Antigua and Barbuda

Most Romantic Spot in Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority declares Dickenson Bay as the country’s best beach, and we couldn’t agree more! You’ll find white sands, turquoise waters, and a blue horizon that seems to stretch into infinity. The beloved natural gem is on Antigua’s northwestern coast and is mere steps away from the island’s best resorts, so enjoying it can be a daily honeymoon activity.

There are countless restaurants and bars along the beach where you can grab an ice-cold Wadadli beer (the country’s favorite local brew) or a classic rum punch. The beach may be perfect for some rest and relaxation, but there are plenty of activities to enjoy as well. Local companies offer everything from jet ski to snorkeling adventures for reveling in the breathtaking splendor of your honeymoon oasis.

More Romantic Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda

After falling in love all over again at Dickenson Bay, your romantic excursion will have only just begun. Antigua and Barbuda offer plenty more idyllic delights for couples:

• You’ll never forget your experience aboard the Sunset Catamaran Cruise Antigua. The unbelievable Caribbean sunset is the backdrop to this sensational tropical adventure.
• Barbuda’s premier destination, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, is paradise for bird lovers and lovebirds alike. The sanctuary is home to 170 species and more than 100,000 individual birds, so keep your eyes open!
• Speaking of Barbuda, you’ll definitely want to go snorkeling while you’re there. The island’s surrounding coral barrier reefs are some of the best in the Caribbean, overflowing with colorful aquatic residents. Also consider snorkeling at Cades Bay Marine Park or Stingray City on Antigua to see butterflyfish, stingrays, and green turtles up close.

All Inclusive Resorts in Antigua

Out of more than two dozen resorts, boutique hotels, and beach clubs throughout Antigua and Barbuda, it’s Antigua’s all-inclusive resorts that offer the pinnacle of luxury to honeymooners. Beyond phenomenal views of the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts offer sunset-view cottages, overwater bungalows, and swim-up suites for indulging in life’s greatest pleasures.

In choosing an all-inclusive resort, couples skip all the stressful planning considerations that can come with booking the perfect honeymoon. You’ll ensure that your luxury accommodations are of the highest caliber while staying on budget with included luxury dining, unlimited cocktails, and a variety of exclusive amenities. Add in live entertainment, direct beach access, and romantic add-ons like couples massages and candlelit dinners, and you’re ready for pure bliss.

Here are some of our favorite all inclusive resorts in Antigua:

• Butler villas with private pools, oceanview penthouses, and Romeo & Juliet suites can all be yours at the adults-only Sandals Grande Antigua. The Caribbean Honeymoon Butler Rondoval with Private Pool Sanctuary is just that—a luxurious circular villa and plunge pool in its own private oasis, perfect for newlyweds! No honeymoon is complete without a little relaxation, and with the Tropical Paradise Couples Massage at Red Lane Spa, you and your honey can indulge in a private massage on the beach or in the resort’s lush tropical gardens. When it’s time for dinner, a dozen included rave-worthy restaurants await. Add on a romantic candlelit dinner served right on the beach, where your white-gloved waiter will provide you with VIP service. It’s the ideal way to experience a mouthwatering four-course dinner. As always, roundtrip airport transportation is included in your Sandals honeymoon package.
• For the best overwater bungalows in Antigua, look no further than Royalton Antigua. You’ll watch fish swim beneath your glass-bottomed living room and soak in the azure Caribbean views from your private infinity plunge pool. The Chairman Overwater Bungalows are reserved exclusively for adults, with the Diamond Club upgrading honeymooners to luxury amenities such as in-room couples massages, sunset mixologist service, specialized aromatherapy options, personal yoga instructors, and romantic dinners served in the privacy of your bungalow. It’s the perfect fairy-tale way to begin your life together!
• Jumby Bay Island resort offers the most exclusive experience in Antigua with pristine oceanfront suites, spacious villas with private infinity pools, and a luxurious spa that has been called the best in the Caribbean for couples massages. The Castaway Escape for Two is an especially lavish adventure that will take you and your sweetheart on a private yacht to the uninhabited Maiden Island for a beach massage straight out of your fantasies. The resort is located on Long Island (also called Jumby Bay), so it’s ideal for honeymooners seeking an intimate experience with all inclusive additions like rum tastings, Caribbean cooking classes, and unlimited watersports.

Activities & Attractions in Antigua and Barbuda

Once you arrive in Antigua and Barbuda, you’ll find that the 14th smallest country on earth is surprisingly packed with exciting activities and romantic excursions.

• An icon since the mid-19th century, Saint John’s Cathedral is Antigua’s greatest architectural achievement and a magnificent structure to visit on a stroll around St. John’s.
• For the full Antigua and Barbuda experience, be sure to visit some of the neighboring islands: Great Bird Island, Prickly Pear Island, and Long Island. The color palette that paints the sky at sunset is a romantic sight you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
• Head to Antigua’s southern coast for stunning ocean views and historical sites at Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Tour the Dockyard Museum, enjoy a drink at The Galley Bar, and capture the amazing views at Shirley Heights with the perfect honeymoon photo.
• Antigua is more than just beaches, and the best way to appreciate its rich rainforests is with an adrenaline-fueled Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours adventure! You can even pair the experience with a kayak tour for a quiet exploration of the island’s southern coast.
• Learn all about local history at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, a former 18th-century courthouse that is home to the country’s most prized artifacts.
• Fort James, on the edge of St. John’s, is both a fascinating historical site and one of the best spots for enjoying the calm, Caribbean waters. Make an afternoon out of it by stopping at Beachlimerz for freshly caught lobster and mahi-mahi.
• Did flying into the country only whet your appetite for seeing the incredible islands by air? Book a CalvinAir Helicopter Tour to experience the view like only the country’s Frigatebirds do.
• You’ll already feel like the luckiest couple on earth during your Antigua and Barbuda honeymoon, so try putting your luck to the test at King’s Casino in St. John’s!

