Sandals Grande Antigua – Review and Guide for 2024

They don’t call it the World’s Most Romantic Resort for no reason. Year after year, Sandals Grande Antigua is the winner in this category. It is located right on the most famous beach in Antigua, Dickenson Bay. Here you will find powdery white sands and warm Caribbean waters.

The Caribbean Beachfront Village is complete with pathways meandering through a charming seaside garden, while European grandeur overflows across the hillside and down to the sea in the Mediterranean ocean view village.

These two very distinct styles will have you feeling like you are at two different resorts. Why not share this romantic resort with your special someone at the Sandals Grande Antigua resort? Book this resort and spa in Dickenson Bay with Sandals consumer saving promotions, and check out all-inclusive bookings to help you save. 

About Sandals Grande Antigua

Where is Sandals Grande Antigua?

Located in the Caribbean Island of Antigua, you will find the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort on the Dickenson Bay white sand beach. Antigua is a Leeward Island and the main island of Antigua and Barbuda. The resort is approximately 12 km away from the V C Bird International Airport. 

Getting to Sandals Grande Antigua

You will fly into Antigua at the V.C Bird International Airport. Once you disembark, you will go through customs and immigration, arriving at the Sandals lounge. Sandals Resort arranges your complimentary transfer from the airport to the resort and back to the airport when you check out for your trip back home. The ride is a mere 20 minutes, so you can relax, sit back and enjoy the scenery. Upon arrival at the resort, you will be greeted with a glass of champagne, a warm smile, and a cold towel before checking in to your hotel booking. 

Group bookings are transported in a bus, but if you booked a butler room category, you could expect extra pampering, starting with a private luxury vehicle. Be sure to indicate any personal preferences you may have ahead of your arrival if you are in the butler category. Enjoy the easy and stress-free ride as you make your way to the world’s most romantic resort, voted multiple years in a row. 

Best Time to Visit Sandals Grande Antigua

The best time to visit Sandals Grande Antigua to enjoy complete relaxation is between the middle of December and the middle of April. This is typically peak season, as many travelers from the United States and Europe are seeking an escape from cold winter conditions in their hometowns. 

A good alternative is to visit in May or June, right after peak season closes off and before the wet season begins. The wet season runs from July to November, and you will find temperatures in the mid-80’s. You will get less rain from December to April, but you have to book in advance to get the best rates. By those times, the resort tends to be fully booked. 

If you are traveling near the end of July, you will be arriving just in time for carnival. If you are excited about that, maybe that’s a good time for you to travel. Still, some will find the best experience and availability in the months of May and June. 

What’s Included at Sandals Grande Antigua

At Sandals, almost everything is included. Featured prices do not just reflect the price of your room, but also allow you an inclusive dining experience. Dine at all restaurants, being sure to make reservations in advance where reservations are required. 

Whether water or land, Sandals Grande Antigua has something to entertain every guest. Everything is included in your vacation, even PADI Certified Scuba Diving. That’s right, included in your vacation allows you to sail, swim, snorkel or just sit by the pool and relax. 

Once on property, enjoy free internet access as well as free parking if you have your own transportation. 

PADI Certified Scuba Diving

The waters here are just extraordinary, they offer some of the best wrecks, walls and reefs to visit and enjoy. No wonder so many divers flock to this side of the world. Sandals offers one of the most comprehensive scuba diving programs of all the resorts. 

Water Sports 

Aside from scuba diving, other included watersports range from kayaking, snorkeling, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing and hobie cat rides. 

Day and Night Entertainment 

The entertainment staff at Sandals are some of the best. They throw a great party, whether day or night. You can indulge in anything from exotic, to wild, lively and modern. Parties by the pool deck and beach are popular, and nighttime entertainment provides something different every night. Enjoy live music, live shows at the piano bar, chocolate buffet night, karaoke night, casino night and much more. 

Land Sports 

You will enjoy unlimited land activities from the courts for table tennis, pool, croquet, bocce, volleyball. When you have exhausted those or simply just exhausted of being outside, enjoy some active time inside their state of the art fitness center. You will find all you need for weight training by yourself, or you can engage in a group fitness class if that is more your vibe. They have everything you need to enjoy yourself, including aqua fit, aerobics, ellipticals, treadmills, stair climbers and much more. 

