Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip?
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The islands ofAntigua and Barbuda are renowned for their superb blue-water beaches and charming, colorful capital, St John’s. It’s also an ideal destination for travelers in search of well-being.
The range of wellness activities on offer across the island is generous: spa experiences, yoga and forest bathing, healthy food, outdoor activities and more.
Since last year, Antigua and Barbuda’s Wellness Month has been held in January, presenting a range of wellness experiences for visitors.
Antigua and Barbuda with points
During the winter season, Air Canada Rouge operates flights to Antigua V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU). From Montreal (YUL), flights are weekly, every Friday. From Toronto (YYZ), four flights a week depart on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Aeroplan points fares to Antigua and Barbuda are very reasonable. Here’s an example of a round-trip flight from Montreal in January 2024 for 29,200 Aeroplan points and $169 in fees and taxes.
The current welcome offer on the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card could let you fly to Antigua and Barbuda almost for free!
Featured
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $139
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,139
- Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months
- Up to 50,000 points
Apply Now
on TD's website
In addition, there’s a Marriott Bonvoy member property on the island of Antigua: the Royalton Antigua. This Autograph Collection all-inclusive resort features overwater villas. Prices start at 79,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $700
- Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
- Up to 80,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
January: Wellness month in Antigua and Barbuda
Throughout January, visitors can immerse themselves in nature-based wellness activities: free “Soca-robix” and Zumba classes, meditative yoga in the countryside, various hikes in lush hills and a variety of spa treatments.
Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month aims to raise awareness of many of our destination’s wellness offerings. Considering wellness in our daily lives is no longer an asset, it’s a must, and Antigua and Barbuda has a range of products, services, professionals and natural assets to enhance our customers’ wellness journey.
Tameka Wharton, Director of Sales and Marketing, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Antigua and Barbuda – Themed activities all year round
Throughout the year, Antigua and Barbuda focuses on wellness, with numerous activities and retreats organized around this concept. These include:
Wellness retreat at The Verandah Antigua
Air Canada Vacations is organizing a wellness week at The Verandah Antigua resort from April 5 to 13, 2024. Meet other wellness enthusiasts and take part in activities led by Canadian fitness professionals.
The all-inclusive package includes :
- Return flight to Antigua from Montreal or Toronto;
- A first free checked bag;
- A event gift bag (a value of $400);
- Daily meditation, yoga and more. The full calendar of events can be found here;
- A local culinary experience;
- A guided hike to Hercule Columns;
- A welcome cocktail party and closing BBQ on the beach;
- And a bonus of 4,000 Aeroplan points.
The base price is $4,899 per person, based on double occupancy in a suite. Connecting flights from other Canadian cities are available at extra cost. Travelers must be 18 years of age or older on the date of departure.
For full details and reservations, click here!
Run in Paradise race
On May 26, 2024, runners from around the world will gather with experienced national athletes and fitness enthusiasts in Antigua to take part in the Run in Paradise event.
The race, which takes in the town of St. John’s and the north coast of Antigua, offers a scenic route along the sea. The distances are half-marathon, 10km and 5km (running or walking), offering an activity suitable for all levels.
Massages on the beach
If you’re looking for tranquility, serenity and beaches with pink hues and fine sand, Barbuda is the place to be. The Nobu Barbuda hotel offers a new sanctuary for travelers in the form of a sustainably designed beach club. This venue offers sun loungers, private cabanas and seaside massages on request.
St John's: An inspiring capital
St John’s, Antigua‘s pretty capital, is an inspiring city with colorful colonial-style buildings and a warm harbor. There are delicious restaurants and weekly markets with local producers selling a range of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The best view is from the tip of the fishing pier, where you can admire the pastel buildings reflected on the water.
Antigua and Barbuda – Natural treasures to discover
The island offers a variety of outdoor experiences to connect with lush nature.
Shirley Heights
This historic military lookout rises to 45 meters. Here you will have the best view of Antigua. At the top, you will have a breathtaking view of English Harbour and the white sails dotting the turquoise water. Plan your visit to catch the sunset and watch the lights of the townships twinkle and the sailboats below. Otherwise, at noon, the sun perfectly illuminates the sea with bright blue tones.
Hell's Gate
A boat will take you to the small but striking island of Hell’s Gate, with its namesake centerpiece: a natural stone bridge, formed by years of erosion.
The Frigatebird Sanctuary of Barbuda
A lagoon in the heart of Codrington, the capital of Barbuda, is home to an avian spectacle like no other. The Frigatebird Sanctuary is a birder’s paradise, with the largest frigatebird colony in the Western Hemisphere. Accessible by a short and scenic boat ride, the sanctuary is home to approximately 100,000 birds.
Stingray City
In the azure waters of Stingray City, you can create a memory that will last a lifetime by swimming with these gentle and friendly creatures. Stingray City is an ocean habitat that stingrays share with other aquatic animals such as starfish and pufferfish.
Wallings Reserve
Wallings Nature Reserve is the first community-managed national park in Antigua and Barbuda. With an array of well-maintained trails winding through nearly 17,000 acres of protected rainforest, it’s also the best place to get in touch with Antigua‘s wild side.
Bottom Line
There’s no shortage of wellness-oriented activity options in Antigua and Barbuda. Not to mention the island’s appeal as a vacation destination, with temperatures averaging 28°C in winter!
- Annual fee
- $599
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,300Total$1,300$500 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,300
- Welcome offerAfter $10,500 in 3 months
- Up to 90,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
What currency is used in Antigua and Barbuda?
The currency used in Antigua & Barbuda is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). This dollar is shared by several countries in the Caribbean region and is linked to the US dollar.
What methods of payment are accepted in Antigua and Barbuda?
In Antigua & Barbuda, the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), but the US dollar is often accepted. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted, but American Express cards are only accepted by major hotels and car rental companies.
