Elena Mallia 
If you’re looking for a dreamy and relaxing getaway, the Caribbean island of Antigua (part of Antigua and Barbuda, not Guatemala!), with its chill vibe, breathtaking landscapes, and calm waters, is for you! I decided to write this travel guide on where to stay in Antigua to help you pick a perfect spot!
The best place to stay in Antigua is the capital, Saint John’s, as it is the main hub of the island, which means it has everything you need for the perfect vacation.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a bit different, I’ve got you covered with 3 more areas that I sorted by interest! I compared all the top-rated hotels for all areas and included options for all budgets, so it’ll be super easy for you to book your stay!
Remember to book your favorite hotel in Antigua far in advance. Otherwise, other travelers may take your spot in this beautiful paradise!
If you are in a hurry
These are the best hotels up for grabs in St. John’s:
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map showing the best areas so you can easily visualize where all the best hotels in Antigua are located:
- Saint John’s: for first-timers
- English Harbour : for nightlife
- Jolly Harbour: for families
- Dickenson Bay: for beach lovers
1. Saint John’s – where to stay in Antigua for the first time
On the Northwest coast of the island, you will find the capital and bustling heart of Antigua – Saint John’s, the perfect place to stay in Antigua if it’s your first time here!
This charming town brims with colorful buildings, historic attractions, big shopping malls, and interesting museums, so you’ll get a real feel of the culture here!
If you’re a history enthusiast, some must-see things during your holiday are the ancient Fort James (map), St. John’s Cathedral Baroque Cathedral (map), and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, where you’ll learn a lot about the island’s past and present.
I know what you’re thinking. What about the beaches? No worries. Here, you’ll also have easy access to some of Antigua’s best beaches, like the secluded Hawksbill Bay (map) and Runaway Beach (map).
Last but not least, Saint John’s lively town is just 15 minutes from the island’s airport (VC Bird International Airport), so you won’t have to worry about missing your flight or long transfers!
PRO TIP: Bring a mosquito repellent on your trip to Antigua—they’re a real thing on the island most of the year. Mosquitoes are especially prevalent during the most humid months, but these should be avoided anyway because this is also hurricane season (September to November).
Note that there aren’t any hotels in the city itself. I made sure to include nearby options that are part of the Saint John parish in the Northern part of the island. Just to help you orient yourself better, there are 3 other parishes on the island: Saint Mary in the West, Saint Philip in the East, and Saint Paul to the South.
Located right on the beachfront of Turners Beach, this boutique hotel offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Montserrat Island, plus an all-inclusive package! Here, you can spend your days relaxing at the outdoor swimming pool, eat delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, and try a wide selection of Caribbean rums at the bar. And wait until you see the hotel rooms, all offering modern amenities and private verandas. Note that this hotel is for couples only and does not allow children. The perfect choice for a romantic getaway!
Other accommodation options in Saint John’s
A beautiful hotel set right on the beach with onsite dining, tropical gardens, and suites that include kitchenettes
Check out one of the best places to stay in Antigua on a budget, with free Wi-Fi and private parking
Stay like a local in the center of St. John’s in this apartment with AC and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in St John’s
- Enjoy a historical tour of the island with a beach visit
- Check out the historic Fort James from the 18th century
- Go on a scenic jeep tour with lunch
- Browse the lively shops and restaurants of Redcliffe Quay (map)
- Swim, splash, and take some sun in at Runaway Beach
- Join a safari to get close to the Antigua wildlife
- Attend a rum cooking class at a local’s home
- Learn about the history of the island at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
2. English Harbour – where to stay in Antigua for nightlife
English Harbour town lies on the Southern shores of Antigua’s Saint Paul parish. It’s just a 40-minute drive from Saint John’s, and is home to the best nightlife on the island!
I’m telling you, the area’s countless waterfront bars, live reggae music, and DJ sets are hard to beat, so look no further if you’re coming to the island to party! Dockyard Drive (map) is the central spot for bars and restaurants!
This is also the perfect place to spend leisure time sipping tropical cocktails, enjoying delicious Caribbean cuisine, and gazing at breathtaking water views! Nelson’s Dockyard is the top historic spot in town, where you’ll find a naval history museum (map), shops, and restaurants.
