Luxury Family Holidays in Antigua
Barefoot luxury, beautiful beaches and an easy-going Caribbean pace.
With 365 beaches, warm Caribbean seas and some wonderful family-friendly hotels, Antigua is made for families who really love the beach.
I visited Antigua on a dedicated hotel inspection trip, staying at both Carlisle Bay and Blue Waters and exploring the island. What I particularly love is how easy it feels. You can fly direct from London in around eight hours, transfers are relatively short and once you arrive, everything slows down.
It is the perfect place for a laid-back, fly-and-flop family holiday, with just enough adventure when you feel like leaving your sun lounger.
Antigua at a glance
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Best for:
Beach lovers, younger children and easy family escapes
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Best time to go:
December to April
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Flight time:
Around 8–9 hours direct from London
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Time difference:
GMT -4
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Ideal stay:
7–10 nights
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Our favourite thing:
365 beaches. You could discover a different one every day of the year.
why antigua?
Antigua does laid-back family luxury incredibly well.
The island is small, transfers are easy and there are direct flights from London, making it a particularly good Caribbean choice with younger children. Once you arrive, days can be as simple as breakfast, beach, pool, kids' club and repeat.
But there is plenty to do when you want a change of scenery. Take a boat around the island, zip-line through the rainforest, swim with stingrays or explore historic English Harbour.
This is first and foremost a destination for beach lovers. If your idea of a great family holiday involves soft sand, warm sea and not having to do very much at all, Antigua is hard to beat.
Where to Stay
Most family resorts sit along Antigua's beautiful coastline, but the feel varies depending on where you stay.
South coast
Beautiful coves, lush scenery and easy access to English Harbour and some of the island's best-known sights.
North & north-west
A great choice for families, with lovely beaches, easy airport transfers and good access to St John's.
West coast
Calm Caribbean waters, gorgeous sunsets and some wonderful stretches of sand. Perfect for a classic beach holiday.
My Antigua hotel edit
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Carlisle Bay
For understated luxury
I stayed at Carlisle Bay and would happily recommend it to families. Set between rainforest-covered hills and a beautiful beach, it feels peaceful and luxurious without being overly formal. There is an excellent kids' club, plenty of watersports and spacious family accommodation.
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Blue Waters Resort & Spa
For easy family luxury
Another hotel I have personally stayed at and really rate. Blue Waters has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, pretty gardens, several pools and little coves to explore. It works particularly well if you want a classic Caribbean resort that feels special but never stuffy.
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Tamarind Hills
For space and independence
A great option for families who prefer more space and privacy. The contemporary villas and apartments overlook the Caribbean and give you the flexibility of a home-from-home while still feeling like a proper holiday.
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St James's Club & Villas
For families who like plenty to do
A larger resort with lots of activities, watersports and facilities. A good choice if keeping everyone entertained is high on your list, particularly for a straightforward family beach holiday.
Beyond the Beach
You certainly do not need a packed itinerary in Antigua, but I would encourage you to explore a little.
Take a boat trip around the island to discover hidden beaches and snorkelling spots, visit Stingray City, zip-line through the rainforest or spend an afternoon exploring English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard.
And then there is Shirley Heights.
Do not miss Shirley Heights. Go for the incredible views over English and Falmouth Harbours and stay for the atmosphere as the sun goes down.
I would also make time for a boat trip with the chance to swim and snorkel with turtles. It is exactly the sort of Caribbean experience children will talk about long after you get home.
When to go
December to April is Antigua's classic season, with warm temperatures, lower humidity and plenty of sunshine. It is also the most popular time to travel, particularly over Christmas, February half term and Easter.
May and June can be a lovely alternative, with fewer visitors and often excellent value.
The Caribbean hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the highest risk generally later in the summer and early autumn. If you are considering Antigua outside the traditional winter season, we can talk you through the options.
Your Antigua holiday, designed around your family
Antigua is somewhere I recommend when a family tells me they want to properly switch off.
It is not a destination where you need to change hotels or fill every day with sightseeing. Choose the right resort, settle in and enjoy the beach, warm sea and wonderfully easy Caribbean pace.
Having visited Antigua specifically to experience its hotels first-hand, I can help you choose the resort and room type that will work best for your family.
We take care of the flights, accommodation, private transfers and experiences, along with all the smaller details that make travelling with children easier.
Ready for some barefoot Caribbean luxury?