Sandals Grande Antigua

We were instantly captivated by the remarkable beauty of the beach at Sandals Grande Antigua. Soft, white sand stretches across Dickenson Bay – the most famous beach on the island! The beach feels private and serene, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

The Crystal-clear turqoise waters are perfect for a swim. We even spotted some colorful fish near the shore!

There’s plenty to do at the beach. We enjoyed kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The resort also provides comfortable loungers and umbrellas, perfect for an afternoon of rest. The sunsets here are simply breathtaking, painting the sky in vibrant orange.

The versatility of dining options is one of the reasons we love Sandals Grande Antigua. With 11 specialty restaurants, you can have a global gastronomic journey without leaving the resort! 

Here is a quick summary of the restaurants:

Eleanor’s: We love the authentic island dishes at Eleanor’s. The Caribbean flavors are vibrant and rich, making every bite feel like a tropical escape. The jerk chicken is a must-try, perfectly seasoned and grilled.

Kimonos: At Kimonos, the stir-fry show unfolds before our eyes as chefs cook on teppanyaki tables. The dining experience is as fun as the food is delicious. Fresh ingredients and skilled chefs make this a sushi lover’s paradise.

Mario’s: Mario’s offer authentic Italian comfort food. We can never get enough of the perfectly cooked pasta and wood fired pizzas. The tiramisu here is authentic and irresistible.

Soy Sushi Bar: For sushi enthusiasts, Soy is a dream come true. The elegant presentation and fresh ingredients make every roll a delight. We always go for the sashimi platters here.

Bayside Restaurant: Bayside offers a charming international menu with stunning beachfront views. This spot is perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.  They host a beachside barbecue bash every Wednesday. 

Barefoot by the Sea: Dining with our toes in the sand at Barefoot by the Sea is a unique experience. The seafood is always fresh, and the island vibes add to the charm. Grilled lobster is a standout dish here.

Drunken Duck British Pub: The Drunken Duck brings a taste of Britain to Antigua. We enjoy the hearty pub fare and lively atmosphere. Fish and chips and a pint of ale make for a late night snack.

Courtyard Bistro: The Courtyard Bistro offers casual dining with a Caribbean twist. It’s our go-to spot for quick and satisfying meals. The jerk pork wraps are a personal favorite.

OK Corral: Western charm meets island flair at OK Corral. We love the barbecue and Tex-Mex dishes served with a Caribbean influence. The ribs here are tender and flavorful.

Bella Napoli Pizzeria: Bella Napoli is a slice of Italy in Antigua. The wood-fired pizzas are made to perfection with fresh ingredients. We often indulge in the classic Margherita pizza.

Café de Paris: A little piece of Paris in the Caribbean, Café de Paris offers delightful pastries and coffee. The croissants are buttery and flaky, perfect with a cup of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Blend coffee.

You can also get the private candle light dinner under the stars for only $199.  We did it one night, and it is worth having the private experience with your own butler!

At Sandals Grande Antigua, there are six enormous pools to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

One of our favorites is the main pool with swim-up bar. It’s perfect for those looking to relax with a drink in hand without ever leaving the water.  Since it’s in the center of the resort, it is the heartbeat of the action.

For a more tranquil experience, the Lagoon Pool, surrounded by lush gardens, provides a peaceful escape.

Additionally, the infinity pools provide stunning views of Antigua’s beautiful sea views, making your swim even more enjoyable.

You can also get your own private pool if you go for a Rondoval Suite. This offers the ultimate in relaxation and seclusion.

We noticed the pools are frequently cleaned and well maintained so you have a refreshing experience every time you take a dip.

The nice thing about staying at Sandals Grande Antigua is you would never have to leave if you didn’t want to. There are a variety of activities that cater to all interests, even if that means simply maxing your relaxation.

Activities At The Resort

If you want a break from relaxing on the beach, Sandals offers a lot of activities right at the resort. Aside from the water sports, the fitness center is ideal for keeping up with your workout routine.  You can also schedule tennis lessons with a certified instructor.