But English Harbour has also got you covered with varied activities like hiking, sailing, and diving! You can explore the natural and historic sites, such as the natural formation of the Pillars of Hercules (map) and Shirley Heights (map), an observatory from the colonial era offering panoramic views!
You’ll be happy to know that the area also hosts some of the island’s best beaches, like Galleon Beach (map), where you can snorkel or work on your tan, or the nearby Rendezvous Bay and Carlisle Bay, where you can have a tranquil getaway with your family or a couple. So, English Harbour actually fits everyone’s needs!
PRO TIP: For a more low-key experience in the area, I recommend Falmouth, a nice neighborhood that sits just a 5-minute ride away and has some nice bed & breakfasts!
South Point Antigua is definitely one of the best places to stay in Antigua if you want to get spoiled! Located only a 6-minute walk from the beach, this amazing luxury hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a private beach area, so you can enjoy full relaxation during your holiday. The property offers many other cool facilities like grocery deliveries, an ironing service, and a laundry; you really won’t have to worry about anything here!
Other accommodation options in English Harbour
This amazing hotel in the English Harbour offers a private beach, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool
Stay on a budget in English Harbour in this affordable hotel with 2 restaurants and a bar on-site
Check out this stylish studio at the English Harbour, where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze from your veranda
Things to do in English Harbour
- Party at Shirley Heights Lookout (map) beachside restaurant
- Explore the incredible Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
- Go snorkeling or work on your tan at Galleon Beach
- Try the iconic Susie’s Hot Sauce in one of the restaurants in English Harbour
- Go snorkeling in the paradisiac waters of Carlisle Bay (map)
- Sail all the way around the island on this one-day trip
3. Jolly Harbour – where to stay in Antigua for families
Jolly Harbour is nestled on the West coast of the island, in the Saint Mary parish, around half an hour’s drive from Antigua Saint John’s. This is a beautiful resort town with palm-fringed white sand beaches surrounded by green landscapes. I always say this area is ideal for families with kids!
Saint Mary’s Jolly Harbour has activities and attractions for any age, including water sports activities, boat tours, shopping options, bars, fine dining restaurants for lazy evenings, and even an 18-hole championship golf course on your doorstep!
If you’re visiting during the spring or winter, make sure to check out the Saturday’s farmer market in Jolly Harbour in the commercial center near the marina!
And if you go a little more inland, you can bring the family to hike in the picturesque trails of Greencastle Hill National Park (map), where you’ll see volcanic rock formations and take in sweeping island views! Sounds perfect, I know!
Due to the lack of accommodation in Jolly Harbour itself, for the mid-range option below I chose a hotel within Saint Mary parish, less than 3 miles (4.8 km) from Jolly Harbour. However, you’ll find tons of mid-range Airbnbs in the Harbour itself!
Tamarind Hills Resort & Villas Bolans
This stunning resort with villas is perfect for families traveling with kids! It’s located just by the beach, has an outdoor swimming pool, top-class service, and a gym on-site! You have all the amenities you need for family trips like a kitchen, a dishwasher, a fridge, and non-smoking rooms. Past visitors especially recommend the oceanview suite with a private jacuzzi!
Other accommodation options in Jolly Harbour
A lovely hotel with free parking and a beachfront location that welcomes children older than 13
Find the best value for the price in this affordable property, offering a patio with garden views and a terrace
A centrally-located villa for 4 guests, spacious and cozy, ideal for families
Things to do in Jolly Harbour
- Swim, splash, and have long walks at Jolly Beach (map)
- See volcanic rock formations at Greencastle Hill National Park
- Spend a day at the lovely Valley Church Beach and Bay (map)
- Go scuba diving or sailing with Catch the Cat tour company (map)
- Spend a lazy beach day at Turners Beach
- Eat at the fine dining restaurant Sea Dream Restaurant and Bar (map)
- Explore the scenic views from Ffryes Beach (map)
4. Dickenson Bay – the best area in Antigua for beach lovers
Located a 10-minute drive North of Saint John, Dickenson Bay is one of the most stunning and popular areas for beach vacations on the island. It features clean and pristine beaches, aquamarine waters, and tropical palms!
The Dickenson Bay Beach (map) is the main one, but there’s also Bush Bay (map) in the same area.
The beaches here are quieter and less crowded than many other places on the island so you can easily relax, but at the same time, there are many engaging activities like water sports and excursions (there’s a coral reef just nearby) for the more active visitors.
