Sandals Grande Antigua

Sandals Grande Antigua

I still remember the first breath I took when I stepped into Sandals Grande Antigua– the air was warm and sweet, the sea was a sheet of glass, and the resort felt as if it was built just for two. 

Sandals Grande Antigua has that effect on you. It’s both lively and intimate, glamorous and easygoing, polished yet unmistakably Caribbean. I’ve stayed at a lot of luxury resorts in Antigua, and what sets this one apart is how naturally it blends two personalities into a single experience – the charming, tropical Caribbean Beachfront Village and the sleek, modern Mediterranean Village. That means I could spend a morning drifting between a quiet pool and a cappuccino bar, then wander to a beach grill where the music is a touch louder, the laughter is contagious, and the sand is soft enough to squeak underfoot.

This guide is my honest, first-person walkthrough of the Sandals Grande Antigua. If you’re considering Antigua for your next couples escape, you’ll have everything you need to imagine your days and plan a stay you’ll talk about for years.

Resort Layout

Sandals Grande Antigua unfolds like a little world before your eyes. I loved going back and forth between the two villages, and that was the point of it all. I didn’t have to commit to one thing for my entire trip. I could choose whatever I wanted, with every new day. 

Caribbean Beachfront Village

This side is the heartbeat – low-rise, colorful buildings visible through the palms, hibiscus, and sea grape. Stone pathways that make you walk between hidden plunge pools, hammock nooks, and courtyards where the music is just loud enough to feel festive. This is where I felt most like I was on an island. 

The beach is closest on this side, so I went back and forth for quick swims between lunch and a midafternoon nap. Also, there are a few restaurants across this village, like little surprises. Think grills, jerk stations, and breezy terraces where you can enjoy the salty air.

Mediterranean Village

Walk five minutes and you’re suddenly in a different mood. The Mediterranean side is modern and grand, and at the same time, as warm as it can ever get – arched walkways, stone fountains, wonderful gardens, and a wide pool that feels like a blue lake right next to the cabanas. You can find larger suites here, with big balconies and views that overlook the bay. It’s quieter, more refined, and the kind of place where I drank my morning coffee in almost total silence and listened to palm trees that swayed from the gentle wind. When I wanted to retreat, I just crossed back over to this side and immediately felt my shoulders drop.

Accommodations

Sandals Grande Antigua has many room categories, and each level offers something worthwhile.. The big question is whether to go Luxury, Club, or Butler. 

Caribbean Beachfront Village (Island-chic, closest to the sand)

Caribbean Deluxe / Premium (Luxury level)

• King bed, smart TV, modern bath, and tropical garden views.
• Great if you’re prioritizing beach time and restaurants over lounging in your suite.
• Minibar with sodas, local beer, and water; restocked regularly.
• Tip from me: Ask for a location near the beach path if quick ocean dips are your thing.

Caribbean Honeymoon Beachfront (Club or higher)

• Steps to the sand with partial to full ocean views.
• Club-level adds concierge help, access to the Club lounge, and an expanded in-room bar.
• Room service during set hours (varies by category) and help snagging popular dinner times.
• Great balance of price, location, and perks.

Rondoval Suites (Butler level)

• The showpieces – round, thatched-roof villas tucked into gardens, some with private plunge pools or outdoor showers.
• Butler service handles everything – loungers reserved, dining arranged, snacks appear precisely when you want them.
• Feels private and romantic – I barely saw my neighbors.
• If you’re celebrating something big, this category turns the week into an event.

Mediterranean Village (Modern, spacious, elevated views)

Mediterranean Club-Level Suites

• Large footprints, crisp design, and either garden, pool, or sea views.
• Club lounge access, help with dining, and a nicer in-room bar setup.
• Good value if you want space and quiet without jumping to butler.

Mediterranean One-Bedroom Butler Suites

• Separate living room and bedroom, oversized bathrooms, big balconies – some even come with soaking tubs.
• Butler service – think coffee timed to your wake-up, coolers on the beach, and even a bath at sunset.
• The elevated view across Dickenson Bay honestly felt like a postcard.