• Watersport: Endless water sports including, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, windsurfing, scuba excursions, and more!
• Tennis: The tennis courts are top-notch, and they have all the equipment available for you to use.
• Gym: Keep up with your fitness routine in our fully equipped gym.
• Table Tennis & Bocce: Engage in some friendly competition with table tennis or a game of bocce.
• Beach volleyball:  Join a low key game of beach volleyball on the white sand beach.

Relaxation And Spa

There’s nothing better than unwinding at the Spa while on vacation. I would highly recommend the “Scents Of Love” Couples massage to help set the romantic mood. You can get a massage in a private garden setting which is amazing to hear the waves and wildlife in the background.

• Red Lane Spa: Indulge in luxurious treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures at the Red Lane Spa.
• Couples Massage: Share a relaxing moment with a couples massage.
• Yoga Class: Join the yoga classes to balance your mind, body, and spirit.
• Sauna: The spa here includes a sauna which can be a nice break from the outside world.

Off-Site Adventures

If you want to adventure off the resort, here are the top 6 things I recommend around Sandals Grande Antigua.

• Stingray City Antigua: Experiencing Stingray City is a must. We get to swim and interact with friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat. Located 30 minutes from the resort, this adventure costs about $50 per person. Snorkeling gear is provided, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.
• Great Bird Island: A visit to Great Bird Island is perfect for nature enthusiasts. We can explore this small island just 20 minutes by boat from the resort. The cost is around $40 per person. Hiking the trails and spotting unique bird species make it an unforgettable outing. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches and calm waters.
• Nelson’s Dockyard National Park: Nelson’s Dockyard offers a glimpse into Antigua’s history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located 40 minutes from Sandals Grande Antigua. Entry fees range from $8 to $20. We can wander through restored 18th-century buildings, enjoy the marina, and even hike up to Fort Berkeley for stunning views.
• Scuba Diving Excursion: For diving enthusiasts, the underwater world around Antigua is mesmerizing. Dive shops near the resort offer trips to various dive sites. It’s about $100 for two-tank dives, and we get to see vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and occasional shipwrecks. Both beginners and experienced divers will find something to enjoy.
• Shirley Heights Lookout: We can enjoy panoramic views and a lively atmosphere at Shirley Heights Lookout. It’s about a 40-minute drive from the resort. On Sundays, there’s a famous barbecue party with live music, costing around $10 for entry. The sunset views over English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are simply breathtaking.
• Pillars Of Hercules Hike: Hike around the Pillars of Hercules, which is a limestone formation created by natural erosion that looks like columns.  You can go for a swim right out in front of the formation, and you will likely see colorful fish swimming swimming around. This is also right next to Nelson’s Dockyard.

Note that the offsite activities are not included in the resort stay.  Some of them are free, you just need to get transportation there.  Others can be schedule right at the front desk of the resort.  I would recommend booking them online ahead of time to ensure availability.

There are 21 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals Grande Antigua has 373 luxurious suites throughout the 27 acre resort spread.

The property is split between the beachfront Caribbean Village and the ultra luxurious Mediterranean Village.

For example, we stayed in a Mediterranean One Bedroom Butler Vila, but here are the three different room levels to choose from:

Luxury Level Rooms:  The Sandals Luxury Level rooms are entry level rooms with amenities such as a king-size bed, smart TV, and in-room refrigerator. These rooms are still very nice rooms with great views, but without additional amenities like butler service or private pools.

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level rooms include the Luxury Level offerings with added concierge services. These rooms come with a fully stocked bar with premium liquors and access to the Club Sandals Lounge. All of these will also have great views of the Caribbean or beachfront access.

Butler Level Suites: If you want the ultimate luxury experience, Butler Level suites have a personal butler to tend to your every need. These include premium Villa Suites and Rondoval Suites.

Overall, it really depends on your preferences and budget.  Regardless of the suite, you will get top-notch services and a plethora of amenities to make your stay at Sandals Grande Antugua an unforgettable one. I mean… you don’t spend too much time in the room any way 🙂

Sandals Grand Antigua was designed to provide an unforgettable romantic getaway.

