7 Best Things to Do and Places to Stay in Antigua and Barbuda if You’re Into Fitness Travel

The twin Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda are making their mark as a must-visit destination for adventure travelers.

Known for year-round ideal temps (about 79 degrees) and hundreds of beaches — 365 in total, so you can visit one a day for an entire year — Antigua and Barbuda offers premier health and wellness activities. The postcard-worthy setting paired with a deep roster of innovative wellness initiatives makes this a go-to spot for solo travelers, couples, friends or families looking to relax, refresh and revitalize during their getaway.

You can enjoy water sports, beach activities, hiking tours and unique spa treatments on Antigua and Barbuda. Whether you seek to enjoy these types of activities daily or once during your trip, you can find an array of options. It's great to see island destinations like this diversify their offerings to take full advantage of the beautiful weather.

These spots are much more than just a place to visit a beach and hang out in the sun. Although, these might the primary reasons people come for a visit, Antigua and Barbuda tourism leaders are striving to give you more reasons to stay and play in their nation.

“While Antigua and Barbuda is known for beautiful beaches and scenery, not everyone is aware of the bounty of opportunities available for a healthy and rejuvenating vacation,” says Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “I hope to see all of our visitors taking part in these activities, as there is something to meet every guests’ interest.”

Here are some of the top wellness activities and accommodations to consider when you travel to Antigua and Barbuda:

1. Blue Bay Antigua B&B Homestay

Blue Bay Antigua B&B Homestay is located in idyllic surroundings and offers rejuvenating cuisine and exercise programs.

Located in a scenic villa, Blue Bay provides an invigorating experience for travelers looking to experience the best in art, exercise and sustainable homemade cooking. During your stay, you are surrounded by nature, including a serene bay, which creates a peaceful environment for greater mental and spiritual connection and rejuvenation.

2. Curtain Bluff Spa

Situated on the bluff of one of the oldest resorts in Antigua, Curtain Bluff Spa is home to a 5,000 square-foot facility that features top-tier service and amenities. You can delight in the spa relaxation rooms with unparalleled views and premier concierge service. Services include massages, facials and wraps.

3. Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort

Looking to improve your health with a challenging daily workout? Try the 20-minute HIIT workout that packs a punch. Available for daily sign-ups at Elite Island Resorts locations on Antigua, the FloatFit workout includes lunges, squats and burpees all within the oceans and pools. You perform the moves on an AquaBase floating exercise mat. It’s a fun and challenging workout with incredible views you'll never forget. Workouts can be modified to include other exercises and routines such as yoga.

4. Run in Paradise

Taking place on May 27, the Run in Paradise race gives runners from around the world the opportunity to explore all that Antigua and Barbuda has to offer, with participants treated to a spectacular variety of sights and sounds in Antigua, including the stunning beaches, intimate neighborhoods, rolling hills and the bustle of energetic St. John's city.

Run in Paradise offers Half Marathon, 5K and 10K races. International participants are greeted at the airport by race staff and provided free transportation to the race's host hotel, the luxurious Antigua Yacht Club Marina and Resort.

5. Sugar Ridge Resort

Sugar Ridge Resort provides a full menu of luxurious health and wellness amenities, from a full Cybex gym to a variety of restaurants utilizing fresh ingredients for healthy meal options. Sugar Ridge is home to the only Aveda Concept Spa in the Caribbean with professionally trained staff and a variety of spa treatments and packages like the “Rosemary Mint Awakening Body Wrap.”

You can also experience classes and retreats with daily yoga sessions at The Shed. Workshops are also featured, such as the “Kundalini, Dance and Sound Bath Day Retreat” that incorporates sound, dance and yoga.

6. Wild Lotus Camp

This is a chance to experience Antigua’s great outdoors while still being treated to luxurious accommodations. Wild Lotus Camp is situated on Valley Church beach, which is home to two miles of pristine shoreline located a mere 20 steps away from the luxury tents. Wild Lotus offers a variety of programming from yoga retreats to snorkeling and walking tours for you to try during your stay.

7. Make It a Yoga Retreat

Fostering a community focused on holistic health, Yoga Antigua offers classes for all experience levels. Workshops are operated year-round and strive to provide both mental and physical health benefits to participants. Multi-day retreats, festivals and special programming with visiting instructors are also frequently scheduled throughout the year.

For more information about health and wellness activities in Antigua, check out VisitAntiguaBarbuda.com

Thanks for reading,

JR