Top 17 Antigua All Inclusive Resorts and Boutique Hotels: An Honest Review
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Dreaming of an island escape where everything is taken care of—and the views are just as breathtaking as the cocktails? Antigua delivers in every way.
From luxurious all-inclusive resorts to stylish boutique stays that feel like a secret hideaway, this Caribbean gem has a stay for every kind of traveler. I have handpicked these Antigua hotels that are worth adding to your bucket list.
And if you are wondering, yes, I have seen them all. It was part of my job when I lived in Antigua a few years ago.
So this is a candid personal review. For your information, I have also included some hotels that I haven’t personally visited, but they have received great reviews, so I couldn’t leave them out. So let’s dive into the most beautiful Antigua all-inclusive resorts.
PLANNING A TRIP TO ANTIGUA? HERE ARE MY FAVORITE
MY FAVORITE HOTELS
- The Inn at English Harbour best for couples for the ultimate luxury experience
- JOLLY BEACH ANTIGUA – best for budget-conscious families
- BUCCANEER – great self-catering option with mid-range prices
MY TOP FAVORITE TOURS IN ANTIGUA
- Xtreme adventure tour – This amazing small group boat tour with stops to great snorkeling points and hidden beaches.
- Scenic tour of Antigua – A great way to see all the highlights of Antigua in one day with a knowledgeable guide –
- Snorkel – Lobster Lunch Cruise to Bird and Maiden Island – Amazing boat tour that includes great snorkeling and a lobster lunch on a private beach (Except May and June, when you will be served other types of fish)
RENTING A CAR IN ANTIGUA – Discover Cars
GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO YOUR HOTEL – WELCOME PICKUP Private transfer
Top Luxury Antigua All-Inclusive Resorts
1. Hermitage Bay
Hermitage Bay (photo in the header) is the perfect place for a romantic escape.
Among Antigua‘s All-Inclusive Resorts, Hermitage Bay is one of the most elegant and luxurious, and it’s one of my favorites.
It’s built in a secluded bay just behind Jolly Harbour Marina.
With a total of 30 suites, 17 of which are located on the hillside, nestled in lush vegetation with spectacular views over the turquoise bay, and 13 are situated on the beach, closer to the main area and the water, but still guaranteeing the much-needed privacy.
The main element is wood, sourced from a sustainably managed forest in Guyana, which bestows a natural luxury feel throughout the property.
The spacious suites feature a simple yet sophisticated decor, with pristine white linen contrasting the dark wooden floors, the finest amenities, and a plunge pool right on the terrace overlooking the bay.
Oh Gosh! While writing this piece, I just picture myself in that pool sipping champagne (well, I would prefer a natural fruit juice, but that wouldn’t sound that fancy) while looking at the gorgeous bay.
Oh, I was about to forget. The dining experience is also one of a kind, with a rich menu that blends international flavors with tasty Creole cuisine, using, most of the time, the local vegetables grown on the property. Veggie-friendly and gluten-free options are also available.
Hermitage Bay believes in the importance of a natural, healthy environment and has a heartfelt concern for the well-being of staff and guests alike, and you can even feel the positive vibes running throughout the property.
Healing and restoration therapies are promoted by the luxurious organic treatments of the Garden Spa, certainly enhanced by the natural beauty of the surroundings.
This is a dream place for me, and I look forward to spending a few days there one day soon.
Additional information
- Adult-only property
- All-inclusive
- Hermitage Bay can organize watersports, private candlelight dinners, tours, and airport transfers.
Hermitage Bay Antigua review
Awesome relaxing and remote stay – The rooms on the hillside are ridiculous, one of the coolest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in, including anything from Aman or the Four Seasons.
👉 Check rates and availability for Hermitage Bay
2. Carlisle Bay
Among Antigua luxury Resorts, if Hermitage Bay is the perfect romantic hotel, Carlisle Bay is the ideal high-end option for a perfect family vacation.
I had the privilege to spend a couple of nights at Carlisle Bay, and I appreciated the elegant look of the pastel tones and the modern feel of the spacious room, decorated with the finest features and amenities.
The long stretch of beach and the shallow waters of the sea are perfect for kids to swim in tranquillity, and adults as well.
The dining experience offered by the four restaurants features top-notch options, ranging from local to international cuisine.
Although it’s one of the best Antigua All-inclusive resorts, you can also choose the Breakfast plan if you think it’s more suitable for your kind of vacation. I would choose that if you are not a big drinker or eater.
This way you will also feel free to try some of the other restaurants in Antigua.
The healing center, located in a tranquil space nestled in the beautiful garden, comprises a Spa, for soothing massage therapies, a Yoga pavilion for private or group yoga sessions, and a fully equipped gym, for a complete rejuvenation program, as desired.
