Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda, beautiful & romantic sister islands in the Caribbean! They are best known for their romantic appeal, crystal clear waters, pink and white-sandy beaches, and friendly people. With over 365 beaches, you have your pick for relaxing on the beach and enjoying the 95 miles of gorgeous coastline that hug the Caribbean Sea. But it doesn’t stop there; you are safe to roam, explore and be adventurous. From a just-because couple’s trip to a honeymoon or wedding, Antigua is the perfect romantic destination. It was voted the most romantic destination four times in a row by the World Travel Awards.
This blog post will cover everything you need to plan your trip to Antigua. It will include information on the best time to go, flight options, the process for getting married, hotel options, activities & date ideas, restaurants, day trips, and Black-owned businesses.
The Best Time To Go To Antigua
Antigua temperatures hoover in the 80s year round, so if your primary concern is warm, comfortable weather, you can go anytime! However, below are some other things to consider when choosing your dates:
December – February
This is peak season, and the dry season starts in January. Given that there is plenty of sunshine and minimum rain, this is one of the most pleasant times to go climate-wise. It is also one of the most expensive and busy, so book your flight and accommodations early for the best options and pricing.
March – April
If you are looking for a place to vacation on spring break without the typical spring breakers, Antigua is a good option. The pricing may be slightly less than the peak season but probably not significant.
May – November
This is the hurricane season. So, while you’ll likely get the best pricing during these months, you may have to deal with some occasional rain.
Another thing to note is that some hotels and businesses are closed during this period. So make sure everything you want to do is available before booking your flights. We went in June and didn’t experience anything being closed for the season. Speaking of going in June, June is the official Romance Month in Antigua. You’ll get a complimentary gift and special perks like an escort that takes you to the designated lover’s lane at customs which is quicker than the normal one.
Getting There
New York City and Miami have direct flights year-round. The flight from NYC is about 4.5 hours, and the flight from Miami is around three hours. Several other US cities, like Atlanta and Charlotte, have seasonal direct flights. Nonetheless, Antigua is relatively accessible from most USA cities; you may just have a layover. You can check your flight options here.
Process for Getting Married
Yes, you can legally get married in Antigua! With the special license, there is no residency requirement or wait time to obtain your marriage license. You have an interview with the Marriage Coordinator at the Ministry of Legal Affairs-Queen Elizabeth Highway, and the license will be issued. After you have the license, visit the nearby Registrar General’s office. You can call them at 268.462.0609 to check their current hours.
Below are some additional details, and you can go to the Antigua and Barbuda website to learn more about the process and planning your wedding or elopement or call the Ministry of Legal Affairs at 1-268-562-0381.
- Special Licence: There is no residency requirement for this type of license, and there is no wait time to obtain it.
- Licence Fee: US$150/EC$405
- Registration Fee: US$40/EC$100
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate: US$10/EC$27
- Marriage Officer: US$250/EC$675
Hotel Options
We stayed at the barefoot luxury property, Keyonna Beach Resort Antigua. It is a vintage all-inclusive, adults-only beachfront resort. The rooms are simple but feature lovely outdoor showers and private pools, and each room is assigned a private cabana on the beach. Nonetheless, there are tons of accommodation options for various budgets and vibes. The Antigua and Barbuda website has all the details to help you choose the right one for your trip.
This is a great option for all the Marriott Loyalists. You can use and collect points while experiencing a luxurious escape at the Royalton Resort and Spa in Antigua. The property is located on the stunning shores of Deep Bay, and this Caribbean gem offers a pristine beach, crystal-clear waters, gourmet dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and many activities and entertainment options.
You have probably heard of Sandals, an all-inclusive couple’s resort in the Caribbean. Many say the chain is the epitome of romance, and Sandals Grande Antigua demonstrates that at every turn. You will find beautiful rooms with swim-up options and a stunning beachfront location here. There are several gourmet dining options and world-class amenities. This all-inclusive resort offers an unforgettable escape for couples seeking a tropical paradise.