Antigua has 365 beaches despite being 14 miles (22 km) long and 11 miles (17 km) wide! That’s 1 beach for every day of the year! How awesome!
Another benefit of staying at Dickenson Bay beach is its great infrastructure, from the beachfront hotels and fine dining restaurants where you can eat fresh seafood, to sunbeds, umbrellas, and restroom facilities. So you really don’t have to worry about anything while you’re here!
And when you’ve had enough time under the sun at the beach, I recommend a visit to the adjacent Cedar Grove for a mix of the charming and modern on the island, where you can truly feel the soul of the local people and get an insight into their daily life!
In Dickenson Bay, you can find hotels for all tastes and budgets, so let’s take a look at them together:
Blue Waters Resort and Spa will bring your stay in Antigua to another level! This luxury hotel is situated on 17 acres of tropical gardens, literally a 1-minute walk from the beach, and it features private infinity pools, 2 beaches, 3 a la carte restaurants, and 4 bars! But that’s not all; here, you’ll have access to a full-service spa, cool water sports like scuba diving, a fitness center to keep yourself in shape, and outdoor tennis courts to challenge your family and friends!
Other accommodation options in Dickenson Bay
This cool hotel offers fully equipped apartments with access to a garden and an outdoor swimming pool
Located a 10-minute walk from the beach, this hotel offers a garden and a year-round outdoor pool
Enjoy the best sunset views from these private villas: the best starting point to explore Dickenson Bay and beyond
Things to do in Dickenson Bay
- Lay on the beach and gaze at the amazing views from its shores
- Take a boat trip to Maiden Island and snorkel in a coral reef
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast by the ocean at Salt Plage (map)
- Spend a day relaxing far from the crowds at Bush Bay (map)
- Swim with turtles on a sea scooter snorkeling tour
| 👑 Luxury price: | $400 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | $200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $120 |
| 📍 Best area: | St. John’s |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Jolly Harbour |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Keyonna Beach Resort Antigua |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Siboney Beach Club |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Antigua Seaview |
BONUS: Best all-inclusive hotels in Antigua
If there’s something better than a tropical beach holiday, it is a beach holiday in an all-inclusive resort, where the only thing you have to worry about is your relaxation and enjoyment!
Good news! There are many hotels and resorts in Antigua that offer an all-inclusive package that includes access to private beaches, modern facilities, kids’ clubs, live entertainment, on-site restaurants, and much more.
I gathered the top all-inclusive resorts on the whole island and listed them in descending order from the most expensive to the least. Since they include everything in the price, they are a bit more expensive than regular hotels in Antigua, but oh so worth it.
And if you want to have even more options, check out our post about the best all-inclusive resorts in Antigua!
Luxury
- Jumby Bay Island – an Oetker Collection Hotel – Jumby Bay Island, an Oetker Collection Hotel, has everything you might need and more from an all-inclusive resort! From 5-star accommodations with a hammam to a children’s playground where you can leave your kids having fun, a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and evening entertainment, you’ll have something to do from the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep! Here, you can also enjoy different activities like hiking, snorkeling, and windsurfing in the close surroundings. What else do you need?
- Hermitage Bay – Located in the secluded Hermitage Bay, this all-inclusive beachfront hotel is set in 16 acres of tropical gardens. Guests can relax in the spa with a massage, dip in the outdoor pool, and break a sweat in the gym. The suites and cottages have amazing sea views, and some of them even have private pools. The beachfront restaurant serves local dishes made with organic products. At the beach, guests can take up a yoga or pilates class, as well as try their hand at some water sports.
- Curtain Bluff – Situated right on the beach in Carlisle Bay, Curtain Bluff offers rooms with balconies overlooking the sea. The hotel provides the opportunity for guests to practice sports like fishing and tennis or enjoy the pool and fitness center. There are 3 different places to have a meal, 2 of them offer international dishes for breakfast and dinner and the third one provides a lunch buffet service.
Mid Range
- Galley Bay Resort & Spa – All Inclusive – Check out this incredible all-inclusive resort featuring a private white sand beach where you can spend lazy days! But here there’s something to do for any taste and age… Get relaxing massages at the on-site Spa, enjoy outdoor activities like sailing, Hobie-cats, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and sun fishing, play on the tennis courts, or enjoy the nightly live entertainment offered at the on-site restaurant. And wait until you see the tropical rooms, all boasting colorful island artwork… check them out!
