A fuller review will follow, but I wanted to say how astonished we both are that some, not all, guests who have written reviews about this property were so disappointed!

No, it's not a 5 star Marriott or Hilton but it is not portrayed as such in it's brochure!

The Rondovals were clean, imaginitive, VERY near the sea, and good quality without being exceptional. They enjoy butler service, and a fully stocked branded drinks fridge - topped up daily with your choice!!

Yes, it's a friendly, low-key beach front property which is beautifully positioned on Dickinson Beach - the BEST beach in Antigua.

The food, and the choice were good, and on one occasion when I fancied nothing on the menu the staff were more than happy to rustle up a fillet steak, no problem at all!

I refute the comment that drinks are watered down - provide the evidence sir, or keep your claims to yourself - I witnessed branded drinks being unsealed and poured - proff enough for me they were the way they should be.

And Franklin Eaton, the GM was always to be seen "on property" checking guests were happy, clearing the odd table or two, and serving drinks! Leading from the front was a clear sign to me that this General Manager really wants to provide value for money.

We would go back - especially once the multi-million dollar extension is completed - it starts sometime this year - I do not know the extent, if at all, it will impact on guests - you may wish to check with Sandals - but DO NOT be put off by the emotional comments that some reviewers have published - I am happy to answer any queries you may have on a one to one basis -

There are so many things I can talk about... flight, service, food, island. But I will keep it a bit brief and if you want more information on the resort or on the wedding day, just email me at stinekruger@hotmail.com. I also have pictures I can share.

We stayed at Sandals from January 29 – February 5, 2005. We arrived at the airport alongside another plane and the wait line to customs took extra time. We finally got through customs (nothing big) and got our luggage. “Red Hats” (people wearing red hats) are there to help you take your bags through to your resort rep. It costs $1 US for each piece of luggage.

The wait for a bus-taxi was a little long but there were also more passengers than normal. We reminded ourselves we are on vacation and on “Antigua” time. Best idea – don’t wear watches – you won’t need it. We travelled with 2 other couples with our luggage to the resort and escorted to the open-air lobby. It was nice to sit down on a comfortable sit. We were greeted with a facecloth to cool-down and a glass of champagne. Yes, real champagne from France. It was lovely and refreshing. Of course after a long trip – anything would taste good. We were also offered canapés of shrimp, smoked salmon etc. We waited for about an hour while the reception got us registered and our visa card in order. Nothing is put on the visa – it is only a formality – like most hotels. At that point, a Bellhop took us and our luggage to our room on the east “paton” block of the resort.

We were upgraded from premium to Junior Suite. The room had a king size 4-poster canapé bed with a very good mattress and pillows. The room had satellite TV, a sitting area, bathroom, closet and bar fridge. Although it wasn’t the best room, it was comfortable. The bathroom fixtures needed an update. But the remainder of the furniture was something you would see in a nice hotel. There was a patio door to the veranda where there was a lounge chair and table & chairs. There is also a safe in the closet which was very useful and a peace-of-mind. Although we had ‘concierge’ service, we didn’t use it. We tried to get out of the room and enjoy the warm weather and resort at all times. The air conditioner was great and a nice break in the evenings. My only 2 concerns were: (1) the bed sheets were a bit too small for the bed and sometimes popped off the bed but this wasn’t a big deal (2) the “windows” were actually screens with wooden shutters on them so all the sounds of the outdoors came into the room. Although this sounded romantic at first, we had a loud cricket problem the first night we were there. You can hear crickets all over the resort, but we must have had one just outside our window. Ear plugs did not help, so we called Front Desk. After speaking to the Manager a few times (remember Antigua-time), he sent maintenance to spray the area around the windows and the loud cricket by our window moved. We still hear some cricket noises throughout the stay, it was bearable and we even learned to live with it by the end of the stay. Note: Crickets are part of the Antiguan nature and beyond the control of the Resort.

Every morning we had our room cleaned top to bottom (floors and everything). Every day our bar was stocked – but with open bars and endless drinks at meals – we hardly touched the bar fridge. But the ginger ale is awesome. Every evening our bed was turned down for the night.

