Hostels in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda lies in between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic ocean, and consists of two major inhabited islands. Once used as one of Britain’s Caribbean navy bases in the late eighteenth century, the twin-island country is now home to outsiders looking for isolated beaches, untouched coral reef, and rugged, natural beauty. The touch of the British Empire has made its mark on the country and its many surrounding islands - whilst the Barbudan and Antiguan accents differ, both islands speak primarily English, and have a deep love of sailing, left over from its naval influence.

Antigua is the typical Caribbean island, with an easy going lifestyle, friendly islanders, and the feeling of paradise, where as Barbuda is a fascinating but much more secluded place, known more for its wildlife and its bird sanctuary. Both islands have their own airports and make it easy to travel around, with busses for hotel and hostel users, and taxis available all over. Antigua and Barbuda has turned its many beaches into one of the most visited of the Caribbean destinations.

If you’re looking for a visit that won’t be too hard on your wallet, then take a look at one of the many hostels in Antigua that continue the rustic islander feeling of being happy to share a room with strangers and make fast friends. Whether you want to stay in the city, tour the Jolly Bay, or have a gorgeous view of Mount Obama, the island’s highest point at 1319 feet, there are hostels that fit your needs, most with a touch of Spanish and Caribbean charm.

St John’s is where the majority of the hostels are, but more tranquil stays can be found in Five Islands Village and along the coast. While each have their own individual style, all have a friendly and communal atmosphere, and hardly break the bank. The most expensive hostel comes in per night at less than the price of dinner in the UK. All the hostels have loyal customers, many returning time and time again to experience the kindness of the islanders once more.

Wherever you choose to stay, whether it is hostel or hotel, you can rest assured that you will not run out of entertainment in Antigua and Barbuda. The best time of year to go is during the winter months, between mid December and mid April, as the weather is drier, and not as hot. Whilst you can lounge in the sun, the stunning coral reef and clear ocean could tempt you to go snorkelling and scuba diving, or could even inspire you to take up sailing with the locals.

If you are more of a history buff, then St John’s is the place for you, where you will find artefacts and displays on the dual history of the Arawak and the colonial period. Looming over the city is also St John’s Cathedral, originally built in 1845. And should none of this be to your taste, and the traditional Caribbean island calls to you, then soak up the culture of the island during carnival season, where you will be treated with calypso, steel drum music, and the brightly coloured costumes that celebrate emancipation.

When you finally find yourself back in your hostel, all your senses having been stimulated, you will find that your picture perfect view of the island will send you off into a comfortable slumber, making you well rested for the next day of adventure in the jewel of a country that is Antigua and Barbuda.

Handwritten by local expert for Antigua and Barbuda hostels Jakob Lombardi