Budget
- Carlisle Bay – Who said that you need to break the bank to have an all-inclusive service? This amazing property located on Carlisle Bay is just a 1-minute walk from the ocean and features a private beach, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and even a fitness center with personal trainers. Some other pluses? The 3 restaurants and bars on-site serve international cuisines, the room service is offered 24 hours, and there is a children’s club for the youngest ones! The rooms are also great, offering a garden or ocean view, a balcony, and private bathrooms.
FAQs about where to stay in Antigua
🏖️What is the prettiest beach in Antigua?
The best beach in Antigua is Carlisle Beach, located on the South coast of Antigua, close to the English Harbour. This expansive beach offers the clearest waters on the island, fine sand, and excellent snorkeling!
📍Which is the best side to stay in Antigua?
The best side to stay in Antigua is the West coast, starting from St. John’s all the way along via Jolly Beach to the English Harbour. This is because the Caribbean Sea is calmer and it’s very easy to access the water.
👀 What are the best things to do in Antigua?
The best things to do in Antigua are definitely checking out its incredible sandy beaches like Runaway Beach, Half Moon Bay, and Galleon Beach, and exploring the capital, St. John’s.
👪 Which side of Antigua is the best for a family vacation?
The best side of Antigua for families is the West Coast, which offers calm waters, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of family-friendly activities and accommodations.
❌ Where not to stay in Antigua?
It’s advisable to steer clear of isolated beaches after dark and exercise caution in remote areas to ensure a safe visit to Antigua.
🌀 What is the best month to go to Antigua?
December, January, and February are the best months to visit! This being said, the worst time to visit Antigua is during the hurricane season, typically from June to November when the risk of severe storms is highest.
💸 Is it expensive in Antigua?
Antigua is moderately to highly-priced compared to other Caribbean destinations, which, in turn, are more expensive in general because they’re islands, and getting goods here needs extra resources and effort. So consider Antigua an expensive world destination.
4️⃣ How many days do you need in Antigua?
You need at least 4 days to experience the most of Antigua. Many visitors spend between 3 to 5 days before ending their vacation or heading to another destination in the Caribbean.
🤔 Is Antigua or Barbados better?
Barbados has more things to do, but both places have equally beautiful beaches. Choose Antigua if you want a more laid-back vacation, and definitely go to Barbados for the busy vibe.
🚗 Can you get around Antigua without a car?
Yes! You can use water taxis in English Harbour, and for other parts the minibus taxis that run on pre-set routes across the island. However, if you have limited time and plan to travel across the island, it’s better to get a rental car.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Antigua
Here we are at the end of this helpful travel guide about the best places to stay in Antigua, a Caribbean island with pristine beaches and calm waters.
We saw accommodation options for any budget and taste, including luxury hotels, vacation rentals, budget properties, and even some amazing all-inclusive resorts for a vacation full of comforts!
By now, you should have found the perfect hotel for your holiday in Antigua, but if you are still undecided, let me give you extra help with my 2 absolute favorite Antigua hotels:
- Keyonna Beach Resort Antigua – Check out this amazing all-inclusive hotel located right on the beachfront of Turners Beach, with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea!
- Siboney Beach Club –This hotel has a convenient location within walking distance of the best sandy beaches in Antigua, like the beautiful Runaway Beach
Remember, if you like a hotel, make sure you book it immediately or at least a few months in advance so you don’t risk losing the spot!
I hope you enjoyed reading my guide as much as I enjoyed writing it for you and doing all the research! If you still have any questions or comments for me, please share them below, and I will answer them as soon as possible!
Enjoy Antigua,
Elena
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Hi Elena,
Thanks for all the great info!! Question, my husband and I (42 and 44)will be first timers and we would like to go in February, we typically like to rent Airbnb, rent a car and explore. Would You suggest the St. John or Dickensen Bay? Are those good and safe areas to rent a villa? Any info would be appreciated!!
Hi Jodi!
Yes, both of those areas are an amazing choice!
Be sure to book a spot in advance though, these are 2 most popular areas and good hotels/apartments tend to sell out fast!