Three things guests love about... Sandals Grande Antigua. A full review.


Sandals Grande Antigua in a nutshell

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Accommodation Type: 5 star all-inclusive resort (adults-only).
Location: Dickenson Bay, Antigua.


Recommended airport: V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU).
Transfer time to resort: 20 minutes.


Best Sandals resort for:
Sandals Grande Antigua is perfect for a romantic honeymoon, located on one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Caribbean.

Atmosphere: Sophisticated, Active.
Restaurants: 11 restaurants.


See all Sandals Grande Antigua deals here.


Overall review of Sandals Grande Antigua

all-inclusive resort Sandals Dickenson Bay

Sandals Grande Antigua is the Caribbean’s most romantic resort for the last six years in a row (World Travel Awards), a title that is sealed with numerous awards and recognitions over the years. It is also near the top in that regard on the world stage, and that has much to do with the resort’s gorgeous beachfront and signature Sandals amenities and services delivered in the most unforgettable way. Of over 8,000 reviews of the property, 82% (!) of the guests voted their stay at Sandals Grande Antigua as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very good’.

There are precise elements that need to come together for a resort to deliver on its promises of a vacation of a lifetime. Fortunately for guests of Sandals Grande Antigua, the chemistry is just right for an effortlessly romantic couples’ vacation that you won’t soon stop raving about. Below are three things guests love most about Sandals Grande Antigua:


Three things guests love about Sandals Grande Antigua

Based on real customer reviews.

1. Guests love the restaurants.

restaurant at Sandals Grande Antigua

You’ll be able to have your fill and then some more at Sandals Grande Antigua, with 11 restaurants to choose from. It isn’t every day you can throw caution to the wind in the Caribbean and indulge in the heart of luxury, so release your inhibitions. Once you do that, you’ll enjoy restaurant options like Mario’s (Italian) for breakfast and dinner, where you’ll find Italian food prepared by native Italian chefs. Or, you can try the OK Corral restaurant which serves Tex-Mex cuisine. Popular menu items include their Red Bean Chili Soups, Southwestern Fajitas, tasty and well marinated steak, and other items with Southern flair. At night, spend some time at the Drunken Duck, a British inspired pub where you can have cold drinks (wines, spirits, beers or soda), and tasty pub fare.

Insider tip: The most popular restaurants at Sandals Grande Antigua require a reservation. Make sure to make some dinner reservations on arrival, especially during peak season! For dress-codes and opening times, see: restaurants at Sandals Grande Antigua.


2. Guests love the main pool with swim up bar.

sandals grande antigua main pool

Amazing swim up bars add to the appeal of Sandals and sprinkled along the Sandals chain you’ll find quite a few of those. This is historic in a sense, considering the swim up bar concept originated at Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica. In Antigua, the main pool is especially popular for the fact that guests can enjoy the swim up bar feature, in a huge and intricately decorated pool, complete with statues and fountains. If you were yet to sink into the vacation experience, one trip to the bright and tropical main pool will ensure that you’re firmly deposited into that carefree zone. Once you’ve had your fill of the pools, you can spend some time on the longest white sand beach in Antigua, the world-famous Dickenson Bay.

3. Guests love the Red Lane Spa.

couple relaxing at red lane spa

You simply can’t go wrong with a Red Lane Spa experience. Sandals’ in-house spa caters specifically for guests, always coming up with new treatments and private sessions for visitors to indulge in. While at Sandals Grande Antigua, try the new Therapeutic Harmony Massage, the Caribbean Glow Treatment, the Neroli Jasmine Candle Massage, or a soothing couple’s massage, all of which are sure to be highlights of your stay.

From the unique accommodation concepts, to sophisticated ambiance and its ideal location on a spectacular beachfront, there’s a lot to love about Sandals Grande Antigua. Hopefully this guide makes it that much easier for you to choose Antigua, particularly Sandals in Antigua, for your next Caribbean vacation.

Looking for a good deal? See all Sandals Grande Antigua deals here.


Popular tours and excursion at Sandals Grande Antigua

Xtreme Circumnavigation.

racing boat speeding through antiguas coastline

This exhilarating adventure takes you right around Antigua's rugged coastline in a 45' offshore racing boat. Enjoy a high-speed run through the islands and cays of the North Sound, followed by an exclusive hour long swim and snorkel with the southern rays at Stingray City Marine Park. Then we'll head to Green Island where you can take a refreshing dip before enjoying a buffet lunch. Next cruise around Nelson's Dockyard while listening to a brief history on this historic area. Finally snorkel at the Pillars of Hercules making a final stop at a secluded beach on the south side of the island.

Insider tip: Sandals Grande Antigua repeat guests often recommend to spend at least one (half) day outside of the resort to explore the island. Make sure to book tours and excursions before arrival to ensure availability.



Antigua Outback Safari.

safari land rovers making their ways through the island sites

Climb aboard our comfortable 4x4 Land Rover for an adventurous and fun-filled tour of the most interesting and beautiful places on the Island. Next you'll visit a variety of historical sites including: the Blockhouse ruins, Nelson's Dockyard, and Shirley's Heights for some stunning views of Antigua. Then it's time to head to Betty's Hope Plantation for a delicious picnic lunch. After lunch you'll hop back in the 4x4 and drive out to the famous Devil's Bridge. End your day with a refreshing swim at Long Bay Beach before you return.


Lover’s Rock Sunset Cruise.

guests enjoying the view on board of the sunset cruise

Set sail on a one-of-a-kind tropical sunset cruise to experience the spectacular Antiguan sunset. Once aboard the catamaran enjoy a welcome cocktail as you take your seat on the sundeck. Enjoy the views of the Antiguan coastline as you sip drinks and enjoy flavorful hors d'oeuvres. Sit back and relax, or get up and dance to romantic Caribbean rhythms with the stunning sunset as your backdrop. This will be one of the most relaxing and romantic tours you do in the Caribbean.

Expert tip: Still not sure which Sandals resort is right for you? Read ‘Which Sandals resort is best for you? The ultimate guide’ and find out!



Recent Sandals Grande Antigua Awards

Awards Sandals Grande Antigua won in the past 5 years alone, not counting the awards that were won by Sandals Resorts as a chain:

  • Travvy Awards: Best All-Inclusive Resort - Destination Weddings 2019.
  • World Travel Awards: Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
  • Travvy Awards: Best All-Inclusive Couples Resort 2018.
  • American Academy of Hospitality Sciences: Six Star Diamond Award 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (Mediterranean Village).
  • American Academy of Hospitality Sciences: Five Star Diamond Award 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
  • Travvy Awards: Best Honeymoon Resort 2017.
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Awards: Gold – Overall Eco-Friendly 2017.
  • Condé Nast Traveler's Annual Readers’ Choice: Top Resort in the Caribbean 2014, 2016.
  • World Travel Awards: Antigua’s Leading Resort 2014, 2015.
  • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 500 World's Best: World’s Best Hotels, Caribbean 2015.
  • World Travel Awards: World’s Most Romantic Resort 2014.
  • World Travel Awards: Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2014.
  • Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards: Top 25 Resorts in the Caribbean 2014.
  • MLT Vacations Quality Assurance Awards 2014.

Guests love Sandals Grande Antigua! Select a room and book online, or call us at +1 888-726-3257.



Also check out the other resorts!

Sandals resorts in Jamaica:
Sandals Montego Bay review
Sandals Royal Caribbean review
Sandals Negril review
Sandals South Coast review
Sandals Ochi review
Sandals Royal Plantation review

Sandals resorts in the Bahamas:
Sandals Royal Bahamian review
Sandals Emerald Bay review

Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia:
Sandals Grande St. Lucian review
Sandals Regency La Toc review
Sandals Halcyon Beach review

Sandals resort in Grenada:
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Sandals resorts in Barbados:
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Sandals Royal Barbados review

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Kylie Morrow

About Kylie Morrow

Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean.