Sandals Grande Antigua Review
Reviewed by Nicole Rosania | Updated on July 24, 2024
When it comes to choosing a dreamy and romantic destination for a honeymoon, Sandals Grande Antigua stands out as one of the world’s most enchanting resorts. Nestled on Antigua’s best white sand beach, with its calm and inviting waters, this resort is a haven for beach and watersport enthusiasts alike.
With 27 acres of lush bougainvillea landscapes providing plenty of secluded spots, Sandals Grande Antigua has been consistently voted the “Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.” As one of 17 Sandals Resorts, this all-inclusive adult-only resort stands out as an intimate and gorgeous beachfront destination. Let’s delve into the delightful features of this resort that make it an ideal choice for honeymooners seeking a magical getaway.
Recommended Accommodations
Here are our recommended rooms for each of Sandals room categories.
Mediterranean One Bedroom Butler Villa with Private Pool Sanctuary
Located in the Mediterranean Oceanview Village, the Mediterranean One Bedroom Butler Villa features the best views of Dickenson Bay. Honeymooners can soak up the sun on a private patio, complete with pool and whirlpool. On the interior, there’s a spacious living room with mahogany furnishings, a fully stocked bar, flat screen TV, and a bedroom with a four-poster, king-size bed. The spa-like en-suite bathroom features a whirlpool tub and separate walk-in rain shower.
At the Butler Elite level, honeymooners can also enjoy 24-hour in-room dining, a personal butler to attend to your every need, and VIP check-in.
Mediterranean Club Level Suite
The Mediterranean Club Level Suite is our pick for a cozy suite with a private patio or balcony. With views of the resort’s beautifully landscaped gardens, honeymooners can relax in their spacious bedroom, which features a four-poster, king-size bed, flat screen TV, and en-suite bathroom complete with a whirlpool tub and separate walk-in shower. Guests can also enjoy Club Sandals concierge service, including assistance with reservations and preferred check-in.
Caribbean Honeymoon Grande Luxe Poolside Walkout Room
Located on the ground floor, the spacious Caribbean Honeymoon Grande Luxe rooms feature a private patio that opens directly onto a quiet cottage pool and beautiful gardens. On the interior, the room features a four-poster, king-size bed, flat screen TV, and en-suite bathroom with a bathtub / shower combination. These rooms also come fully stocked with local beers, wines, juices, and sodas.
Restaurants at Sandals Grande Antigua
Sandals Grande Antigua offers honeymooners 11 unique restaurants with international chefs to choose from.
Bayside Restaurant
An elegant seafood experience with indoor and outdoor dining. Honeymooners who choose to dine outside can watch boats pass over candle light, or visit during the day for a buffet. Dress code here is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Mario’s Italian
Family-run Italian restaurant offering traditional dishes from Tuscany for breakfast and dinner. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Eleanors
Named after Lady Eleanor, who created exotic recipes in her massive Georgian dining room. She became one of the best cooks in the Caribbean. This restaurant is inspired by the 18th century matriarch and offers Calypso flavors, such as jerk chicken and West Indian Curried Lamb. Dress code is Resort Evening Attire and reservations are required.
Barefoot by the Sea
The only restaurant on the property where you can actually show up barefoot! With the sparkling Caribbean Sea just steps away, enjoy Caribbean cuisine for lunch or dinner. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Drunken Duck
Enjoy authentic and traditional British classics in a cozy pub setting. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required. Dinner is offered from 5 – 10 pm and late night hours are from 10 pm – 2 am.
Kimonos
Traditional Japanese hibachi restaurant. Enjoy exotic cuisine as chefs juggle cooking utensils and cook on a flat surface iron grill. Open for dinner daily from 5:30 – 9 pm. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are required.
OK Corral
Enjoy views of the esteemed Dickenson Bay while enjoying traditional Tex-Mex cuisine. Each dish comes with beans, corn on the cob, or rice, and entree options include fajitas, steaks, and homemade soups. The dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are required for dinner from 6 – 9 pm.
Soy Sushi
An Asian dinner option with an elegant twist. This sushi house offers exotic sushi creations made-to-order. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Courtyard Bistro
Unwind under the sun at this laid-back, open-air bistro. Enjoy American classics such as hot dogs, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Don’t forget to try one of their signature cocktails! Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required. Hours of operation are 12 – 5 pm.
Bella Napoli Pizzeria
Open daily from 11 am – 5:30 pm, this casual pizza joint offers it all. From jerk chicken and seafood toppings to even banana and dark chocolate for a savory dessert pizza, don’t miss this stop on your honeymoon. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Cafe de Paris
The go-to spot for lattes in the morning and sweet treats in the afternoon. This cafe has long hours — it’s open from 7 am – 10:30 pm. Dress code here is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Activities at Sandals Grande Antigua
Did you know that Sandals offers one of the most comprehensive scuba diving programs in the world? And it’s all included? If you’re looking for an adventurous activity that you’ll remember forever on your honeymoon, explore scuba diving at Sandals Grande Antigua.
