Best hotels in English Harbour
- Jude
- Feb 23
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 23
This post features four of the best hotels in the English Harbour area for charm, comfort and location. English Harbour is an area of outstanding beauty located on the most southerly point of Antigua, just 40 minutes drive from the airport. It is best known for the world-class annual sailing regatta that attracts a host of participants and spectators for exciting races, parties and celebrations. The other main attraction is historic Nelson's Dockyard now a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Within the grounds is popular Shirley Heights, a former military lookout with bi-weekly parties. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with an abundance of tasty bbq food, soothing steel pans and upbeat reggae bands. The sunset views from here area are amongst the best on the island.
Best hotels in English Harbour
Admiral's Inn, Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort, Neem View Apartments and South Point are excellent accommodation choices suitable for solo travellers, couples, friends and families. All are well placed for a number of activities, white sand beaches, supermarkets and multiple casual and fine dining restaurants.
When to travel
November through to April is the busiest period whereas between May and October it is much quieter. Fewer venues are open and the chance of rainfall is higher as hurricane season looms for a few months from June. However, flights and accommodation tend to be cheaper and temperatures still remain consistently close to 30°C.
Admiral's Inn
Admiral's Inn is a boutique hotel within the grounds of Nelson's Dockyard. Historically, the main building's upper floors were offices used by engineers working within the dockyard whilst downstairs, turpentine, pitch and lead were stored. Upstairs has now been tastefully converted to a selection of stylish guest accommodation. Downstairs a cosy lounge area with sumptuous sofas and chairs is adjacent to a well stocked bar with its eye-catching plan of Nelson's ship, HMS Boreas.
Beside the main building are pillars that once supported a boathouse with a sail loft above. Sadly it was destroyed by an earthquake that hit the island in 1871. The pillars have since been capped to prevent corrosion.
Room Types
32 elegantly furnished rooms are located around and inside the main 18th Century building on the Admiral's Inn side and across the water on the Gunpowder side. Think exposed beams and brickwork, crisp white bedding and varnished mahogany furniture. Each of the rooms has a kettle, coffee, tea, a Brita filter, safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.
Dining choices within Admiral's Inn
Pillars
Pillars is a waterfront restaurant specialising in seafood open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wednesday nights during peak season a Caribbean menu is available alongside the regular a la carte menu, together with a steel band. At the busy lounge bar, popular with yachties, tourists and locals, let Reggie make you a delicious cocktail.
Boom 12-6pm
Boom is a covered restaurant with open sides giving 360 degree views over English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard with a welcome cooling breeze. Watch pelicans swoop for fish while tucking into a juicy burger, healthy salad or fresh catch of the day. If you would rather dine poolside from a sun lounger, no problem!
Infinity Pool
Pre or post-dining, take a dip in the turquoise hued infinity pool beside the restaurant. Unwind in a lounger beneath a parasol, swaying hammock or day bed. Later, perhaps indulge in a stress relieving reiki treatment or a massage at The Powder Room Spa.
Local Activities
A shuttle boat runs year-round taking guests across the water to the infinity pool and/or Galleon Beach with its shipwreck ideal for snorkelling. Within the dockyard is a museum, bakery, mini supermarket, shops, two other bars and restaurants and scenic walking trails. Within a short walk is Pigeon Point beach, a larger supermarket and hiking trails.
Why choose Admiral's Inn & Gunpowder Suites
Couples
Luxurious accommodation
Couples massage at The Powder Room Spa
Infinity Pool
Picturesque setting
Fine dining restaurants onsite and within walking distance
Solo Travellers
24/7 reception desk
Excellent Wifi
Infinity Pool
Walking distance to restaurants, bars and a beach
Plenty to do within Nelson's Dockyard
Activities close to the local area
Staff get to know you on a first name basis, feels like you are amongst friends
Families
Rooms interconnect
Spacious suites for larger parties
2 local beaches
Infinity pool
Restaurants and bars nearby
Local activities include horse riding, beaches, walking trails and zip lining
Email me at info.worldwidetravelideas@gmail.com or WhatsApp me on +44 7732 329863 for further information, prices, availability and to make a reservation.
South Point
South Point is a swanky development of 23 luxurious, contemporary apartments overlooking Falmouth Harbour. It is tucked away along Yacht Club Drive yet within a stone's throw of all the amenities English Harbour has to offer.
Room Types
Each of the studios and 2 bed apartments is spacious with full kitchens, generous bathrooms and private, furnished patios. Ground floor apartments have gates that open out onto well manicured gardens leading to the small private beach and relaxing, decked pool area. The location is picturesque, private and peaceful with haunting sounds of foraging turtle doves.
