Antigua or Barbados?

Depends - you haven't said what you are looking to do and what your interests are.

I like Antigua because it seemed like more spots to explore, more laid back, less touristy. Barbados seemed to be heavily focused on the beaches and was very heavily touristed. But mine was a small sample size - just spent a couple of days in each as that is my travel style.

Haven't been to Antigua so can't compare, but have been to Barbados twice for 8 nights each. Nice beaches, but also many more things to do (we aren't lay on the beach every day/all day kind of people). The Trip Advisor forum on Barbados is good so I'd recommend taking a look at posts there and to see about things to do (if you are interested in more than beaches). Also happy to answer any questions I can.

I enjoyed both, but there is more cultural stuff (broadly defined) to do on Barbados. If beaches/resorts are the main draw, I might pick based on the resort rather than the island.

I have been to both visiting on a cruise. We only spent one day there, but Antigua would have been my preference. Barbados seemed more touristy. My favorite island was Saint Lucia.

I spent two weeks in Barbados this March and didn't spend much time on the beaches as I'm not a beach person. Plenty of other stuff to do on the island that kept us occupied.

The first few days we stayed at the Hilton. I wouldn't recommend it, it's very tired and dated and really needs a good spruce up. The rest of the time was spent at an Airbnb at the Royal Westmoreland Resort. It was absolutely fabulous and perfect for a relaxed holiday.

I haven't been to Antigua but my understanding is that it's less developed for tourism.

We've had land vacations as well as cruise port stops on both islands. Antigua is all about the beaches. Fabulous white sand beaches. Once you've seen Nelson's Dockyard and the views from Shirley Heights, you're pretty much done with the tourist sites. JC is correct, that it lacks much of the tourist infrastructure common to many of the other Caribbean islands. But if you want a beach vacation, Antigua is fine.

In our experience Barbados has much more to offer tourists who want to spend their day away from the beach. Rum plantations. Public and private gardens. Rum distilleries ( you've GOT to try the Mount Gay rums), cave tours, historic homes. Plus the usual water activities.

Thanks for the feedback! Still trying to decide.

We decided - a week in Colombia split between Bogota and Cartagena! Have tickets!!