This beautiful resort is located on the shores of Antigua. It offers a peaceful and beautiful retreat. This beautiful beachfront property will have you counting down the days until you book your trip back to Antigua.
This luxurious hotel can accommodate singles or groups. It has suites and villas with up to five rooms. With its breathtaking ocean views, exquisite villas, and world-class amenities, this luxurious beachfront resort is worth checking out.
Activities
Cooking Class at Nicole’s Table
We loved our time here! There is something special about learning how to make local food with locals. Currently, four menus are offered- All About Jerk, Cooking with Rum, Coordinating Curry, and Seafood. We took the All About Jerk, and the food was beyond delicious, and the teacher, Nicole, was so fun! Our class took about four hours but was well worth the time.
Rum Tasting and Rum Punch Class at Quinn Fara’s
This was a fun way to learn more about rum and how to make a delicious rum punch or specialty lemonade if you don’t drink.
Helicopter Tour with CalvinAir Helicopters
Antigua is such a gorgeous island, so it’s a special treat to see it from above. The helicopter tour allows you to see the beauty of the crystal clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, vast reef systems, and much more from up in the air.
Vibe out at Nobu Barbuda Nobu
It’s located on the stunning and exclusive remote Princess Diana Beach. The beach is named after Princess Diana because she frequented the area so much when she was alive. I had sushi here, which was great, as expected, but the vibes and views were even better. Take your swimsuit! It sits on the beach and offers cabanas and showers.
Buggy Tour at 268 Buggies
A fun tour that allows you to explore and see various parts of the island on a buggy.
If you are down for a fun off-roading experience, sign up for this! This adventurous buggy takes you to secluded corners of the country, hidden gems, the Antiguian countryside, and more.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Take in breathtaking views from scenic trail rides through the hills, and/or take the beach treks that allow you to swim with your horse in the warm Caribbean waters.
Experience an Island Safari
Experience the thrill of off-roading in an open-back jeep and swimming with friendly stingrays in the sea in Antigua! This fun-filled land and sea excursion guarantees an exciting day for all.
Last but not least, enjoy the beach!!!- You have 365 to choose from!
Restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda
The Fox House Antigua – This farm-to-table restaurant was absolutely delicious! If you don’t go anywhere else, go here! They offer a complimentary car service from some of the hotels in the area. We had the Local Catch Tartar, Conch Balls, Antigua Black Pineapple Marinated Pork Chops, West Indies Chicken Curry, and some great mocktails. They are known for their unique craft cocktails but made us some fabulous mocktails. Everything was a chef’s kiss!
Uncle Roddy’s Barbuda– A popular local spot in Barbuda that sits on the beach and serves delicious drinks.
Dennis Cocktail Bar & Restaurant- A lowkey local spot popular for its goat curry. We loved their bread pudding. It sits on the beach, and you can dip in the water afterward if you want.
Wild Tamarind– I enjoyed my poke bowl, and the aesthetic was gorgeous. It gives Greece vibes. Go during the day to take it all in!
Nobu Barbuda Nobu– MJ had sushi here, and it was great, as expected, but the vibes and views were even better. Take your swimsuit! It sits on the beach and offers cabanas and showers.
Black Owned Businesses
When we travel, like many of you, it’s important that we include Blacked-Owned businesses into our itineraries wherever possible. On this trip, we spend time at Nicole’s Table, 268 Buggies, Uncle Roddy’s Barbuda, Dennis Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, and The Fox House Antigua. We have a few details about each one and their website information above.
Last but not least is Wild Lotus Glamping. This is an eco-luxe glamping experience. We didn’t get to check it out on this trip, but our friend went and loved it!
We had an amazing time in Antigua and Barbuda and would love to return one day! Have you been? Is it on your list?
The Antigua and Barbuda tourism board hosted us. But all thoughts and opinions are our own.
You may also enjoy this blog post.
