Living in New York can be hectic, so I’m always seeking ideas for wellness destinations in the Caribbean where I can do some good for my body and mind. Antigua has been on my radar lately, so I decided to do a deep-dive into what wellness options the island has to offer. With help from some island insiders who gave me the down-low on all the healthy options on the island, I discovered that Antigua may just be the ultimate wellness destination in the Caribbean.
With award-winning spa resorts, eco-tours, yoga wellness retreats, and more, Antigua is a haven for world-weary New Yorkers like myself in need of some time out and self-care. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the island is stunning with beautiful beaches and lush forests. The locals are also incredibly hospitable, which puts you at ease right from the get-go. I’m sure your soul will be rejuvenated after a few days on this gorgeous island. So, sit back and relax while I unpack why Antigua is my new favorite wellness destination.
Top Wellness Experiences in Antigua
Reconnect with nature
The more time I spend prowling the busy streets of the concrete jungle, the less I feel connected to nature. In my opinion, natural beauty is an absolute must for a top wellness destination. Here’s where Antigua really shines. The island is fringed by white sand beaches, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and cloaked in lush tropical greenery. Plus, there are so many opportunities to get outside and immerse yourself in nature.
Spending time at the beach is a fast-track way to reconnect with nature and Antigua has 365 of them — one for each day of the year! According to our island insiders Q and Samy at Antigua Inside Out Tours, “Our favorite beach on the island is Rendezvous Bay. This beach has crystal clear waters on most days and is known to be one of the most secluded beaches in Antigua.”
Aaliyah Tuitt, our travel and lifestyle expert, also recommends Half Moon Bay, Hermitage Bay, Galley Bay, Morris Bay, and Pearn’s Point if you’re looking for something more secluded and less crowded.
Eco-tours for island discovery
I’m a big fan of exploring new places on my own, but I have to admit that some of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had when traveling have been on tours where locals have shown me around. Local people have insider knowledge about unique places and experiences that are often hard for visitors to discover on their own. If you want to commune with nature and connect with local communities, there are plenty of tour companies in Antigua that offer some seriously cool eco-tours.
Humble and Free Wadadli Tours hosts Rastafari eco-tours to connect guests to the Rastafari way of life. According to Ras Richie, co-founder of the tour company, the goal is “Revealing this beautiful side of the island — from nature hikes that reconnect guests to their inner peace to nourishing your body with organic island-grown cuisine and deep-diving into cannabis’ role in Rastafarian culture.”
You can also discover the island’s diverse ecosystems with Adventure Antigua. They offer boat tours for sightseeing along reef-protected shorelines, native bird spotting, and snorkeling.
Antigua Inside Out Tours provides other activities for exploring nature. “We offer tours where you can hike into the hills and visit the indigenous Nyabingy Rastafarian tribe to learn all about their natural and clean way of living.”
Experience world-class spas in Antigua
While many glamourous spas in New York City try to recreate tropical settings with interior design, Antigua spas give you the actual beach, palm trees, and signature techniques to relax amongst natural settings. I don’t know about you, but I’d take that over a simulated spa experience any day.
Wellness travelers are just an elevator ride away from their spa experience when staying at the luxurious Jumbo Bay Island Resort, winner of World Spa Award’s ‘Caribbean’s Best Resort Spas. You can also revel in the refreshing island breeze during a private garden session at Aveda Spa in the Sugar Ridge Resort. Another option is to Indulge in the full-service amenities at the Royal Spa located in The Royalton Antigua, one of the top all-inclusive wellness resorts in the Caribbean.
Yoga and Meditation in Antigua
Imagine this: you’re on your yoga mat, the sun is just starting to rise, and all you can hear is the sound of the waves rolling in and the breeze moving through the palms. It’s nothing like cramming into a crowded studio back home. This is pure bliss. Honestly, I didn’t think yoga could feel this transformative until I tried it here. And if you’re like me and have trouble quieting your mind for even a minute to meditate, Antigua may just be the wellness destination you need to help you gain some peace and clarity.
Carlisle Bay, Cocos Hotel, and Hawksbill Beach Resort are just a few of the best wellness resorts in the Caribbean offering yoga experiences to their guests. For a more rustic experience, check out events by Humble and Free Wadadli and their yoga partner Wadadlivity for unique events that feature kemetic yoga, an ital meal, live local acoustic performances, vegan snacks, and refreshing local fruit juices including cannabis-infused drinks. It’s a beautiful celebration of wellness and community spirit. There are also several yoga retreats held throughout the year for a more immersive yoga experience in Antigua.
Fresh and Healthy Food in Antigua
It’s not hard to find healthy food in New York City, but what I do find hard is sticking to a healthy eating plan when I’m always rushing around amid the hustle and bustle. A slice of pizza or sandwich from the bodega is just so much easier when I’m rushed for time. In Antigua, the pace of life is much slower, which makes it easier to make healthy eating decisions. Plus, the traditional island cooking techniques and fresh ingredients give foodies a unique island-style dining experience that you won’t find in New York. Here are a few dining options to nourish your body during your wellness escape.
Fresh seafood
It should be no surprise that seafood is abundant on the island. Local restaurants have the luxury of serving fresh fish caught on the same day. What’s even better is that you can enjoy ocean views during your meal at popular spots like OJ’s Beach Bar & Restaurant and Ana’s On The Beach.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Vegans and vegetarians can rest assured that they can find delicious meals in Antigua. We spoke with Antigua travel and lifestyle expert Aaliyah Tuitt, who revealed her best restaurant picks in Antigua. Her recommendations include Garden Grill, which uses fresh vegetables and island herbs in its dishes. Sheer Rocks is a scenic restaurant serving vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes.
Must-try local dishes
You can’t visit Antigua without sampling the local cuisine. Wood oven bread, curry conch, and ducana with saltfish are a few light local foods that Tuitt recommended.
Where to Stay in Antigua
After living in tiny New York City apartments, I think I can safely say that we all deserve some space to really breathe and unwind at a wellness destination. In Antigua, you can choose accommodations that fit exactly what you need. Whether you’re craving a sprawling resort or a quiet boutique retreat, you can personalize your wellness escape to make it truly your own.
If you want everything taken care of in one place, all-inclusive wellness resorts are great because they offer tons of amenities and often have private beaches where you can jog, do yoga, or meditate. Planning a group wellness getaway? Consider renting a villa with a private chef and optional add-ons like private yoga sessions. You can also explore the wide range of Airbnb and VRBO options to live like the locals and discover the true meaning of “island time.”
Tips For Planning Your Wellness Getaway in Antigua
With some savvy planning, Antigua can be the ultimate wellness destination for any type of traveler. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your wellness escape.
- Choose the best time of year to visit the island. Antigua Inside Out Tours suggests, “The high season is between mid-November and the end of April, but the best time for us is from June to the end of August. The water is crystal clear and some days you can have the beach all for yourself!”
- Stay hydrated with water and fresh fruit juices during activities.
- Pack essential items such as sunscreen, water shoes, yoga mats, and anything else to make your time on the island a breeze.
- Don’t rush the experience. Life in Antigua moves much slower compared to what we experience in New York. So, take it easy and relax because your Antigua wellness escape should be all about enjoying the present.
