Deciding where to stay in Antigua is important for determining the vibe of your Caribbean trip.
Do you want to be near the most beautiful beaches? Near food? Near attractions? Or find a remote slice of paradise away from it all?
I visited all the best areas in Antigua and stayed in 3 different locations to compare.
English Harbour has great lookout points and water sports, while Jolly Harbour has picturesque sunsets and resorts.
St.John’s is great for culture, with endless food options, and you’re close to many beaches.
Let’s find the best part of Antigua to stay for your adventure!
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1. English Harbour: Where to Stay in Antigua for Adventure
English Harbour is the most recognizable landscape in Antigua. It is just a 40-minute drive from Saint John’s, with countless activities and adventures to keep you busy for days.
Top Things to Do in English Harbour
Go diving in Antigua at the Carib House, a reef dive site off the coast of Falmouth Harbour, and Black’s Point dive site
If you’re looking for the best place to stay with a view over the English Harbour, look no further than the Ocean Inn.
The rooms are cozy and decorated in typical island style, with large beds and private bathrooms.
The Ocean Inn also has a great pool with sun loungers to relax after a day of exploring.
I enjoyed waking up in this colourful cottage, enjoying a complimentary continental breakfast overlooking the harbour, and then going for a swim.
One thing to consider is that the property is on the top of a hill, but nothing dramatic, and well worth it for the view. And there is parking if you have a rental car, which I found helpful.
The Inn At English Harbour is one of the best hotels in Antigua. This beachfront 5-star hotel provides everything for a perfect island getaway.
Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, creating an inviting and calming environment. Each room has a large balcony overlooking the Harbour or the garden.
This boutique hotel only has 28 rooms, offering a more intimate experience with attentive and helpful staff.
The hotel has a large outdoor pool, two tennis courts, and a gym. One of the highlights is the possibility of walking from the hotel to the sandy private beach area for swimming, snorkelling, or kayaking.
Staying in one of their suites allows you to envision what it was like to live here hundreds of years ago, but with all the modern amenities and friendly service.
As you stroll the grounds of the property and enjoy the fantastic pool, you will feel like you’re staying with an “old money” friend! It was one of the most beautiful properties I toured in Antigua.
This 4-star hotel offers a range of additional experiences to enhance your stay, but without any extras, the standard room with a harbour view is quite affordable!
2. Dickenson Bay: Best Place to Stay in Antigua for First-Time
Dickenson Bay in the north of the island is where to stay in Antigua for first-timers and a perfect compromise for those who want a beach holiday but don’t want to stay too far from the city. It’s only 10 minutes to St.John’s.
Top Things to Do in Dickenson Bay
Enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters of Dickenson Bay Beach and Runaway Beach
Buccaneer Beach Club is overall the best Antigua hotel in Dickenson Bay, and I loved my stay here.
The hotel has a pristine private beach, but it is still just a short drive from the lively Saint John’s and food.
Rooms are spacious, with a separate seating area and a balcony. Also, all suites have a full kitchen, which I found great for making breakfast in the morning.
The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant on-site, but is close to several local restaurants and a grocery store. They do have a convenience store in the lobby for forgotten essentials like sunscreen.
For an upscale beachfront experience, choose Siboney Beach Club. This 4-star hotel features everything you need for your stay: a gym, library, outdoor pool, and restaurant.
Siboney Beach Club was renovated in 2019 and offers 30 rooms with air conditioning, wifi, and a flat-screen TV.
You can choose among rooms with ocean views and garden views. Each is beautifully decorated and spacious, with a seating space and a cozy balcony.
And it’s right next to Buccaneer Beach Club, so I got to enjoy their beach too. The beach at Siboney is smaller than Buccaneer.
This 3-star hotel is one of the best affordable luxury hotels in Antigua. It is a short drive from the beach, making for a relaxing sanctuary after a day out and about the island.
This vintage property, the warmly decorated rooms, spacious elegant bathrooms, and balconies will quickly make you feel right at home.
The hotel has a restaurant on-site, serving free continental breakfast, so you’re ready to explore the island.
3. Jolly Harbour: Best Area to Stay in Antigua for Beaches
If you’re wondering where to stay on Antigua for beaches, Jolly Harbour is a resort village and the best side of Antigua to stay for it. It is a perfect choice for a typical Caribbean vacation of sun and sand.
