Luxury Antigua Holidays 2024 & 2025

Time difference: Antigua is four hours behind the UK (GMT -4 hours).

Flight duration: The flight to Antigua is about 8 hours and 40 minutes.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although US Dollars are also accepted.

Capital: Saint John’s.

Language: The official language of Antigua is English.

Visa information: British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Antigua. Visit the UK Government website for the most up to date travel advice.

When is the best time to travel to Antigua?

As it has a typical Caribbean climate, the winter months are the best time to travel to Antigua to enjoy the pristine beaches, warm Caribbean Sea and plenty of sunshine. It has long been a favourite amongst British travellers looking to soak in the glorious sunshine while the weather in the UK is cold. From December through to the middle of April is the high season, when the weather is the warmest and driest. 

If you're looking to avoid the larger crowds and take advantage of the lower prices, you could visit in the off season which runs from mid-April through to late November. Sunny Antigua remains relatively dry during most of the year, so you can still enjoy the idyllic beaches.

Luxury holidays to Antigua are ideal for

• Couples
• Family holidays
• Beaches
• Watersports
• Twin centre holiday with other Caribbean islands, such as Anguilla, Nevis, St Martin or St Barths

How to get to Antigua

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London Gatwick, landing at Antigua's VC Bird International Airport in the north-eastern corner of the country, a 15-minute taxi ride from the capital, St John's.

Antigua Weather

The weather in Antigua is hot and dry all year round with even the highest temperatures cooled by refreshing sea breezes and the trade winds. The weather becomes unsettled between June and November, with storms an occasional possibility.

Colourful Antigua is the primary island of Antigua and Barbuda, known as Wadadli by indigenous Antiguans. With just over 100 square miles of paradise (that's only 11 miles wide and 14 long!), it's known for the warm welcome offered to visitors and a sandy beach for every day of the year!

Antigua is also known for its scenic harbours, including Falmouth Harbour, and rich naval history linked to its British heritage. Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is the perfect choice for a day trip; the site was once Britain's primary naval base for the whole north-eastern Caribbean. The UNESCO-recognised heritage Georgian harbour is still wonderfully atmospheric. A handful of bars, restaurants, workshops and museums sit alongside luxury Antigua hotels, catering to the sailing crowd who tend to dock here.

The famous capital is home to remaining vibrant and cheery Creole buildings that welcome you to St John's, which could be a metaphor for the Antiguan people you're likely to meet. Explore the city's cathedral, and the museum, to get a firm grip on the fascinating history of this island, colonial and beyond.

You won't be stuck for things to do here - there's a huge range of activities to tailor your Antigua holiday with. From exploring Devil's Bridge National Park to touring the sugar plantations and playing a game on the excellent tennis courts, you'll be temped away from the beach at least once!

Sailing

If you haven't already heard, Antigua is famous for its sailing – which is why it hosts several world-class boating events throughout the year. Its circular formation and constant trade winds make for excellent sailing conditions, while the endless secluded coves and harbours are perfect for anchoring. You can hire all sorts of boats, and the island's geography means that there is a boating experience on offer for everyone – for the more experienced sailors, the rugged east coast is ideal, whereas Dickenson Bay or the Jolly Harbour area are perfect for a more relaxing amateur sail.

Swimming with Turtles

Plus, a favourite amongst the locals and visitors alike is encountering the turtles. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to swim alongside them, or head to Jumby Bay Island to watch them hatch on the white sand beach and make their way to the sea. The water is so clear that you can even see the tropical creatures as you paddleboard, kayak or enjoy a relaxing boat trip.

To connect with more of the island's vibrant marine life, head over to Stingray City, which offers visitors a memorable experience snorkelling with tame sting ray, surrounded by unspoiled coral reef and spectacular scenery.

Hiking Trips

Back on land, the island boasts a range of activities from many popular hiking trips, with hilltop military lookout points and stunning views to be enjoyed. Although hiking remains a fairly underdeveloped organised activity, there's a wide range of nature trails and hiking trails to be explored; why not head up to the lively Shirley Heights via the gorgeous Lookout Trail for spectacular views - on a Sunday, this spot hosts a popular barbecue wit live music and lashings of Caribbean flavour.

Zip-Lining

For a unique adventure, try zip-lining through the lush Antiguan rainforest with a Canopy Tour – you need to be in pretty good shape, but the experience is unforgettable.

The local dishes are full of flavours from the island, from the rich and fruity flavours of the Antigua rum to hot and spicy delicacies like Susie’s hot sauce. Some of the famous dishes include ducana, a concoction of sweet potato, coconut and sugar. Another favourite is the seafood delicacy, conch.

Sourced from the local rum distilleries, you can pair your exquisite meals with a classic sweet rum punch, a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Or, perhaps you'd like to try the renowned Antigua drink, Wadadli Beer.

Try the delicious tastes of the island in unique ways for a holiday to remember. Either enjoy a barbecue with loved ones at the beach, or perhaps a private star-lit beach dining experience surrounded by the soothing sounds of the waves. If you prefer to dine in a restaurant, you can enjoy watching your food prepared in front of you by the chef.

Throughout the year, Antigua hosts a myriad of vibrant festivals that you might take into consideration when choosing a time to visit the island. 

From the end of April to the start of May, Sailing Week swings into action, which is the most popular of the events held on the island. Over five thousand spectators visit the regatta to watch over 300 yachts race across the turquoise water. Also in April is the Classic Yacht Regatta which means April is the ideal time for sailing enthusiasts to visit.

The Antigua Carnival is held in late July and early August and includes the wonderful combination of fantastic cuisine plus costumes and dancing. The island's Independence Day is on 1st of November and its heritage day on 29th of October.