ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — March 2026 — When the 2026 Caribbean Travel Awards were handed out, one destination dominated the winners’ circle: Antigua and Barbuda. The twin-island nation took home three of the most prestigious titles of the night — Tourist Board of the Year, Honeymoon Destination of the Year, and Luxury Destination of the Year — a sweep that signals Antigua’s rise to the very top tier of Caribbean travel.
For anyone still sleeping on Antigua as a destination, this is your wake-up call.
What the 2026 Caribbean Travel Awards Mean
The Caribbean Travel Awards recognize outstanding achievement across destinations, resorts, airlines, and tourism boards throughout the region. Winning one category is an achievement. Winning three — including the two most coveted titles for the high-value couples and luxury travel market — is a statement.
Tourist Board of the Year reflects how effectively Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism authority has marketed the destination, supported travel advisors, and grown arrivals. It’s a behind-the-scenes win that directly translates to better travel experiences on the ground.
Honeymoon Destination of the Year puts Antigua squarely in the conversation with Saint Lucia and the Maldives as one of the world’s top choices for newlyweds. Antigua has 365 beaches — one for every day of the year, as the tourism board likes to say — and its combination of sailing culture, colonial charm, and luxury resorts creates a distinctly romantic atmosphere.
Luxury Destination of the Year acknowledges the caliber of resort product available on the island, from boutique hideaways to the flagship Sandals Grande Antigua — one of the most acclaimed resorts in the Sandals portfolio.
Pineapple Beach Club: Pickleball Resort of the Year
In an unexpected highlight, Pineapple Beach Club on Antigua’s Long Bay won Pickleball Resort of the Year — a nod to one of travel’s fastest-growing trends. Pickleball courts are increasingly becoming a resort amenity differentiator, and Pineapple Beach Club has leaned in fully.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Visit Antigua
Beyond the awards, Antigua has a packed calendar of reasons to visit in 2026:
Antigua Carnival runs from April 28 through August 5 — one of the longest and most celebrated carnival festivals in the Caribbean, featuring costumed street parades, calypso competitions, steel pan music, and local food. For travelers who want to experience authentic Caribbean culture alongside resort luxury, the carnival season is unbeatable.
The 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) comes to Antigua in May 2026 — a major travel trade event that underscores the destination’s standing in the industry.
Antigua is also home to some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular sailing events throughout the year, including the legendary Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.
Sandals Grande Antigua: The Luxury Honeymoon Option
For couples who want all the awards-level luxury without any of the planning complexity, Sandals Grande Antigua delivers. Set on one of the island’s most stunning stretches of white-sand beach, the resort offers the full Sandals experience: unlimited premium dining, open bar, water sports, and the signature over-the-water bungalows that have become one of the most sought-after room categories in the Caribbean.
As a Sandals Platinum Elite Advisor, the team at Pixie Honeymoons has direct relationships with Sandals resorts and can help you navigate room categories, promotions, and the best travel windows for Antigua.
Plan Your Antigua Honeymoon or Luxury Vacation
Whether you’re drawn by the honeymoon title, the luxury resort scene, or simply Antigua’s 365 beaches, the destination is worth serious consideration for your 2026 Caribbean vacation. The specialists at Pixie Honeymoons know Antigua well and can help you plan every detail — from choosing the right resort to booking transfers, excursions, and dining reservations.
As always, planning with Pixie Honeymoons is completely free.
📞 Call: 678-815-1584
✉️ Email: Info@PixieVacations.com
🌐 Plan your honeymoon: PixieHoneymoons.com
Also read: Saint Lucia Named Best Caribbean Destination for 2026 — another top-ranked destination for couples and honeymooners this year.
Author: CaribbeanMag Editors | Published: March 12, 2026
Source: 2026 Caribbean Travel Awards; eTurboNews Caribbean
