Salt in the air, sand in my hair, and not a worry in the world.
For my husband and I, travel has always meant one thing: the ‘backpacking, budget-travel, Airbnb’ lifestyle. We love the adventure of finding hidden gems on a shoestring, but for our wedding anniversary, we decided it was finally time to trade the DIY approach for a little bit of luxury with an all-inclusive resort. While we briefly considered the Dominican Republic for its affordability, my heart was set on something truly exotic with that iconic, crystal-clear turquoise water. That’s when we discovered Antigua and Barbuda—and the moment I saw those breathtaking ocean views, I knew we had found the place we were dreaming of.
We quickly realized that a trip here comes with a higher price tag, perhaps a bit closer to a Bermuda-level budget, but we were determined to make it happen. So, if you’ve been dreaming of a tropical splurge, I’m sharing a full breakdown of our trip—how we made it work without spending an arm and a leg, and how we made the absolute most of every second in paradise.
Prepping for Paradise: Our Essential Packing List
Since this was our big anniversary trip, we didn’t want to leave anything to chance. We started packing weeks in advance to make sure we had everything we needed to transition from our usual “budget-backpacker” vibe to a full-on resort experience. To help you get ready for your own tropical getaway, I’ve put together a printable packing list that you can download and print to stay organized.
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While you’ll find all the details in the list, here are a few absolute non-negotiables I recommend for Antigua:
- Sun Protection Essentials: High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are a must for those bright Caribbean days.
- A Waterproof Phone Pouch: You’ll want to capture those crystal-clear water shots without worrying about your tech. This waterproof phone case is the way to go!
- Versatile Resort Wear: Pack a mix of comfortable beachwear and some nicer outfits for those romantic anniversary dinners — especially if your resort requires a dress code!
- Durable Water Shoes: Don’t skip these! You’ll want protection against sea urchins or the occasional invasive lionfish. It’s always best to shuffle your feet while walking, but having a pair of water shoes with a solid sole gives you that extra peace of mind while you explore.
- Picaridin Bug Repellent: The bugs in Antigua can be aggressive, including mosquitoes and tiny “no-see-ums.” Even at resorts that spray, they can still be an issue. I highly recommend packing a Picaridin-based spray—it’s just as effective as DEET but odorless.
- International Data Plan (eSIM): Don’t get stuck without GPS! Depending on your phone plan’s international capabilities, I highly recommend purchasing an eSIM. I use Maya Mobile and it is reasonably priced—around $20 for about 7 days of data—and it made navigating the island so much easier. Just make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible before you go!
- Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable for me! It covers everything from medical emergencies to trip cancellations. I personally use VisitorsCoverage to compare and purchase my plans. The cost usually ranges from 4% to 10% of your total trip cost, depending on your age and the level of coverage you choose, but for the peace of mind it provides, it is worth every penny.
- **BONUS** (If you want to get really tan!) Snag some TSA-approved Carroten Intensive Tanning Oil.
Getting to Paradise: Our Journey to Antigua
For us, the travel adventure began right in our home state of Massachusetts. We love using the Logan Express from Woburn—it’s honestly the best-kept secret for stress-free airport travel. It’s only $9 per person each way if you book online ($18 round trip), which saves a ton compared to parking or Ubers. So, if you’re from MA, it’s also good to know that besides Woburn, the Logan Express bus also services Back Bay (in Boston), Braintree, Danvers, and Framingham.
If you do happen to take Logan Express, always double-check the Sunday schedule! It’s different from the weekday bus times—there is usually a late-night gap, followed by an “early bird” bus (often around 2:15 a.m.) to catch those early morning flights. Since we like to arrive at the airport two hours before our 5:45 a.m. boarding time, that early bird schedule was our best friend.
Us at the bus station (excited, but tired as hell!)
When it came to booking our flights, I stuck with my favorite: JetBlue. They really go the extra mile with free carry-on, Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages, which makes the travel experience so much better. While Air Canada was slightly cheaper, it came with a much longer layover, so we chose the convenience of JetBlue. The total cost for both of us ended up being about $1,500 round trip. That included our base fare plus seat selection—because let’s be honest, for an anniversary trip, we definitely wanted to sit together! We had an hour-and-a-half layover at JFK, which was just enough time to grab a drink at the bar and relax before our 4-hour flight down to Antigua.
