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Before you arrive

From the moment you arrive, you’ll find yourself immersed in warm hospitality. Here’s all the information you need to know before your visit.

  • ARRIVALS

    Upon arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport, guests are to proceed to the Sandals desk or lounge, conveniently located right outside the Immigration and Customs area. Your complimentary transfer to and from the resort will be arranged by Sandals.

  • Included Airport Transfers

    Climb aboard your air-conditioned bus and enjoy your included roundtrip airport transfer to Sandals Grande Antigua. It's only a 20-minute ride, so sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. And once you arrive at the resort, you'll be greeted with a glass of champagne, a cold towel and a warm smile.

  • BUTLER GUESTS

    If you have booked a butler-level room category, you can expect unimaginably supreme standard of service and luxury. As part of the extra pampering, you can inform your butler about some personal preferences before you arrive at the resort. To do that, click here. As a butler guest, even your luggage gets special treatment. As such, make sure you have a name tag on all your luggage pieces, including your carry-on items.

  • CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUTS

    If you arrive before check-in, we'll hold your luggage so you can begin your all-inclusive vacation right away. Check-out time is 11:00a.m. If your flight departs later, you can also leave your luggage with us and spend as much time as possible beside the sea, soaking up the sun.

  • CURRENCY

    There is an exchange bureau at Sandals Grande Antigua. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the legal tender in Antigua. Most merchants do accept U.S. Dollars, traveler's cheques and major credit cards, i.e. VISA®, MasterCard® and American Express®.

  • SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES

    Safe deposit boxes are included in every room. Guests with jewelry and/or cash are advised to store all valuables in safe deposit boxes as Sandals cannot be held responsible.

  • CHARGE IT

    Although everything is included, you may also want to enjoy optional on-site and off-site experiences, spa treatments, and make phone calls or purchases in our gift shops. We accept most major credit cards (MC, VISA and AMEX) at the spas, gift shops, photo shops, and the front desk. We also accept cash and Traveler's checks at the front desk, as well as cash at the gift shops.

  • DRESS CODE

    Resort casual by day, resort elegant by night. So while the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swim suits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required (although elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants).

  • WI-FI COVERAGE AND INTERNET ACCESS

    Most public areas of this resort and all of the rooms have Wi-Fi coverage for your convenience. Instant access to the Internet may be obtained by simply connecting to the network.

  • AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

    Caribbean temperatures are warm year-round. Daytime average: 82°F, 28°C. Nighttime average: 72°F, 22°C.

  • DEPARTURE LOUNGE

    If your plane leaves in the afternoon or is delayed, you're welcome to enjoy the amenities at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. There are comfortable couches, a large-screen TV, and changing facilities with showers, so you can thoroughly enjoy your last day in paradise.

  • VISA & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

    All travelers will require a valid passport. Please check for any other necessary visa or documentation requirements.

  • TIPS AND GRATUITIES

    Tips and gratuities are strictly prohibited for all staff except personal butlers. In the event you wish to tip your butler, it will be greatly appreciated but under no circumstance will a tip be required or solicited.

  • ELECTRIC CURRENT

    110 volts, 60 cycles in Antigua. But don't worry about bringing your hair dryers; they're already provided in every room.

  • MEDICAL STAFF

    There is a Registered Nurse on the premises at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa with daily office hours. A qualified physician** is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. If there is any prior medical history, medication that is needed or present illness Sandals should be aware of, please notify Sandals prior to your arrival.

    **For an additional charge.

  • GIFT SHOPS

    Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa has a gift shop with souvenirs, perfume, tobacco and sundries. Duty-free shopping is available on all islands and at the airport.

  • SPECIAL REQUESTS

    Gift items are available including flower arrangements, champagne and gift baskets. Items can be ordered by calling Unique Vacations at 1-888-SANDALS.

  • WHAT TO BRING

    Pack lightly; one large suitcase with a carry-on is ideal. Casual wear is perfect, except for formal nights, theme nights, and restaurants that require full-length pants and collared shirts; the dress code is listed under each restaurant description.

  • PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

    Sandals will try to accommodate the special needs of guests to the best of our abilities. Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa can also provide special equipment. We must have approximately 60 days notice prior to your arrival to facilitate your requests. For a detailed list of available equipment and further information, please call Unique Vacations at 1-888-SANDALS.

  • SCUBA DIVING

    Top-of-the-line equipment for scuba diving is included; however, you're welcome to bring your own. You must remember your diver certification cards to enjoy full diving privileges. If you have any contra-indications to diving you must have a doctor complete, sign and affix stamp/seal the physician section on the medical questionnaire form before you will be allowed to dive at any of our resorts.

  • LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING

    Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa provides optional laundry and dry cleaning services. Price lists and laundry bags are provided in every room. Notify housekeeping and your laundry will be returned within 24 hours, dry cleaning within 72 hours.

  • Celebrate memorable moments

    Colombian Emeralds International a leader in luxury travel retail for 40 years, offers an award-winning customer service experience, along with the finest gemstone jewelry and watches at Tax and Duty Free prices. Take advantage of our convenient location on the resort property.

  • SANDALS MOBILE EXPERIENCE

    Stay connected with the latest offers and promotions on property, browse resort experiences and island excursions, and instantly communicate with your personal butler.

    Available on iPhone and Android

  • SANDALS FOUNDATION

    The Sandals Foundation is dedicated to working closely with neighbors, civic leaders, employees, travelers and partners to harness resources, energy, skills and passion in our lasting commitment to the Caribbean. Learn how you can give back through programs like Pack for a Purpose®, Reading Road Trip and more.