sandals antigua
Aug 13th, 2006, 10:37 AM
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sandals antigua
hi,
im getting married in november at sandals antigua and only now i am reading the awful reviews on the place>
has anyone been there recently and is it all that bad?
LORAINE
im getting married in november at sandals antigua and only now i am reading the awful reviews on the place>
has anyone been there recently and is it all that bad?
LORAINE
Aug 13th, 2006, 11:31 AM
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Well, no, it's not all bad. Lots of folks LOVE Sandals Antigua and their reviews are poster at TripAdvisor along with the bad ones.
No matter what is happening with the staff or the food or the rooms(which seem to be the biggest complaints), you can count on two things: you will be situated on a beautiful beach and you will be surrounded by beautiful grounds.
Lots of folks love Sandals. I'm not one of 'em and I tell you that up front. If you're really upset and distressed about the reviews, simply cancel and plan your wedding elsewhere. Just about any hotel on any island can provide you with a wedding on site. If you tell us what your likes and dislikes and your preferences are, we can suggest other options.
If you can't or don't want to cancel, then I'd advise you to take the bad reviews with a grain of salt. GO on as planned, be prepared for non-gourment food, or construction noise, or whatever. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised and wonder what all the complainers are going on about. After all, it's your wedding and honeymoon, and chances are you'll have a wonderful time together, no matter where you stay.
No matter what is happening with the staff or the food or the rooms(which seem to be the biggest complaints), you can count on two things: you will be situated on a beautiful beach and you will be surrounded by beautiful grounds.
Lots of folks love Sandals. I'm not one of 'em and I tell you that up front. If you're really upset and distressed about the reviews, simply cancel and plan your wedding elsewhere. Just about any hotel on any island can provide you with a wedding on site. If you tell us what your likes and dislikes and your preferences are, we can suggest other options.
If you can't or don't want to cancel, then I'd advise you to take the bad reviews with a grain of salt. GO on as planned, be prepared for non-gourment food, or construction noise, or whatever. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised and wonder what all the complainers are going on about. After all, it's your wedding and honeymoon, and chances are you'll have a wonderful time together, no matter where you stay.
Aug 13th, 2006, 04:03 PM
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We were there in 2003 and 2004 and LOVED it. The staff was so attentive and welcoming. The food was mostly great. Ask for lobster. The rooms were fine. High beds, clean, great service....we would go back in a heartbeat. You can be active or not...quite a few pools available for quiet peaceful times, or one main pool for some pool sports at times.Lots of water sports on the beach. No one was complaining when we were there. I had read some negatives though and my travel agent told us to trust her, and we did, and were very happy with everything. We met so many nice people and attended some weddings too. We were there for 2 weeks both times.(a July/Aug visit, and a December trip...perfect weather both times)
Aug 14th, 2006, 05:30 AM
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Loraine if you do decide to stay with Sandals, here is some information I noticed from the many couples we met there who were actually having their ceremony at the resort.I hope this might help you.(Actually I am procrastinating from all the things I need to do today, and remembering Antigua is a great procrastination technique!!!)
1)you won't be able to take your bouquet home due to customs regulations, so one bride arranged some sort of waxing or something, while another had great pictures of it. Both brides were upset at this and were not told ahead of time.
2)There are wonderful spots all over the resort for pictures, great lush foliage, bridges, sunsets etc.A photographer will follow you all around and you can get a disc and print at home if you want. As with any photo deal, be sure you are not getting caught up in a package you might not want. I saw some great photos.
3) There are several gazebos for the ceremony or you can ask for whatever you want. One gazebo was near the main pool and the bride was afraid a possible scheduled volleyball game wud spoil it, but it didn't take place at that time afterall, and the shrubbery made it secluded. But the staff will accomodate so you can pick your time and ask when it will be most quiet. They are soooo nice, and will delay any noisy activities for you. Another gazebo is on the opposite end of the property from the main pool and very near the beach, and quieter. Walk around when you get there and choose. Another wedding was right on the sand. Guests are very nice and will not walk through your ceremony.
4) You can have a special dinner served on the beach. In fact, you can have anything you want, anyone can. We brought a bottle of champagne back to our room most nights to enjoy from our patio and while getting dressed for dinner.
