Canadians have finally discovered the beauty of Antigua! The number of travellers from the Great White North increased by an incredible 81% in 2019.
So why is everyone suddenly so taken by this tiny gem of an island? It could be the pristine white sand beaches or the friendly locals. It might even be the rich culture and mouthwatering food.
If you want to find out for yourself, head to the Royalton Antigua for an unforgettable island adventure. Here's everything you need to know about the luxe, family resort.
Resting on its own private beach, the Royalton Antigua is a five-star family resort that encourages fun in the sun. Three tiers of rooms are available on the property:
Luxury
Diamond Club
Chairman Overwater Bungalows
All the rooms feature luxurious Dream Beds for the most serene night's sleep you've ever imagined. Diamond Club members even get a pillow menu from which they can order a variety of pillow types!
The bungalows are perfect for couples or those who prefer and an adult only experience. These adults-only accommodations include private pools, ocean views, and butler service.
Antigua is the main island of Antigua and Barbuda. Although it's the star of the show, Antigua is so tiny that you can cross from one end to the other in an hour. Its size makes for easy adventures among different ecosystems.
Explore endless coasts, dense mangrove forests, and limestone cliffs. Dive into the crystal clear waters to see pristine coral reefs and sea-grass beds. Charter a boat to catch a glimpse of different turtles, whales, and sharks.
Getting to Royalton Antigua
Travellers will land on the island of Antigua at V.C Bird International airport. From there, it's just a short 30-minute drive until you're sipping a cocktail by the pool!
Location
Royalton Antigua sits on a stunning private beach on the west side of the island. The nearby Deep Bay Beach boasts soft white sand and gentle wave, ending at Fort Barrington National Park. Hike up the hill to catch an incredible sunset.
The adorable Five Islands Village is a short stroll from the property. It's a perfect, cozy place to grab a bite to eat and explore small-town island life. And Cedar Valley Golf Course is a 25-minute drive for those who can't miss tee time!
Transportation
Guests staying in the Chairman Overwater Bungalows enjoy private luxury airport transfers. Other visitors can book their ride through the hotel, grab a taxi, or rent a car.
Local Language and Culture
Antiguan culture is a blend of West-African roots and colonial influences. Cricket is a big deal on the island, but so is Caribbean rum. History runs deep here!
The Antigua & Barbuda Independence Festival is a raucous celebration of culture. Spanning an entire week, this lively party honours traditional food, costumes, and music. The island also celebrates both Carnival and Caribana!
The arts are thriving in Antigua with theatre, steel bands, and music. Calypso music is a local favourite and mas, a form of street theatre, is common.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Antiguan Creole?
Antiguan Creole is a unique variety that includes words from West-African languages. That being said, the official language of Antigua is English. Staff can easily communicate in English, but if you want to surprise and delight a local, learn a Creole word or two!
The Atmosphere at Royalton Antigua
Family and fun are the main elements of Royalton Antigua. The resort features a variety of children's amenities, and the kid's club is a big deal here. For some bonding time, family activities and excursions are easy to find!
For those who need some quiet and privacy, the Diamond Club might be a good option. With a separate private pool, dining choices, and bar, you can stay clear of children during your stay. Or upgrade to the Chairman Overwater Bungalow for total seclusion!
How Do People Rate the Service?
The service at Royalton Antigua gets four stars on TripAdvisor. Guests love the friendly, professional staff who go above and beyond to please!
The 24-hour room service is a hit with guests who claim it was quick, delicious, and expertly served. But the overwater bungalow butler service seems to be hit or miss. Some guests loved the attentiveness, while others felt it wasn't worth the price.
Hotel Amenities
This family-friendly resort is full of exciting amenities for all ages! From pool bars to teen lounges and fine dining, everyone can find something to occupy their time.
Restaurants
You'll never go hungry at Royalton Antigua, with eight exceptional restaurants to explore. But if you don't feel like leaving your room, you can also order 24-hour room service!
Gourmet Marche is open three times a day for buffet service. You'll find a mix of local and international flavours, as well as healthy options. Kids get their own buffet station with everything little ones love!
For mouthwatering pasta and pizza, head to Grazie Italian Trattoria. Enjoy dinner with a spectacular sunset view of the bay. Meanwhile, meat lovers will adore Hunter Steakhouse. Watch the chef prepare your steak to perfection in the open kitchen.
Traditional, local flavours and ingredients come alive at Caribbean Restaurant and Grill. We recommend the Mahi Mahi with passionfruit sauce! For daytime bites, check out the Beach Club Grill. Grab a burger and some creamy sorbet before jumping back into the water.
You need to reserve a dinner at the Chef's Table for a VIP experience. A personal chef prepares a mouthwatering seven-course meal paired with musical selections. This evening is for adults only and costs extra.
Scoops is the place to go for dessert, refreshments, and cool treats. Open all day and located on the lagoon, you'll probably make this your second home! Try the lime sorbet for an instant refreshing effect.
Bars
Tropical cocktails, cold beers, and fine wine - the bars at Royalton have everything you desire. The Chill Pool Bar is the most popular place on the property. It's situated in the heart of the pool area and doubles as a swim-up bar.
Score Brewhouse is the place to go for a beer, pub food, and sports. We recommend the fish and chips if you're looking for a quick bite! At night, head to the lobby bar, Martini Mix. Catch the entertainment show and then stick around for cocktails and dancing!
