Sandals Grande Antigua
I bet you're like me, a traveler with a jones for the tropical getaway. So when I get the opportunity for a long weekend visit to Sandals and tell my friends about this good fortune, they ask "“ "what's a single traveler got to do at a couple’s resort"?
Good question.
My reply "“ Conde Nast magazine didn't award this resort a spot in its "50 Best of the Caribbean" for nothing, and Travel + Leisure certainly didn't rate it among the "500 Best Hotels in the World" for its lack of activities.
Resort Bucket List
So, disregarding the concerns of my questioning friends I go and enjoy the slow living, no-worry, all-inclusive fun:
"¢ I swim under cobalt blue skies in warm Caribbean waters.
"¢ I sunbathe "English" style on the fine white sands beach of Dickinson Bay.
"¢ I enjoy an afternoon of mind and body rejuvenation in the elegant European spa.
"¢ I dine at several of the 11 restaurants that range from elegant to casual. My favorites "“ Café de Paris and crepes for breakfast, Mario's and Bella Napoli for Italian lunches, and dinner outdoors on the terrace by the sea at the Barefoot Restaurant.
"¢ I enjoy the pub grub and drinks in many of the 7 bars available. My favorite "“ the Drunken Duck for Bangers and Mash with Bass Pale Ale.
"¢ I stroll the many paths winding through meticulous tropical landscaping.
"¢ I enjoy the nightly entertainment set up at bandstands spread throughout the grounds.
Island Bucket List
But for me a vacation is much more than relaxation in one location, however nice that location is. So for a slightly faster pace of island life I explore these pay options available through Sandal's concierge services:
"¢ Travel by boat to see each of the 365 beaches as it circumnavigates this "corrugated" island.
"¢ Sightsee and photograph the island on a day-long 4×4 excursion.
"¢ Swim with the rays on the sandbars at Stingray City.
Creole Farewell
At the airport my driver bids me an Antiguan Creole farewell – “You gone to come back “!
That’s right, I definitely will be back.
When you go:
Written by: Steve Smith
Beach photo : Steve Smith, all rights reserved
Antigua Island photo : Antigua/Barbuda Tourism Authority (re-mixed by Steve Smith)
