Solo in Antigua
- Jude
- May 20
- 5 min read
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 island 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. Direct flights with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic 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. Taxis are licensed and located directly outside the airport terminal, prices are fixed and regulated by the government.
Short term vacation 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 studios and one bed places to stay suitable for solo travel. 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. I have visited each of the properties, met with the owners/property managers and taken the majority of my own photographs.
Recommended Hotels and Apartment complexes for solo travel to Antigua
The hotels and apartment complexes I recommend offer bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation. They are a great base from which to explore the island. Click on the link to discover a range of properties on the beachfront, with use of a pool, spa facilities or a micro hotel with games available for hire including a pool table, Fooz ball or poker table.
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 at a former military lookout 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 things to do in Antigua.
My first solo travel experience
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 vacation. 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 on vacation 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.
Room only versus all-inclusive resorts
There is a tendency to stay on resort at an all-inclusive hotel as everything is pre-paid.
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/self-catering holidays gives flexibility regarding activities and meal times
Room only/self-catering holidays are good for those who prefer to explore the local area
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.
Note: I will receive a small commission if you make a booking with activities/accommodation mentioned in this post.
If you make any bookings based on my recommendations your contract will be directly with the accommodation 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.
