This Tiny Caribbean Nation Just Won Three Major Tourism Awards — and One Resort Stole the Show

Antigua and Barbuda dominated the 2026 Caribbean Travel Awards, sweeping three of the ceremony's most coveted categories: Tourist Board of the Year, Honeymoon Destination of the Year, and Luxury Destination of the Year.

The triple win underscores a strong run for the twin-island nation, which has positioned itself as one of the Caribbean's premier luxury and romance destinations. With 365 beaches, a thriving sailing culture, and a growing portfolio of high-end resorts, Antigua has been steadily climbing the ranks among travelers looking for alternatives to more crowded Caribbean hotspots.

One property got a special spotlight. Sandals Grande Antigua, one of the flagship resorts in the Sandals portfolio, was highlighted during the awards for its over-the-water bungalows and consistently strong guest ratings. The resort remains one of the most popular all-inclusive options on the island.

In a quirky addition, Pineapple Beach Club on Long Bay took home Pickleball Resort of the Year — a sign of how quickly the sport has embedded itself in the resort experience.

Antigua has a packed events calendar ahead, with Antigua Carnival running from late April through early August, the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace arriving in May, and Antigua Sailing Week drawing international competitors. For a nation with a population under 100,000, the awards are a significant validation of its outsized impact on Caribbean tourism.