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Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip?

  • Wellness
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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - yul-anu-ac-fr
Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - anu-yul-ac-fr

The current welcome offer on the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card could let you fly to Antigua and Barbuda almost for free!

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,139
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-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.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - royalton-antigua-bungalows
Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply 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”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Featured
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply 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”).

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This credit card has been the Best Business Credit Card in Canada for hotels for many years. For a limited time, you can earn 50,000 points as a welcome bonus. With this Card you can earn:
  • 5 points per dollar on Marriott Bonvoy purchases
  • 3 points per dollar on gas, dining and travel purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
  • An Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points
  • 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year for your Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
  • Access to American Express promotional offers
  • Access to pre-sale tickets
Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases. Like most American Express Credit Cards, there is no minimum income required to apply for this Card.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for the self-employed, professionals and small business owners who travel.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 Points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This exceptional offer ends on September 22, 2026.

It’s a card we recommend you keep, because each year at renewal, you’ll get an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points, plus 15 Elite nights per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar for all your spending at Marriott Bonvoy establishments, and you can earn 3 points per dollar for :

  • Gas
  • Dining
  • Travel

And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 3xTravel
  • 3xGas & EV
  • 3xRestaurants
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,520
2nd Year Value$347

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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, Directrice des ventes et du marketing pour l'Autorité touristique d'Antigua-et-Barbuda


Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Barbuda

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Page Facebook

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Club de plage Nobu

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: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - st-johns-antigua

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Shirley Heights Antigua Barbuda

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Hell-s Gate Island Antigua Barbuda

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Frigate Bird Sanctuary Antigua

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Stingray City

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.

Antigua and Barbuda: Why choose this destination for a wellness trip? - Wallings-Nature-Reserve-antigua

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 valuation
$1,800
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,800Total$1,800Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 90,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply 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”).

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This metal credit card is the Best Aeroplan Business Credit Card in Canada. For a limited time, you can get, as a welcome bonus:
  • Up to 100,000 Aeroplan Points (an estimated $1,700 value)
  • 10 Aeroplan points for every $1 in card purchases on eligible Gas, Eats & Drinks for the first six months of Cardmembership
With this Card you can earn:
  • 3 points per dollar on purchases made with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
  • 2 points per dollar on hotel and car rental purchases
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
  • Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in North America
  • The first checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions
  • An Annual Worldwide Companion Pass
  • Exclusive benefits with Air Canada (Priority check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Standby List)
  • The ability to earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Statuts Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in purchases charged to your Card.
Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

With this welcome offer for the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card, you can earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points:

  • Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after making $10,500 in purchases in the first three months.
  • Earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in the 13th month.

With this Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. And 2X the points on hotels and car rentals. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.

With this Card, you benefit from many Air Canada travel benefits such as access to Maple Leaf lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling.

Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$599
Additional card$199

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 3xAir Canada flights
  • 2xTravel
  • 1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$2,056
2nd Year Value$426

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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.

Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.