Additional water sports offered include kayaks, windsurfing, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Other on-site land activities include table tennis, shuffleboard, beach volleyball, and board games. Honeymooners can also enjoy a state of the art fitness center and day and night entertainment.
The Best Island Route Tours at Sandals Grande Antigua
Sunset Catamaran Cruise Antigua
Take a seat on the sundeck of a first-class tropical catamaran adventure. Enjoy views of the Antiguan coastline as you sip drinks and enjoy light bites. Dance to romantic Caribbean music as the sky turns hues of orange.
Horseback Beach Ride Antigua
See the best of Antigua’s white-sand beaches on this unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure! Sightsee historic forts and marvel at the views of St. John’s Harbor from horseback saddle. Your expert island guide will provide you with luxury, comfort and safety throughout your ride.
Barbuda By Sea
Visit Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, on this full-day luxury adventure. Marvel at wildlife as you set sail, and soak in the views of the largest colony of Frigate birds in the world. Enjoy a local lunch on board before swimming in tranquil water or relaxing on a beautiful Barbuda beach.Sandals Grande Antigua Packing Guide
For your honeymoon in Antigua, the most important thing you’ll need to pack is a passport! Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth country comprising several islands, where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet. The area is known for its reef-lined beaches and rainforests. The English Harbour is a yachting hub and the site of historic Nelson’s Dockyard. The Sandals Grande Antigua is located in the esteemed Dickenson Bay beach area.
Additionally, pack essentials for several hours in the sun, plenty of sunscreen that is SPF 25 or higher. We also recommend 2-3 swimsuits, since you’ll be at the beach or resort pools almost every day. Include some type of cover-up also, such as an oversized t-shirt and hat. Water shoes would be a great addition to your Antigua & Barbuda packing list so you can comfortably explore the waterfalls and island terrain. For your Jeep excursions into the countryside, you will also want a pair of sneakers and athleisure clothing. Lightweight fabrics you can layer will also be key for long days in the sun. Think: linen shorts and 3-4 cotton tank tops or t-shirts.
Once the sun sets, be prepared with a little more formal attire, including closed-toes or heeled shoes. Also be sure to pack 3-4 dinner outfits that would fit the resort evening attire dress code at some of Sandals Grande Antigua restaurants, such as collared shirts and slacks for men and sundresses for women. Don’t forget a few sets of PJs, and essential medications and toiletries, although many of the Sandals bathrooms will provide the basics for honeymooners to help themselves to!
7 Day Itinerary at Sandals Grande Antigua
Day 1: Settle in & have your first taste of Caribbean rum
V. C. Bird International Airport is an international airport located on the island of Antigua, 8 km northeast of St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. For your stay at Sandals Grande Antigua, you’ll want to fly into this airport. Depending on which type of suite you booked, your airport transfer may be complimentary. If not, Sandals would still be happy to set it up for you!
Enjoy a cocktail upon arrival at one of the several bars located throughout the property, and settle into your suite before dining at one of Sandal’s 11 on-site restaurants this evening.
Day 2: Book a massage, explore the property, and relax by the pool
Feeling sore from the travel day? Head to Red Lane Spa to book an afternoon massage or spa service. Spend the morning relaxing by one of the property’s pools and strolling on the nearby beach.
Want to dine in one of the fine dining restaurants this evening or the next? Don’t forget to grab a reservation!
Day 3: Enjoy some watersports on the beach
Craving a little adventure after a day of R&R? Head down to the beach to enjoy complimentary Sandals watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Soak up the sun on the beach under an umbrella, and be sure to order a pina colada (or two!).
Day 4: Explore the best of Antigua & Barbuda
Explore the surrounding area today on your first island excursion! Get to know the island country’s terrain by horseback riding on the pristine white-sand beaches. Or journey on over to Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, for a fun day at sea!
Day 5: Soak up the sun at Sandals
After a full-day excursion yesterday, you’re probably craving some more relaxation. The resort offers several land activities, including bocce! After your morning coffee and breakfast buffet, maybe explore the beach area a bit more or relax by the pool.
Perhaps tonight you dine at one of the included restaurants that don’t require reservations, such as Soy Sushi.
Day 6: Explore some more
If you opted for one of the off-the-beaten path excursions earlier on during your honeymoon, now is the time to explore some more at a more relaxed pace. Consider a catamaran cruise around the coast. On the contrary, if you already enjoyed a snorkel cruise, head into the countryside on a tour!
Pro-tip: Before you leave for the excursion, swing into one of the nicer restaurants to secure an evening restaurant for your last special night. Eleanor’s would be our recommendation if you haven’t dined there yet!
Day 7: Travel day
Enjoy one last breakfast buffet or morning room service (complete with coffee by the pool), before enjoying a final walk around the property. Travel from Sandals to the airport for your flight home to close out your dream honeymoon.
Sandals Grande Antigua Map
Find a detailed map of Sandals Grande Antigua below. For an interactive map, click here and navigate to "MAP" in the menu.
