7 Best Hotels in Antigua, the Caribbean Island With a Beach for Every Day of the Year

From ultra-luxe five-star resorts to boutique beach hideaways, these are the properties worth booking in Antigua.Carlisle BayWith endless white-sand beaches, acres of rugged rainforest, and plenty of untouched tangle just waiting to be explored, the best hotels in Antigua celebrate its landscape, which remains largely true to how nature intended. Most of the properties on this glorious Caribbean island are a stone’s throw from the crystal-clear waters that lap its powder-soft shores. It’s a beach-lover’s dream, and anyone visiting would be hard-pressed to see every stretch of golden sand—as the saying goes, there’s “a beach for every day of the year” here (yes, an even 365).Visit between June and October, and you might just be lucky enough to watch baby turtles emerging blurry-eyed from their shells before scuttling to the sea. There are optimal times for surfing here, too, but the year-round promise is that the vibe on this island is chill. Days stretch lazily from sunrise swims to rum-fueled sundowners, with the opportunity for a poolside snooze in between. It’s easy to sink into vacation mode here, especially when you’re checking into one of the best hotels in Antigua. We've rounded up the most luxurious options on the island below, from high-end resorts with all the frills to boutique hideaways so good you’ll be booking your return before you’ve even left for home.Our top picksMore editor-recommended hotels in AntiguaFrequently asked questionsMore Caribbean recommendationsOur top picks:Best for couples: Hermitage BayBest for all-inclusive: Jumby Bay IslandBest for families: Curtain BluffCurtain BluffThis intimate boutique hotel located on the south coast of the island oozes classic Caribbean charm in spades. A colonial-style whitewashed building forms the central part of the 20-acre estate, encircled by outbuildings awash in baby pink and shaded by lush, leafy palms. Thanks to the hotel’s unique perch on a secluded promontory, you’ll be flanked by azure-blue waters on all sides: Guests can lounge at the hotel’s two beaches entirely undisturbed, with only peppy team members coming around intermittently with drinks and ice pops. Days here are spent lolling by the two pools and working up a sweat at the four (yes, four!) tennis courts, before ending with relaxed Caribbean dinners and live jazz. —Sophie KnightRead Full ReviewHermitage BayThis resort is a true slice of paradise, and the kind of place you'll be itching to return to the moment you leave. Expect utter peace, relaxing accommodations, excellent food, and a plethora of water activities. The spacious, contemporary cottages—30 in all—feature rattan accents, white linens, and mosquito-netted beds that create a Balinese-esque look, while hideaway TVs encourage you to unplug a little (at least until it's dark outside). The decks are nearly as large as the bedrooms, with lounge chairs, daybeds, and private plunge pools to dip into. Like the rest of the property, the spa is folded into nature—stroll through tropical gardens to reach the gate, where you'll enter before your treatment. Complimentary yoga, meditation, and Pilates classes are held each morning too, in a pavilion overlooking the ocean. —Madison FlagerRead Full ReviewJumby BayReopened in October 2017 as an Oetker Collection member (formerly a Rosewood resort), Jumby Bay Island is accessible only by boat, with not a car in sight—though there are plenty of bikes available to navigate this 300-acre island off the northern coast of Antigua. With only 40 accommodations in total—rooms and villas— you'll never feel the need to get off the all-inclusive island (although, if curious, there is a complimentary ferry service to the mainland). You’ll be plenty busy on one of the resort’s three tennis courts, in one of the three pools, or on the more than four miles of beach. The cheerful decor throughout the property is the work of Brazilian interior designer Patricia Anastassiadis, of Anastassiadis Arquitetos. —Rosalyn WikeleyRead Full ReviewGalley Bay Resort and SpaThis is paradise in the Caribbean: a tranquil and secluded adults-only all-inclusive retreat with gourmet dining, a dreamy swath of beach with crystal-clear water, warm and friendly staff, and the most serene atmosphere possible. The only “soundtrack” to the property is the crashing waves that can be heard from all of the resort’s 98 rooms, all of which are situated directly on the beach and feature king beds, making this ideal for a romantic getaway. The premium suites offer guests the option to be either on the beach level with direct access to the water, or the upper level with 30-foot-tall vaulted ceilings and a private balcony with glorious ocean views. Galley Bay’s award-winning spa is worth a visit if only because it has two open-air treatment cabanas (one of which accommodates couples) where guests can listen to the sounds of nature while getting a signature massage. —Sara LissRead Full ReviewThe Inn at English HarbourHugging the island’s south coast, this small but perfectly formed estate encompasses 19 acres of manicured gardens, all set against a dramatic backdrop of turquoise waters and pink-hued Caribbean sunsets. Each of the suites oozes timeless, old-school charm, featuring colonial accents and period furnishings: think grand four-posters and mahogany furniture. Wake up to languid breakfasts on the beach before working on your tan (don't forget sunscreen!) along the hotel’s palm-fringed sands—and if you’re tempted to explore further afield, you’ll be in the ideal location for sightseeing, with Antigua’s famed Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard both a stone’s throw away.Read Full ReviewCarlisle BayA bridge across a sparkling koi pond leads to Carlisle Bay's grand lobby, an open-air space with a colonial design sense and louvred windows that welcome the Caribbean breezes in. There's a real sense of place, and glimpses of the ocean waters and the hotel's private sweep of sand draw your eyes outside. The hotel's 87 ocean-facing suites boast minimalist decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and fresh flowers. Water sports like wakeboarding, tubing, and waterskiing take place in a neighboring cove, and four unique restaurants mean you never have to leave the property if you don't want to.—Terry WardRead Full ReviewBlue Waters Resort and SpaThis family-owned resort is nestled within a private bay on the island’s northwestern coast, encompassing a quaint 17 acres of tropical foliage and powder-soft sand beaches. Colonial-style bedrooms have been carefully refreshed with elegant furnishings, and all have their own private terraces or balconies—with a handful of larger villas ideal for family takeovers. The hotel’s four bars and restaurants offer everything from elevated suppers to relaxed dining with your toes in the sand, and days are spent alternating between reef snorkeling, boat rides, and exploring the shoreline’s coves.Read Full Review