As a luxury travel advisor and a mom of young children, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the perfect family getaway. When it was time for our own vacation, I asked myself: Where would I send my family if I was the client? The answer was clear: Antigua!

With its calm waters, pristine beaches, and family-friendly resorts, Antigua ticked all the boxes. My kids (ages 4 and 2) had the time of their lives building sandcastles, making friends at the kids’ clubs, and dining with sand between their toes. And, let’s be honest, we enjoyed the stunning sunsets and live music as much as the kids. Antigua is the kind of place where you can effortlessly slip into island life.

Why Antigua Should Be on Your Radar

• Beach Bliss: Okay, I did mention the beaches. But with 365 of them, you can have a different stretch of sand for every day of the year! Hidden coves, powdery white stretches, and even pink sand beaches – Antigua’s got it all.
• Island Charm: Explore Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hike to Shirley Heights for jaw-dropping views, or get lost in the vibrant colors of St. John’s.
• Sleep in Style: Forget those generic mega-resorts. Antigua is all about boutique hotels with personality – think barefoot luxury, no fighting over lounge chairs, and service that anticipates your every whim.
• Foodie Paradise: Fresh seafood? Check. Tropical fruits bursting with flavor? Check. Rum punch that’ll make you forget your name? Double-check. Antigua’s culinary scene is a delicious mix of Caribbean spice and international flair.
• Adventure Time: Go sailing, diving, snorkeling, zip-lining, or explore the rainforest.

Ready to Rethink All-Inclusive?

When someone mentions “all-inclusive,” what comes to mind? Lukewarm buffets, watered-down cocktails, screaming kids, crowded pools, and maybe a conga line or two? Yeah, I get it. Forget the mega-resorts and their mass-produced “luxury.” Antigua’s top-tier resorts have redefined all-inclusive. With unlimited watersports, top-shelf spirits, and intimate settings. Sign me up.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, stress-free vacation with a touch of Caribbean charm, Antigua’s all-inclusive resorts are calling your name. Here are a few personal favorites and preferred partner properties:

• Carlisle Bay: where luxury meets beachfront tranquility
• Curtain Bluff: iconic charm and legendary service
• Hermitage Bay: eco-luxury romance
• Jumby Bay Island: private island paradise

Book your stay at any of these incredible resorts with Melted&Moved, and you’ll receive a VIP welcome and exclusive amenities, including:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit
• Exclusive welcome amenity delivered to guest room on arrival
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Carlisle Bay

Location, Location, Location: Nestled on a pristine horseshoe bay on the southwest coast of Antigua, Carlisle Bay is surrounded by lush rainforest and blessed with a calm, protected beach.

Imagine this: you wake up in your suite, the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore just outside your balcony. You step out onto your private terrace, breathe in the fresh sea air, and gaze out at the turquoise waters of a secluded bay. This is Carlisle Bay, a haven of understated elegance where barefoot luxury meets genuine Caribbean charm.

Traveling with kids? Imagine being steps from the ocean, espresso in hand, with beachside service at your fingertips. Naptime becomes a plus when you can relax on your patio, so close to the water you can even take a quick dip while the little ones sleep.

If you’re a beach purist, Carlisle Bay delivers the ultimate beach day.

Tranquil, calm, and pure bliss. 

Not Your Average Kids Club: We took the kids to the club for a morning of shell hunting on the beach and when we went to pick them up (2 hours later – I’m a helicopter mom) they didn’t want to leave. Once I got over feeling a little hurt – we went kayaking. We made it a daily thing to drop them off in the morning so we could go to the gym, play pickle ball, and get a few hours to us. Meanwhile the kids did activities like mocktail making, dance classes, and turtle watching! *starts at age 2, basically unheard of for kids clubs*

Dining: If you know me, you know I’m a foodie, and I’m not going to miss out on the best restaurants just because I’m with the kids. That’s why I look for destinations that are kid-friendly (rather than kid-focused), such as Antigua, where everyone was so kind and talkative with our kids. They get a kids menu with buttered noodles, while I get three-course dinner selections. Win-Win. 