Once we touched down, the V.C. Bird International Airport was a breath of fresh air—it’s small, efficient, and very clean. One thing to keep in mind before you travel: you must complete the Arrive Antigua digital travel form online within 72 hours of your arrival. It’s a simple process where you upload a selfie and your passport information, and in return, you get a QR code. Make sure you have that code ready to show security before departing from the airport—it makes the whole process incredibly fast.
With that cleared, we were ready to start our tropical escape!
Wheels on the Island: Renting a Car in Antigua
My husband and I are big believers in renting a car no matter where we travel, therefore, we reserved our wheels in advance! When we landed in Antigua, we headed straight to the rental car facility located right next to the airport. Once you exit the airport, it’s a quick walk—just head left, follow the path around the side of the building, and you’ll find the little hub where about 10 different rental companies are located.
The little sedan we reserved was about $300 for the week. While some people might tell you that you need a 4×4 to handle the roads, I have to disagree! As long as you take your time, drive carefully, and keep an eye out for the occasional pothole, donkey, and goat, a standard car is perfectly fine!
When they brought our sedan around, it was a bit of a funny sight—my husband is 6’1″, and he looked like he was hopping into a “clown car,” but it was cute, clean, and ran perfectly. The staff was fantastic, they didn’t keep us waiting, and since the tank was just a notch under full, they just asked us to bring it back at the same level.
🚗 “Rules of the Road” tips:
- Drive on the Left: Antigua drives on the opposite side of the road from the U.S. (like the UK), which means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. If you aren’t comfortable with that, you might want to skip the rental, but if you’re confident behind the wheel, you’ll pick it up in no time.
- Watch Your Speed: Don’t be tempted to speed! Local police are well aware of which vehicles are rentals—they can easily spot a tourist by the license plate. We heard from a local that they often patrol in unmarked, normal-looking cars, so you never know if there is a police officer behind you or next to you. Your best bet is to just take your time, enjoy the scenery, and drive the speed limit.
The Escape at Nonsuch Bay
With our rental car secured, I punched the address for our resort into the GPS — The Escape at Nonsuch Bay — and we were on our way!
What drew us to this spot was that it’s tucked away off the beaten path—it’s not a party spot or a busy tourist trap. It was about a 45-minute drive from the airport, but the peace, quiet, and romantic atmosphere were exactly what we were looking for.
Resort Life: What to Expect at The Escape at Nonsuch Bay
If you are looking for a high-energy party resort with nightly shows and a buzzing atmosphere, this is probably not the place for you. The Escape at Nonsuch Bay is specifically designed for couples who want to disconnect from the world and just be together. It is secluded, quiet, and incredibly romantic—a true “retreat” in every sense of the word.
The Inclusions & Amenities:
- The Basics: As an all-inclusive, your stay covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and a full bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
- Beach & Bay: You have full beach access down the street and free use of kayaks to explore the bay.
- The Main Pool: There is a large pool located down by the dining and bar area, but honestly? You probably won’t use it much—having your own private plunge pool right outside your room is hard to beat!
- Spa & Fitness: They have an on-site spa offering a variety of treatments, including couples’ massages and facials, which is perfect for an anniversary treat. If you want to keep up with your workout routine, there is also an on-site fitness area available.
- Relaxation & Games: Down near the main pool, bar, and dining area, you’ll find a selection of board games and a few shelves stocked with books. It’s a nice, free way to spend an afternoon if you want to hang out in the common area or take a book back to your room.
- Nature: The grounds are beautiful and tucked away, making it a great spot for bird watching if you enjoy a little nature with your coffee.
Transportation & Excursions:
- Airport Shuttle: The resort offers airport shuttle transportation if you prefer not to rent a car. Keep in mind that this is an additional service and usually costs around $95 USD per room, per way.
- The “Add-Ons”: The resort offers plenty of ways to upgrade your experience, though these come at an additional cost. You can book “romantic” extras like floating breakfasts or tapas in your plunge pool, or in-room bubble baths complete with rose petals and a private dinner.