Because we arrived late in the day, we could not make reservations for a restaurant. However the Bayside restaurant does NOT require reservations and on Sunday they had an amazing international buffet. I read some reviews that complained about a buffet breakfast and lunch – we loved it! Although it was buffet, we were still escorted to our tables and were provided service similar to what you get at the restaurants. Yes, some of the food from the morning was “re-used” for lunch but don’t most restaurants do this? We did not go hungry for one moment.

There are “orientation” sessions but we decided not to go and instead spend the first night on the resort wandering around the premises. I didn’t try the spa but I heard it was nice.

Restaurant reservations are a MUST. On the day you arrive, make an effort to make a reservation for the next day dinner. I recommend the Japanese restaurant. It is a Teppanyaki table set-up for 5 couples. It is a great way to meet people. We had Dr. Love and it was a riot! There are appetizers (sushi is not that great) but the Japanese, especially the Maui Maui, it is good. Remember, they are Antiguan, not Japanese 

The food was definitely 3 to 4-star. There were 3 other restaurants: OK Corral which is Tex-Mex and serves steak, ribs, lobster tails etc. It is somewhat casual and overlooks the courtyard where you can see some of the evening events. Il Palio was fancy Italian and a little to formal for us but the food was good. The Bayside was international from duck to chicken to pasta. As opposed to Il Palio (in which seating is very close), here you can find a very private table and enjoy the large patio by yourselves. There is also a Grill for munchies like nachos, burgers, sandwiches, fries etc which is open when the restaurants are closed. You will never go hungry.

The beaches and the views were breathtaking. The beach has white powder sand and sand-bottom teal green waters. The sand beach and sunsets were stunning. There are some peddlers on the beach trying to sell you beads for your hair, horseback riding, tee-shirts but just say ‘no’ and they leave. Although I loved the beach, we weren’t that keen on the peddlers and for the most part we tended to stay on the pool-side rather than the beach. There is no problem getting lounge chairs poolside or beachside. Beach towels are available near the beach and at one point we had 4 – no one was counting. Ladies: For those of you wearing skirts, just remember to bring some bug spray for the evenings and some ‘after bite’.

The city of St. John’s is poor. I was a bit surprised in the quality of souvenirs available. We were hoping for some well-crafted souvenirs. However for the most part, they only sell T-shirts, knick knacks and hand made dolls – most over-priced. If you pay no attention to them, they leave you alone; however as soon as you show interest, they will not stop trying to sell to you until you leave. For people who like bargain hunting etc, some people loved it. We were not comfortable with this and decided to only buy souvenirs at the Gift Shop on the resort. It was the same price as the vendors.

As for the cats… based on the numerous complaints on this website about the cats on the resort, we took allergy medication expecting allergy reactions! On the contrary… The restaurants and open-air meaning there are no windows and it was so romantic and enjoyable. There are about 3 cats on the whole resort and for the most apart they hang out near the restaurants. If you want to give them some food, they will take it but they do not ‘harass’ you. There are also some birds that fly around the Bayside – but again, nothing bothersome. We also noticed the same 2 dogs on the beach in the evenings. They had collars but just roamed the beaches (Beaches are public NOT private). If you decide to walk on the beach in the evenings, you have a high probably of being approached by a person selling drugs but again, just say no.

Bars were always open. They have a drink menu listed but they are very willing to make any kind of drink for you just let them know. I found the rums too strong so I stayed with my standard screwdrivers (OJ and vodka).

There were many activities during the day like volleyball, aqua-size, kickboxing, yoga. You are not pressured to partake, although it is nice to mingle with other guests. Just remember to bring some exercise shorts.

The wedding was exactly as I hoped and even more! I am still in awe. There are so many details and I could write so much about it. Instead, please feel free to contact me and I can answer all your questions with pictures.

I wanted to try the water sports however due to high waves all water sports were delayed on the days I wanted to try them.

