A low-key island in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua boasts 365 beaches and a number of resorts that appeal to sand-and-sun loving honeymoon couples and other romantics. Consider the following:
- Sophisticated Hermitage Bay has 17 luxurious hillside cottages with private plunge pools and spectacular views of the nearby beach.
- On a peninsula, Curtain Bluff is an all-inclusive with two beaches -- one that lies against the serene blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, and another along the stormier churn of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Jolly Beach Resort Antigua, located on one of the most scenic beaches on Antigua, is a laid-back all-inclusive. While the buildings and grounds are pleasant, the property is a bit ragged around the edges.
- Galley Bay Antigua, another all-inclusive resort, is a beachside hideaway set amidst lush tropical gardens. Note: Bathrooms in its garden cottages are inconveniently located in separate buildings.
- Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa is a huge, Disney-esque, couples-only all-inclusive resort that consists of two different complexes, a new Mediterranean Village and older Caribbean Village. The atmosphere resembles a non-stop honeymoon beach party.
Photo © Matt Law.
Unfortunately, Antigua has an exploding robbery and mugging problem along with a murder rate 10 times that of London, including four recent tourist murders: a yacht captain, a cruise ship passenger and a Honeymoon couple. Antigua’s practice of confiscating foreigner’s property has slowed any investment to a crawl, and things will surely get more desperate there before they get better.