Family vacations in Antigua for all budgets

Sun, sea and family time on an all-inclusive holiday in the Caribbean is sure to create some long-lasting memories. Antigua is a great choice for those wanting to relax but also has plenty of adventures to keep the whole family entertained. Plus whatever your budget, there is an abundance of beachside accommodation to suit your needs.

The Verandah Resort & Spa is a family-friendly resort near Devil’s Bridge National Park. Four pools, one for children, one for families and two beaches mean you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to having fun in the sun. The Kids’ Club for children age four to 12 has an adventure playground, splash pool and a schedule of exciting daily activities ranging from art classes to nature trails. For teens there are movie nights, discos and karaoke; there is also a crazy golf course for a fun alternative family activity. An abundance of activities are on offer: kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, tennis courts, a spa, four restaurants and three bars which will ensure there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

St James’s Club & Villas is set on its own private peninsula to the south of the island. Swim in the calm waters of Mamora Bay, catch the trade winds at Coco Beach, watch pelicans diving for fish and snorkel over beautiful reefs. Rooms, suites and villas are spread across the resort with garden or ocean views. The Kids’ Club for children age four to 11 has daily activities on offer including crab races and treasure hunts; they also serve lunch and dinner.  There is also a games room for older children and for some family fun, try paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing at Mamora Bay. St. James’s Club has six pools, a spa, tennis courts and a fitness centre. For food the kids will love Coco Beach Restaurant and adults will love The Docksider Grill overlooking Mamora Bay where you can enjoy the spectacular sunset.

Sitting on a mile long stretch of golden sand Jolly Beach Resort & Spa is in a stunning location; stay in a beachfront cottage, wake up and step straight out onto the sand. A fantasy pool with a waterfall for the kids and a swim up bar for adults ensure everyone is kept entertained. For active families, try kayaking or sailing, visit the Antiguan Art and Craft Corner for seashell art or play a game of tennis. The Kids’ Club for children age three to 12 and the Teens’ Club for teens age 13 to 16 have plenty of daily activities to keep everyone busy. While the Palms Wellness Centre is the ideal place for parents to be pampered.

The chic Curtain Bluff is a 35 minute drive from the airport, surrounded by two beaches and a gorgeous pool; you will be spoilt for choice. Pick Surf Beach to relax in a hammock or have some fun snorkelling and exploring the marine life at Bay Beach. There are a whole host of water sports included in the all-inclusive package from Hobie cat sailing to water-skiing as well as yoga and pilates. All of the sumptuous rooms have ocean views and the spa has four treatment rooms overlooking the water. For something a bit different take a tour of the wine cellar and join the Friday afternoon wine tasting session while the youngsters are at Ceebee Kids Club. The kids’ club is open five days a week with activities including chocolate making, designing wind chimes and crab racing. A games room full of board and computer games is bound to keep the kids happy for a few hours and a babysitting service is also available.

Antigua is an island full of adventures for all the family, highlights include Stingray City. Start the day with a speed boat ride to a pontoon where you will jump into the sparkling, shallow waters and meet stingrays face to face. Accompanied by friendly and knowledgeable staff, watch them as they gracefully swim by, learn about them in their natural habitat and have your photo taken with these gentle giants.

For daredevils the Rainforest Zip Line Tour is a must, the minimum age for this tour is four. Zoom through jungle canopies on 16 zip lines, take in the magnificent jungle views on three aerial walkways and if you are feeling really brave take the leap of faith vertical descent. There are four different tours to choose from, one includes a combination trip with Stingray City.

Wadadli Animal Nature Park is home to a variety of animals and is an exciting alternative to a day on the beach for little ones. See snapping turtles, monkeys, donkeys and many more different species on a guided tour of the park. Take a snorkelling tour for a fun an informative day out on the water. Snorkel over beautiful reefs, stop at the famous Hell’s Gate, relax in the natural jacuzzi, spot turtles and swim off the beach at Bird Island; all the while learning about Antigua’s reefs and ecosystems.

A four-by-four island safari in an open sided jeep is a thrilling way to see Antigua. Off-road along jungle tracks, see historical sites and take in beautiful views, perfect for photo opportunities.

A family destination like no other, Antigua has it all; 365 tropical beaches, all-inclusive resorts catering for families on a variety of budgets and exciting island adventures to please everyone. From swimming in the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, to exploring the island’s rainforest this is a family holiday you won’t forget!