- Green Island Shuttle: A boat trip to snorkel with sea turtles (approx. $90 per person).
- Shirley Heights: They offer a shuttle to the famous Sunday/Thursday night barbecue and party for about $40 per person, which includes round-trip transportation.
- External Tours: The staff can help you book outside companies for activities like zip-lining or horseback riding, though we found these to be quite pricey compared to just exploring the island on our own.
🎷🎶 A Note on Entertainment:
Don’t expect a packed calendar of events. The entertainment is very low-key—we had one night with a singer and another with a saxophone player, but otherwise, the resort is very quiet. It really is a place to relax, read, and enjoy the silence.
A Closer Look: Our Room & The “Must-Knows”
Understanding the room categories at The Escape at Nonsuch Bay can be a little confusing when booking online. You have the Garden View (standard, bottom floor), the Deluxe King (2nd floor), the Romantic Suite Bay View, and the Premium Suite Bay View (both on 2nd floor as well). From what I could tell, the highest tier appeared to include spa credits, but the layout is essentially the same across all of them. At the time of booking, they had a deal on their main website which ran us approximately $1800 for our 7-day stay in the Deluxe King room with a partial bay view. Originally, this room would have cost around $2100, so I thought that was a great deal!
We were thrilled with our Deluxe King. It was clean, comfortable, and featured gorgeous glass doors that opened entirely, allowing us to merge our indoor space with the balcony. The balcony was our favorite spot, featuring a private plunge pool, an outdoor bathtub, and a comfortable daybed perfect for napping or sunbathing. We also had plenty of storage, double sinks, a mini-fridge and coffee maker.
📓✏️ A few “Heads Up” tips for your stay:
- Privacy & Layout: If you’re traveling with a friend rather than a significant other, keep in mind that the shower is open-concept and located right in the room with no door. The bathroom area is separate and does have a frosted glass door for privacy, but the shower is definitely “out in the open.”
- The Slip Factor: This is a big one—please be careful! The area around the plunge pool can be extremely slippery when wet. I had a scary moment on our first day where I slipped getting out of the pool; I ended up moving the large round rug from the balcony right up to the edge of the pool to create some much-needed traction. It stayed there for the rest of our trip and saved us from any accidents!
- The “Welcome” Experience: I was really hoping for that “special anniversary” touch that they featured online if you let them know in advance—you know, the classic flower petals on the bed that spell “Happy Anniversary” and a bottle of champagne—but unfortunately, it wasn’t there when we arrived. We also didn’t receive a welcome drink, despite hearing others mention it. While it was a bit disappointing, we didn’t let it ruin our vacation vibes.
- Room Service: To request housekeeping, there is a seashell system on the door. Simply place the small shell into the larger one to let staff know you need a refresh. They typically service rooms every other day, which worked out perfectly for us.
- The Bed: It’s worth noting that the bed comfort is subjective! I found it very cozy and comfortable, though my husband felt differently.
The Logistics: Drinks, Parking, and Amenities
- Staying Hydrated: The resort provides two large reusable water bottles. There is a water station/bubbler located at the bar, so you’ll just refill those throughout your stay. I recommend bringing your own durable metal water bottle if you want to keep your water ice-cold in the Caribbean heat vs the plastic one provided.
- The “Bar Run”: Since this is an all-inclusive, you’d expect drink service, but you actually have to carry a circular tray from your room all the way down to the bar to get your drinks. Depending on how far your room is, this can be quite the hike in the heat, and balancing a tray full of drinks can get a little messy!
- Parking: If you’re renting a car, there is a small parking lot on-site. It fills up fast! If you can’t find a spot near your building, there is an overflow lot further down, but be prepared for a bit of a walk to get back to your room.
- Tech: The room is equipped with a TV that has Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube already logged in, which is great for those lazy afternoons.
Here is a PDF of everything The Escape at Nonsuch Bay has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling Into Our Tropical Oasis
The arrival process was incredibly smooth. By completing the online check-in via the resort’s website before leaving home, we saved a ton of time. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot at 3:45 p.m., Randy (a staff member) was already waiting outside to greet us. He pointed us toward a parking spot and walked us straight to our room, skipping the front desk entirely.
