Visiting Antigua as a solo traveller
Going on a solo holiday to the Caribbean island of Antigua was something I hadn't given much thought to. I had travelled there many times with a partner and with children but never on my own. The islands conjure up images of blue skies, turquoise water and white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, usually with couples hand in hand on them. Without a doubt it can be a romantic destination to travel to for couples but Antigua is also a great place to visit solo.
After being single for a while I began to question why I should wait to be in a relationship to travel again. So after a moment of sheer bravery, I decided to return to my favourite country alone. It was the best decision I made, life changing in fact and I would recommend solo travel to anyone. Afterwards I felt empowered and ready to take on the world.
Travel to Antigua
Antigua is a friendly, welcoming, English speaking country. Morning flights from London to Antigua are direct with British Airways and take less than 9 hours. The time difference is 4-5 hours behind the UK depending on the month of travel. This usually ensures arrival at your accommodation by 3pm which works well with standard check-in times. Arriving in daylight when travelling alone is preferable too in order to become familiar with the surroundings before dark.
Short term holiday rentals in Antigua
Holiday rentals are a great alternative to hotels and can sometimes work out more cost effective. Check out the holiday rentals page for details of recommended places to stay. Some properties are located within family homes so there are people on hand to help with any issues should they arise or recommend local places to visit.
How to choose a hotel in Antigua when travelling alone
Consider what you want from your holiday because travelling alone is a different type of break. Do you want to stay within a resort? Do you prefer to go out and explore? Do you like high end properties or those that are a little more basic? Is a beach important to you or do you prefer a pool? Do you like to socialise with others or be alone and self-reflect? I have stayed in a few places now ... here are my experiences to help you with your decision making.
Galley Bay, Antigua
I lacked confidence on my first solo trip so played safe staying in a stunning 5* all-inclusive resort, Galley Bay in Northern Antigua. I knew I didn't have to leave the resort unless I especially wanted to and actually I was happy to do very little on this particular holiday. The beach, restaurants, bars and entertainment were all included in the price. I didn't need to think about any additional expenses and carrying money around with me. The accommodation was luxurious, a spacious beachfront suite with a door opening onto powdery white sand and I could hear the waves crash while laying in bed. I spoke to a few people that week but I was the only single person on resort amongst couples and honeymooners.
I soon settled into a routine and enjoyed being alone for the first time ever. My days were filled with swimming, reading and relaxing in the hot sun. 5pm became cocktail o'clock while watching flame coloured sunsets. Evenings were spent sitting at a counter-top bar speaking with staff and I soon realised dining at 6:30 pm or 9pm rather than at peak times, ensured a table by the water's edge. I gazed out to sea embraced by a cool breeze rather than sitting in the middle of the restaurant feeling self-conscious.
Galley Bay is a stunning hotel and location to unwind, spend time alone and self-reflect. Be prepared to indulge in good food and cocktails and to be pampered at the spa. It's surprising how much you can actually think and see clearly when you are removed from life's clutter for a week. I would definitely come to this resort again but as a couple. It is one of the best places I have stayed but I probably would not return on my own.
Hotels I recommend for solo travel
Admiral's Inn is located within the grounds of historic Nelson's Dockyard overlooking the harbour on Antigua's south coast. There is plenty to do within the local area and without a doubt, it is one of my favourite spots on the island to visit. I have stayed here several times alone and I can highly recommend it if you are comfortable exploring the local area and staying on a room only basis.
Explore the Dockyard museum, formerly Lord Admiral Nelson's house, then take a ride on the complimentary shuttle boat to Galleon Beach for snorkelling and turtle spotting. Alternatively, across the harbour is an infinity pool framed by loungers, four poster beds and hammocks, a spa and an open-air restaurant.
There are a number of bars and restaurants in English Harbour and as a solo traveller I feel very comfortable walking around here by day and night. Some restaurants offer a free collect and return service by water taxi from harbour side hotels such as Admiral's Inn and Copper & Lumber Store. This is a pleasant way to travel at night with the breeze, stars and twinkling lights on the water.