👉 Check rates and availability for Carlyle Bay on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
3. Jumby Bay
Located on a private island, a 15-minute ride from the Antiguan coast, Jumby Bay Resort is a spectacular luxury property featuring 40 suites scattered throughout a manicured garden on 300 acres of land, along with 15 private villas.
Jumby Bay is considered the best resort in Antigua as it won the Antigua and Barbuda Leading Resort Award in 2023!
It’s one of the most private and luxurious Antigua resorts and feels a bit like living on your own private island.
The guests can enjoy top-notch dining at the three international restaurants, with sweeping sandy beaches suitable for kids and adults alike, and a wide range of watersport activities.
The hotel prides itself on providing exceptional, personalized service for its guests, who are pampered from the moment they arrive at the airport until they depart.
While Rosewood Resorts once owned it, Jumby Bay is now part of the Oetker Collection, known internationally for its high level of luxury.
They also have private villas with butler services if you feel like splurging, that’s the perfect place.
👉 Check rates and availability at Jumby Bay on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
4. Curtain Bluff
Curtain Bluff prides itself on being one of the few 100% all-inclusive resorts in the world, with exceptional service, top-notch cuisine, and a wide array of activities, such as diving, tennis, and much more that are completely free for their guests.
They are so much pampered that they cannot help but return every year.
To add to the magic, Curtain Bluff is also blessed with a strategic location. The exquisite Caribbean-styled suites are in fact located along a bluff towering over the blue Caribbean sea and facing, on both sides, amazing views of the sea and pristine beaches.
Other amenities on-site at this Antigua all-inclusive hotel include two swimming pools, a luxury spa, PADI dive center, a wine cellar, and two restaurants.
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
5. Sandals Grande Antigua | All-Inclusive Resort and Spa (Couples Only)
I have to make a preliminary remark here. Sandals Grande Antigua is one of my least favorite all-inclusive resorts in Antigua.
I am mentioning it here because one of my lovely readers was wondering why it was not included in my list since it has such a fantastic beach.
You can read my reply in the comments below, but I also wanted to give it its due. Sandals hotels, in general, are not the type of hotels where I would spend a vacation.
They are too big, too crowded, and too standardized, and it’s far from my idea of luxury.
But you should know that I have worked at Sandals Grande Antigua for 9 months as Director of Guest Services and although it was a great experience, Sandals is not my place.
I would much rather stay in more intimate boutique hotels, such as Hermitage Bay or Cocobay, to name a few, which I find much more elegant and exclusive with personalized world-class service.
And if you are wondering about the beach. Yes, Sandals Beach is unarguably fabulous, but it’s not difficult to find a great beach in Antigua, including, but not limited to, the beaches of the above-mentioned hotels.
If you like this kind of hotel, by all means, go for it. Sandals is a great hotel overall. The food is great, and the service is too, just not my gem. 😉
👉 Check rates and availability for Sandals on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
6. Royalton Antigua Resort & Casino
If you’ve been daydreaming of sleeping in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, I have great news for you – you don’t need to travel across the world! Part of the reason Royalton is often considered one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Antigua is because of its overwater bungalows.
Each overwater bungalow comes equipped with an overwater hammock, an infinity plunge pool, and a personal butler. Sounds like an absolute dream, doesn’t it?!
👉 Check rates and availability at Royalton on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Luxury Boutique Hotels in Antigua
7. The Inn at English Harbour
A proud Member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand, The Inn at English Harbour is a real gem, and quite unique in Antigua. I consider it one of the best resorts in Antigua.
The elegant colonial-style home harmoniously blends with a modern luxury feel, making it an exquisite hideaway for a romantic escape or a rejuvenating vacation in bliss and tranquility.
From the restaurant terrace, you can admire the spectacular views over the pristine private beach and the manicured gardens, while enjoying a top-class dining experience.
The beach bar and restaurant offer great lunch options and generous breakfasts, while a variety of external excursions are available to complement the tranquility experienced on the property.
The lovely spacious suites scattered around the beautiful property are attentively decorated with original pieces of art, brought from all over the world by the owners, and furnished with the finest linen and top-quality amenities.
Also, privacy and tranquillity are guaranteed.
Other Services:
- SPA
- Tennis courts
- Watersport
- Water shuttle to English Harbour
- Swimming pool
- Fitness Centre
- Concierge Service
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
8. Keyonna Beach Hotel | Adult Only
Keyonna Beach is a relatively new luxury boutique hotel right on Turner Beach which is one of the best beaches in Antigua.
An all-inclusive adult-only property is the best luxury getaway for a couple searching for an intimate and high-end getaway on the beach.
Unfortunately, they don’t accept single travelers or groups. Just a couple. This is the perfect intimate Antigua Hotel for a honeymoon!