Considering all of the included amenities, it was definitely worth it to us.

Let’s unpack everything that is included:

• Luxury Accommodations: The rooms and suites strike a fine balance of elegance and comfort. Even the Luxury Level rooms stand out as being quite nice for “entry level”.
• Unlimited Dining And Drinks: With 11 gourmet restaurant options and 7 bars, all-inclusive is taken to the next level. You choose which restaurant you want for every meal.  Also premium liqueurs and wine are used for your drinks.
• Water Sports: The water sports options include PADI certified scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis and tennis training from a certified instructor.  There is also beach volleyball, table tennis, bocce ball, and more.
• Entertainment: There is always music and festivities going on somewhere it seems.  We had a great time at the beach party night here.
• Service: The team is clearly dedicated to providing a friendly and attentive service.  If you go with the butler service, you can request anything you want at any time of day!
• Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from the airport are included with any room package you get.
• In-Room Wine and Spirits: A selection of premium wines and spirits are stocked right in your room.
• Private Beach: The beauty of the private white sand beach is just steps away from your suite.
• Fitness Center: A very nice and modern fitness center.  You can do classes or have a trainer, but we were too busy on the beach.
• Wi Fi Connection: This is an underrated one for me!  The wifi connection everywhere on the resort was very strong (even on the beach) when I needed to work a little.
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no tipping is allowed! Indulge in whatever you want without the need for extra gratuities.  This creates a laid back atmosphere, but more importantly, you wont get any extra fees or charges at checkout.

There are also amenities that are offered, but not included.  These are things like the on-site Red Lane spa, beach cabanas, butler candlelight dinners, and local tours mentioned above.

Sandals Grande Antigua is located on the Northern corner of Antigua on the outskirts of St. John’s.  Although it is just east of the Virgin Island, the flight from Miami takes under 3 and a half hours.

There are several direct flights from major cities in the United States and Canada.

The resort is conveniently situated just a short 10-minute drive from V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU).

Each stay at Sandals includes a complimentary transfer to and from the airport so we were through immigration and at the resort in no time.

I was a little hesitant at first, but when I went Sandals Grande Antigua with my with my wife, and I could see the whey celebrating special romantic milestones here is so special.

Whether a destination wedding, honeymoon or an anniversary, the resort is packed with romantic settings.

Weddings: The Grande Antigua has a beautiful garden gazebo so you can have an intimate ceremony within the island flora.  You can also have a gazebo setup on the beach for a romantic beach ceremony.  The Sandals staff is on standby for all your wedding needs from a test drive to the final vows!

Honeymoons: The honeymoon package is specially designed for newlyweds, which  includes a bottle of chilled sparkling wine upon arrival, a special turndown service, candlelit honeymoon dinner, and a breakfast in bed. Suites come with soaking tubs for two set the stage for relaxation and romance.

Anniversaries: Celebrating a milestone can be just as exciting as those first blissful wedding days together. The resort offers a renewal of vows packages, so you can reaffirm your love in paradise, complete with a photo session to capture the magic.  The package also includes options similar to the honeymoon package, like sparkling wine at arrival, candlelit dinner, and breakfast in bed.  I might also suggest a couples massage at the spa to get the mood going.

Is Sandals Grand Antigua adults only?

Yes, Sandals Grand Antigua is adults only.  It is best suited for adult couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway.  That said, it is not limited to only couples.  You can go with friends or by yourself as well! 

How close is Sandals Grande Antigua to the nearest airport?

Since the resort is located on the outskirts of St. John’s, it is conveniently situated just a short 10-minute drive from V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU).

When is the best time to visit Sandals Grande Antigua?

The best time to visit Sandals Grande Antigua is from December to April when the temperature is pleasant and their is little precipitation. However, for the best pricing, you can visit during low season from May to July.  There is potentially a little more precipitation, but the showers are short lived.