Another excellent place to stay when travelling alone is the Copper & Lumber Store. Like Admiral's Inn, it is located within historic Nelson's Dockyard so benefits from the same amenities both inside and outside the grounds. The Georgian building that once stored copper and lumber to restore ships, has been sympathetically renovated and now comprises 14 elegant studios and suites.
Buccaneer Beach Club Resort is a beach lover's paradise and the place to come for total relaxation. The hotel is located on a stunning stretch of soft white sand with clear turquoise water. Think comfortable loungers, gentle swims and beach walks. Several bars and restaurants are within walking distance and you will find low key entertainment next door at Salt Plage a couple of times each week. Wifi is excellent throughout the resort and beach area attracting those travelling for business as well as for leisure. Apartments are modern with kitchenettes and the local supermarket is just 20 minutes walk away.
The laid back, all-inclusive beachfront hotel positioned on the Atlantic side of the island offers comfortable rooms with some low key entertainment. The beach is protected by a band of coral making it a great place to snorkel. A hammock and seating area is nestled between trees, offering a pleasant place to read or relax in the shade. Food is exceptional at each of the restaurants and a highlight is to lunch at Outhouse, a Caribbean barbecue and grill set on a hillside with ocean views.
Nestled in a quiet, gated community in Falmouth Harbour, Neem View Apartments are the perfect place for a vacation getaway or just relaxing. The tranquil properties offer a variety of fully equipped and furnished apartment spaces with stunning, panoramic views of English Harbour from some balconies. The apartments truly feel like your home away from home.
Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort is situated in the heart of English Harbour within tripping distance of a host of lively bars and restaurants. Also close by are two stunning beaches, Pigeon Point and Galleon, supermarkets, several shops, an art gallery and historic Nelson's Dockyard. The area is particularly vibrant during high season especially in April when annual sailing events take place. The relaxed and friendly resort is surrounded by tropical plants and flowers. It has 19 rooms and 30 self-contained, spacious, studio apartments overlooking luxurious yachts moored at Falmouth Harbour.
Room only versus all-inclusive resorts
There is a tendency to stay on resort at an all-inclusive hotel as everything is already paid for.
Some people like to see familiar faces daily so this can be a benefit of a smaller all-inclusive hotel.
Tours booked through the hotel will be with others you may already know.
Larger resorts offer variety at meal times whereas the smaller resorts may have one main restaurant area for dinner.
Room only gives flexibility regarding activities and meal times but can work out more expensive.
Room only holidays are good for those who prefer to explore the local area
Recommended activities for solo travel
It would be easy to spend every day relaxing on one of the 365 stunning beaches. However Antigua has many more attractions to offer its visitors. Activities include ways to get an insight into the local culture through music, food and history. Try a cookery lesson and take home a bunch of new recipes, dance the night away high up on a hillside or, take a day trip to the world's only working Georgian naval dockyard. The best way to see all of the island's hidden gems is to hire a car and get exploring at your own pace or perhaps book one of the exciting boat trips. Click on the link for my most recommended activities and tours.
Helpful tips for solo travel
Many high end properties attract mainly couples and some are adults only. Just be aware of it if you prefer to be around a mixture of families and other solo travellers too. A helpful tip is to google the hotel you are considering staying at. Under the reviews section type 'solo' into the search bar and read the reviews and viewpoints of others who have been to the property by themselves.
Don't attract attention by wearing flashy jewellery and wave expensive cameras and mobiles around etc. It's a safe island but just use common sense as you would at home.
Book tours and trips via hotels and reputable companies.
If you don't want to receive unwanted attention as a solo female traveller consider wearing a wedding ring if you are out on your own.
Ask hotel staff for recommendations of places to go to by yourself and organise transport for you
Make sure your US$ do not have any tears in them when collecting your currency before travel and also when receiving change on the island. Antigua will not accept them and the bank will not change them.
For further information on solo travel to Antigua, drop me an email at info.worldwidetravelideas@gmail.com and I will be happy to answer your questions.
Note: I will receive a small commission if you make a booking at the accommodation mentioned in my post.
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If you make any bookings based on my recommendations your contract will be directly with the hotel/property provider/activity providers. I am acting as a referral point only based on information from my most recent visit which may be subject to change at any time.
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