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
9. The Escape at Nonsuch Bay
The Escape is a small adults-only resort within the Nonsuch Bay Resort complex. Each suite features a pool and is quite spacious, measuring approximately 600 square feet, with either a garden or bay view.
There are several restaurant options, and you can even indulge in luxurious amenities, such as a floating sushi boat or a flower-filled bath, for an additional fee.
👉 Check rates and availability for The Escape on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Laid-Back Luxury Antigua All-Inclusive Resorts
10. Galley Bay
Galley Bay is another one of my favorite hotels in Antigua. I was debating whether I should have actually moved it among the top luxury hotels. Still, I chose this category instead because it’s a little less pretentious than the above-mentioned luxury resorts.
It’s an adult-only all-inclusive with a spectacular, almost private beach, only shared with a beautiful house on the cliffs at the end of the beach, owned by the Italian stylist Giorgio Armani.
The hotel offers exceptional service and a premier dining experience. The comfortable rooms are nicely decorated with a Caribbean fee,l and you can choose from different categories and locations.
A lovely beachfront yoga pavilion and boardwalk have been recently added, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the guest experience.
👉 Check rates and availability at Galley Bay Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
11. Cocobay
Small and cozy, Cocobay is a cute property that offers the best value for money all-inclusive on the island. Chic but not pretentious.
When I was there, the food did not live up to their promises, but the location, situated on a bluff with spectacular views and cozy rooms, definitely made up for it. Its beach, close to Frye’s Bay, is also amazing.
While I was away, the hotel has been refurbished and upscaled to make it even more beautiful.
Still, the best value for money, especially if you are not fond of too sophisticated an environment. This is the laid-back luxury that we love.
👉 Check rates and availability for Cocobay on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
12. The Verandah Resort
The Verandah hotel belongs to the Elite Islands Resorts group, which owns Galley Bay and other hotels in Antigua and other Caribbean islands.
The hotel is especially suited for families, and it has a great kids program. 2 semi-private beaches with watersport activities are great for kids to swim in their shallow waters.
The hotel is located just a few steps from Long Bay Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Antigua
What guests appreciate the most about this resort is the exquisite dining experience and the exceptional service.
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
13. Pineapple Beach Resort
This charming hotel has recently undergone a complete makeover after being acquired by the Elegant Resorts hotel group.
I haven’t visited the hotel since the remake, but I noticed from the pictures that the rooms have undergone a nice revamping, and it’s now an adults-only hotel.
The pool also has been redone; however, this is not a concern when you are on one of the best beaches of Antigua, Long Bay Beach.
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Low-Key Antigua All-Inclusive Resorts
14. Jolly Beach
Among Antigua’s all-inclusive family resorts Jolly Beach is definitely the most affordable, on one of the best beaches in Antigua.
It’s located right at the back of Jolly Beach Marina, lined with a nice boardwalk and nice restaurants.
You don’t need to have any expectations from the hotel, though, as the property it’s pretty basic.
However, among all the all-inclusive hotels in Antigua, this is the least pricy one.
The kindness of the staff and the beach will make up for the old and tired structure that definitely needs a facelift.
I lived at Jolly Beach for one year, and I loved it, but I also understand the disappointment of an unwary tourist with too high expectations.
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Small Boutique Hotels and Self-Catering Apartments
15. The Buccaneer Beach Club
Besides the hotels mentioned above, you can find this cute little property with lovely self-catering apartments, with a fully equipped kitchen and 1 or 2 bedrooms.
The units are nicely decorated and feature a beautiful garden, a lovely pool, and a spectacular beach just a few steps away.
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
16. Antigua Yacht Club
Located right in the Marina, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms nicely furnished and decorated with great views over the harbor.
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
17. South Point Antigua
I have to say this hotel was built after I left the island but I have heard from local friends that’s a really good stylish and elegant property. Located right on the marina but further uphill, in a tranquil area.
👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
When Is The Best Time to Visit Antigua?
Now that you have your dream all-inclusive Antigua resort picked out (or at least a few ideas!), you may be wondering about the best time to visit Antigua
Antigua stays pretty warm year-round, typically in the 80s °F, which makes it a great “anytime” destination.
However, there are a few seasons to be aware of:
- HIGH SEASON. Antigua is busiest from December to April when everyone is trying to escape the cold. Prices tend to be higher during these months.
- SHOULDER SEASON. May and mid-June are considered shoulder seasons, though there are still quite a lot of cruise ship visitors. The weather is lovely, though!
- RAINY SEASON. June to November brings the most rain, but don’t dismiss it entirely. The weather is still warm, and it doesn’t usually rain all day. Note that June to November is hurricane season, which definitely affects the island, so if you book during that time, be sure to keep an eye on the weather and have a backup plan!