5) They give you cute "just married" tee shirts.
6)The music for the bride's entrance was on a tape (except for one couple who arranged a live string duo.) Bring your own special music to be sure you like the selection.
7)All the brides we met had great hair-do's done in the salon there, and the steam wrinkle removing service was good for rumpled wedding clothes if needed.One groom went to town to get his tux and a John Travolta Saturday Night Fever thing was sent by mistake. The staff was great to run into town to change it just in time! The wedding attire was varied, from bare feet and a tuxedo shirt over shorts for one groom, to a full tux. Brides were in slip dresses and bare feet to full wedding gowns and veils. No one seemed to be hot in any of their outfits. For the weddings we attended, which were unplanned for us, we dressed up. I wouldn't have seemed right to show up in shorts!!!
8)One bride had a group of people who came along with them, and chairs were set up. Others had no attendants or just 2. One couple actually became friends with another couple, and they witnessed each other's weddings and are friends to this day and have travelled back there for their first anniv. We attended both of their weddings, after meeting them at the pool area a few days before, and are still communicating .
I hope this helps in some way. Just remember this is your special day and just as you could do at home, you can arrange anything you want.
By the way, we changed a hotel once based on Trip Advisor postings, and later regretted it when friends told us they had a great time there. Everyone has his own likes and dislikes, and your vacation is often what you make of it. We have never gone anywhere with each other that we did not have a great time. Some we would not go back to necessarily, (just like with a restaurant) but all spots added wonderful experiences to out lives.
1)you won't be able to take your bouquet home due to customs regulations, so one bride arranged some sort of waxing or something, while another had great pictures of it. Both brides were upset at this and were not told ahead of time.
2)There are wonderful spots all over the resort for pictures, great lush foliage, bridges, sunsets etc.A photographer will follow you all around and you can get a disc and print at home if you want. As with any photo deal, be sure you are not getting caught up in a package you might not want. I saw some great photos.
3) There are several gazebos for the ceremony or you can ask for whatever you want. One gazebo was near the main pool and the bride was afraid a possible scheduled volleyball game wud spoil it, but it didn't take place at that time afterall, and the shrubbery made it secluded. But the staff will accomodate so you can pick your time and ask when it will be most quiet. They are soooo nice, and will delay any noisy activities for you. Another gazebo is on the opposite end of the property from the main pool and very near the beach, and quieter. Walk around when you get there and choose. Another wedding was right on the sand. Guests are very nice and will not walk through your ceremony.
4) You can have a special dinner served on the beach. In fact, you can have anything you want, anyone can. We brought a bottle of champagne back to our room most nights to enjoy from our patio and while getting dressed for dinner.
5) They give you cute "just married" tee shirts.
6)The music for the bride's entrance was on a tape (except for one couple who arranged a live string duo.) Bring your own special music to be sure you like the selection.
7)All the brides we met had great hair-do's done in the salon there, and the steam wrinkle removing service was good for rumpled wedding clothes if needed.One groom went to town to get his tux and a John Travolta Saturday Night Fever thing was sent by mistake. The staff was great to run into town to change it just in time! The wedding attire was varied, from bare feet and a tuxedo shirt over shorts for one groom, to a full tux. Brides were in slip dresses and bare feet to full wedding gowns and veils. No one seemed to be hot in any of their outfits. For the weddings we attended, which were unplanned for us, we dressed up. I wouldn't have seemed right to show up in shorts!!!
8)One bride had a group of people who came along with them, and chairs were set up. Others had no attendants or just 2. One couple actually became friends with another couple, and they witnessed each other's weddings and are friends to this day and have travelled back there for their first anniv. We attended both of their weddings, after meeting them at the pool area a few days before, and are still communicating .
I hope this helps in some way. Just remember this is your special day and just as you could do at home, you can arrange anything you want.
By the way, we changed a hotel once based on Trip Advisor postings, and later regretted it when friends told us they had a great time there. Everyone has his own likes and dislikes, and your vacation is often what you make of it. We have never gone anywhere with each other that we did not have a great time. Some we would not go back to necessarily, (just like with a restaurant) but all spots added wonderful experiences to out lives.
