I had a wonderful time at Sandals Antigua from 23 November through 26 November. We just returned last night and we're still talking about our highlights. My husband and I travel three to five times a year for pleasure and my husband travels overseas 3 or 4 times a month for business. So we are very particular about accomodations, food and service.

This is the place to go if you are interested in relaxing and spending some quality time with your significant other. I would not recommend it if your interest is nightlife and partying.

We stayed in the one bedroom villa in the Mediterranean Village and enjoyed the accomodations. Everything was clean and it was great having our own plunge pool (really cold) and jacuzzi right in our little "backyard". The bed was comfortable, the sheets were soft and towels were plenty. My only complaint about the room is that the bathroom lighting is a bit dim for a woman trying to do her hair or makeup. Our butlers were Maureen and Clifford. I cannot say enough about Maureen. Your experience with the butler service will depend on who you have (at least that's my observation). Our room stayed well stocked with the drinks we preferred and ice.

Maureen was heavenly. she has a pleasant demeanor at all times and a no worries, get it done attitude. We absolutely adored her. From the surprise hot bubble bath with flowers, champagne, and our love songs CD playing that was waiting for us on Saturday night when we returned to our room, to the cabana by the pool she reserved and served us breakfast and lunch in - Maureen made our stay wonderful. She was attentive to our every need. I only met two other butlers (Clifford our second butler and another woman Maureen sent a message through). I understand there are 12 butlers total. So having met 3, I have to assume the other 9 are outstanding. I can only wonder why Maureen is not the head butler.

We had the couples spa treatment on Saturday. I had Keron and she is absolutely OUTSTANDING. She was so nice and accomodating. She had such a warm and pleasant personality and paid attention to everything I filled out on my registration form. Keron was also very attentive after our massages and even talked me into buying some products (a rarity for me). My husband very much enjoyed his massage by Beryl. He said it was one of the best massages he's ever had.

I arranged for my husband to have a pedicure since he generally abuses his feet. Polly had him in sandals shape in no time. She was very nice and my husband made it a point to go all the way back to our side of the resort to get her a tip and bring it back. I was admiring his feet all weekend.

I requested a last minute shampoo and blow dry on Sunday and the spa accomodated me. Sheneka was great and kept me laughing the entire time. She is the person to see if you just want a quick and simple do with no fuss. She will do what you ask her to do. I would definitely ask for her again. One thing funny I noticed is that the hair salon had no black hair care products. I am sure they cater to whatever their majority is as far as guests. But come on Sandals - you are located in a country where the majority is people of African descent and you can't provide a couple products for use in "ethnic" hair. Sheneka did tell me that she would bring in some things for me (from home or a local store) if I gave her some advance notice of my hair appointment. I thought that was wonderful and that it said a lot about her committment to guests.

We ate at the Italian restaurant the first night. We thought it was OK but it was made great by Maureen who filled my husband's special request for a particular dessert. The buffet at Bayside was not bad to me. There were quite a few options and it was comparable to what I have found at other resorts for a dinner buffet. The experience was made so nice by a young lady who served as our waitress that evening (brining drinks, cleaning the table, etc.) I only wish I remembered her name.

Room service breakfast was great on Saturday morning. It was served by one of the room service staff. My hubsand mistook him for our second butler who we hadn't met yet and tipped him $10 which he accepted and quickly left. So much for the tipping is strictly prohibited policy.

Dinner at Eleanor's was good. Our server - Stacey who doesn't normally work there was a gem. She was the nicest person and very attentive. We tried to stay to say goodbye and thank her properly but she was so busy - we didn't get to see her. It was just so nice to have such an attentive waitress - especially since she doesn't normally work in that restaurant.

The food at Kimonos was good. George was our chef and he was pretty funny. Don't expect authentic Japanese food. Expect Japanese stype with a Caribbean flare. We were having a great time UNTIL...my husband and I and the other couple eating with us decided to leave. We had gotten into a very lively conversation and remianed after our meal was finished talking and enjoying the company. When we walked out of our dining room, the rest of the restaurant was completely dark. We had to feel our way out - inclduing a trip down a steep set of steps with two ladies in high heels. Not very safe at all. We were shocked that no one had told us they were closing up. They just left us there. The lower level was very dark and we thought we might be locked in. Fortunately, we were not. I plan to write the management about this. One of us could have been hurt.

Quesadillas at Barefoot by the Beach could have been better with the option of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side. But they were OK for putting a little food in my belly. My husband enjoyed the pizza.

The breakfast buffet at the Italian restaurant was pretty good. Though I was disappointed when I got to the waffle station and the cook pulled out a previously cooked waffle and warmed it on the grill - obviously not the fresh waffle I wanted. But the fruit was good and I enjoyed my eggs made to order. Our server Kerry Ann was a sweetheart, clearing dishes away quickly and brining fresh drinks. I wish I could explain the look she gave my husband when he asked if they had hot chocolate. But she quickly recovered and said, "no but I can make you some," which she promptly did. In general, most of the staff we encountered had that same attitude.

All in all - this was a good trip and we would definitely go back. Again - this is a trip for romance...not for action. If you don't particularly like spending lots of alone time with your signficant other - this is not the place to go. But if you want a serious amount of romantic and relaxing alone time - this is the place. Most of the staff was friendly and greeted us as we walked around the resort.

If you get a butler room - ask for Maureen!