The Sandal’s name is synonymous with an exclusive, sexy honeymoon. Their commercials are everywhere, travel agencies love to promote them, and you simply cannot open a magazine without seeing an article for one of their ultra-exclusive resorts. But is it worth the hype? I had a chance to visit the resort not long ago, and I can tell you, I was blown away.
The most difficult part about taking a Sandal’s vacation, is choosing just one of their twelve locations to relax at. For us, the Antigua resort lent itself to a honeymoon feel with chic private cottages on the sunset side of the island overlooking the water. Per its website, Sandals Antigua is the “World’s Most Romantic Resort.”
We booked our round trip flights from Dallas to Antigua with a layover in Puerto Rico through American Airlines. It was a steep $1700 for two tickets. (I have to add, Sandal’s often allows vacationers to book their flights through the Sandal’s website for added convenience. However, I would suggest shopping around for the best possible price you can find.)
Our midmorning flight left Dallas and we spent almost five hours in the air before landing in Puerto Rico. This was supposed to be nothing more than a one hour layover. However, we quickly learned that our flight would be delayed until the wee hours of the morning. We finally made it to Antigua at 2:00 a.m. We were surprised to find a tiny airport painted in bright watermelon hues with several carts for local vendors to sell such items as souvenirs and even produce!
A cab was waiting out front of the airport to take us and three other couples to the Sandal’s resort. After boarding a van with no carpet, seat belts or clean seats, we held on for our lives. Cab drivers on the island fly through poorly lit streets with no regard for stop signs or other traffic, yielding only long enough to honk as they fly around corners and down dark bumpy streets. We were told that airport transportation was included in the price of the trip. We were also told that there was no tipping allowed at Sandal’s Antigua. However, we were not told that we had to tip the cab driver. None of the couples in the cab had cash. We were yelled at, and dropped at the curb of our resort.
However, from the moment we set foot on the resort property, it was like walking into a dream. We were greeted with baggage handlers that whisked our bags away from us and ahead into our rooms. Resort workers dressed in tuxedos and white gloves promptly welcomed us with sparkly champagne and a lovely island accent. Check in was very smooth and we were even given a $200 resort and spa credit for reserving one of their top rooms. After being escorted along a private, moonlit beach, we finally made it to our private cottage around 3 a.m.
The rondavals we stayed in included private butler service and a mini bar inside. Our butler service checked our room multiple times each day to make sure that our bed was constantly made and mini bar well stocked on soda, water and a variety of liquors and local wines. Some of the rondavals even include a private plunge pool in the gardens that is only accessible to you and your significant other.
An optional, but informative orientation was given to us the first morning on the island. We were told that all of the amenities, food, beverages, entertainment, and water sports were absolutely free of charge. However, day trips and the world class spa were an additional charge.
We chose to spend our first two days relaxing in some of the many pools and private hammocks around the resort. The foliage is beautiful and the temperature is absolutely perfect twenty-four hours a day. However, don’t be alarmed by the giant lizards that roam the island. They look scary, but are quite harmless as long as you leave them alone.
There are many activities and competitions to participate in throughout the days including my favorite, sand volleyball. My husband spent much of his time water skiing, while I sipped ginger ale on the beach. The spa is simply heavenly. I enjoyed a one hour Swedish massage that was absolutely divine. They offer an array of services however, including manicures and facials.
There are many meal options at the resort. It is however suggested that you make dinner reservations for your restaurant of choice one day in advance. Breakfast is at the Bayside restaurant in an open and airy setting overlooking the crisp blue ocean. There is an endless buffet of fresh fruits, waffles, pancakes, cereals, and more to choose from. There is also a courtyard bistro that is open all night serving gyros, salads, sandwiches and burgers so you are never hungry. Dinner choices include nine restaurants. We chose three of them to tell you about.
Mario’s restaurant is a beautiful Italian restaurant, and by far my favorite for a romantic evening. The food is superb. We ordered two appetizers and three meals at what felt like a five star restaurant with a gorgeous ocean view. Low candlelight sets the mood as you feel the cool sea breeze flow into the restaurant. The dress code is evening attire and reservations are recommended.
Kimono’s was a great teppanyaki grill restaurant that we enjoyed immensely. Our personal chef’s name was Sugar and he provided great laughter and entertainment throughout the evening. Unlike most local teppanyaki grills in America, Kimono’s does not make you choose between chicken, fish, shrimp or steak. Instead, they fill you up with all of it! The mahi-mahi was so buttery, I would have sworn it was chicken. There is a great sushi bar right next to it that is great for a lighter fare.
The OK Corral was an outdoor octagonal restaurant with a Texan feel. They claim to serve Tex-Mex, but I was not impressed with the food. However, I live in Texas myself and know good Tex-Mex. If this isn’t an abundant food option where you are from, you may well enjoy the options at the OK Corral. I would suggest trying the Caribbean cuisine at Eleanor’s though if you are in the mood for a little spice.
After dinner, there is much to do at Sandal’s Antigua. Parrots roam freely in the courtyard while you play pool. Many beautiful sitting areas flow from room to room. Each night, there is local entertainment with dancing, performances on steel drums, and even a man that walks on stilts. There is a great piano bar upstairs and for those not ready to turn in early, a dance club that is open until the early morning hours.
Our stay at Sandal’s Antigua was quite pleasant. I would suggest it to any honeymooning couple, or even for a quick weekend trip. I assume the other Sandal’s resorts are on par with the Antigua resort, each offering special amenities to set it apart from the status quo. For families looking to bring the kids along, Sandal’s has created Beaches resorts that are kid and parent friendly. These resorts offer activities to keep the kids busy, while allowing parents to enjoy some private relaxation time together. For more information, visit www.Sandals.com or see your local travel agent. You will be pleased with your choice to attend this beautiful, unique resort.