Diamond Club members have access to the Diamond Club Lounge. Premium drinks and a private bar await you!
The Royal Spa
With spa services included in your package, there's no reason not to try the Royal Spa. This lavish retreat boasts hydrotherapy and nine different massages.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of body scrubs, wraps, and treatments. Facials, manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling rounds out the menu. We love the tranquil beach massage for an unforgettable experience!
Royalton Fit
A unique Royalton Antigua service is Royalton Fit. This professionally created program includes classes designed to whip you into shape. Choose from a variety of fun courses, including:
Beach Bootcamp
Pilates
Cardio and Abs
Crossfit
TRX Training
Aquafit
Zumba
Kickboxing
And much more! Yoga also features heavily in the program with group classes and sunrise beach yoga. Or join the outdoor running club and get your cardio fix on the pristine beach.
Sports and Recreation
Everyone from beginners to pros will enjoy the tennis lessons at Royalton. Not an athlete? No worries! Just beyond the pool, you'll find billiard tables, air hockey, and foosball. Or grab a kayak and a snorkel mask and explore the warm water.
If you're looking to expand your knowledge, join one of the many classes. Cooking, stretching, fitness, and meditation are on the schedule at Royalton Antigua. Then enjoy a game of ping-pong or some fun in the sun with beach volleyball.
The entertainment staff do an excellent job of creating a fun party atmosphere. You never know when you'll find a giant, inflatable slide in the pool or an invitation to a foam party. Bingo, quiz games, and dancing are some of the highlights!
Clubhouse Kids Club
Children from four to twelve will have a blast at the Clubhouse Kids Club. With indoor spaces full of games, crafts, and fun, even rainy days are exciting. A fantastic playground and splash pad in the kids-only pool are also a hit!
Hangout Teens Lounge
Older kids from 13 to 17 years old will enjoy the Hangout Teens Lounge. They can socialize, use high-speed wifi, and compete in rounds of ping-pong. A Playstation lounge will delight teen gamers!
Excursions
Lounging by the pool all day is fine, but sometimes you just need a bit more excitement! Luckily, the captivating island of Antigua offers countless sightseeing opportunities.
Stingray City
Head to Stingray City to get up close and personal with some Southern Stingrays! After a 40-minute scenic ride through the heart of Antigua, enjoy a short boat lift to the stingray pool. This shallow, soft sand location rests amid a coral reef.
Swim and play with the friendly rays as you snap a few pictures! Keep your eyes open for colourful tropical fish. Then enjoy a rum punch on your way back from an excursion to remember.
Long Bay
Long Bay Beach is a quintessential Caribbean paradise. Gentle turquoise water bordered by fine white sand. Palms sway gently in the island breeze as you splash in the soft waves.
Just up the road from Stingray City, this little slice of heaven is a must-see! Browse local goods for sale at the colourful kiosks and enjoy a hearty Italian meal at Mama Pasta.
Pillars of Hercules
Explore the majestic Pillars of Hercules to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature. The waves have transformed these limestone hills into pillar formations. Hike through this stunning setting and admire the intricate ridges and flowing lines.
The trip to the Pillars may be an hour, but you won't regret a single second. We recommend continuing your hike to Shirley Heights for lovely views of the island. Then cool off in the sparkling waters of Galleon Beach!
Is the Royalton Antigua Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
Families and kids are welcome at Royalton Antigua! With a kid and teen program, your little ones will get to explore the delightful resort while you relax by the pool. Lots of family-oriented activities and excursions will encourage togetherness.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
Antigua is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Visitors can feel secure exploring and travelling solo through most towns and cities. St. John's has a few areas that are best to avoid, but if you remain cautious, you shouldn't experience problems.
Are There Extra Costs to Be Aware Of?
The Royalton Antigua is an all-inclusive destination. Dining, drinks, activities, and the spa are part of the package. You'll only pay extra if you choose to book excursions, head off the property, or add on packages.
Best Time to Visit Royalton Antigua
As with most Caribbean islands, December to April promises the best weather. But it's also when crowds flock to the beaches and prices shoot up.
For a more peaceful experience, try booking between May and November. You might experience a few showers and nighttime storms, but the sun generally stays out all day! If you don't want to risk a trip cancellation, ensure your insurance covers bad weather.
Overall Reviews
With over 2,500 reviews, the Royalton Antigua gets a four-star rating from Google and TripAdvisor.
Location, cleanliness, and service get top marks. Guests love the beautiful setting and immaculate beach. Housecleaning is efficient and the grounds are well maintained. Most of the staff were praised for their hard work and friendliness.
Guests enjoyed the dining experiences and the variety of food on offer. Some felt that dining service was slow, but that's often the case with large resorts. Still, they felt this five-star hotel didn't have the sense of opulent luxury they expected.
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DETAILS
Star rating
4
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
Yes
Best time to visit
December - April
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
Discover this magical, tiny island from the comfort of Royalton Antigua! Spend your days frolicking in the soft waves, exploring nature, or searching for wildlife.
Families, couples, and solo travellers will enjoy different aspects of this luxury resort. No matter which type of traveller you are, it's important to stay safe when heading South. From scuba accidents to inclement weather, make sure you're covered.
