I was fortunate enough to spend five days at the luxurious Sandals Grande Antigua resort, and I had such a wonderful time that I just had to share some of the things that make this resort so special!
First, here are some of the resort highlights:
Voted “Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort” year after year
Located on the most beautiful and longest white sand beach in Antigua - Dickenson Bay
Only 15 minutes from the airport, complimentary airport transfers included
373 rooms and suites, home of the original luxurious rondovals with private pool sanctuaries
Adults only, designed for couples in love
All inclusive: gourmet meals, premium cocktails, entertainment and water/land sports
11 restaurants ranging from steak and seafood to Italian to Japanese Teppanyaki and all you can eat sushi
7 bars/cocktail lounges
6 pools including 2 swim up pool bars and 6 whirlpools
Water sports: Hobie cats, paddle boarding, wind surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, *scuba diving
Land sports: Pool tables, ping pong, volleyball, darts, bocce ball, tennis, croquet
Newly refurbished Red Lane Spa
24/7 fitness center with group fitness classes available
Boutique shopping available on property
Strict no tipping policy so you can just put your wallet away and enjoy yourself after you arrive
Click here to check out the Sandals Grande Antigua Digital Photo Brochure
Now, on to some of the things that I loved from my stay.
I was pampered from the moment I arrived at the resort.
There’s nothing like a cool towel and ice cold glass of champagne after a long day of travel!
Am I right?
I was greeted by friendly staff and had a smooth check-in process before being escorted to my room. My room was spacious and had a spectacular view overlooking the main pool and ocean in the distance.
It was an incredible view to wake up to each morning!
Sandals Grande Antigua has an authentic Caribbean feel and the grounds are gorgeous. The property is filled with winding paths that lead you through tropical gardens, swaying palm trees and romantic little hideaways scattered throughout.
Ok, can we talk about the beach for a minute?!
It is absolutely FAB-U-LOUS!!
Picture a long, pristine stretch of white sand beach with exceptionally calm turquoise water. It’s seriously like a post card brought to life. I spent as much time as I could hanging out on the beach and in the ocean on this trip. It’s the perfect beach for water sports lovers with a long list of options included with your stay (see above).
I have to admit that I’m not actually a die hard snorkeler but I do typically try to push myself to go snorkeling when I have the opportunity – especially if it’s in a new place. Often times my snorkeling experiences are less than ideal, though.
It usually takes me a bit to calm my breathing, sometimes I can’t get the mask on the right way for it to be comfortable, water gets in my snorkel/mask….long story short, a lot of times I just can’t seem to settle in and really enjoy the experience of snorkeling.
Is it just me??
Well, snorkeling at Sandals Grande Antigua was totally different!
The water was so calm and the reef we went to had SO MANY FISH!
I’ve never seen so many different kinds of colorful fish and I was completely mesmerized by them. I found myself truly being able to relax and getting lost in the moment. It was a really special experience for me, and I'm so grateful for it!
NOTE: unlimited snorkeling excursions are included with your stay
Sandals Grande Antigua sits on the northwest side of the island and faces west. You know what that means right? Breathtaking sunsets! No matter how many times I watch the sun set over the horizon, it never gets old.
This is a quieter, more laid back resort overall. You’re not going to find tons of organized activities by the pools during the day or loud music pumping all day, but it does have plenty of lovely after-dinner entertainment options to choose from.
I thoroughly enjoyed the weekly white night party with the chocolate buffet (as I always do at Sandals). I must say I was quite content as I sat there soaking up the atmosphere, sipping my chocolate martini and listening to the live band perform.
I also spent an evening singing along to some old classics at the piano bar with new friends, which was a blast! And I ended most nights dancing the night away at the Drunken Duck pub.
There are nightly shows and theme nights every evening of the week including a Caribbean Beach Party night that’s not to be missed.
You can choose to join in the fun for a livelier night or opt for a more romantic experience like relaxing by an intimate fire pit with the one you love.
The choice is yours : )
Wondering which of the two distinct villages would be a better fit for you at Sandals Grande Antigua? Not sure which of the 28 room categories is right for your romantic getaway? I'd love to help you plan an incredible getaway!
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