Postcard-perfect seashores (365 of them, to be actual). Secluded coves. Unforgettable eating places. World-famous historic websites. Out-of-this-world resorts.
Within the final decade, it’s been arguably the fastest-growing vacation spot within the Caribbean: the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, which continues to see vacationers flocking for its distinctive mix of luxurious, authenticity, serenity and historical past.
However they’re not simply flocking — they’re heading to Antigua and Barbuda in record-breaking numbers, together with greater than 330,000 guests final 12 months, essentially the most ever for Antigua and Barbuda in a single 12 months — together with greater than in 2019, earlier than the pandemic.
So what’s driving all of this visitation? It’s a mix of issues, from a surge in new airlift to new resort improvement to funding in human capital, says Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez.
That included extra flights from airways like American, Delta and JetBlue final 12 months, together with new routes from Europe’s Condor and the intra-Caribbean upstart airline Dawn. The island of Barbuda additionally simply inaugurated its brand-new worldwide airport; in Barbuda, the thrill can also be about Robert De Niro’s in-development Nobu resort which is including much more attract to the island.
So what’s forward? Extra development, based on Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
“2025 guarantees much more with the primary quarter of the 12 months, bringing elevated cruise requires Antigua and Barbuda and extra airlift,” James advised Caribbean Journal.
That features a soon-to-debut route out of San Juan on Frontier Airways, kicking off later this month.
Are you planning a trip to Antigua and Barbuda?
We’ve lengthy stated that Antigua has one of the best assortment of high-level all-inclusive resorts wherever within the Caribbean, from seaside gems like Galley Bay (which simply joined Virtuoso, really) to the all-villa, all-plunge-pool Hammock Cove to the adults-only Verandah, the place we simply stayed and had been severely impressed with the laid-back really feel (and the improbable new bar).
We additionally love the historic streets of Nelson’s Dockyard (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site), and a neighborhood that additionally has some charming accommodations just like the Admiral’s Inn (rooms from $448) and the boutique Copper and Lumber ($412 per night time).
There are additionally luxurious resorts just like the private-island Jumby Bay (which now has its personal offshore seaside bar referred to as The Hut), rooms at $5,398 per night time; and the venerable Carlisle Bay (rooms from $1,427).
What about flights?
American Airways has Miami-Antigua flights at $744 roundtrip righ now. Out of New York, it’s really cheaper, with roundtrips on American Airways at $319, JetBlue from JFK at $354 and Delta at $369. You’ll find extra low cost flight choices to Antigua right here.