The people were nice and polite but not amazing. We came across some people who gave us great service but we also came across people who were not so service-oriented. As we were going to the Caribbean to get married, we wanted to stay away from the “party” resorts. The Antigua resort is a small and private resort and therefore not particularly a ‘party’ resort but rather it caters more the 35+ age group. There are some evening entertainments and a nightclub, however for the most part, the nights were quiet. We talked to other experienced travellers who also recommended Nassau and Barbados and said that they are just as beautiful but had a little more nightlife.

I hope this helps a little. I have a lot of information on Antigua and the resort – I would be happy to share them with you if you would like.

Fantastic,my wife and i visited to celebrate our wedding anniversary and after reading some reviews i was a bit concerned .However it was fantastic it was very similiar to the Sandals Halcyon in St Lucia .Food was great we met some great people .Relax and enjoy thats what i say.Yes there were a few Mozzies,yes a few Lizards but this is the Carribean for gods sake.The Staff were friendly and always courteous,we wanted for nothing.I asked the chef if Lobster was available in any of the Rest. it wasn't but he arranged two fantastic lobsters for us served in which ever Rest. we wanted at no cost what so ever.
I went deep sea fishing and hooked a 100lb Shark ,dont worry it was well out and knowhere near the beaches. The vendors were selling everything on the beach from Aloe Vera to Ganga but a polite ''no thanks'' never offended them and on they moved .We were room upgraded and very nice it was too,plus anyone wishing to transfer to Sandals Grand St Lucia could do so for their second week at no extra cost for transfers or flights. I think they wanted the rooms for the up and coming Yacht week.
On the whole Sandals did it again for us ,worth every penny and a real holiday to remember .
Thank you Sandals

My wife and I stayed at Sandals Antigua the week of 2/14/05.

Upon arrival at the airport, we were promptly greeted by a Sandals representative whom was very courteous, and informative, assisting us with our baggage and transportation to the resort. Following a brief 5-10min. wait the Sandals shuttle arrived and off we went to the property.

Upon Arrival, We were greeted by a Sandals employee whom again asisted with our baggage and offered us beverages of our choice while we completed our Check-in paper-work. Following the check-in process, we were escorted to our Upgraded room. The bell man handeled baggage delivery directly. The room was clean, comfortable, and well suited. After all, we simply planned to sleep and shower there, nonetheless, very nice accomodations and well kept. Air conditioner worked well, No insects.

The Sandals property was immaculate. Employees were constantly cleaning and caring for the landscape, facilities, and beach. All pools were clean and had plenty og lounge chairs available for all. No need to reserve or Hold a chair. The beach was also very clean with lots of local art vendors selling a variety of hand made goods. If you're not intersted, a simple No Thank-you was all it took and they moved on. Inclusive activities include Sailing, water-skiing, Scuba, Snorkeling, Dry beach games available at the activities desk, Too many to list.

The restaurants were Great, Wide selection, Good service.
Easy to make reservations at any of the three specialty restaurants (Kimonos/Japanese, OK Corral/Steak-house, Italian, Name ?). Ask for
Dr. Love at Kimonos, You're sure to have a great time.
The breakfast buffet was outstanding with a wide variety of choices including made to order omelets. The court-yard grill offered light snacks at any time of day. Chicken sandwiches, nachos, Hot wings, hamburgers, etc.

Bar Service: Premium liquors always available / well stocked. the local beer on tap is Wadadli- a light pilsner beer, Just OK. Red Stripe was available in the bottle if you willing to wait patiently "island Time"...

The Night-life - Somewhat Quiet, Many options offered including Dance/Disco club, Nightly court-yard bands, Piano bar.

The tour desk was very helpful. Basically, anything you wanted to do is available from horseback riding to shopping, to a variety of island safari adventures/eco tours, sunset cruises, and many more !

The Check-out process went very smooth and well organized. All baggage was handled promptly. Infact, I never once handled a single bag during my entire visit.

In Conclusion... A vacation is what you make of it, Relax and Enjoy !!