Blue Waters Resort & Spa
Blue Waters is the perfect location to experience the enchantment of a tropical island. The resort is spread out over…
Often called the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, Antigua and Barbuda is a real-life paradise for honeymooners. The country’s main island, Antigua, is only 108 square miles, and Barbuda is even smaller at 62 square miles. Though the country is tiny, all-inclusive resorts, renowned restaurants, and gorgeous beaches abound. In fact, there are 95 miles of beaches on Antigua alone, and it’s claimed that there are an eye-popping 365 beaches to explore. If there was ever a reason to extend a honeymoon, experiencing Antigua and Barbuda’s endless natural treasures is it!
Click here to receive a custom Antigua and Barbuda honeymoon quote from one of our certified honeymoon specialists today!
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
Here are some additional favorites for a quick lunch or laid-back dinner:
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.
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!
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 advisor 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.