Aug 14th, 2006, 10:06 PM
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Toppy, I can not tell you how much I loved your post. I, too, start to get concerned sometimes about our choice to get married at Sandals Antigua, and my fiance keeps reminding me that it is what we make it. That still does not mean that I want to shell out loads of money on a place that sucks!! Hopefully, it will be better than what other people's experiences have been. I am so happy to hear that you met so many couples there. We have friends who got married at Sandals in St. Lucia and they said it was fantastic as well. I, unfortunately have to wait until February to go, hopefully the construction will be complete by the time we get there. Thanks again for your post, it was nice to hear.
Loraine, good luck with your wedding, I hope everything is fantastic for your big day! Let us know how it all goes! Michele
Loraine, good luck with your wedding, I hope everything is fantastic for your big day! Let us know how it all goes! Michele
Aug 15th, 2006, 12:27 AM
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Thanks Toppy and Michelle for yer help.
I will let ye know how we get on, it should be good fun, two of my friends are coming though I wont be downing the champers like them as im 3 months pregnant!! Oh well what the hell!
Do any of ye know what the weather is like around November over there. I'm in Ireland so am hoping for anything other than rain and I think the travel agents here get paid to tell you its gona be sunny! I think I read somewhere that November is the wettest month in the Carrib. You wou think I would have done a bit of research before I booked it haha
Thanks again
Loraine
I will let ye know how we get on, it should be good fun, two of my friends are coming though I wont be downing the champers like them as im 3 months pregnant!! Oh well what the hell!
Do any of ye know what the weather is like around November over there. I'm in Ireland so am hoping for anything other than rain and I think the travel agents here get paid to tell you its gona be sunny! I think I read somewhere that November is the wettest month in the Carrib. You wou think I would have done a bit of research before I booked it haha
Thanks again
Loraine
Aug 15th, 2006, 04:20 AM
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Why thanks msimm, that was a sweet comment.
One other tip...I would consider writing your own vows, I mean maybe adding a personal part to whatever is standard. Since they do weddings on a daily basis there, this will be a great way to personalize yours. Some rooms also have concierge service which will help with dinner reservations, and I believe they can provide someone to help the bride dress. (But most likely if you are alone there, you will have made a friend on the beach or at the pool who would be willing to help you if needed...I think they will charge you extra to provide someone.)
If you do not have the concierge room, just do as we did and book your dinner reservations for the next day or 2 while on your way to breakfast, stopping at the desk. You will quickly find the way to handle this. Also check into signing up to be a Signature Guest.
As for rain, We had great weather in August and December. February should also be fine. November might have a bit more rain. But their idea of rain and ours in so different, so don't stress over it. When we awoke, it appeared to have rained in the night most nights, as everything was wet. Once or twice around 9pm it rained in the open sided dancing area and they had to lower some curtains so it wouldn't blow in. It always stopped in 10 minutes and didn't get in the way of any fun!
During our August trip, it "rained" a couple of times....the kind where you actually had to ask "Is that rain or is the wind blowing mist off the beach!"
That would last 10 minutes, just long enough to throw a gray report on the weather postings.
In December, one day only, it totally poured for 30 minutes. Many people took off for cover. We didn't, and instead joined about 20 others in the hot tub by the main pool laughing hysterically and drinking "banana sip-sops" (probably quite fattening, but delicious, and can be made without alcohol for Loraine....as can all your champers be made especially for you !!!) Of course we didn't know this sudden rain would be over in 30 minutes, and it was funny to see all the couples slowly return to the sunshine which was so bright and hot you'd never know it rained.
Msimm, your fiance is right. You will make it special because you will be together enjoying each other. You won't be bored there. (The water ski fellow was so patient with me as I was determined to get up on those skiis!)
By the way, we had friends who stayed elsewhere on Antigua at a different time, non AI, and spent more than we did because of the costs for water sports, lobster dinners, etc. I water skiied nearly every day for as long as I wanted, which would have been expensive to pay for. We love our fruity tropical "champers", and Painkillers, but not all day. Just getting sodas can be expensive. So I am not one who feels AI is just for drinkers. I do agree with others that you get less of a local feel with AI than you would if you left for dinner and exploring everyday, but we were able to still do that too when we wanted to. You get a lot of pampering there, which is nice for a honeymoon, or an anytime vacation.