Antigua and Barbuda Restaurants & Local Cuisine

The fresh seafood and jerk chicken that many Caribbean nations are known for is kicked up a few notches in Antigua and Barbuda. From fine dining to beachfront snack shacks, scrumptious local cuisine is available everywhere you turn. Even the side dishes are mouthwatering delights, like the sweet potato dumpling dish known as ducana and the tasty roti flatbreads. As with many Caribbean islands, the country is known for its local rum that can be enjoyed straight at Antigua Distillery or in a delicious rum punch while relaxing on the beach.

Romantic dining options are in abundance on Antigua. Don’t miss these scrumptious spots:

• Sheer Rocks is one of the best-known restaurants in the country…and for good reason! Enjoying the cliffside restaurant’s Antiguan bouillabaisse or seared yellow-fin tuna steak at sunset is simply heaven.
• A candlelit dinner at Le Bistro Restaurant is the perfect conclusion to any day thanks to a menu of French and local favorites.
• Perched upon a cliff for terrific Caribbean views, The Cove Restaurant provides the ideal romantic atmosphere for celebrating newlyweds. Couples will enjoy a blend of Caribbean and French dishes along with an extensive wine list.

Here are some additional favorites for a quick lunch or laid-back dinner:

• The expert staff at Uncle Roddy’s will make you feel right at home. The Barbuda favorite serves up fresh seafood at a beachfront location that has to be seen to be believed.
• A casual brunch, lunch, or dinner is always waiting to be savored at Catherine’s Cafe. The cafe is located right on Pigeon Point Beach in Antigua for a relaxing atmosphere.
• Abracadabra on Antigua’s English Harbour is a favorite destination for both authentic Italian dishes and a bit of dancing to live local music.

Expert Tip: Antigua is known for having the sweetest pineapple in the world! The Antigua Black Pineapple is quite rare outside of the country, so be sure to enjoy this candy-like fruit at its source.

Antiguan and Barbudan Culture & Considerations

Language
English is the official language of Antigua and Barbuda, so international travelers will have no problem interacting with locals. Similar to other island nations, there is a specific dialect called Antiguan Creole that blends some African influences into British English. The fun phrases include “Me yah” for “I’m doing well,” “Ah wha g’wan?” for “What’s up?”, and “Eh tase good” for “It tastes good.” Traditional English is largely replacing the local dialect, so picking up these phrases isn’t essential. But with British influences, Americans with a sweet tooth might just want to remember that a cookie is a biscuit!

Safety
Both Antigua and Barbuda are among the safest Caribbean islands, so visitors need not worry about enjoying the island’s many locations and activities. As with any destination, it’s always best to make use of your hotel’s resources for storing your valuables during the day to ensure that your once-in-a-lifetime vacation isn’t disrupted. Also, meet with your resort’s concierge to get local travel information and book off-resort excursions.

Tipping
Outside of any specific resort policies regarding tipping, the practice is appreciated in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. Many restaurants in the country add a 10% service charge directly to your check, so be sure to review it prior to settling the bill. Tipping is not necessarily expected, but 15-20% (or 5-10% on top of the 10% service charge) will definitely be appreciated and worth your while.

The limitless joys of Antigua and Barbuda have made it a universal honeymoon favorite. After experiencing the all inclusive resorts, spotless beaches, and lively cultural scene, you’ll be busy making plans to return on your anniversary!

Click here to receive your custom Antigua & Barbuda honeymoon quote from one of our certified honeymoon specialists today!

Traveling to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda Weather
The average temperature throughout the year in Antigua and Barbuda only ranges from 77 degrees in January to 83 degrees in August. The milder temperatures, as well as the rainy season between mid-June and mid-November, make the winter and early spring months the most popular time to visit. The warm Antigua and Barbuda weather extends to the sea, too. Sea temperatures always average between 79 and 84 degrees, so swimming is a year-round activity.

COVID-19 Considerations
In following with the policies of other Caribbean nations, Antigua and Barbuda require that visitors be fully vaccinated and present a negative test within several days of travel. These regulations are being reassessed on a regular basis, so be sure to check the latest guidelines with plenty of time to spare. Or simply talk to your travel agent for a quick update!

Flights to Antigua and Barbuda
Lovebirds without wings will want to book a flight to the country via V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) on Antigua. Despite the island’s small size, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada are just a few of the major airlines that book direct flights from New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, and Toronto.

Barbuda doesn’t have an international airport, so visitors fly into Antigua and utilize the Barbuda Express ferry, which provides a 90-minute ride straight from St. John’s to Barbuda. Schedules can vary, but the ferry typically runs seven days a week. Definitely consider the “Whole Island Experience” Tour (Tuesdays and Thursdays) that includes a roundtrip ride and guided tour of the island.

Ground Transfers
Getting around Antigua is simple thanks to its small size and numerous buses and taxis. Renting a car at the airport is convenient and affordable, and provides a great way to see all that the island has to offer. Your resort may also offer roundtrip airport transportation, so make sure to ask when you book your accommodations.

Keep in mind that the Barbuda Express ferry is for pedestrians only, so plan on either booking a Barbuda tour through the Barbuda Express, hailing a taxi, or renting a bike upon arrival to Antigua’s sister island.

There’s also Pick-Me-Up, which provides private, on-demand taxi service in both Antigua and Barbuda.