Dining options
These apartments have well equipped kitchens with dishwasher, fridge/freezer with ice maker and outdoor table and chairs. The Covent Garden supermarket is less than 10 minutes walk with a couple of other local stores nearby too making dining at home easy. The terraces of an evening are a wonderful way to dine outdoors with a cool breeze and your favourite iced tipple. However on the evenings you prefer not to cook there are plenty of dining options nearby.
Maia at South Point
The on-site restaurant, Maia offers an exceptional dining experience. Dishes have a Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern influence with an additional extensive sushi menu. Views of an evening are particularly picturesque with twinkling lights over the yacht filled marina and occasional live music.
Swimming Pool
A relaxing, decked pool area is available for guests' use with sun loungers.
Water sports
Kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling equipment is available to borrow.
Beach
A small secluded beach is situated in front of the apartments.
Local Activities
Hiking trails, Pigeon Point beach and Nelson's Dockyard are close by. A little further afield is a zip lining through the rainforest experience, horse riding and a donkey sanctuary.
Couples
Luxurious accommodation
Picturesque setting
Fine dining restaurants onsite and within walking distance
Solo Travellers
Private and peaceful within walking distance to restaurants and bars should you wish
Activities close to the local area
Excellent self-catering facilities
Good Wifi
Families and friends
Rooms and balconies can interconnect if required
Spacious 1 and 2 bed suites
1 small beach with non-motorised water sports and 2 larger local beaches
Restaurants and bars on-site and nearby
Activities close by
Clink the link to check availability, prices and to book a stay at South Point Antigua via Expedia Group.
Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort
Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort is a casual, relaxed hotel in the heart of English Harbour. Rooms are located around a pretty courtyard where complimentary refreshments are served while the studio apartments are amongst tropical flowers and palm trees.
Room Types
King sized rooms
King sized rooms are spacious with an air-conditioning unit and ceiling fan. Each room comprises a King sized bed, desk and chair, TV, telephone, safe, fridge, iron and ironing board. Bathrooms are equipped with a walk-in shower, complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer. Balconies look out towards the harbour and are furnished with a table and chairs or loungers, an ideal spot for a morning coffee or sundowner.
Click on the link to view a video of a King sized room at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort on YouTube.
Sea View Studios
Sea View Studios have the added benefit of a separate kitchenette equipped with a two ring hob, fridge, toaster, microwave, tea and coffee making facilities. The spacious rooms have air-conditioning units and ceiling fans in the main sleeping area with a king size bed with mosquito nets, desk and chair, TV, telephone and safe. Bathrooms have a walk-in shower, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Each studio has a furnished balcony with views overlooking Falmouth Harbour.
Click on the link to view a video of a Sea View Studio at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort on YouTube.
Local Activities
A 10 minute stroll will take you to stunning Pigeon Point beach, a hiking trail and Nelson's Dockyard. The marina is opposite the resort with bars and restaurants with plenty more in very close proximity.
Hamam Spa
A Turkish Hamam spa is on-site offering a range of treatments for a well deserved pamper session. Alternatively, unwind in the sauna or perhaps soothe muscles with a relaxing massage.
Why choose Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort?
Spacious accommodation
Best for couples, solo travellers, friends
On-site Hamam spa
Complimentary tea, coffee and filtered water
In the heart of English harbour for bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets
Walking distance to Pigeon Point beach
Email me at info.worldwidetravelideas@gmail.com or WhatsApp me on +44 7732 329863 for further information, prices, availability and to make a reservation.
Neem View Apartments
In a tucked away, peaceful location 5 minutes drive from English Harbour are a selection of spacious apartments within a secure gated development. The apartment complex has a relaxed and benefits from a shared pool with loungers and picnic tables. Several restaurants, supermarkets and a bus stop are within walking distance.
Room Types
Neem View Apartments offer a selection of self-catering studio, one and two bed apartments in a convenient location. The air conditioned rooms have Queen sized and twin beds with ensuite bathrooms, a furnished terrace or verandah and fully equipped kitchens.
Click on the link for a virtual tour of one of the studios at Neem View Apartments on YouTube
Local activities
Springhill Riding School offer valley trail rides and swimming with horses sessions. Nearby is Nelson's Dockyard National Park and Pigeon Point Beach.
Why choose Neem View Apartments
Peaceful location
Swimming pool
Close to all amenities
Out of hours number to call should there be any issues
Excellent wi-fi
Close to many activities, bars and restaurants and supermarkets
Apartments have full kitchens
Secure gated development
2 beaches within 10 minutes drive
Email me at info.worldwidetravelideas@gmail.com or WhatsApp me on +44 7732 329863 for further information, prices, availability and to make a reservation.
Click on the link for availability, prices and to book a flight to Antigua with British Airways.
Further Reading ...
Note: I will receive a small commission if you make a booking via the links
If you make any bookings based on my recommendations your contract will be directly with the travel company/hotel/short term rental or activity provider you booked through. I am acting as a referral point only based on information from my most recent visit which may be subject to change at any time.