Antigua All-inclusive Resorts: Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best part of Antigua to stay?
I love staying in the English Harbour area because it offers both the historic side and a pleasant area to walk around, complete with nice restaurants and shops.
If you want to stay close to St John’s, it may be more chaotic, but you could stay on Dickenson Bay and be only a 10-minute drive.
Most people love the Jolly Harbour area where Jolly Beach Hotel is located, and its beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Antigua.
Do I need a car in Antigua?
Or you can also choose to rent a car for a couple of days and explore. I used to love driving around Antigua and exploring all the beautiful beaches. It’s easy, but make sure you read my posts first for valuable tips. It’s the best way to get around Antigua.
Do you tip in Antigua all-inclusive?
Please note that a service charge will be included in your bill, which is intended to cover the cost of tipping.
Can you drink alcohol in Antigua?
Is Antigua Safe?
Antigua All-Inclusive Hotels: Final Thoughts
I hope this post was helpful and you now have a better idea of the best all-inclusive hotels in Antigua, but also some of the most affordable options. If you are wondering, yes, Antigua and Barbuda is quite an expensive destination, but so are all the other Caribbean islands. However, there is a way to explore it without breaking the bank. Depending on your budget, there is a place for everyone. I hope you found yours in this article
You did not mention the all inclusive resort, St. James Club. Can you tell me anything about that resort and how it compares to Pineapple Beach Resort?
Hello Jayme, thanks for writing in. Both resorts belong to the same company Elite Island Resorts, which is a guarantee of exceptional service. Both resorts that you mentioned have quite the same standard which I would call “laid-back luxury”. The main differences between them lay in the fact that Pineapple is a couple-only resort, while St. James Club cater also for families and solo travelers. The second big difference is location. Pineapple is located on one of the most popular beaches in Antigua, the Long bay beach, also great for snorkeling and open to the public. In fact, it gets busy on the weekends. However keep in mind that it’s a very long beach so normally external tourists don’t stay in front of the resort, even if they could because in Antigua all beaches are public. St. James’ Club is located in a more secluded area, and, if I remember well, in order to have access to their beaches you have to pass through the resort, which means that both beaches are basically “private” in a way. For other differences in layout and decor, I would suggest you check out both hotel pages to have a better idea as they have great realistic pictures! And yes, the color of the sea is exactly how you see it in pictures. Oh my! I miss Antigua! š All in all, wherever you decide to stay you are going to have a blast! Please let me know how you loved Antigua! š Happy travels!
You are being paid promo fees to name these places and receive money from them
This is not an independent review !!
Hello Li, thank you for bringing this up. As clearly stated on top of the post, I receive a small commission from Booking.com and Hotels.com at no cost for you. I don’t get paid by the resorts themselves because I like to be free from any biases. So my reviews about each resort are indeed genuine and state exactly what I think of them, with no pressure from anyone. In fact, if you read the entire post I speak about my favorite ones, and I clearly state when I don’t like a particular resort and explain my reasons. I hope this clarifies. Enjoy Antigua!
Hello Isabella
I am curious, given the popularity of Sandals Grande Antigua, why it was not mentioned at all. I have been told the beach is gorgeous. The beach is extremely important to us.
Hello Lily,
thanks for writing in, and for the great question. Ironically enough, I have worked at Sandals Grande Antigua for 9 months as Director of guests’ services and although it was a great experience, Sandals is not the kind of hotel where I would go on vacation, too big and crowded. I prefer 10 thousand-fold smaller and more intimate boutique hotels, such as Hermitage Bay or Cocobay, to name a few. There you get the essence of Antigua. At Sandals, you could be anywhere. That’s why I didn’t mention it in my list of favorite hotels in Antigua because it’s not. But now that you mention it, I will add it to the list, with my honest review. The beach is undeniably amazing but not more beautiful than the beach in the above-mentioned hotels and many others. The thing is, it’s not difficult to find a great beach in Antigua. I hope I answered your question. If you have more I will be happy to answer. I miss Antigua so much and I love talking about it. I am sure that wherever you decide to stay you will have a blast. I would appreciate it if you could book through one of my links so that I will get a small commission from the booking platform at zero cost for you. š I would be eternally grateful. And please let me know how your vacation goes. I would love to hear and live vicariously through your experience. I hope to be able to visit again soon as well. š Happy travels
Hello thanks for your review but can you help me pick the best one for my buck Looking to take the wife for her birthday
Hello Lionel, I am glad you liked my review. I’ll be happy to help you further, but I will need to know more about what kind of property you like and your budget. You can send me an email at [email protected] with more info and the date of your trip and I will be happy to research the best option for you. š