Once inside, Randy provided a quick tour and explained how everything worked. The rest of the afternoon was spent exactly as hoped: lounging, swimming in our private plunge pool, and enjoying some drinks.
Dinner happened around 7:00 p.m. at the main dining area. Between the jet lag and the total relaxation of the afternoon, the evening was quiet and easy. After grabbing a few more drinks to take back to the suite, a movie provided the perfect end to the night before drifting off to sleep.
The “Must-Know” Dining Routine: It is important to understand the resort’s dining policy from the start. Meals follow strict, dedicated time slots, and the staff manages service by having guests reserve their preferred times for the next meal:
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Afternoon Snacks: 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
When checking in for each meal, be prepared to tell the staff when you plan to return for the next one. Even if there are plans to be off-property for an excursion, pick a time slot to be safe! And just know, if you don’t show up for the designated timeframe, there may not be a seat available at a later time.
Additionally, the resort prohibits taking food back to the room, and room service carries a $175 premium for a private setup. Because portions are often small and the afternoon snack selection was limited, stopping at a local grocery store is a great way to keep the mini fridge stocked with favorite treats.
Dress your best: Another thing to note is that the resort requires a dress code for dinner. They ask that ladies wear a dress or a nice blouse and men wear a collared shirt. It’s a great excuse to dress up a little but leave the sports clothes in your room—they aren’t allowed in the dining area, unless it’s breakfast or lunch time!
Day 2: Half Moon Bay, Devil’s Bridge, and Local Stops
The morning started early with breakfast at the resort before heading out to explore the island’s coastline. Our first stop on the list was the world-famous Half Moon Bay.
The “World-Famous” Half Moon Bay 🌴
The drive to the world-famous Half Moon Bay only took about 10 to 15 minutes. Also, it is free to visit and park!
While it is known as a premier, picture-perfect crescent beach and a great spot to snorkel, the arrival was a major bummer. An abundance of sargassum choked the shoreline, and the smell was pretty rough. Staying about 15 minutes allowed for a quick look at the views and a few photos before deciding to move on.
🌊Sargassum Reality: Anyone visiting the Caribbean needs to know about sargassum seaweed—it tends to hit the east coasts much harder, while the west coasts stay calmer and clearer. It should also be noted that the resort at Nonsuch Bay can experience quite a bit of seaweed, as it’s on the east coast.
The sargassum season in the Caribbean generally spans from March through October, with the heaviest and most intense peak typically occurring between May and August. We went here in late May – early June.
Devil’s Bridge National Park 🌊
Driving about 30 minutes north led to Devil’s Bridge National Park, a striking natural rock arch on eastern Antigua. Visiting and parking are completely free, and the area features incredible natural blowholes powered by Atlantic waves crashing against the stone.
Climbing down the rocks a bit closer to the action made for some awesome photo opportunities. In addition, there’s a quiet beach down the path that leads up to Devil’s Bridge!
Before leaving, checking out the souvenir stalls off to the right was a major highlight. The items were reasonably priced, and spending around $80 brought home great gifts for the family, plus a few special finds: a purse made out of coconuts and a beautiful new sun hat!
Fresh Fruit and Resort Relaxation 🍍🍊
On the drive back to the resort, we saw a small fruit stand on the side of the road and couldn’t resist! We had to make a quick stop to secure fresh Antiguan black pineapple, mangoes, and soursop. If you are looking for fresh fruit, make sure to have cash on hand when stopping at a road-side stand.
After arriving back at the resort, our afternoon was spent unwinding by the private plunge pool with drinks and fresh fruit, followed dinner featuring a fantastic curry chicken with a loaded baked potato and vegetables — it really hit the spot! The evening wound down with a movie, a glass of wine, AC cranked to full blast, and plenty of fresh aloe to soothe the skin after a long day in the sun ☀️
Day 3: Resort Recovery, Feathered Friends, and Travel Gear Wins
Day three was all about hitting the pause button and enjoying a full day of total relaxation right at the resort. Sticking close to our private plunge pool turned out to be the best decision.
