Based in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua has long since been a favourite honeymoon destination. Part of the country of Antigua and Barbuda (a nation predominantly made up of two islands - Antigua, and it's less-commercialised sister, Barbuda) it is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands and is a tropical paradise with fabulous white sandy beaches, outstanding climate and intriguing history.
Approx flight time to Antigua from the UK
8.5 hrs
GMT
-4 hrs
Language in Antigua
English
Currency in Antigua
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Best Time to Visit Antigua
The months of January to June are slightly better options than July to December as there is typically a little less rain. That said for anyone planning an Antigua honeymoon or wedding, the temperature is pretty consistent throughout the year at around 30 degrees and even the rainier months aren’t a cause for concern. During late July and early August the Antigua Carnival is held - a fabulous spectacle and definitely worth the possible increase in rainfall.
Best Beaches in Antigua
Darkwood Beach at the south-west of Antigua is a haven for snorkelers whilst Half Moon Bay on the east coast is also a must visit. With so many beaches to check out, Antigua is often said to have a beach for every day of the year, each one stunningly beautiful, with miles of white sand gently sloping into azure waters. For something truly different and memorable visit Long Bay, the water is so shallow you can walk all the way out to the coral reefs.
For Activity Lovers
For those couples choosing to honeymoon in Antigua there are a host of activities on offer. Popular pursuits include hiking, sailing and kayaking, not to mention unbeatable scuba diving and snorkelling around fascinating ship wrecks and reefs. Golf, riding and tennis are also likely to be available through your tour company or hotel.
Local Flavours of Antigua
Antigua offers the honeymoon couple a large variety of culinary options. International cuisine is widely available but tracking down a local restaurant is not too difficult. Local cooking tends to use a lot of seafood and West Indian spices (which often find their way in to a lot of the more international dishes as well). For those not keen on seafood dishes try Souse (Pork marinated in lime juice and spices) or Pepperpot Stew (Salted beef and pork with local vegetables and cornmeal dumplings).
On a Night in Antigua
Nightlife in Antigua is low key and is based in the bars and restaurants of the large hotel resorts. There are also bars and nightclubs in the larger tourist areas which make for excellent nights out as well as casinos in some of the larger hotels for those of you who fancying a flutter.
Shopping in Antigua
Shopping is probably not something that Antigua is renowned for however that doesn’t mean you won’t find some fabulous items to put in your case on the way home. There are a host of duty free shops selling everything from branded liqueurs to upscale jewellery, perfume and handbags. Failing that, for something more eclectic to remember your Antigua honeymoon by, keep your eyes out for local art, crafts and island made pottery.
Top Resorts in Antigua
You can’t really pick the wrong resort for your Antigua honeymoon though there are a couple of options depending on your preferences. The south west of Antigua, where Darkwood Beach, Coco Beach and Turners Beach can all be found, provides peace and tranquillity for its visitors. The northwest coast, home to the island’s capital St. John’s, has most of the well developed resorts resulting in a slightly busier feel.