What to Know Before Planning a Luxurious Antigua Honeymoon

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Considering an Antigua honeymoon? As one half of the larger country of Antigua and Barbuda, this destination is known as a top honeymoon spot filled with high-end amenities and experiences that cater to the most discerning of travelers. Romantic and historic, an Antigua honeymoon boasts a unique vibe that's different from what you'll encounter on most other Caribbean islands. For a honeymoon getaway with a touch of glamour, look nowhere else.

Sure, it might take a little extra work to get there (you'll likely need to fly from a major air hub, and flights from the Midwest and West Coast take around eight to 10 hours), but it's worth it once you step into your luxurious honeymoon suite or dip your toes into the calm, crystal-clear waters.

Here's a quick look at everything you need to know about planning a honeymoon in Antigua.

Antigua Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

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• Best Time to Visit Antigua
• Antigua Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Antigua Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
• Things to Do in Antigua for Couples
• What to Pack for a Antigua Honeymoon

Photo: Roberto Moiola | Sysaworld |Getty

Best Time to Visit Antigua

Antigua experiences warm weather year-round, with temperatures around 80 degrees in the winter and rising to more than 90 degrees in the summer. Trade winds offer a bit of relief. Hurricane season lasts from June through November, so if you want to avoid a potential storm cutting your honeymoon short, book a winter or spring trip for the best weather.

Best weather: December to April.
Festival highlights: Antigua's Carnival during late July/early August is usually 10 days long, featuring parades, music, parties and stunning costume displays.

Antigua Honeymoon Planning Tips

Antigua is an excellent honeymoon choice for couples who appreciate the finer things in life. Five-star resorts abound, and activities range from yachting and nature walks to a little high-stakes gambling at one of the casinos. Fine dining, luxurious shopping and a vibrant nightlife are all at your fingertips. While it is certainly a beach destination, you'll find more to do than beach bumming.

When planning a honeymoon in Antigua, consider booking a package at a resort that caters specifically to newlyweds. They will often offer romantic amenities like private dinners on the beach, couples massages and sunset cruises. Book activities ahead of time—especially if you're visiting during peak season (ie: during Carnival).

It's important to note that Antigua isn't exactly a cheap honeymoon destination, especially if you want to experience all the island has to offer.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind before buying plane tickets:

Entry requirements: A US passport valid 180 days following your departure date.
Language: English.
Location: Antigua is an island in the West Indies, part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean.
Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the local currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
Flight time to Destination: From Miami, flights are approximately 3 hours.
Getting around: Taxi, bus, bicycle, by foot. If you're thinking of renting a car, keep in mind that driving is on the left.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. You can find travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Antigua honeymoon guidance.

Best Antigua Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts

Looking for somewhere to stay on your Antigua honeymoon will lead you to luxury properties, boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Many accommodations can provide special honeymoon packages with extras like spa treatments, romantic excursions and room upgrades. Here are some of our top picks.

Photo: Alanisko | Shutterstock

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay is one of the most luxurious honeymoon resorts in Antigua, set apart from the island's hubbub in a small, remote inlet. The property's suites offer you excellent access to the beach, and the resort keeps you fed with a handful of on-site restaurants. Book a couples massage at the gorgeous spa, and be sure to pick one of the luxury resort's Bay Suites, which are ultra-romantic and designed with honeymooners in mind.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Hermitage Bay

Hermitage Bay is a boutique beach resort that offers up private hideaway suites for honeymooning couples. Take a dip in your private plunge pool overlooking the white-sand beaches, or sunbathe on one of the loungers as you take in the mountain views. The property is all about making your honeymoon experience as serene and special as possible.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Royalton Antigua

For a more traditional all-inclusive experience, visit the Royalton Antigua, a beachfront Marriott property. The all-inclusive resort has everything—a luxe spa, a casino, a private beach, water sports, private infinity pools, a wide selection of suites and more. There are even overwater bungalows—just head out to your private deck and then into the turquoise water via a handy ladder that leads right into the ocean.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Sandals Grande Antigua

Located on the famous Dickenson Bay beach, Sandals Grande Antigua offers stunning vistas at every turn, giving couples plenty of backdrops for honeymoon photos. A Caribbean Beachfront Village is a palm-tree-lined garden by the sea with winding pathways perfect for morning strolls. European elegance meets Caribbean vibes at the new Mediterranean Oceanview Village, which is full of villas by the sea and white sand beaches to enjoy water activities.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for Antigua accommodations that'll provide you more privacy (or potentially lower prices), check out a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Things to Do in Antigua for Couples

From snorkeling and hiking to visiting historic sites like Nelson's Dockyard, couples can enjoy a variety of things to do in Antigua. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

Head to the Beach

Antigua is known for having more than 350 public beaches, or one for almost every day of the year. Keeping this in mind, you may want to scoot over to one of the less-crowded beaches so you can enjoy some privacy with your sweetheart.

You certainly won't be wanting for options. Skip crowded spots like Dickenson Bay Beach, and opt for one of the other beautiful beaches on the island, such as the four Hawksbill Bay beaches, Darkwood Beach or Half Moon Bay Beach, all of which offer serene blue waters and amenities.

Soak up the British History

Nelson's Dockyard National Park (located on the island's English Harbour) is a can't-miss attraction for any visitor looking to learn more about the island's history and culture. The British naval dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 1700s. There's a former admiral's house on-site, as well as a home built for King William IV and a dockyard museum. The park is also home to two forts. With plenty to do and see, you and your sweetie could easily spend all day here.

Go on a Scenic Drive

Fig Tree Drive is Antigua's scenic drive of choice and a wonderful option for newlyweds seeking a day-long activity that's romantic, intimate and totally customizable. Rent a car (or a scooter) and follow the road through forests, villages and farmland. Don't be shy about stopping off to explore when a town or attraction catches your eye, as you'll pass countless historic sites and local shops.

Strap on Your Hiking Boots

For even more stunning views, pack your most comfortable walking shoes and prepare to soak up some stellar scenery. You'll have a handful of hiking options while in Antigua. Shirley Heights offers panoramic ocean views, as well as views of nearby Guadeloupe and a lookout bar and restaurant. A little more remote, Devil's Bridge is a limestone arch that stretches dramatically out over the ocean and sits right at the spot where the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea meet.

Pro tip: Add Antigua honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so friends and family can give you a couples activity. Don't forget to post a few honeymoon snaps on your wedding website and social feeds so your guests can see what you're up to.

What to Pack for an Antigua Honeymoon

Photo: larigan | Patricia Hamilton | Getty

If you decide to go on a honeymoon in Antigua, bring your typical beachwear, as well as casual clothes and comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the island. Pack some nicer outfits for dinners and dates in your honeymoon luggage, too. For a more complete sense of what you should bring, check out our handy packing checklist.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.