Our Daily Visitors: Henry and Birdie 🕊️
One of the most unexpected highlights of the stay was making friends with two local birds who decided to drop by our balcony every single day. The male was dubbed Henry, and the female became Birdie. They practically became part of the daily routine!
My New Tanning Go-To ✨
While lounging and soaking up the sun for hours, it was the perfect time to put a new travel buy to the test: the travel-size Carroten Intense Tanning Spray. I mean seriously….LOOK HOW DARK I GOT WITHIN A FEW HOURS!!
Having used the thick bronzed lotion from the same brand previously, trying the spray version for the first time was a bit of an experiment—especially since the TSA-approved size made packing a breeze. It worked wonderfully, and a little truly goes a long way (there was even plenty left over to bring back home). Anyone planning a vacation or just laying out in the yard should definitely add this to the packing list; it works just as well as the cream version without any of the mess.
My New Favorite Gadget 📸
The downtime also provided a great opportunity to put another favorite pre-trip purchase to work: the Panasonic Lumix ZS99 camera (picked up on sale for $600). Tucked inside a cute pink hard case with a matching pink silicone cover, it turned out to be an absolute game-changer. The zoom is fantastic, capturing crystal-clear close-ups of the moon and sharp photos of distant animals and birds. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth made transferring photos straight to the phone on the spot super easy.
To complete the setup, a compact travel tripod that breaks down small enough to fit right inside a standard backpack (which easily slid under the seat as a free personal item on the plane) made getting couple shots effortless without having to hunt down a stranger to take a picture. For $16, it was a no-brainer! Probably one of the best purchases to go along with my new camera.
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Day 4: Stingray City and an Epic Caribbean BBQ Night
An early morning coffee and breakfast kicked off day four before heading out for one of the most anticipated excursions of the entire trip: Stingray City.
The Details on Stingray City 🐠
The drive from the resort took a quick 25 minutes, with free parking available upon arrival. We booked the 11:00 a.m. tour slot for $120 – there are two other time slots at the same price if you prefer something earlier or later in the day; 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M.
Arriving a little early meant waiting around a bit, but the land base made it easy with souvenir booths and a food shack serving up beef patties (like an empanada), hot dogs, bottled beer, soda, and water. A beef empanada paired with a cold Corona at 10:00 A.M. really hit the spot LOL!
Once the boat arrived, the guides gave a quick rundown of the 90-minute experience (which included the boat ride out) and handed out life jackets for anyone who wanted them. The destination was a stunning sandbar right in the middle of the ocean featuring crystal-clear water and a roped perimeter. Around 12 to 15 massive stingrays glided gracefully through the area. Even at 4’11”, the water only came up to about shoulder height, making it easy to stand and move around comfortably.
If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, you can book this through GetYourGuide and it will be provided for you!
The guides handed out a bucket of squid, showing how to hold it so the gentle creatures could swim right up and eat directly from your hand—an absolute highlight! While total swim time clocking in around 45 minutes felt brief, it was the perfect duration. Buying the professional digital photo captured by the tour guide cost $18 (the cheapest option available), leaving a great memory card file to print out later.
Is it a bit overpriced? Absolutely. Would it be repeated? Probably not. Were we happy? YES! This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it is an absolute must-add to any Antigua itinerary.
Back to Resort Relaxation and Caribbean BBQ Night
Returning to the resort in time for lunch led right back into the afternoon routine: hanging out by the private plunge pool (of course!). We really did take full advantage of our private pool and balcony. It even provided us with the most beautiful sunset views ❤️🧡💛
Next up was a major highlight of the resort’s weekly schedule—the Caribbean BBQ night.
After keeping portion sizes small all week, this buffet-style setup felt like absolute heaven. Walking up to choose favorite items and portion sizes made for an incredible feast. Featuring BBQ chicken, ribs, grilled fish, salad, shepherd’s pie, and an assortment of desserts, every single bite was completely delicious and wrapped up the day on a high note! My husband was extremely happy as you can see LOL!
Day 5: History, Snorkeling, and the Ultimate Island BBQ
We started our day early with about a 40-minute drive across the island to English Harbour to visit Nelson’s Dockyard. If you prefer a guide and need a ride, you can book that here!
