By the Caribbean Journal staff

Is there a hotter destination in the Caribbean right now?

Whether it’s new brands on the way, spectacular eateries or terrific boutique hotels, Antigua and Barbuda is rapidly becoming one of the Caribbean’s in-demand destinations.

And now it’s even easier to get there.

Morris Bay, Antigua.

Delta Air Lines has officially launched its first-ever service from New York to Antigua, with the start of new weekly flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The new service complements existing flights from Atlanta to Antigua.

The new flights, which began operating Dec. 22, will run weekly on Saturdays.

The Inn at English Harbour in Antigua.

The flights depart JFK at 8:35 AM and arrive in Antigua at 1:49 PM, while the return flights leave Antigua at 2:50 PM and arrive in New York at 6:31 PM.

It puts the spotlight on a destination that has become remarkably diverse in recent years, from the Caribbean’s greatest concentration of high-end all-inclusives to an impressive cultural and historical offering.

Galley Bay in Antigua.

It’s also another boost for the island’s recently-transformed VC Bird International Airport, which was recently named Caribbean Airport of the Year in Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards 2018.

The launch comes just as American Airlines added a second daily flight to Antigua out of Miami International Airport.

Looking for a place to stay? Consider one of six Antigua resorts to check into right now.

— CJ