Discover luxury tailor-made holidays in Antigua

If you’re seeking a sun-kissed beach holiday with stunning views over turquoise waters and rolling hills, topped off with a warm Caribbean atmosphere, look no further than Antigua. For 50 years, our team of Caribbean experts have been tailor-making the finest getaways to this captivating island, and can offer invaluable first-hand advice on creating your luxury Antigua holiday.

Find your luxury hotel in Antigua

From sun-drenched boutique hotels along secluded beaches to sprawling resorts overlooking the calm waters, find your perfect tropical Antigua holiday with our hand-picked hotel collection. 

Your luxury Antigua holiday

From the warm welcomes of the friendly islanders to the panoramic views of the beautiful neighbouring Caribbean islands and lush rainforest interior, a holiday in Antigua offers the ultimate tropical experience. Ideal for multi-generational families and couples alike, Antigua has a lot more to it than just sumptuous white beaches.

At Inspiring Travel, our team of experts have extensive first-hand knowledge of the island. After their many visits, they have an in-depth understanding of every experience, whether you're looking for a chilled out Antigua beach holiday or a sun-soaked family adventure. By taking the time to listen to you, they'll create an entirely bespoke luxury holiday, personally tailored, just for you.

  • Our Travel Specialists have extensive knowledge of the best hotels and will find one that suits you perfectly
  • Our concierge team know the best things to do and can arrange private experiences in advance
  • We’ll tailor-make every detail just for you, so every moment is one to remember
  • Your trip will be seamlessly organised, with 24/7 support while you’re travelling plus private transfers, premium flight cabins, lounge passes and any other travel essentials pre-booked for you

To start planning, speak to our team. As the luxury Antigua holiday experts, they'll make sure your escape is your idea of perfection.

Jacob

Travel Specialist

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Antigua holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Antigua travel information

When to visit Antigua

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  • Time zone: -4 GMT
  • Flight time: 8 hours 40 minutes
  • Recommended airlines: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic
  • Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, US Dollar
  • Tipping guideline: 10-15%
  • Health considerations: No major health risks
  • Capital: Saint John’s
  • Population: 93, 219
  • National languages: English
  • Electricity and plugs: Types A/B
  • Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
  • UK passport visa requirements: No (For stays up to 6 months)

Discover things to do in Antigua

Along with sugary sands and luxury hotels, you'll find an array of things to do. Our experts can tailor your holiday to you with bespoke Antigua experiences, from swimming with sea turtles and a range of watersports to enjoying an indulgent beach barbecue. Explore some of our top experiences or speak to us for more ideas.

Luxury Antigua Holidays FAQ's

Time difference: Antigua is four hours behind the UK (GMT -4 hours).

Flight duration: The flight to Antigua is about 8 hours and 40 minutes.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although US Dollars are also accepted.

Capital: Saint John’s.

Language: The official language of Antigua is English.

Visa information: British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Antigua. Visit the UK Government website for the most up to date travel advice.

When is the best time to travel to Antigua?

As it has a typical Caribbean climate, the winter months are the best time to travel to Antigua to enjoy the pristine beaches, warm Caribbean Sea and plenty of sunshine. It has long been a favourite amongst British travellers looking to soak in the glorious sunshine while the weather in the UK is cold. From December through to the middle of April is the high season, when the weather is the warmest and driest. 

If you're looking to avoid the larger crowds and take advantage of the lower prices, you could visit in the off season which runs from mid-April through to late November. Sunny Antigua remains relatively dry during most of the year, so you can still enjoy the idyllic beaches.

Luxury holidays to Antigua are ideal for

  • Couples
  • Family holidays
  • Beaches
  • Watersports
  • Twin centre holiday with other Caribbean islands, such as Anguilla, Nevis, St Martin or St Barths

How to get to Antigua

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London Gatwick, landing at Antigua's VC Bird International Airport in the north-eastern corner of the country, a 15-minute taxi ride from the capital, St John's.

Antigua Weather

The weather in Antigua is hot and dry all year round with even the highest temperatures cooled by refreshing sea breezes and the trade winds. The weather becomes unsettled between June and November, with storms an occasional possibility.

Colourful Antigua is the primary island of Antigua and Barbuda, known as Wadadli by indigenous Antiguans. With just over 100 square miles of paradise (that's only 11 miles wide and 14 long!), it's known for the warm welcome offered to visitors and a sandy beach for every day of the year!

