Nothing spells romance quite like a candlelight dinner on a powdery white sand beach, with the sun dipping behind the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. And when it comes to romantic experiences, the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda literally won the prize for it (in fact, it won it three years in a row by World Travel Awards). With its reef-lined coastline, lush rainforests, and secluded bays with so many picture-perfect beaches that you can famously soak up the sun on a new beach every day of the year, the archipelago is a magnet for sun-loving couples seeking intimacy and luxury.
Some of the best resorts for romance in Antigua and Barbuda offer all the amenities for a romantic getaway (think private oceanfront suites, serene spas, and fine dining), making the island nation the perfect destination for all types of romantic escapes.
Below, we rounded up some of the chicest spots in Antigua and Barbuda — from five-star hotels to French-inspired beach clubs.
The Best Romantic Hotels
Hermitage Bay
With just 30 suite villas set along a lush hillside of Antigua’s less-developed West Side, the newly renovated Hermitage Bay has been the go-to spot for couples seeking privacy and upscale amenities for over two decades. Picture waking up to the rustle of palms and crashing waves and enjoying coffee on a private wrap-around veranda with stunning sea views. With 140 acres to explore, including a serene garden spa (book the Dorissima Color Ritual, incorporating aphrodisiac-infused products), a new beach club, and a curated list of guided local experiences like cooking classes and helicopter rides, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World member is the ultimate couples retreat.
Jumby Bay Island
Is there anything better than a romantic getaway on a private island? Jumby Bay Island, a 300-acre tropical haven, has a dreamy white sand beach for every occasion and mood — from the secluded crescent-shaped Pasture Bay made for intimate moments to the lively stretch of sand in front of the Beach Bar, perfect for popping Champagne. However, the Castaway Cabana experience — where every single detail is designed to pamper and impress (Richard Brendon China, anyone?) — is the ultimate dining experience for two. Enjoy the multi-course tasting menu curated by French Michelin-starred chef Jean-Luc Lefrancois, paired with glasses of bubbly and served under twinkling lights on a powdery sand beach.
Galley Bay Resort and Spa
In the 1960s, Hollywood A-listers like Greta Garbo and Paul Belmondo would check into Galley Bay to spend long days on the beach, taking in the splendor of this Caribbean paradise. Decades later, the resort maintains its seclusion and exclusivity — picture spacious beachfront suites with dual showers and soaking tubs, access to an unspoiled white sand beach, and superb dining that showcases fresh, local ingredients across three open-air restaurants. From elegant Caribbean fusion at Sea Grape to toes-in-the-sand romance at Gauguin, the culinary offerings elevate every sunset with bold island flavors, refined techniques, and impeccable service.
Couples can also indulge in massage rituals and bespoke body-and -ace therapies in the semi-open treatment rooms in the resort’s spa or set out on a glass-bottom kayaking adventure along the shoreline. The resort also recently debuted beachside service, which means you can get your favorite drink with the wave of a hand.
Credit, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Barbuda Belle
If the prospect of experiencing one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands in complete privacy is how you picture your perfect couple getaway — or intimate destination wedding — then this remote luxury resort on the north shore of Barbuda Island was made for you. With only eight standalone beach bungalows, each with a private balcony and an outdoor living area, Barbuda Belle feels like a different world.
Enjoy romantic beach walks, windsurfing, and snorkeling, or head to the nearby mangroves for a guided tour. Enjoy sundowners and dine on the freshest seafood and local ingredients at the hotel’s romantic beachfront restaurant. Take a break from the sun with an intimate couple’s massage or a rejuvenating face treatment at the serene spa featuring L’Occitane products.
Best Restaurants
Sheer Rocks
You’ll find one of Antigua’s best and most popular romantic restaurants at the edge of a cliff, offering guests spectacular water views in a casually elegant ambiance and Mediterranean-inspired menus prepared with locally sourced ingredients. For lunch, share plates of buttery tender yellowfin tuna tartare and fresh Blue Point oysters, while for a candlelit dinner, the restaurant offers an indulgent multi-course tasting menu of tapas. And don’t pass on the bread — the signature focaccia served with sundried tomatoes and garlic oil is always made freshly in-house.
Credit, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Catherine’s Cafe
If it wasn’t for the tropical island hues at this French-inspired restaurant, you might think you were suddenly teleported to a beach club in the South of France. Impossibly chic, hitting all the right decor notes (read: plenty of boho rattan elements), this beachfront spot in Falmouth Harbor is a lively and sophisticated wedding reception option offering French-inspired flavors with a distinctly local approach. You’ll find plenty of French classics on the menu such as Niçoise salad, foie gras, tarte au citron, and caviar and crème fraîche, but also many seafood options like baked local clams and octopus, reflecting the restaurant’s island location. If you just pop in with your partner for lunch, be warned that the Champagne and wine list may have you stay for the entire afternoon (for which the restaurant conveniently offers daybeds for rent).
Cecilia’s High Point Cafe
The romantic waterfront location is just one reason to book a table in this local favorite spot (and trust us, you don’t want to show up without a reservation). The rustic wooden verandas and sea breezes set the scene for a romantic and distinctly Antiguan dining experience (and possibly a casual post-wedding reception).
While the menu has some Mediterranean influences, the food is always prepared meticulously with carefully selected local ingredients and fresh seafood. The restaurant sits at the end of Dutchman Bay, with a stunning white sand beach steps away from it, so bring your bathing suit to cool off.
Best Experiences
Sail to Barbuda
Credit, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Charter a boat for half a day to see Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, located 90 minutes away. Barbuda is a coral isle, just 14 by 8 miles, famous for its stunning soft pink and white sand beaches. It is home to several caves (perfect for adventurous couples), a 17th-century fort (for history buffs), and the largest frigate bird sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Snorkel Green Island
A short boat ride from the east coast of Antigua, Green Island is fringed by a vibrant reef, making it one of the best spots for aquatic activities. Watch out for sea turtles, sting rays, the occasional lobster, and plenty of colorful fish. The island has several secluded beaches for when you need a break from your water activities and want to take some time to soak up the sun and rest.
Visit Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
Antigua has a long and rich history, and it’s worth taking the time to explore it with a visit to English Harbor, which has Georgian-style buildings dating back to the 18th century. And while there are plenty of historical and archaeological sites and landmarks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants and shops to peruse. Also in the area — over 12 miles of hiking trails that lead to beautiful lookouts with stunning panoramic vistas, including Shirley Heights with that Instagram-perfect sunset view of English Harbor.
Featured image credit to Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
