood, fine rums, and high-energy Caribbean zouk music. Uncle Roddy’s is a great beach bar with even better food, and Nobu Barbuda brings world-class Japanese cuisine to Princess Diana Beach on Barbuda, heralding the eventual opening of the luxury Nobu Beach Inn in 2025.