Nelson’s Dockyard – UNESCO World Heritage Site
I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure if a historic dockyard was going to be my thing, but I am so glad we went! The entrance fee is only $15 USD, and it’s a massive value because it actually includes admission to three other sites: Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre, Clarence House, and Shirley Heights.
The Dockyard is stunning; you truly feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1700s. We walked past beautifully preserved buildings like the Master Shipwright’s House and explored the Dockyard Museum.
Also, make sure you stop by the local bakery near the massive Sandbox tree! I grabbed a pink Ting (a popular Caribbean sparkling grapefruit drink) and some amazing coconut cake. It was the perfect mid-morning treat while reading up on the area’s military history.
Galleon Beach & Loose Cannon Beach Bar
Next, we headed over to Galleon Beach, which is known for its snorkeling. This was an easy 10-minute drive. The water was warm, crystal clear, and completely free of sargassum.
If you’re a snorkeling snob who has been spoiled by massive, colorful coral reefs in places like Bermuda, temper your expectations just a bit. We only went out about four or five feet deep, and while we swam with some cool schools of small fish, we didn’t see anything mind-blowing. We did, however, find a massive ancient anchor, which was incredible to see up close!
Right on the beach is a spot called Loose Cannon Beach Bar. In the spirit of total honesty: it’s a bit pricey. I ordered a specialty lavender drink, and while it tasted good, it wasn’t very strong and definitely felt overpriced. We heard the food was good, but we are all about traveling smart and didn’t want to get nickel-and-dimed. I mean seriously…the salad was over $15. Unless it comes with gold dressing, I’m passing on that! Here’s the menu if you want to take a look before heading there.
☀️Lounger’s Tip: We originally laid our towels out on the sand, but a worker actually came over and let us sit under one of their shaded cabanas for free! Considering most places usually charge a premium to reserve those, it was a huge win. We took some great photos, finished our drinks, and headed back to the resort to get ready for the night.
The Famous Shirley Heights Barbecue
If you go to Antigua, you have to do the barbecue party at Shirley Heights. Most people know about the Sunday party, but they also host one on Thursdays called “Reggae Heights”. Since it was a bit of a hike, we paid our resort $40 for a round-trip shuttle so we could drink and not worry about driving.
We arrived around 4:00 PM, giving us plenty of time to explore the historic lookout (originally built in 1791) before the crowds hit. Budget Tip: Because we bought that $15 Nelson’s Dockyard ticket earlier in the day, our $10 entrance fee to the party was completely waived!
The party operates on a really efficient token system. You buy your chips first, then hand them to the servers. For about $19, you get a massive, delicious plate of food. My husband loaded up on brisket and ribs, while I got the BBQ chicken. In addition, every plate came with a heaping serving of macaroni salad and a fresh green salad with your choice of dressing.
The drinks were just as good. For around $5 (regular) to $8 (large), you get a seriously strong rum punch—definitely worth the money! We spent the evening listening to live music, hanging out with some other couples who were also staying until the end, and watching one of the most stunning sunsets over the island.
🚬Attention cigar lovers: My husband bought a Cuban Cohiba at the party, and it was hard as a rock and totally dried out. Thankfully, the staff was great about exchanging it, but if you’re looking for a premium smoke, I’d recommend bringing your own or buying one elsewhere.
Around 8:00 PM, we grabbed our shuttle and headed back for some quiet time on our porch before gearing up for the West Coast beaches the next day!
Day 6: The West Coast, Dickinson Bay, and Curried Goat Beachside
On this day we woke up early at 8:00 AM and made the 45-minute drive across the island to Dickinson Bay on the west coast. Everyone says the beaches on the west side are the best, and they weren’t lying. We parked in a small free lot up the hill by the Sandals Grande Antigua resort, and since all beaches in Antigua are public, we walked right onto the sand.
