This was my second trip to this resort. I cannot believe anyone has a complaint here! It was even more awesome the second time.
Management is the best. Matthew, Ezra and Gerald are wonderful. They go out of their way to make every guest happy.
The grounds are magnificent, the food was superb and the rooms are beautiful.
We met fun people here that made our stay even more fantastic. By the end of the week we were a group of 30 people who had just met at the resort.
A vacation is what you put into it. Some people just like to complain (about everything).

My husband and I honeymooned at Sandals Grande Antigua January 22 - February 1, 2013. After reading many of the reviews we had some reservations but in the end were extremely pleased with our stay. We were in a Venetian Oceanview Suite on the second floor of the Cypress Tower. The room was nicely decorated and very comfortable. I loved the jetted tub and rain shower head. The water pressure was very good. We had none of the problems with power outages or air conditioning that other reviewers have. Our view was of the Mediterranean Village grounds and the ocean beyond. Rooms on the higher floors have more dramatic views but we were happy with ours. We watched hummingbirds in the bushes outside each morning. My only complaint is that I wish our balcony was larger. We liked being on this side of the resort since it's newer and our room was conveniently located, but the Caribbean side is charming as well. It just depends what you want.
We ate at all of the restaurants except Bayside and never had any trouble getting reservations. The food was very good in all of them. I did have a meal or two that was a bit on the salty side but this was the exception, not the rule. Overall we found the food flavorful and well-prepared. Eleanor's was hands-down our favorite. Service at breakfast was slow but everyone treated us warmly. Dinner service was excellent and very attentive. Stacey at Kimono's, Omarie at OK Corral, and Lisa and Shannon at Eleanor's all went above and beyond. We loved Althea at the pool bar! She makes the best mojitos and martinis! We also found the concierge staff to be helpful anytime we needed assistance.
The beach is beautiful. It's narrow, but long so it's great for walking. The sand is white and soft and the water is a gorgeous shade of blue. It wasn't especially clear at the resort but the snorkeling was good both times I went. The vendors will approach you but as others have noted a simple "no thank you" does the trick. If you do take some time to talk with any of them, you'll find them pleasant. They're more than happy to tell you about their home or answer questions.
Antigua is a lovely island. We hired a taxi with another couple for a tour and it was well worth it. It was more rugged than I expected and there is so much history. I highly recommend a day to explore!
There were a couple of days that we had a hard time finding loungers in the shade by the main pool. The butlers do reserve them but there are generally plenty to go around. There are several smaller pools around the property that get shade throughout the day if you don't mind a more quiet atmosphere.
Many people have complained about the cats. Yes, they are there but we had no issues. I saw the same few during the entire 11 days and for the most part they kept to themselves. We weren't bothered by the tree frogs either. But when it comes to insect bites, I would have to agree; bring bug spray!
The resort is spread out but we didn't mind the walks since the grounds were stunning. The Caribbean side is so lush. It's more lively on that side at night if that's what you're looking for. If not, we loved the fire pits near the beach to relax after dinner and cocktails.
I had a spa treatment while we were there and I loved it. Collette gave a terrific massage and the entire experience was very relaxing.
Overall, we were happy with our decision to stay here and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or another Sandals. We will absolutely return but there are other places we'd like to visit first.

Sandals Antigua is paradise the resort is just beautiful, the food was outstanding, drinks were great and the staff was great. The beach was beautiful and there was not one complaint about anything. We have been to a lot of places in the Caribbean and this was by far our favorite. We stayed on the Mediterranean side in a ocean view suite and it had a amazing view. There are lots of excursions you can do but we were so happy with everything at the resort we just stayed there all week. The pictures on the website are exactly what it looks like there just beautiful. We ate at all the restaurants and the food was all outstanding. If you read any negative reviews don't believe them this is a wonderful resort and if your thinking about going do it you will not be sorry. We had a private dinner on the beach for our anniversary and that was outstanding also. So to sum it up Go To Sandals Antigua you will be in heaven. Also have a sunset photo shoot with the photo shop on the resort they took pictures for us they were beautiful.

We are just coming to the end of the most wonderful week at Sandals Grande Antigua. My husband and I have managed to escape for a week to celebrate my 40th and this resort has provided total relaxation. We are staying in a suite in the Mediterranean village and have great views, our own hot tub, rain shower and generous mini bar. The restaurants have been better than we expected for all inclusive and we'd recommend the Japanese where they have the most amazing sushi & the highly entertaining chef cooks and juggles! Although i would recommend you make your reservations soon after arrival. The staff are warm and attentive (Celia has been especially kind) and we have felt very looked after, placing and receiving orders from the lounger! On the cocktail front I would recommend a Chocolate Monkey! We are now just working out how we can return...