Pros and Cons of Sandals Grande Antigua 

Pros

  • It is a couples only resort 
  • Buildings are modern and surrounded by tropical gardens 
  • Located on Antigua’s longest white sand beach, where you find the best sunset 
  • Rate includes all restaurants, house wine and premium spirits
  • Rooms and suites are polished and pristine
  • Live entertainment
  • 11 restaurants and 7 bars means lots to do on resort without ever leaving 
  • Secluded outdoor lounge areas, fire pits and gazebos 
  • Modern fitness center
  • Red Lane Resort and Spa – Optional 
  • Unlimited scuba diving and watersports 
  • Free parking, free airport transfers, and free Wi-Fi on the property 

Cons

  • Large property can be overwhelming to walk 
  • Some restaurants require a reservation 
  • Guest claim pool chairs very early each day

What To Do at Sandals Grande Antigua

In addition to all that is included in the cost of your Sandals Grande Antigua booking, there are optional services you can add to your vacation to enjoy it even more. 

The Red Lane Grande Antigua Resort Spa 

Check out the Red Lane Resort and Spa and rejuvenate your body and mind. Get a West Indian massage for you, or do a couples massage that you and your spouse can enjoy simultaneously. You can have an in spa massage and book one in the privacy of your room or on the beach. 

Resort Boutiques

Enjoy duty free shopping on site at the on-resort boutiques. You will find the resort shop offering art, jewelry and clothing, among other things. You can find numerous local crafts both in the boutiques as well as from local vendors on the beach. Colombian Emeralds is a leader in luxury retail, so they won’t disappoint. 

Local Adventure Tours

Island routes offer local adventure tours to give you a real feel of Antigua. Get up close and personal with a luxury adventure tour. You can find something to exhilarate, as well as you can find an activity that can be sedated. 

Private Cabanas

If lounging all day on property is more your thing, you can obtain a private cabana for an added daily cost. Each cabana features two comfortable beds with straw roofs. You can rent a cabana on the beach, in the gardens or by the pool. If you book a butler category, you can stay in your cabana all day and let your butler serve you. They will deliver anything you need, meals, suntan, cold towels and more. 

Restaurants at Sandals Grande Antigua 

At Sandals Grande Antigua, you can expect a team of master chefs, just like any of the other sandals resorts. Here all your culinary cravings are taken care of. You can find a wide array of cuisine to tickle your fancy and tantalize your taste buds. Here are the 11 restaurants found at Sandals Grande Antigua, and what you can expect from them. 

Bayside Restaurant

Here you can enjoy open air dining with impressive views of the beach and the pool. The cuisine served here is West Indian or Caribbean food, and the dress code is casual. Breakfast is served from 7:30am to 10:30 am, lunch is served from 12:30pm to 2:30 pm, and dinner is served from 6:30pm and 9:30 pm. No reservations are needed to dine at Bayside Restaurant. 

Mario’s 

Here you will find classic Italian cuisine made by native Italian chefs. No reservations are required here, and the dress code is resort casual. Breakfast is served from 7:30 am to 11:00 am, and dinner is served from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 

Eleanor’s 

Find warm Caribbean hospitality and authentic West Indian cuisine here. Enjoy A la carte service here for breakfast between the hours of 7:30 am and 10:30am. Reservations are required for dinner, which is served from 6:00pm to 9:00pm with a resort evening attire dress code. 

Barefoot by the Sea

Here right by the sea, you can enjoy island specialties and fresh seafood. Reservations are not required, and the dress code is on the beach casual. Here you will find lunch and dinner. Lunch is served from 11am to 4pm, and dinner is served from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 

The Drunken Duck

This restaurant is a recreation of a British pub where you can find pub fare. The dress code is resort casual, and reservations are not required. Dinner is served from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, and you can grab a late night meal here from 10:00pm to 2:00am.

Kimonos 

Here you can find Teppanyaki style dining. Reservations are required, but the dress code is resort casual. Dinner hours are from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Be prepared to stay a while and expect the environment to be exhilarating. 

The Courtyard Bistro

Get all your fast food here at the courtyard bistro between the hours of noon and 5pm. You can find fruits served al fresco, salads, sandwiches, french fries, hot dogs and hamburgers. The vibe is entirely laid back, so there are no reservations required and the dress code is resort casual. 

Soy Sushi Bar

Find the most delectable sushi here at the Soy Sushi bar. The dress code is resort casual, and no reservations are required. They are open for dinner from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. 

OK Corral 

Here you will find Tex Mex cuisine. Make your dinner reservations for dinner here between the hours of 6:30pm and 9:00pm. Enjoy your favorite steak cuts while enjoying a tranquil nighttime beach view. 

