When you picture the perfect island escape, Sandals Grande Antigua is it. Think: turquoise waters, soft white sand, and lush, tropical gardens everywhere you look. We spent a week there, and it was everything we hoped for—and more.
This was our first-ever Sandals experience, and it made us buy into the Sandals brand. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome—greeted with a smile, a cold drink, and that laid-back island vibe that instantly puts you in vacation mode.
Quick Trip from the Airport
One thing we loved right away: the resort is only 15–20 minutes from the airport. After a long travel day, being on the beach with a cocktail in hand within the hour is a huge win.
Where We Stayed
We booked a Mediterranean Club Level Suite—great location, spacious, but a bit dated in terms of decor. It didn’t bother us at all, but if you’re after a more modern look, check out the Sunset Bluff Suites, which have been recently renovated.
After check-in, we were escorted to our room, and our bags followed shortly after. From there, it was time to officially unplug and settle into full relaxation mode.
All-Inclusive = All the Vibes
The all-inclusive setup was exactly what we needed—zero stress, total freedom, and no worrying about planning or budgeting meals. Some of our favorite food + drink highlights:
- The Love in a Cup frozen cocktail (so good we lost count)
- Poolside chicken wings—a must
- And Soy, the sushi spot, which became our go-to pre-dinner ritual
The Beach: Just Wow
The beach at Sandals Grande Antigua is truly postcard-perfect. The water is unbelievably blue, and we took daily walks just to soak it all in. One heads-up: the beach is public, so you’ll likely see local vendors with tents set up. A polite “”no thank you”” goes a long way—they were respectful and moved on when we declined.
Water Adventures & Island Fun
The Watersports Team was one of our favorite parts of the trip. We loved the snorkeling excursions and even took a Hobie Cat out ourselves. The crew made everything fun and easy—great energy, and clearly love what they do.
We also spent a day exploring the island with a local guide, which we highly recommend.
Highlights included:
- Shirley Heights – panoramic views you won’t forget
- Nelson’s Dockyard – a UNESCO World Heritage site full of history
- Devil’s Bridge – dramatic waves and cliffs
- And plenty of beautiful beaches along the way
Bonus: We picked up a black pineapple (a local delicacy) and brought it back to the resort, where they cut it up for us. It was so sweet you could even eat the core!
Final Thoughts
We had an incredible stay at Sandals Grande Antigua! It was the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and island charm. Safe to say: we’re officially Sandals people now!