Top Things to Do in Jolly Harbour
Hike to the top of the Hill on Jolly Harbour for a stunning view over the harbour
Nestled on the hill over Jolly Harbour, Tamarind Hills Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Antigua.
It is one of the most contemporary properties on the island, beautifully decorated with fantastic amenities. Several room types come with a private infinity pool or a private hot tub with immaculate views.
Suites host up to 13 people, making it a fantastic choice for friend groups or a family vacation.
The resort is in a quiet location with not much to do apart from the beach, so you’ll want to rent a car to explore the island because the taxi fees add up quickly. Compared to Aruba, the island is not well-connected by bus.
Jolly Beach Resort is the best budget-friendly all-inclusive option in the area.
One of my favourite things about staying at this resort was its beachfront location. The large outdoor pool blended seamlessly with one of the most beautiful beaches I saw on the island.
While it is an all-inclusive resort, don’t expect the ultimate luxury. The facilities are a bit outdated, but everything is clean and comfortable, minus the wifi not reaching my room.
The meal plans include a buffet-style restaurant with plenty of food and drink options, with a different theme every night.
If you visit in off-season like I did, prepare for some restaurants will be closed.
4. St.John’s: Best Area for Culture & Food
St. John’s, the vibrant capital, is a good place to stay to observe local life and savour island cuisine.
Top Things to Do in St.John’s
Visit St. John’s Cathedral and admire the view over Antigua
See Fort James at the entrance of St John’s harbour
Try all the typical Caribbean food in local restaurants
Bellevue Suites stands out as the top choice in St. John’s. It is located slightly out of the city center, making it a calm space to return to at night.
The rooms are spacious and fully furnished, with a large bed, seating area, and a fully equipped kitchen. Also, the mountain views from the balcony are stunning!
Suites have private parking, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your rental car at night.
Galley Bay Resort in Five Islands Village strikes an excellent balance between staying in a luxury resort and being close to the city.
Most guests don’t even need to leave the resort to have fun, as you can try kayaking, sailing, beach yoga, complimentary bicycles, and many more activities.
You’ll also get to swim in turquoise blue waters on a private beach within the resort. The all-inclusive option includes 3 beachfront restaurants with vegan and vegetarian dining options.
This resort prides itself in being a romantic and secluded getaway, so it’s a good idea to rent a car and venture out of the resort for a more local experience.
Situated in the suburbs of Saint John’s Villas at Sunset Lane is a colourful 3.5-star hotel run by friendly locals.
Most accommodations in the city are fairly basic, but this property stands out with its vibrant pink facade and large swimming pool.
Rooms are spacious, with large, comfortable beds. Also, your room rate includes continental breakfast and private parking for added convenience.
5. Willikies: Best Area for Outdoor Enthusiasts & Relaxation
Similar to Barbados, Antigua also has sandy beaches and a more rugged coast. Willikies is the best area of Antigua to stay in while escaping crowds and enjoying untouched East Coast nature. Better if you plan on driving here in a rental car.
If you’re up for an adventure, look no further than this cliffside property. You’ll have your private room while sharing the house with friendly owners.
Experience Island Living is perfect for anyone who wants an authentic local experience in a tranquil area surrounded by untouched nature.
Delicious, gourmet breakfast is included in the room rate, but it’s not an all-inclusive.
If you opt for this place, you should rent a car as the house is quite remote and away from restaurants.
The Escape at Nonsuch Bay is easily one of the best resorts in Antigua. This 4-star hotel is nestled among lush green hills, offering a tranquil sanctuary to escape the crowds.
The all-inclusive option allows you to explore nature without worrying about food.
Rooms with private pools are the highlight of this resort, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Final Thoughts on Where To Stay on Antigua
Antigua is a fantastic destination for adventure travellers, offering many diverse experiences.
English Harbour is the best area to stay in Antigua, with fantastic beaches, great nightlife, and adventure activities.
If it’s your first time in Antigua, Dickenson Bay is the perfect compromise between the tropical beaches and the hustle and bustle of Saint John’s.
Now that you know all the best places to stay in Antigua, it’s time to start planning your itinerary!
And make sure to rent a car to get around Antigua, so you can enjoy all the activities wherever you decide to stay.
Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.
