Honeymoon in Antigua – the most romantic destination of all?

If you’re looking for that classic romantic island paradise for your honeymoon, then a honeymoon in Antigua could be just the one for you.

Take a look at this picture for a minute, then close your eyes and imagine yourself there, a cocktail in hand, the sun warm on your face. Everything feels pretty right with the world, doesn’t it?

For me, a key element of my honeymoon is going to be getting away from the children. I don’t mean this to sound mean, I love them very much obviously and enjoy holidays with them, but it’s not really the honeymoon vibe is it? (Light bulb moment – I wonder if this is why September weddings are so popular? Is it parents avoiding honeymooning in the school holidays?)

September and October are ideal months for a honeymoon in Antigua; it’s late enough in the year to avoid the crowds of families on their summer holidays, but still warm enough the enjoy the cocktail on the beach fantasy, with average temperatures in Antigua in September and October in the high twenties. There are still plenty of things to do in Antigua at this time of the year too – September for example plays host to a two-day fishing tournament and seafood festival, (yum), and at the end of October you can get involved with a week-long programme of activities and events celebrating Independence Week.

To give you a flavour of just how vibrant and colourful Antigua is, take a look at this short video. I challenge you to watch it and not immediately want to book your flights:

 

Places to see

Within Antigua there are lots of individual areas, each with their own distinct personality. While many of the beaches offer escape and tranquility, for example, the St John’s area operates at a faster pace, with plenty of opportunities for shopping and sightseeing. St John’s cathedral is well worth a visit and if you’re interested in the history of the island, do check out The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in downtown St John’s.

Also within the St John’s area is Dickenson Bay, one of Antigua’s most developed beaches, with a load of water sports on offer – ideal for honeymooners who want to occasionally swap the cocktails for a spot of windsurfing.

Another must for history lovers is Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, part of the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Taking its name, as you might suspect, from Admiral Horatio Nelson, who lived in the Dockyard from 1784 to 1787, it gives a fascinating insight into the history of area during the 1700s and 1800s.

Where to stay

You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay on honeymoon in Antigua. The Antigua and Barbuda tourist site offers five top picks for honeymooners – all hotels renowned for their amazing views and luxury feel. I love the sound of the Grand Pineapple resort, partly just because of its amazing name of course, but also because I love the idea of unlimited meals, cocktails, and watersports.

If you like the idea of something a little more boutique for your honeymoon in Antigua, how about Hermitage Bay? The ultimate in seclusion, Hermitage Bay is set on the edge of a hidden bay, surrounded by acres of tropical gardens and features just 25 private cottages. Some are just a few steps from the sand, others are set back on the hillside, but all of them have stunning views. The hillside cottages even have their own private plunge pools.

How to get there

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear that getting to Antigua is pretty straightforward – you can fly direct from Gatwick in around eight hours, so no need for tiring changes or hideous flight times. It’s not expensive either; I just tried a quick search on SkyScanner and you can do a two-week return flight, travelling on Saturdays in September, for less than £600. This feels very reasonable to me, and leaves you extra room in your budget for honeymoon treats and activities. (Prices from a search on 17/06/2015).

And so there you go, an accessible location, consistently warm weather, gorgeous beaches and plenty of history and culture. What’s not to love about a honeymoon in Antigua? For more information, visit the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority website, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Have you ever visited Antigua? Did you honeymoon in Antigua? What would be your dream honeymoon destination?

Produced in collaboration with the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority. Image credits – Antigua sand from David Franklin/shutterstock, Dickenson Bay from Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/shutterstock, St John’s from Luis Santos / Shutterstock.com, beach from Henrik Winther Andersen/shutterstock, Nelson’s Dockyard from PlusOne/Shutterstock, Hermitage Bay from Upsilon Andromedae