Sandals Antigua Caribbean Village & Spa Hotel

My husband and I honeymooned at Sandals Antigua from July 14-21, 2003. Firstly, Ill mention that based on reviews Id read on TripAdvisor.com, I was quite nervous about the week and we even looked into switching resorts a few months before the trip. We had a wonderful time though and would recommend the resort to other couples. I want to emphasize that this is definitely a resort for couples; about half of the couples we met had married on the same day as us and were honeymooning and another large portion were on trips for 25th Anniversaries or something of the like.Now, to give you some details. Firstly, we booked through 1-800-SANDALS and spoke with Giselle. We booked the most expensive level at the resort - the Luxury Seaside Beach Cottage. Giselle promised that we would be in one of the 7 beachfront cottages. This was not the case; we were originally put in the second row, where you cannot even see the ocean because the first row of cottages and trees completely block it. We explained the situation and requested to view the Honeymoon Oceanview Suite and liked this room much better. If you do decide to book at this level, the Honeymoon Oceanview Suites are ten times better than the cottages. The cottages were small with no sitting area and barely a bathroom. The Honeymoon Oceanview Suites, on the other hand, had a small sitting area and large bathroom with a big tub and 2 sinks. They also have a balcony or porch sitting areas. If possible, we recommend getting a room on the second level cause the view of the gardens and ocean are wonderful. We were in room 708 and we suggest that the following rooms are the best at the resort: 708, 709, and 710 (all in our same block with the lower level rooms being 705-707) and the front beachfront complex with rooms 711-714. We did have two complaints with the room: the air conditioning did not work well and there were small ants in the bathroom area. As far as the air conditioning goes, we heard and saw that other rooms were very cool, so we should have asked to have ours fixed rather than assuming that's how it was. And, the ants did not bother us too much; the maids continually tried to keep them cleaned up, but you will probably see some ants in your bathroom area.We did have the opportunity to view another couples room as we were hanging out with them one night. They were in the Honeymoon Luxury Concierge Room and there room was pretty comparable to ours - with the exception of the view and the balcony. They only had a view of the pool in front of their room - no ocean or gardens. However, they spent a fair amount less than us and received the same service, food, entertainment, and activities as we did - with one exception. With the 24 hour concierge rooms, you can order/request lobster and probably other fine foods that the regular guests cannot get. We learned at the very end of our week to ask for anything you think you want if youre staying at this level and they will try to get it for you.So, the resort itself was beautiful. The gardens and beaches were well maintained and practically perfect. We definitely noticed a difference in the beach when we walked down to the next resort - The Rex. The beaches in front of this resort were not nearly as nice. The pools at Sandals were also nice. There were smaller pools you could go in to get privacy. Or, the main pool with the swim up bar offered a lot of great activities and opportunities to chat with other guests. My husband and I actually enjoyed a lot of the activities, including pool and beach volleyball, name that tune, a newlyweds game, and drinking contests. We also tried to take advantage of the watersports; we tried sailing and snorkeling a couple times. Both were fun. We were not certified to dive, but those that did do the scuba diving said it was good. And you can get trained there, but it was a full day class, so we decided not to.The spa was very nice. My husband and I did 2 couples massages while we were there and they were absolutely fabulous. On the more relaxing side, we also enjoyed an occasion nap in one of the numerous cushioned hammocks around the resort.The restaurants were pretty good. We didnt care for the Italian and OK Corral as much, but both served pretty good food. The salad/anitpasta bar at the Italian restaurant was good, as were the grilled shrimp at Ok Corral. Our favorite restaurant was Kimonos though. The chefs cook right in front of you and are all very entertaining. The food was fabulous. You get a selection of appetizers, soup, and salad, and then they serve all 8 guests dining together the same selection of entrées: shrimp, mahi-mahi, steak, and chicken. All were very delicious. Ask for Conrad (aka Sugar) if you go. We also really enjoyed all the buffets at the Bayside. There was an excellent selection of food - enough to suit everyones tastes. And, Jackie from the Bayside grill cooked up some great burgers after hours. Our only food complaint was probably that there was not enough seafood - only shrimp and mahi-mahi were served everywhere. And, a second minor complaint we made the mistake of trying a bit of steak. Since were from the Midwest, the steak didnt even compare to our high standards.The bars were all pretty nice. At times, there was a bit of a wait and some of the bartenders were not the friendliest off the bat, but I found that if I smile and am friendly, they are too. You can get almost any drink you want. Although the inclusive wine selection is minimal, but we liked what they had, so it worked for us. You can ask any of the bars or restaurants for a bottle of wine or champagne at any time - which was nice.The entertainment through the week was great. We got a little wild a crazy dancing at the night club one night - all in good fun though. The entertainment staff was great - Antonio, Mikey, and Damion were all a lot of fun. And, we really enjoyed singing along at the Piano Bar with Duke. The resort also brought in a log of great steal bands throughout the week and even some local dancers. They did an excellent job of entertaining us.The weather was perfect. It definitely got warm during the days, but there was always a cool pool or ocean near by and it usually sprinkled cool rain for 5 minutes a couple times during the day. The sun rose about 6am and set by 7:30pm.We only did one tour away from the resort: the Heavenly Hills All In One Day Tour. Drivers took us around the island for an hour or so. To be honest, there was not that much to see on the inner part of the island though. It was pretty impoverished for the most part and thats always hard to see when you are staying at a nice resort. After the main land tour, they took us to another beach, which was supposed to be so much better than Dickenson Bay, but seemed the same to me. We had a big boat pick us up and we all went snorkeling. The snorkeling with Sandals was better though. The tour ended at the Heavenly Hills art museum with a big lobster lunch, which was fabulous, and a great steel/reggae band playing. We also got to check out and even bought a nice piece from the museum. The museum owner and tour manager, Terrance, was very nice.I should probably mention the beach vendors too they didnt bother us too much. I guess Id say just be friendly and firm with your nos.And the only other inconvenience is there arent waiters/waitresses serving alcohol on the beach or in the evenings. You kind of need to go to a bar yourself, but the walk is always good for you too. If youre in the room, you can, of course, order whatever. And, there were a few staff members that went above and beyond to bring you whatever you needed wherever so we did have some drinks and towels delivered to us at certain points.

My husband and I have been to Sandals Bahamas and Sandals St. Lucia. This was our first visit to Sandals Antigua and we chose to go here because we were on our honeymoon. Since we are signature guests (repeat Sandals guests) and were on honeymoon and paid for the Grand Luxe Concierge room, we were expecting to get upgraded to a nice room. When we stayed in St. Lucia paid for a similiar concierge level and were upgraded to a beautiful suite (2 cat. from top level). When they took us to our room - I thought it was a joke or a mistake. We weren't upgraded and although the room we paid for was one of the top categories, this room was aweful. It was completely rusted out and there were ant all over the bathroom counter and sink. We spoke with management and we paid $500 to get upgraded to the highest level room. This room was much nicer but still not as nice as our room in St. Lucia. Additionally, we had just travelled from the Westin in St. John USVI and were spoiled from our great stay there. Nonetheless - after we were upgraded the room was great - close to the beach and very comfortable. Antigua has beautiful beaches and the snorkelling package to Cades Reef was wonderful. The beach on the resort is about 1 mile long and very nice. Overall, if you are looking for a great place to visit, and aren't picky about the rooms, you will love Sandals Antigua. The beaches in Antigua are much better than the beaches in St. Lucia. If you are looking for luxury rooms and the rooms are more important than the beach - then pay to stay in the concierge rooms on the bluffs at St. Lucia.

We stayed at sandals the end of June and the weather was fabulous. We arrived late because of some plane problems, but we were greeted warmly and treated very special. We read the other reviews before we went and when we arrived, it was a little cautiously. Our room was great, the bath maybe a little dated?! But really not bad, we did not spend a lot of time in there anyway. The bed was comfortable and the room spacious. Our balcony was the best! Very private and we could see the Sea. Our food at Bayside was really the best, but the Japanese Rest. was fun and it was entertaining and good, but not great. I would go there again though. The Italian Rest, was also good, but not great, however, it did have the best service. The southwestern has a great way of preparing lobster, but the steaks were really mediocre. We still enjoyed it. The beach is stunning, and the pools were all clean and a lot of fun, too. If we go again, we will definately get passports, (it was a hassle pulling out our DL and Birth Cert. everytime), we will buy from the beach peddlers rather than the gift shop. Much better bargains and they really weren't pests. I avoided them at first, but I spent $35 for a sarong in the gift shop and got 3 even prettier ones for $40 and she threw in a necklace! Take small bills and small traveler checks, you can never get change and the exchange rate varies from where you are! Even the hotel would not cash them and NEVER had ANY change. It was always going to be there in a couple of hours!! A lot of the tours / activities are extra, and certain wines and champagnes are extra, but we had plenty of other drinks to choose from. All in all we will definately go again! Most of the staff were very helpful and friendly, but not all, and they do not communicate real well, so follow up on reservations and trip plans!!

My husband and I just returned from a 7 day stay at this resort and it was HORRIBLE! Don't waste your money at this place. It's a dump, the staff is rude and the food is not edible. On several occasions the resort actually ran out of chicken, veggie burgers and bananas. One night I had a baked potato for dinner and management didn't care. Although the resort was sold out, it felt like the place was going out of business. The Grande Luxe Beachfront Rooms with Suite Concierge Service are nothing more than cinder block jail cells with a view of the ocean. Save your money, don't bother staying here - a BIG disappointment!

Slightly tatty.. on arrival have been to better places. however . we really ewnjoyed our stay. th e junior suites are a litle basic & not like the brochure at all. The food fabulous .. Bathrooms are terrible .. forget. a Romantic shared experience.. the staff do their very best with what they have .. not the best SANDALS for sure but we liked it.. A beach to remain forever in your hearts.. you must walk the full length.. trust me solitude nature tranquility & total at one with the elements.. we are widely travelled . I would go back .. BUT NOT AT BROCHURE PRICE > we paid £1200.. about right not £2500 as some had paid. we will visit Sandals again

We just returned from our honeymoon at Sandals Antigua. We had a great time!!! The grounds and landscaping were beautiful. Our room was very nice because we got upgraded to a Consierge Suite. We liked all the activities and water sports. The snorkeling trip could have been longer though we only snorkeled for about 30 minutes. The food was great. Although my husband didnt care for OK Corral. His lobster was overcooked. Kimonos was excellent. Some of the pools could use some renovations but overall they were nice. Try a banana slip slop at one of the bars- they are awesome!! Also try the piano bar its pretty cool. Overall the resort, the beach, and the food were very good. We had a fun and relaxing honeymoon.

We went to Sandals Antigua April, 2003. It was by far one of our best vacations ever. Hotel,help, guests,grounds,food everything was wonderful. The few vendors that were on the beach everyday were friendly and if you didn't want anything no was no. The beach was beautiful. We want to go back next year. We are also looking in to going to Sandal Grande in St Lucia. Has anyone been to both islands?

My wife and I just returned from Sandals Antigua. After reading some of the reviews, we were a bit nervous about going. Overall we have a very relaxing vacation at a nice resort. Observations: There were many vendors on the beach but a simple "No thanks" sent them away. The food overall was very good except for the "OK Coral". The Japanese restaurant was entertaining and excellent (say hello to Dr Love). The resort grounds were beautiful. Our hotel room was very nice but the water pressure was low and the room could have used a mini bar for bottled water and soda. My wife noticed a big beetle (maybe a Cockroach) on the buffet table; she was a little concerned about that. But there are bugs all over the islands, not much you can do about that. The staff was very friendly. The beach was very nice but Antigua is supposed to be known for it beaches and it fell short of our expectations. We thought that the beaches in Playa del Carmen, Jamaica and Aruba were much better. Nothing beats Playa! Antigua is very quiet and relaxing. The island was beautiful but we probably would not return because there is not much to do. Hope this helps

We just arrived back from the Sandals Antigua. I was a little terrified when I read all the bad reviews that this resort had. I even went as far as to call my travel agent two days before we left to make sure that she had not heard anybad stuff about his resort and also paid some extra money to get upgraded immediately. This was all not worth the ulcer I gave myself. The place was beautiful, the food was great, the room was clean, a little small but was no big deal. The people were really nice, all you had to do was smile at them and treat them like you want to be treated and they were great. The beach was the most beautiful beach I had ever seen. As far as the vendors go, they were no problem with me I walked the beach all the time and when they approached I said no thank you and they walked on. I only have two small complaints - the place does need some renovating and they need to keep the music down at night for people that go to bed early. It wasn't as nice as the Royal Carribean in Jamaica but it was a great vacation!!!

Went to Sandals Antigua for a Weddingmoon from 02/27 thru 03/06. We had a great time. The room was nice and the resort was well kept. The wedding staff did an excellent job and we couldn't be more pleased with the wedding and the pictures. My only complaint is some of the dinners were not what I would expect from a 5 star Ultra Resort. Breakfast and lunch were good and the dinners were just "OK". We took a side trip to Monserrat to see the volcano and went shopping in St. John. We had a wonderful time and I would recommend Sandals Antigua.