Why we love Antigua
Our favourite island in the Caribbean
We fell in love with Antigua, and with its people, on a trip in 2023. We've been going back ever since, and these days we're on the island a few times a year. Our kids love it just as much as we do.
What keeps drawing us back is the people. Antiguan hospitality is unrivalled: warm, genuine and never put on. The island feels authentic too, from roadside fruit stalls and village cricket to Sunday sundowners at Shirley Heights, alongside some of the most special hotels in the Caribbean.
With 365 beaches and a sailing heritage that goes back to Nelson, there's always something new to discover. Here we share the places we love to stay, the beaches we rate, the tables we book for our guests and the little details that turn a good trip into a great one.
Ben & Hugh, Huben Travel
Why book Antigua with Huben
Black Pineapple Award winners, two years running
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority's awards celebrate the travel specialists doing the most for the islands. We're proud to have won two years in a row.
VIP fast track, included
We include VIP fast track on arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport on all our Antigua bookings, so you're through the airport and on your way to the beach in no time.
We know it first hand
We're on the island a few times a year, so our advice is always fresh, from which room to ask for to the newest table worth booking.
Talk to the people who know Antigua best
Ben, Hugh and the team are on the island a few times a year. Call us, or send an enquiry and we'll be in touch.
365
beaches, one for every day of the year
Direct
British Airways from Gatwick, plus Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
4 to 5 hrs
behind the UK, so jet lag is gentle
28 to 31°C
all year, with the driest weather from February to April
Explore
Start with what matters most to you
Where to stay
Eight hotels we love, from a private island to adults-only hideaways and family favourites.
Beaches & experiences
Our favourite beaches, sunset spots, days on the water and tables worth booking.
Honeymoons & weddings
Romance done properly, for every couple, with the hotels and moments we would choose.
Plan your trip
When to go, how to get there and itineraries to get you dreaming.
Where we would stay
Our favourite hotels
Blue Waters
North-west coast · All-inclusive or B&B
Where you'll often find us. Three sheltered coves and the warmest of welcomes.
Jumby Bay Island
Private island · All-inclusive
Antigua's most exclusive address, a short boat ride from the mainland.
Hermitage Bay
West coast · All-inclusive
Intimate villa suites for adults and teens aged 14 and over, with a real sense of escape.
Curtain Bluff
South coast · All-inclusive
A guest favourite, where almost everything is included, drinks too.
Carlisle Bay
South coast · All-suite
Barefoot luxury on a beautiful beach, with four restaurants to choose from.
Tamarind Hills
South-west coast · Suites & villas
Villa space and sunset views above Ffryes and Darkwood beaches.
Hammock Cove
East coast · Adults only
All-inclusive villas, every one with its own plunge pool.
Galley Bay
West coast · Adults only
A long sweep of beach, a lagoon and thatched cottages with plunge pools.
Not sure which hotel is right for you?
Tell us how you like to holiday and we'll match you to the right hotel, right down to the room.
From our Insider Guide
Three things we tell every guest
Sunday at Shirley Heights
Steel pan, live music and a rum punch as the sun sets over English Harbour. Arrive a little early for a good spot, and let us arrange your transport so you can relax and enjoy the evening.
Walk to lunch at Pigeon Point
Take the hour-long clifftop trail from English Harbour and you will arrive feeling like you discovered the beach yourself. Then settle in at Catherine's Café for the best beach lunch on the island. We will book your daybed.
Snorkel with turtles
Galleon Beach, near English Harbour, has exceptional water clarity. Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles. We have spotted them near Freeman's Bay more than once.
Postcards from our trips
Our Antigua
A few snaps from our time on the island. When you're back, send us yours!
Free download
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The beaches, bites and hidden gems we love most, plus tipping etiquette, getting around and our favourite rum punch recipe. Straight to your inbox.
Good to know
Antigua questions we're asked most
When is the best time to visit Antigua?
Antigua is warm all year, at around 28 to 31°C. December to April is the driest and sunniest time and the peak season. May, June and November are great value, with warm weather and fewer crowds, while July to October is quieter and the most affordable. Hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking from August to October, so we always recommend good travel insurance.
How long is the flight from London to Antigua?
British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick in around 8.5 to 9 hours. Virgin Atlantic also flies from London Heathrow all year, touching down in Barbados on the way in summer.
What is the time difference between the UK and Antigua?
Antigua is 4 hours behind the UK in winter and 5 hours behind during British Summer Time, so jet lag is gentle.
Which Antigua hotels are best for families?
Blue Waters, Curtain Bluff, Carlisle Bay and Jumby Bay all have kids' clubs and family-friendly rooms, and Tamarind Hills is brilliant if you'd like the space of a villa.
Which Antigua hotels are adults only?
Galley Bay and Hammock Cove are adults only, and Hermitage Bay welcomes guests aged 14 and over.
Is VIP fast track included?
Yes. We include VIP fast track on arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport on all our Antigua bookings.
How many beaches does Antigua have?
Famously 365, one for every day of the year. Our favourites include Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point, Darkwood and Valley Church.
Ready when you are
Let's plan your Antigua escape
Speak to Ben, Hugh or the team on 020 3443 8969, email info@hubentravel.com or pop in to see us at The Travel Lounge in Cobham.