Penthouse and Prime Oceanview Suites (Butler level)

• High-floor views that stretch across the bay – walls of glass and larger terraces.
• If you crave the best vantage points for sunrise coffees and sunset toasts, this is the best option for you.

Butler vs. Club vs. Luxury

• Luxury – Best price. You set your own pace, dine where you want, and spend more time out than in.
• Club – Adds comfort – the reservations help, and you also get lounge access, upgraded in-room bar, and room service.
• Butler – You won’t touch a towel unless you want to. There’s a quiet magic to having your day orchestrated just the way you like it.

Dining

The dining scene at this all-inclusive Sandals Resort is excellent. I never missed anything because the options genuinely feel different from each other, both in menu and mood. 

I’ve laid out all the options for you. Take a look below:

• Eleanor’s (Caribbean fine dining) – A proper date-night restaurant with attentive service and dishes that feel like a love letter to dining altogether – think incredibly delicious fish, citrus marinades, and velvety coconut accents. Dress up a bit, lean into the romance, and enjoy your dinner.
• Barefoot by the Sea (Beachfront grill) – My personal favorite for lunch and dinner. Toes in the sand, breeze off the bay, perfectly grilled seafood, and light, fresh sides. It’s romantic and never fussy.
• Mario’s (Italian) – Pastas, risottos, and sauces that are absolutely magnificent. Great wine, relaxed service, and a pace that slows you down (in a good way).
• Soy (Sushi bar) – Fresh rolls, light bites, and a casual energy that works perfectly after a big day at the beach.
• OK Corral (Tex-Mex) – Fajitas, quesadillas, smoky salsas, and more. Lively, fun, and perfect when you want to shake up your taste buds.
• Bayside (Open-air, day-to-night) – The breakfast spreads in the morning, the breezy, casual dinners at night. The water views make everything perfect.
• Beach & Pool Grills – The place for jerk chicken, burgers, grilled fish sandwiches, and that second (or third) round of fries you just can’t get enough of.

Pools and Beaches

• Pools – On the Mediterranean side, the main pool is the resort’s centerpiece. It is wide, has water features, and plenty of loungers. You can find cabanas around it (which you need to book in advance), and the service is attentive. 

On the Caribbean side, you’ll find smaller pools, the kind where spontaneity just happens. For downtime, there are quiet pools tucked into the gardens where the loudest sound is a palm leaf clicking against another.

• Beach – Dickenson Bay is the perfect attraction. The sand is soft and white. The water is usually calm and shallow, which is perfect for long and lazy swims. I loved sunrise walks here, when the light was pearly and soft, and the sunsets are amazing too. 

Beach service is consistent – you get a drink whenever you want it – and there is a lot of space to spread out, especially early and late in the day.

Activities and Amenities

Here are some of the most interesting things you can enjoy while stayinh at Sandals Grande Antigua:

On the Water

• Snorkeling trips to nearby reefs
• Paddleboards and single/double kayaks
• Hobie Cat sailing – the staff will give you a quick introduction
• Windsurfing on days when the breeze picks up
• Scuba diving for certified divers (tanks, boat, gear included). If you want to try scuba, there’s a resort course (this is not included)

On Land

• Tennis (day and lit courts at night), basketball, and beach volleyball
• Lawn games – giant chess, shuffleboard – the casual vacation sports that make you competitive in a funny way
• Fitness center with cardio machines, free weights, and classes that range from stretch to bodyweight circuits
• Entertainment – Each evening is different – steel pan bands, island dance shows, acoustic sets by the beach, and a piano lounge that turns into a sing-along. I liked that some nights felt like a high-energy party while others felt like a smooth exhale.
• Spa (Not Included) – The Red Lane Spa is worth the splurge if you love a treatment day. Think couples massages with warm oils, salt scrubs, after-sun facials, and a relaxation garden that makes time disappear. Just as a small insider tip from me – I recommend you book a late-afternoon treatment, then go right to drinks.

