5th December 2016: In recent weeks, the twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda have come into the spotlight as a honeymoon destination fit for royalty.  The two islands provide the perfect honeymoon solution, with 365 beaches on Antigua, long stretches of pink sand beaches on Barbuda and a wide range of accommodation options from romantic secluded getaways to beautiful resorts with oceanfront spas. The islands are ideal for couples looking to relax as well as the more active with kayaking mangrove tours, zip line rides through the rainforest, sunset catamaran rides and even a helicopter ride to nearby volcanic Montserrat.  Below is a selection of Antigua and Barbuda hotels offering a range of different honeymoon options.

Honeymooners looking for the ultimate in eco-luxury

The uber luxury Barbuda Belle on Barbuda recently opened and has just six large beachfront bungalows, each with their own private balconies and stunning views over the mangroves of the Codrington Lagoon Park.  Each bungalow is beautifully decorated with handcrafted wooden and wicker fittings. Minutes from the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and Codrington Lagoon Park, Barbuda Belle has taken every care to minimalise its impact on this mangrove-lined land and upholds environmentally-friendly practises in every possible way, mainly by being solar powered. At Barbuda Belle, honeymooners can admire wildlife and untouched nature up close while enjoying excellent French gourmet cuisine with a local twist. Rates start from £713 per night per bungalow reserved on a double occupancy.

Honeymooners looking for private island luxury

Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, is located on a private island just off the coast of Antigua. For an exclusive island stay fit for a king, this is the place. Only accessible by boat and only available for guests of the resort, this is a luxury hideaway with absolute exclusivity. The tiny island is only 300 acres and privately owned by its 56 villa owners. There are 40 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites and a collection of villas and estate homes. The island itself is a complete haven with no cars, beach vendors or jet skis. Prices on application.

Honeymooners looking for a small secluded property

Five star boutique hotel, Hermitage Bay is made up of 27 individual suites set into the hillside amongst beautiful tropical gardens, ideal for couples looking for the ultimate in secluded getaways.  The Hillside Pool Suites are the definitive romantic escape, with their private plunge pools and sun decks, shaded outdoor living spaces and daybeds framed with sheer white curtains.  Hermitage Bay is offering a 15% early booking discount for any bookings made by 31st December 2016. A seven night stay costs from £3,599 per person based on two adults sharing a Garden Suite for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis including return flights from Gatwick and private transfers. Based on a departure date of 1st June 2017. For bookings: www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk / 01244 355 570. 

Honeymooners looking for an active stay

The five star all-inclusive Curtain Bluff is set between two beautiful beaches with unrivalled inclusive water sports and a 5,000 foot award winning peninsula spa, perfect for couples looking for a luxury resort with plenty of facilities. The resort's four night honeymoon getaway costs from £3,301 based on two adults sharing a deluxe room on an all-inclusive basis. The package includes four nights' accommodation with a bottle of Champagne on arrival, private dinner in the romantic garden gazebo, a couples 'de-stressor' massage, a sunset sail on a 49-foot boat, island tour, unlimited all-inclusive water sports, use of the fitness centre and tennis and squash courts. Additional nights are from £660.

Honeymooners looking for a couples only option

Keyonna Beach, a couples-only resort, has a magnificent beach setting, with all accommodation having a beach view. There are no TVs or radios in the rooms which ensures ultimate relaxation and when couples venture to beach, they each have a private 'Carib Beach Bed', for a truly Caribbean experience. A rum cart makes regular appearances along the beach, serving guests a selection of rum punches and cocktails.  Keyonna Beach has created a new 'Honeymoon Experience'. Priced from £3,745 per person, the package includes a seven night stay in a one-bedroom cottage on an all-inclusive basis, private transfers, fresh flowers and a bottle of Champagne in the room upon arrival, a couples massage, a private candle-lit three-course dinner on the beach served by a dedicated butler and a west coast tour on a two-person watercraft, which allows the couple to zip along Antigua's magnificent coastline enjoying the amazing views. 

Honeymooners looking for an authentic experience

For those who don't want to fork out a princely sum, Antigua also has an array of smaller hotels and properties, many of which are owner managed and family owned offering an added value, more personalised and more affordable stay. Villas at Sunset Lane is one of these smaller properties. Nestled into the hillside and overlooking one of Antigua's most scenic beaches, Dickenson Bay, guests have a truly Antiguan stay with a personal welcome from the owner and complimentary Caribbean cooking classes. The hotel's honeymoon package in the premium suite starts from £480 for a five night stay including airport transfers, all meals, one day of car rental, a circumnavigation of the island on a luxury catamaran and a taste of Antiguan cuisine at local beach bar, OJ's. The other smaller properties can be seen in the new “Unique Properties GEMS of Antigua and Barbuda Guide” at http://bit.ly/2fVs4nU.  

Honeymooners looking for rooms with a view

Sugar Ridge is a family run boutique hotel in a spectacular elevated position above Jolly Harbour.  All 60 rooms are west facing with fantastic views across the Caribbean, so romantic sunset's sipping cocktails are the order of the day. The deluxe upper floor rooms have the best views, whilst the ground floor deluxe and premium rooms enjoy private plunge pools. For dining the Sugar Club is the gathering place offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and for fine dining Carmichaels is the place to go.  With various board arrangements to suit every pocket, Sugar Ridge is the perfect honeymoon hotel. Virgin Holidays offers a seven night stay at Sugar Ridge from £898 per person on a room only basis with flights from London Gatwick. Based on an 18th April 2017 departure.  The hotel's honeymoon package offers a complimentary room upgrade, bottle of bubbly on arrival and a couple's spa treatment.

For further information on Antigua and Barbuda please visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

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About Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew' da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors.  Antigua's rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty's Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil's Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages.