Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa

Sorry this review is a bit delayed. We returned to Sandals Grande Antigua in April, our favourite Sandals resort. We cannot fault this place, everyone is so lovely and friendly. As other guests have previously stated, the Sandals desk is just a short walk outside the airport and from that first interaction with their representative at the desk you are assured of a warm welcome to the island. The journey to the resort is just 15 - 20 minutes. On arrival you are greeted with cool towels and a cocktail. Check in is smooth and we soon saw familiar faces who gave us such a welcome. Hugs with David the GM and Andy from Loyalty & Travel who then escorted us to our room. We assured Andy that despite being up since 5 am UK time, we would definitely be attending the SSG dinner which was just as well as that evening we were awarded our free week! As we don’t seem to shake off the time difference, we are awake early and enjoy a walk around the property before heading to breakfast. It’s one of the nicest times of the day as it’s nice and quiet and every staff member you meet along the way says hello and will often stop for a chat. Our favourite spot for breakfast and lunch is the Bayside restaurant, the view out to the ocean is just beautiful and what we miss most when we get home. I can be a bit of a fussy eater at times but I know I will always find something I like in Bayside. Plus the Mimosa’s with breakfast are a great way to start the day and the staff there are just lovely. After breakfast we like to head to our favourite spot by the Med pool. Although we don’t join in with the activities it’s always enjoyable to watch and I enjoy the music played. Whilst there we are always taken good care of by the cocktail waiters and waitresses. We have to give a special mention to Zevroy who looked after us exceptionally well. So much so that on one day I did probably have a few too many coconut rums!! The Bayside is also our restaurant of choice for lunch. They have themes for different days but there is always salad available if you prefer something light. And the dessert cakes are delicious. There are plenty of choices for evening dining but yes, you do have to book some in advance. We always enjoy the Bayside and Barefoot which you don’t have to pre book but Eleanor’s and Kimonos are also great and we were able to get reservations there very easily. We have come to know a lot of staff over the years and really do feel like we’re coming home. We do have to give a shout out to a few so forgive me if you don’t know these staff members - David and Andy for such a warm welcome on arrival and always stopping for a chat no matter how busy you are. The lovely Maurice who we met on our first night when she sat with us at the SSG dinner. We bumped into her several times after that. Zevroy for looking after us so well. His aim is to become a butler and we hope he succeeds. All our friends at Loyalty and Travel. It was so lovely to catch up with them again and especially Sandy who just got back from Maternity leave. Sadly we couldn’t book our next trip with them as the Free week has to go through Sandals UK. Kadesha - what a sweetheart and our adopted daughter. She looks after us so well no matter which restaurant she happens to be in. She was also doing cross training for another department so was working very hard. Erica and Janet who are always ready for a chat. We managed to find them both at Barefoot one evening. Violet. We have known Violet for a very long time and she takes such good care of us whenever we eat at Eleanor’s. We often stop by for a chat whenever we see her standing at the entrance to the restaurant. Last but by no means least, Leighton. What can I say about Leighton. He is one very special man and we adore him despite the football team he supports😉. He has the most infectious laugh and we love chatting to him. I also have to give a special thanks to Andy who made us feel so special on our Wedding Anniversary. (I think Kadesha may also have had something to do with it) It just so happened our Wedding Anniversary fell on the night of an SSG dinner but we always enjoy those evenings and chose to attend. So many members of staff wished us a happy anniversary and Andy said such lovely kind words about us during the SSG presentations. After the dinner we had a brilliant time chatting with Leighton, Jameel and Scotty about various English Premier League football teams, ex players and managers. I don’t think I’ve laughed so much as there is such great friendly rivalry between them. When we returned to our room that evening we had such a lovely surprise. There were cards, cakes, champagne and a lovely photo of us in a frame. We later discovered that the lovely Masadie had arranged to deliver everything to our room and it was her who had phoned our room earlier asking if we’d requested an early turn down but really she was just checking to see if we’d left the room to head up to the SSG dinner. Thank you Masadie and the Loyalty and Travel team. Without exception everyone made us feel so special during our stay but never more so than on the day we were leaving. Whilst having our lunch in the Bayside all the staff came over and sang to us, a beautiful goodbye song which made me feel quite emotional. As if that wasn’t enough, once on the bus to the airport the driver got a call and said he had to return to the resort. We all thought someone had been left behind but when we got there, Leighton got on the bus and said he couldn’t let us leave without saying goodbye. And there with him were David, Andy and Tiandra. It was just so lovely 🥰 David, you have a brilliant team there. Thank you all for giving us such a wonderful memorable holiday. We’ve already arranged our free week and added a few extra days to come back next April. Why would we go anywhere else!? Read less

Our stay at Sandals Grand Antigua was absolutely amazing! The weather was perfect every day, and the entertainment was some of the best we've experienced at any Sandals resort. From the live music and nightly shows to the incredible atmosphere throughout the property, there was always something fun to enjoy. The staff was friendly, the resort was beautiful, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We can't wait to come back! Read less

What a wonderful resort. It was beautiful. The grounds were impeccable and the people were the friendliest we met while traveling. If you find yourself in Marios, ask for Nerissa to be your server. Make a point of visiting the cafe and ask for Sylvia! She is a true professional and you will not find a friendlier person making your coffee and crepes. The week we were there she pulled a double shift and her smile was as big in hour 15 as it was in hour 1. Great job! Read less

De-Ina provided the best massage that I have ever had! If booking a massage, you should definitely book with her during your stay! We enjoyed our stay at Sandals Antigua. Most employees seemed to enjoy his/her jobs. You did run into the occasional person who was never rude but also never appeared happy. Kellyn at the desk booking dinner reservations was an absolute pleasure. I did have my headphones stolen. I left them by the cold pool/spa/gym and they were gone when I went back to get them. So, please be cautious and make sure you don’t leave any items behind. Read less