Do you go to Sandals mostly to enjoy a romantic vacation with the love of your life? Good news, friend! Sandals Grande Antigua has been awarded the title of “Most Romantic Beach Resort in the Caribbean” by the World Travel Awards for eleven years in a row. Eleven! That must mean something, right? This resort is located in a beautiful tropical area, full of stunning trees, flowers, numerous swimming pools, and the perfect atmosphere for couples seeking an intimate escape.
This is a large resort, and some even consider Sandals Grande Antigua to be two resorts in one. It is, after all, divided into two distinct areas: the Caribbean Beachfront Village and the Mediterranean Oceanview Village. The Caribbean side is closer to the beach, features numerous pools, and is relatively flat, making it a better choice for those who prefer to walk less. The Mediterranean area, with newer buildings and rooms, is located in a quieter area.
Also, keep in mind that if you want more information about Sandals Grande Antigua, you can just click the Request a Quote button and talk to us. Contacting us is free of charge, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
The resort is gorgeous, which certainly adds to its romantic charm. The beach is fantastic, and often considered one of the best in Antigua. The property spans 27 acres of lush, landscaped terrain, with greenery all around you. While you might need to walk a bit more than usual to reach a specific restaurant, it's well worth it. Along the way, you'll certainly discover plenty of beautiful spots perfect for creating new memories for your family album. This resort is also home to many stray cats roaming around, making it a purrfect choice for those who enjoy the extra company.
Speaking of the beach, Sandals Grande Antigua offers easy access to Dickenson Bay, a beautiful 2-mile stretch of flat, white sand with basically no slopes. It's perfect for a leisurely walk while enjoying the views. The calm, crystal-clear water is great for water activities, and if you enjoy snorkeling, there are fantastic spots to explore right at Grande Antigua.
Grande Antigua is also a good choice for those that love pools. There are actually six pools in the whole resort, and there will probably be one very close to your room. If the beach is too crowded, you can always try and relax next to a swimming pool.
Oh, right, you know what else is great? Antigua. No, not only the Sandals resort, but the island itself. This is a very unique destination, after all, with very few resorts - so few, in fact, that Sandals only has one property here. Antigua is great for those that want to explore and find cool stuff, offering excursions to several historical attractions like Nelson's Dockyard, constructed by the British Navy, and Betty's Hope, a beautiful early sugar plantation. There are also 365 different beaches in Antigua for you to discover, one for each day of the year.
So, Grande Antigua is beautiful and great for those that want to enjoy a romantic vacation and see a lot of things, but what are the negative aspects of the resort?
Sandals Grande Antigua is slightly more expensive compared to other resorts, partly due to its unique charm and how big the property is. A room starts at $340 per night, per guest, which is similar to Sandals Royal Barbados, which starts at $350 per night, per guest. Sandals Grande Antigua, however, is older than Royal Barbados, so rooms feel a bit more rustic and, well, just dated, so I wish the prices were just a little bit lower.
There are 11 restaurants in Grande Antigua, which is a good number for a resort this large, but I don’t think any of them is particularly unique or amazing. Sure, you get some Sandals favorites like Soy Sushi Bar and Kimonos, but I miss a truly outstanding dining destination. The food is good, but that’s about it. Hey, you can always hire a cab, explore the island and discover awesome dining places as well.
One last thing: The beach is amazing, as I mentioned earlier, but there are more beach vendors in Antigua than usual. They won’t bother you if you politely say “no, thank you”, but I can imagine most guests wouldn't enjoy trying to relax on the beach with vendors approaching every five minutes.
Reviews of Sandals Grande Antigua
The Good
The beach: this is a gorgeous beach, and ranks amongst one of the best that Sandals has to offer. The beach is called Dickenson Bay, a 2-mile stretch of white sand that is great for walking and just if you want to relax. There are barely any slopes, and plenty of space for anybody. Sure, the beach is public and there are a lot of vendors, but this is still a great destination for those that want to enjoy calm, turquoise waters, sit down and take a nap or just enjoy a nice tan.
Romantic: this is one of the most romantic Sandals resorts… ever. We told you about all the awards it got already, right? The property is amazing, full of plants and flowers, and there is always something pretty and luxurious to see there. The island itself is also beautiful, and the beach is top notch for those that want to enjoy a great moment with their significant other.I believe it’s the combination of all these elements that makes this a truly fantastic romantic destination.
Water activities & exploration: okay, we have combined two positives into one. Grande Antigua features calm, beautiful waters, making it an excellent destination for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Plus, the island’s stunning scenery ensures you'll enjoy fantastic views both above and below the water! Get ready to explore everything the ocean has to offer and discover the unique charm of this beautiful island.
Lots to see: sure, this is a big property, and probably not the best option for those with mobility issues, but let’s just say that there is a lot to see and do in this place. Everything is well maintained and there is a good chance you will find a new favorite secret spot each day you spend in Grande Antigua. You also get to try six different pools and enjoy a lot of night entertainment like karaoke competitions, chocolate parties, live shows and more.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Grande Antigua is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad
Beach vendors: beach vendors are a common sight in beach resorts that feature a public beach. This is the case in Sandals Grande Antigua, but I do think there are more beach vendors than usual at this property. Every 30 minutes or so, someone will come by and ask if you want to buy a t-shirt, or maybe book a jet ski ride, or something else. You can always politely say no, and they will leave you alone. The higher number of vendors is likely due to the fact that this is the only Sandals resort on the island, with few other resorts nearby.
Meh restaurants: I wouldn’t call the restaurants at Sandals Grande Antigua bad, but they could certainly be improved. The best by far, at least in my humble opinion, is Soy Sushi Bar, which you can find in several other Sandals properties. I wish there was a truly outstanding restaurant in this property, but most of them are just average to good.
How to get to Sandals Grande Antigua?
Flying to Sandals Grande Antigua
When you fly into Antigua, you will land in VC Bird International Airport (ANU). Antigua is located south of Florida. A flight from Miami to Antigua takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes, while a flight from California takes about 10 hours.
There is a free transfer from the airport to the resort, and the entire trip takes only about 15-20 minutes. That’s great news, especially for those that were inside a plane for a long time already.
Transportation Options to Sandals Grande Antigua
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Sandals Grande Antigua?
Sandals Grande Antigua is located almost 8 miles away from ANU. That means that you are only going to take around 15 minutes from the airport to your final destination, where you are welcomed by the staff and then taken to your private room. If you're staying in a Sandals Cub room, you have access to a private check in and they even give you a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Sandals Grande Antigua is located in St John's, Antigua & Barbuda. The island's perimeter is approximately 54 miles, and its population is around 85,000 people.
Staying at Sandals Grande Antigua
Sandals Grande Antigua is quite a large resort, so it offers a lot of different rooms for you to choose from. You can opt to stay on the Caribbean side, which is a bit older but closer to the beach and most activities, or the Mediterranean side, which features slightly newer rooms and a quieter atmosphere. The choice is yours.
Rooms are separated into three distinct levels: Luxury, Club Sandals and Butler Elite. Luxury is actually the budget option, while Club Sandals tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The Butler Elite rooms offer guests their own private butler, who can make reservations for couples, bring meals to their rooms, and assist them in various ways during their stay.
Sandals Grande Antigua is more expensive than other Sandals resorts, primarily due to its unique setting, romantic atmosphere, and expansive property. I do wish the rooms were updated, as some feel a bit rustic and outdated. Some guests online have also mentioned that certain showers lack water pressure and strength.
Prices for a Sandals Luxury room start at $340, slightly less than the $350 for Sandals Royal Barbados. Given that the rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados are newer and typically of higher quality, it's clear that you're also paying for the beautiful setting and romantic atmosphere, which is understandable. After all, Antigua is a unique destination with much to offer, including one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Dining at Sandals Grande Antigua
There are 11 complimentary restaurants in Sandals Grande Antigua, with options ranging from Italian to Japanese and Seafood as well. The restaurants are mostly okay, but I find it weird that there isn’t a truly outstanding choice in one of the most romantic resorts out there. I mean, how can there not be a French restaurant here? It’s an unusual oversight, and I hope to see new dining venues introduced in the near future.
Here's a sneak peek of the restaurants available at Sandals Grande Antigua, along with the types of food they offer.
- Bayside (Brasserie)
- Mario’s (Italian)
- Eleanor’s (Caribbean)
- Barefoot by the Sea (Seafood)
- Drunken Duck (British Pub)
- Kimonos (Japanese)
- Soy Sushi Bar (Sushi)
- Ok Corral (Southwestern)
- Courtyard Bistro (Snacks)
- Bella Napoli Pizzeria (Pizza)
- Cafe de Paris (Patisserie)
Eleanor requires Resort Evening Attire and an advance reservation, while Kimonos and Ok Corral only require a reservation. All other restaurants have a Resort Casual dress code and do not require reservations.
Activities at Sandals Grande Antigua
You can enjoy a variety of activities at Sandals Grande Antigua, and we’re pleased to say it’s one of the best resorts for water activities. The water is calm and crystal clear, and guests often praise the snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking available on the island. You’ll get to see beautiful marine life and uncover all the secrets this island has to offer.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Grande Antigua:
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaks
- Windsurfing
- Snorkeling
- Paddle Boarding
- Land Sports (Beach Volleyball, table tennis, tennis and pool tables)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Spa
Nelson’s Dockyard
Nelson's Dockyard is one of the top excursions you can enjoy in Antigua. Be sure to visit this iconic location, which features a marina, a museum, a hotel, and a restaurant that all share the fascinating history of this beautiful island. As the only Georgian-era dockyard in the world, it was built in the early 18th century and was abandoned by the British Royal Navy in 1889. Explore the restored buildings and embark on a journey through Antigua's rich history!
Sandals Grande Antigua Weather Guide
As is the case with most Caribbean destinations, the weather in Antigua is wonderful year-round. It’s warm in the winter and hot in the summer, making it an ideal destination for your next vacation at any time of the year. The lowest average temperature is 82°F in December, while the highest is 88°F in August. As you can see, it’s great, hot weather all year long!
February, April, and May have the lowest chances of rain, while August through November experience the highest precipitation. It’s also less windy during this period, and prices tend to be lower, which is always a bonus.
August through November is hurricane season in the Caribbean, including Antigua. While hurricanes rarely make landfall here, they do contribute to the increased chances of rain. The last hurricane to significantly impact the island was Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.
Best Times to visit Sandals Grande Antigua
Honestly, any month is a good time to visit the Caribbean. December through March offers great weather and very low chances of rain, but it also comes with the highest prices. In contrast, August through November features the lowest prices, but there are increased chances of rain and hurricanes during this period. My tip is to first check your schedule, determine when you can travel, and then choose a date that aligns with your availability and overall budget.
December through March are excellent months for virtually any Sandals resort. While prices tend to be higher during this season, you can enjoy warm weather, great water temperatures, and a pleasant breeze. October is also a great month in my opinion for one simple reason: it’s when the resort operates at its lowest capacity, offering great prices. Sure, it may rain occasionally, but you can save a significant amount of money during this time.
So, what’s the best time to visit? While any time is good, if I had to choose one, I’d recommend April to June, particularly April. The weather remains fantastic, it’s not overly windy, and resorts begin to lower their prices and reduce crowds.
Packing list for Sandals Dunn’s River
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals Grande Antigua?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals Grande Antigua if:
- You want a place that is very romantic
- You want a place with a lot of things to see
- You love a nice beach and snorkeling
- You don’t mind a slightly outdated room
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Grande Antigua!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Grande Antigua… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Sandals Grande Antigua? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
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