Antigua honeymoon and couples getaway — after a summer filled with pool days, soccer tournaments, and family road trips, my husband and I packed our bags for one last hurrah before the back-to-school hustle. This time, it was just the two of us—and Antigua was calling. While this wasn't a honeymoon, it sure felt like one!
I hadn’t been to Antigua since I was a child, but with my grandmother’s recent passing and deep family roots on the island, I felt a strong pull to return. I wanted to reconnect—with the culture, the food, the water, and the warmth—and bring my husband along for the journey.
As a wedding and event planner based in Metro Atlanta, I’m always scouting destinations that would make unforgettable backdrops for life’s biggest moments. And let me tell you… Antigua is tailor-made for honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, girls trips, and even a celebratory solocation.
Why Antigua?
Antigua holds special meaning for me—it’s where my mother’s side of the family is from. Visiting after the loss of my grandmother felt like a full-circle moment. I was craving quiet time, meaningful connection, and some good old-fashioned island R&R.
We spent six days there in late July, right before school started, and it was the perfect blend of beachy downtime and cultural immersion. While this time of year is technically hurricane season, the weather was mild, the daily showers didn’t last long, and the breeze off the ocean made the sun more than bearable.
From a planner’s perspective, this island has everything for a Caribbean honeymoon destination—from 365 beaches to vibrant culture. If you time it with Antigua Carnival in late July or early August, you’ll get an extra layer of music, color, and celebration.
Getting There
We booked our flights using American Airlines points, which included a short layover in Miami. Our outbound flight from Atlanta was delayed, so we were this close to missing our connection—but thankfully, American rebooked us without a hassle and we made it to paradise the same day.
Arrival was smooth. Antigua’s airport is one of the nicest I’ve seen in the Caribbean. Customs was quick and easy, and we were off to the Jolly Harbour area in no time. For Atlanta couples planning a romantic trip, it’s an easy destination to reach with plenty of flight options.
Where We Stayed
We were invited on the trip by family, so we stayed in a shared Airbnb in the Jolly Harbour area—something we don’t usually do on vacation, but it worked out beautifully. The area is centrally located and peaceful, with beautiful views and walkable access to beaches and local restaurants.
If you’ve visited before and want a more local experience for your Antigua couples getaway, Airbnb in Jolly Harbour is worth considering. But for a honeymoon in Antigua, I’d still lean toward a boutique hotel or luxury resort—exactly the kind of places I recommend to my clients who want a touch of indulgence.
The Island Experience
Every morning, I’d wake up with the sun (which rises early in the islands) and sip tea on the terrace, watching boats drift by as the sky turned gold. It was serene and grounding.
The best part of the trip? Lazy beach days. We beach-hopped and explored, but our favorite by far was Darkwood Beach—calm, stunning, and at times, nearly empty. There’s even a bar and restaurant right on site.
We also took a boat tour to Stingray City and Laviscount Island, which were unforgettable. Feeding and swimming with stingrays was such a fun, bucket-list moment.
And because we came during Antigua Carnival travel season, we attended the T-Shirt Mas, a lively parade with music, dancing, and high-energy vibes. We also made it to Shirley Heights on a Sunday—a local hotspot with panoramic views, live music, and rum punch.
From a celebration standpoint? Antigua offers the best of both worlds: intimate, romantic escapes and full-on cultural festivities—perfect whether you’re honeymooning, marking an anniversary, or planning a destination wedding week.
Food & Drink Highlights
I found my new favorite island drink: rum and coconut water served in a freshly cut coconut. Game-changer.
Our top food spot? Aunty Cavell’s Restaurant, a roadside gem right across from Darkwood Beach. The food was so good we ate there multiple times—authentic Antiguan flavors cooked to perfection.
If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, milestone birthday, or anniversary here, I’d recommend at least one private dinner by the water—because as I tell my wedding clients, food tastes even better when paired with those views.
Sweetest Moments
Our last day was the simplest and most special—we spent it entirely at the beach, soaking up the sun, island vibes, and each other. No agenda. No schedule. Just us.
That’s the beauty of an Antigua honeymoon and couples getaway—sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones where you do nothing at all. And as a planner, I know it’s those unscripted moments that often make the best memories.
Reflections from the Sand
This trip gave me exactly what I needed: rest, reflection, and reconnection. As a mom, business owner, and planner, it’s easy to pour into everything and everyone else. This trip gave me space to simply be.
I’m officially making a couples-only end-of-summer trip a tradition. It’s the perfect reset button before diving into fall schedules and school craziness—and a reminder of how important it is to celebrate life’s milestones, big and small.
Would I Recommend Antigua?
Absolutely. Antigua is ideal for:
- Honeymoons
- Couples getaways
- Solo adventures
- Girls trips (especially during Carnival)
- Destination weddings
- Anyone who wants gorgeous beaches without the heavy tourist traffic
With 365 beaches, authentic culture, incredible food, and postcard-perfect views—it’s a 10/10 in my book.
Instagrammable Moments
- The iconic phone booth at Dickenson Bay
- Views from Shirley Heights
- Our boat tour to Stingray City & Laviscount Island
- Those early morning terrace sunrises
- Colorful scenes from Antigua Carnival travel events
What I Actually Wore
Despite packing enough outfits for two trips, the vibe of the island made me reach for the same pieces every day:
- A great pair of flip flops
- Oversized sunglasses
- A visor
- Breezy, comfy outfits
Lesson learned: when in Antigua, keep it cute but chill.
Final Thoughts
Antigua honeymoon and couples getaway memories are the kind you’ll replay long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. From reconnecting with my roots to recharging with my husband, it was a reminder that joy can be simple—and that the best celebrations often start with a plane ticket and a coconut.
Whether you’re dreaming of a honeymoon in Antigua, planning a milestone celebration, or simply looking for a beautiful escape, this island delivers romance, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime moments in every sunset. Check out our Travel/Lifestyle Blogs for more travel inspiration.
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