Perfect for families and couples seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. With its calm bay, excellent kids’ club, and focus on food (4 restaurants), it’s no wonder Carlisle Bay is a perennial favorite.

Book your stay with Melted&Moved!

Curtain Bluff

As soon as I arrived, I realized why Curtain Bluff is so iconic. A legend in the Caribbean, Curtain Bluff seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern amenities. With its all-inclusive luxury, focus on wellness, and stunning beachfront location, it’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

The all-inclusive rate truly encompasses everything – top-shelf drinks, gourmet dining (no buffet lines here!), top-tier watersports, tennis lessons, and even a fantastic kids’ club. It’s a remarkable value for the level of luxury and inclusions.

• Tubing, Snorkeling? It’s included
• Tennis, Yoga, Fitness Center? All with ocean views
• Gourmet Meals? Incredible + live music

Tip: Book early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. This exclusive resort has a loyal following, and suites fill up quickly. 

Situated on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Curtain Bluff boasts two beautiful beaches – one calm and perfect for swimming, the other with gentle waves ideal for watersports.

It’s worth noting that Curtain Bluff felt like the most social resort of our stay. We were surrounded by friendly faces, many of whom were repeat guests who clearly knew the staff and each other well. Our driver even mentioned how excited she was to see some guests again so soon! While it was a little surprising at first, we quickly embraced the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It felt like a home away from home, where everyone was part of the Curtain Bluff family.

Curtain Bluff takes dining seriously, with two excellent restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced cuisine. They cater to all dietary needs and preferences, and the chefs are happy to personalize meals. Dinner is served alfresco and a different band plays nightly at Tamarind. For drinks, they have an amazing wine cellar. Although I was perfectly content to drink a pina colada with a rum float during the day and champagne in the evening (all inclusive, of course). The gelato is not to be missed, we even heard the ice cream truck song delivering the best mocha latte ice cream in existence.

Blue Waters

Located on the northwestern corner of Antigua, Blue Waters Resort & Spa offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and lush gardens. A seamless 15-20 minute transfer from V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) delivers you to this idyllic retreat. While the resort offers a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, the vibrant capital of St. John’s is just a 15-minute drive away, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

This spot has a more resort feel when compared to our last two stays. 

When it comes to accommodations, Blue Waters has something for everyone. The Deluxe Beachfront rooms offer stunning views and the convenience of interconnecting options for families. But for a truly unforgettable experience, the Cove Suites are in a league of their own. These secluded suites provide an unparalleled level of privacy and exclusivity, including access to a private infinity pool just for Cove guests. Our one-bedroom Cove Suite was incredibly spacious and well-appointed. We loved the king-sized bed, the pull-out sofa (perfect for extra guests or children), and the thoughtful addition of a crib. The patio was a true highlight, offering panoramic ocean views. 

Whether you prefer the convenience of an all-inclusive meal plan or the flexibility of choosing as you go, the resort has you covered. With four bars and three restaurants, there’s always something to tempt your palate. During our stay, we spent the majority of our time at the Reef restaurant. Located right next to the pool, with loungers strategically placed so you can feel the ocean spray, this became our favorite spot. Imagine sinking into a comfortable lounger, a good book in hand, while the rhythmic crashing of the waves provides the perfect soundtrack to your relaxation. The Reef restaurant offers a casual and inviting atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying delicious food and drinks – I ordered the poke bowl twice. 

We had the most amazing time discovering Antigua, a truly perfect destination for multi-generational families, couples, and everyone in between! Ready to experience the magic of Antigua for yourself? Don’t waste precious hours endlessly Googling and hoping for the best. Let me leverage my insider connections and personal experience to craft the perfect beach vacation for you. From unlocking VIP perks to providing personalized recommendations for each resort, I’ll handle every detail so you can relax and enjoy the journey. Contact me today to start planning your dream getaway!

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