It was, without a doubt, the clearest beach I’ve ever seen in my life. The water stretched out in shades of brilliant turquoise for what felt like forever, completely calm with virtually no waves, and the sand was powdery white. It was fiercely hot outside, but the beach has plenty of natural shade, loungers, and beach bars. We laid out our towels and spent a good chunk of the morning swimming and soaking up the sun.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent jet skis right on the beach for around $90 for 30 minutes. Or you can even go horseback riding!
After swimming up an appetite, we posted up at one of the beach bars (“The Nest“) for a while. The drinks were reasonably priced, and they even sold cigarettes and cigars if you needed a smoke 🚬.
We got chatting with the bartender about being severely sunburnt, and she casually said, “I know a guy,” and had someone deliver fresh aloe right to us on the beach within five minutes! We also mentioned how we had been hunting for authentic curried goat ever since we fell in love with it in St. Lucia. True to island form, she hooked us up again—she called a local spot, took our payment right there, and had a massive, heaping plate of curried goat with macaroni salad delivered straight to our spot on the beach for about $20. It was incredible.
After receiving our food, we wrapped things up around 3:30 PM. The heat had completely worn us out, and with the drive back across the island, we wanted to get home in good time for dinner and a quiet night on the porch. If you only visit one beach on the island, make it Dickinson Bay—it completely lived up to the hype! 💙 🩵 💚 🤍 💛
Day 7: Slow Mornings, Long Bay Beach, and Betty’s Hope
Ahhh – our final day! It was bittersweet…we didn’t want to leave but we were also ready to go home. Our day began with a quiet walk around the resort at 6:00 AM. It was so peaceful with nobody else really awake yet. We wandered down to the lake where the mangrove trees grow and checked out the dock where the complimentary resort kayaks are kept. We even spotted the local resort stray cats all bundled up and chilling on the deck underneath the restaurant.
By 8:00 AM, we sat down for a slow, relaxing breakfast. The choices were the same as the day prior….and the day before that…and the day before that (aside from the one special). Could you tell I was really thinking about home at this point? I missed my espresso ☕💔
Long Bay Beach 🌴
After eating, we wanted to squeeze in one last beach day, so we headed over to Long Bay Beach (sometimes called “Wallikee’s Beach”), which sits right next to the Pineapple Beach Club on the east coast, close to Devil’s Bridge and near our resort. Even though it was a bit cloudy that morning, the water was still a striking, crystal-clear blue and totally free of seaweed. The local restaurants and shops weren’t open yet at 10:00 AM, but it was lovely to just walk the sand and take in the ocean views one last time 🩵
Exploring Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
Next, we headed out to do some exploring at Betty’s Hope, a historic sugar plantation ruins site.
Visitng Info: They are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, but they are closed on weekends and public holidays. Officially, there is a $2 entry fee, but when we went, the ticket booth was completely empty. Like everyone else, we just walked right past the gate and explored the property for free.
The site is filled with old stone ruins of the plantation owner’s home, slave quarters, a rundown castle-style structure, and a cool old windmill. A quick word of caution: if you go exploring the ruins, watch your step! There are some major drop-offs near the castle windows, and you never really know the structural integrity of these old stone buildings, so always look out and explore at your own risk.
While we were walking the grounds, we also spotted a couple of wild donkeys just hanging out by a tree. They look cute, but always remember to keep your distance, take pictures from afar, and never disturb local wildlife—you want to respect the animals and stay safe!
With nothing else left on the agenda, we headed back to the resort to pack our bags and spend the remainder of the day in our private pool. We had an early dinner at 6:30 PM, which hit the spot! Then we went to the room to catch some Zzzz’s so we could be well-rested for traveling the next day.
Day 8: Heading Home
We were up super early to check out (which was a breeze!), but before heading straight to the airport, we decided to make one last quick stop at Shoal Point so I could catch a final glimpse of the beach.
To be completely honest? It was a major letdown 😢. The beach was piled high with mounds and mounds of sargassum seaweed, and it stunk so bad! We didn’t stay long.
Knowing that food options inside the airport are pretty limited, we headed over to Sarkar’s Pizza, which is just a few minutes from the airport. Fair warning on this place: the service is extremely slow. It seemed like only one guy (possibly the owner) was working by himself, and it took about 40 minutes to get our pepperoni pizza. While it was hot and looked amazing, it wasn’t anything spectacular—I’d give it a solid 6.5. The Caribbean isn’t exactly famous for its pizza, so keep your expectations in check. To give them some credit, the guy running it was exceptionally nice and the prices were very fair.