Antigua is also known for its scenic harbours, including Falmouth Harbour, and rich naval history linked to its British heritage. Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is the perfect choice for a day trip; the site was once Britain's primary naval base for the whole north-eastern Caribbean. The UNESCO-recognised heritage Georgian harbour is still wonderfully atmospheric. A handful of bars, restaurants, workshops and museums sit alongside luxury Antigua hotels, catering to the sailing crowd who tend to dock here.

The famous capital is home to remaining vibrant and cheery Creole buildings that welcome you to St John's, which could be a metaphor for the Antiguan people you're likely to meet. Explore the city's cathedral, and the museum, to get a firm grip on the fascinating history of this island, colonial and beyond.

You won't be stuck for things to do here - there's a huge range of activities to tailor your Antigua holiday with. From exploring Devil's Bridge National Park to touring the sugar plantations and playing a game on the excellent tennis courts, you'll be temped away from the beach at least once!

Sailing

If you haven't already heard, Antigua is famous for its sailing – which is why it hosts several world-class boating events throughout the year. Its circular formation and constant trade winds make for excellent sailing conditions, while the endless secluded coves and harbours are perfect for anchoring. You can hire all sorts of boats, and the island's geography means that there is a boating experience on offer for everyone – for the more experienced sailors, the rugged east coast is ideal, whereas Dickenson Bay or the Jolly Harbour area are perfect for a more relaxing amateur sail.

Swimming with Turtles

Plus, a favourite amongst the locals and visitors alike is encountering the turtles. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to swim alongside them, or head to Jumby Bay Island to watch them hatch on the white sand beach and make their way to the sea. The water is so clear that you can even see the tropical creatures as you paddleboard, kayak or enjoy a relaxing boat trip.

To connect with more of the island's vibrant marine life, head over to Stingray City, which offers visitors a memorable experience snorkelling with tame sting ray, surrounded by unspoiled coral reef and spectacular scenery.

Hiking Trips

Back on land, the island boasts a range of activities from many popular hiking trips, with hilltop military lookout points and stunning views to be enjoyed. Although hiking remains a fairly underdeveloped organised activity, there's a wide range of nature trails and hiking trails to be explored; why not head up to the lively Shirley Heights via the gorgeous Lookout Trail for spectacular views - on a Sunday, this spot hosts a popular barbecue wit live music and lashings of Caribbean flavour.

Zip-Lining

For a unique adventure, try zip-lining through the lush Antiguan rainforest with a Canopy Tour – you need to be in pretty good shape, but the experience is unforgettable.

The local dishes are full of flavours from the island, from the rich and fruity flavours of the Antigua rum to hot and spicy delicacies like Susie’s hot sauce. Some of the famous dishes include ducana, a concoction of sweet potato, coconut and sugar. Another favourite is the seafood delicacy, conch.

Sourced from the local rum distilleries, you can pair your exquisite meals with a classic sweet rum punch, a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Or, perhaps you'd like to try the renowned Antigua drink, Wadadli Beer.

Try the delicious tastes of the island in unique ways for a holiday to remember. Either enjoy a barbecue with loved ones at the beach, or perhaps a private star-lit beach dining experience surrounded by the soothing sounds of the waves. If you prefer to dine in a restaurant, you can enjoy watching your food prepared in front of you by the chef.

Throughout the year, Antigua hosts a myriad of vibrant festivals that you might take into consideration when choosing a time to visit the island. 

From the end of April to the start of May, Sailing Week swings into action, which is the most popular of the events held on the island. Over five thousand spectators visit the regatta to watch over 300 yachts race across the turquoise water. Also in April is the Classic Yacht Regatta which means April is the ideal time for sailing enthusiasts to visit.

The Antigua Carnival is held in late July and early August and includes the wonderful combination of fantastic cuisine plus costumes and dancing. The island's Independence Day is on 1st of November and its heritage day on 29th of October.

 

Would you like to speak to a Antigua expert?

Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.

Call our Antigua team on

Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

The Inspiring Difference

Personal to you

  • We get to know you personally
  • Tailor-made holidays that are unique to you
  • Enhancing your escape with personal touches

Experts in luxury

  • Expert Travel Specialists with first-hand knowledge
  • Only the best premium travel experiences
  • Handpicked selection of world-class luxury resorts

Always here

  • Speak to us any time with 24-hour support
  • Premium concierge service
  • Personal relationships with our passionate team

Extensive experience

  • Nearly 50 years of bespoke luxury travel
  • Strong Relationships with industry partners
  • Diverse portfolio and exclusive experiences
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware

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