Why It Stands Out

• Two complete moods in one property and the ability to move between them as often as you like
• A beach that looks and feels like from the brochure
• Meals feel distinct in both setting and flavor
• A sweet spot of energy – enough entertainment to be fun, enough quiet corners to rest
• Easy arrival – you go from plane to pool chair within minutes, which matters more than you think

Sample Prices

You know that I will always suggest you check for promotions before you book, but just to give you an idea of what you expect from the Sandals Grande Antigua cost, here are some sample prices:

• Luxury-level rooms (Caribbean Village) – they usually go around $300 to $500 per person per night in shoulder or low season. The prices are higher in peak season.
• Club-level rooms/suites – expect perks and a much better location – the prices go from about $400 to $600+ per person per night outside peak season.
• Butler-level suites (Rondovals, Mediterranean One-Bedroom, premium oceanviews) – for these, you will pay more than $600 per person per night, but you get a lot in return.

If you travel in shoulder months, book early, and watch for limited-time resort or room-category promotions, then you can really get the most out of everything. If you’re flexible on dates and room views, you can even enjoy multiple accommodation ranges and really experience the magic.

Insider Tips

Pick your vibe first, then your room. There are a lot of things you can enjoy at Sandals Grande Antigua, but here is what I would recommend you do – remember, this comes from someone who has enjoyed the Sandals Grande Antigua more than once.

• Enjoy the sunset – sunsets are showstoppers. I liked to find a spot at the beach bar 30 minutes before sunset with a rum punch, then drift to dinner when the time was right
• Lunch like a local – Barefoot by the Sea is unbeatable at noon – grilled fish, breeze, and your toes in the sand.
• Don’t ignore the quiet pools. They’re little pockets of stillness where you can nap, read, or just stare at palm leaves for an hour
• Try something new on the water. Even if you’re not a sports person, it is a memory you will be glad you made
• Butler tip – If you want a taste of butler life and avoid paying the top category price, look for an entry butler suite in a great location. The service itself is the upgrade you will enjoy
• Pack smart – Lightweight clothes, a dressy outfit or two for dinners, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes if you plan to snorkel a lot, and a light sweater for breezy nights

When Should You Go?

Of course, if you want to book a vacation at any all-inclusive Sandals Resort (not just this one), you need to know when the best time is to visit – especially if you have not visited such a tropical destination before. But also, simply to avoid staying in your room the entire time you’re there. Here is what I recommend:

Peak Season (mid-December to April)

• Best weather window – lots of sun, mild humidity, and the lowest chance of rain
• Festive energy and higher rates – reserve early if you want to go during holidays, winter getaways, or Valentine’s trips
• The resort is lively, the restaurants are too, and the beach is full

Shoulder Season (late April to early June, and October to mid-December, excluding holidays)

• My favorite time – warm sea, lighter crowds, and better prices
• The service pace often feels extra attentive because staff have more time to chat and tailor everything to you
• Great for couples who want a balance of value and weather

Summer and Early Fall (June to September)

• Hottest months and higher humidity – you may experience showers
• Best promotional prices and availability – ideal if your priority is the best room category for your budget
• The ocean is warm, the days are long, and the resort settles into a gentle and relaxed rhythm

How to Get the Best Value

Here are some extra tips that can help you make the most out of your stay!

• Book early to secure the category and view you want – the top suites and best-value rooms both go first
• Travel in shoulder season for the balance of weather and price
• Be flexible on the view, especially if the suite layout matters more to you – sometimes a larger room with a slightly less glamorous view feels more luxurious than a smaller oceanfront one
• Use all the perks – even if you’re a person who sits by the pool, I suggest you try the water sports and enjoy the live music – after all, you’re paying for a full experience
• Consider split stays. If you’re torn between privacy and views, do a few nights in a butler-level category, and then transfer to a Club-level room. You will have fewer hits on your budget, and you will still experience everything

What I love about Sandals Grande Antigua is how it lets you create a different day, every day – sun, salt air, and an enjoyable time together. The layout is more than a design quirk – it’s a genuine advantage. You can be social or serene, beachy or Mediterranean-chic, and enjoy every kind of food or drink that you want. And this resort ties it all together with one of the best beaches you have ever seen.

So no matter what you plan – a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a week where you want to focus on you, this luxury resort in Antigua makes it easy to focus on the moments that matter – long swims, slow dinners, laughter that comes out of nowhere, and that quiet, perfect feeling of having nowhere else you need to be. 

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