After grabbing our bite, we drove the rest of the way to the airport, returned our rental car, and went through the return process, which was totally effortless and quick. You guys know me—I always like to arrive at the airport two hours early to keep things stress-free!
Please keep this in mind when traveling back home: the security line at the airport took an absolute age! Even though the terminal is air-conditioned, we felt like we were standing in that queue forever. Also, make sure you check your bags for prohibited items. I had a few seashells on me, but a sign explicitly warned against taking large or sharp seashells out of the country. Not wanting to risk holding up the line or missing our gate, I just tossed them in the trash 💔.
The flight home was smooth, but the process of getting home from the airport was not…. Do you remember me telling you about the Sunday schedule for Logan Express? Let me remind you.. it can be a bit quirky—they stop running around midnight and then switch to a lone early bird trip around 2:15 AM.
Well, we missed our bus by mere minutes and had to sit around waiting for the next one. Sitting there exhausted after a full day of travel really sucked! Lesson learned: Next time, book an earlier flight or shell out the extra cash for a seat right at the front of the plane so you can sprint off first! ✈️
Was It Worth It? 💸
When it comes to traveling, we usually try to keep our total budget right around $2k, but Antigua is notoriously pricey because almost everything is imported. Since this trip was for our wedding anniversary, we decided to splurge a bit on a nicer all-inclusive resort instead of our usual budget Airbnb route.
Real talk? We did this as cheap as possible given the resort price tag, but at the end of the day—lesson learned—we would much rather stick to a budget Airbnb and be on our own. Being at a resort with a ton of people around just isn’t intimate to us. Yes, we had a private balcony, but that was about it, and we really didn’t like the restricted meal plans or hiking in the blazing heat to fetch our drinks.
Moving forward, we’ll be booking Airbnbs not just because they’re easier on the wallet, but because it’s much more our style. We love having our privacy, cooking our own food, and just enjoying each other’s company—plus, you can easily find an Airbnb with a private pool no problem!
Testing these things out for you guys really proved that all-inclusive resorts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Even worse, we met another couple at Shirley Heights BBQ who shelled out the big bucks for an over-the-water bungalow at the Royalton CHIC in Antigua, and they said it totally sucked!
Antigua & Barbuda Trip Cost Breakdown
| Expense Category | Details | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Flights | Round-trip for 2 people from Boston via JetBlue (after taxes and fees) | $1,500.00 |
| Resort & Lodging | 7 nights all-inclusive at Escape at Nonsuch Bay | $1,800.00 |
| Transportation | Island rental car ($300) + $75 for gas + international driver’s license ($20) | $395.00 |
| Nelson’s Dockyard & Attractions | $15/pp admission (covers Dockyard, Dow’s Hill, Clarence House, and Shirley Heights entry) + a drink and coconut cake (~$10) | ~$40.00 |
| Shirley Heights BBQ Party | Thursday Reggae Heights entry (waived via Nelson’s ticket!), $40/pp resort shuttle, $19/pp for massive BBQ dinner plates, two rum punches each ($20 total), and a $60 cigar | ~$215.00 |
| Stingray City | $60/pp excursion ($120 total) + $18 digital photo + $15 for a beer and empanada | $153.00 |
| Galleon Beach & Loose Cannon | Beach day + drinks (free cabana usage!) | $32.00 |
| Dickinson Bay & Beachside Treats | Beach day, drinks, fresh aloe delivery, and the $20 curried goat beach delivery | ~$40.00 – $50.00 |
| Food, Snacks & Extras | Resort meals (all-inclusive), Sarkar’s Airport Pizza ($20), local roadside fruit stand ($10), and $60 for snacks, beer, and liquor for the room from the grocery store | $90.00 |
| Souvenirs | Local mementos and gifts | $80.00 |
| TOTAL | Everything included for 2 people (Flights, Hotel, Food, Gas, Etc.) | ~$4,350 (~$2,175 per person) |
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