Cafe de Paris 

Here you will find your favorite coffee beverages, tea,crepes and pastries. Expect Jamaica Blue Mountain’s coffee here which will not disappoint. The dress code is resort casual and they are open from 7:00am to 10:30pm. 

Bella Napoli Pizzeria

Here you will find your favorite brick oven pizzas made to order and served in a courtyard setting. The dress code is resort casual, and reservations are not required. Opening hours are 11:00am to 6:00pm. 

Pools at Sandals Grande Antigua 

There are six freshwater pools at Sandals Grande Antigua, along with 4 whirlpools. Included in the total is the Mediterranean pool, the largest pool in the Eastern Caribbean, measuring 15,000 square feet. Six whirlpools complete the aquatic paradise that is Sandals Grande Antigua. 

The pools are:

  • The reflection pool 
  • The Mediterranean ocean-view village pool
  • The scuba pool 
  • The main pool with a whirlpool 
  • Spa hot and cold plunge pools 
  • Three smaller private pools and whirlpools 

Bars at Sandals Grande Antigua

Sandals Grande Antigua is home to 7 bars. The bars are: 

  • Two swim-up pool bars
  • The Piano Bar
  • The Sundowner Bar 
  • The Drunken Duck Pub 

Activities at Sandals Grande Antigua

There are all sorts of activities for guests to indulge in once they arrive at Sandals Grande Antigua. Regardless if you want to have fun in the water or on land, there will be a variety of options to choose from. And if you want to get off the resort and venture out on the island, you will also find options for that. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy while on your stay. 

  • PADI Certified Scuba Diving 
  • Kayaks
  • Canopies
  • Snorkel equipment 
  • Hobie cats
  • Windsurfing 
  • Paddleboards 
  • Sailing 
  • Swimming 
  • Beach parties 
  • Pool parties
  • Live bands
  • Live shows
  • Karaoke 
  • Carnaval Night 
  • Aqua Fit Class 
  • Casino Night
  • Chocolate Buffet 
  • Talent Night 
  • Antigua Night 
  • Game Night 
  • Unlimited Land Activities 
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Croquet
  • Bocce Ball
  • Table Tennis 
  • Tennis Board games all day and night 
  • Pool Tables 
  • Fitness Center complete with all the best accessories and equipment 
  • Group fitness classes 
  • Aerobic Class 

All watersports are provided with professional instruction and top of the line equipment. 

All the above-mentioned activities are included with the price you paid for your booking, but there are some additional activities offered at Sandals at an additional charge. Optional activities for you to indulge in while staying at your Caribbean beachfront butler rondoval include:

  • Red Lane Resort and Spa Services 
  • Resort Shop 
  • Resort Luxury Jewelry Retailers 
  • Colombian Emeralds International 
  • Local Adventure Tours 
  • Private Cabanas 

FAQ

Is Sandals Grande Antigua a private beach?

The beach at Sandals Grande Antigua is not a private beach for Sandals Resorts guests only. You will find guards on each side of the beach where others can enter, though. Because it is not a private beach, you will find local vendors selling on the beach. 

What airport do you fly into for Sandals Grande Antigua?

You fly into the VC Bird International airport to get to Sandals Grande Antigua. The resort is located 8.5 miles from the airport for an approximate drive of 15 to 20 minutes. 

Are there two Sandals in Antigua?

There is just one Sandals Grande Antigua, but the luxurious accommodations are split into two sides. This makes it seem like you are accessing two vacations in one. There is the Caribbean Beachfront Village, as well as the Mediterranean Oceanview Village, for you to choose from when booking your stay. 

How close are the two Sandals resorts in Antigua?

There is just one Sandals resort in Antigua – the Sandals Grande Antigua resort. Although, the resort may feel like two different resorts, due to there being two different villages. Yet there is just one resort. There is, the Caribbean Beachfront Village and the Mediterranean Oceanview Village. But both of these are on the same property. 

Enjoy a truly authentic island experience by booking an included personal butler service in a butler category room. You won’t regret spending your vacation at this all-inclusive resort hallmark. 

About The Author
Bevony
Bevony is a content writer for EpicCaribbean.com. She has an ongoing curiosity to learn new things that is satisfied by her writing career. As a nature lover, when she isn't writing or doing mom duties, she can be found enjoying the outdoors on her beautiful island of Jamaica.

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