Now if you want to enter the Newlywed game or scavenger hunt, I have tips for that too! Kyack races anyone? (But have no fear, there are plenty of secluded spots there too!!!)
One other tip...I would consider writing your own vows, I mean maybe adding a personal part to whatever is standard. Since they do weddings on a daily basis there, this will be a great way to personalize yours. Some rooms also have concierge service which will help with dinner reservations, and I believe they can provide someone to help the bride dress. (But most likely if you are alone there, you will have made a friend on the beach or at the pool who would be willing to help you if needed...I think they will charge you extra to provide someone.)
If you do not have the concierge room, just do as we did and book your dinner reservations for the next day or 2 while on your way to breakfast, stopping at the desk. You will quickly find the way to handle this. Also check into signing up to be a Signature Guest.
As for rain, We had great weather in August and December. February should also be fine. November might have a bit more rain. But their idea of rain and ours in so different, so don't stress over it. When we awoke, it appeared to have rained in the night most nights, as everything was wet. Once or twice around 9pm it rained in the open sided dancing area and they had to lower some curtains so it wouldn't blow in. It always stopped in 10 minutes and didn't get in the way of any fun!
During our August trip, it "rained" a couple of times....the kind where you actually had to ask "Is that rain or is the wind blowing mist off the beach!"
That would last 10 minutes, just long enough to throw a gray report on the weather postings.
In December, one day only, it totally poured for 30 minutes. Many people took off for cover. We didn't, and instead joined about 20 others in the hot tub by the main pool laughing hysterically and drinking "banana sip-sops" (probably quite fattening, but delicious, and can be made without alcohol for Loraine....as can all your champers be made especially for you !!!) Of course we didn't know this sudden rain would be over in 30 minutes, and it was funny to see all the couples slowly return to the sunshine which was so bright and hot you'd never know it rained.
Msimm, your fiance is right. You will make it special because you will be together enjoying each other. You won't be bored there. (The water ski fellow was so patient with me as I was determined to get up on those skiis!)
By the way, we had friends who stayed elsewhere on Antigua at a different time, non AI, and spent more than we did because of the costs for water sports, lobster dinners, etc. I water skiied nearly every day for as long as I wanted, which would have been expensive to pay for. We love our fruity tropical "champers", and Painkillers, but not all day. Just getting sodas can be expensive. So I am not one who feels AI is just for drinkers. I do agree with others that you get less of a local feel with AI than you would if you left for dinner and exploring everyday, but we were able to still do that too when we wanted to. You get a lot of pampering there, which is nice for a honeymoon, or an anytime vacation.
Now if you want to enter the Newlywed game or scavenger hunt, I have tips for that too! Kyack races anyone? (But have no fear, there are plenty of secluded spots there too!!!)
Aug 15th, 2006, 11:16 AM
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Hello again!
My fiance and I splurged for a butler suite!!
Loraine, we have 2 kids together 5 and almost 9, so this trip/wedding has been a long time coming!! Are you 3 months now? I have read alot of posts since researching our trip to Antigua, and most people say that if it rains it does not last long, and they do not get alot of rainfall per year, so I would not worry too much about the weather, I am sure it will be wonderful-from what I hear anyways. Wish you the very best on your wedding, and all the joy that will come soon enough with the new addition! Congrats! Michele
Toppy, we usually stay at AI, if where we are going has one, we just find it leaves less surprises! We are quite adventurous when off without the kids, and tend to get bored sitting around, so sometimes we joke about paying for everything upfront, as my fiance loves to eat good food-so we do tend to try to find some nice restaurants-off the resort. We also have alot of excursions planned. My fiance is an avid fisherman, and plans most of our trips based on how the fishing is! We will be there for 2 weeks, and I think we have things planned to do for 8 or 9 days! We do want to relax a bit though as this is our longest holiday since having kids!
My fiance and I splurged for a butler suite!!
Loraine, we have 2 kids together 5 and almost 9, so this trip/wedding has been a long time coming!! Are you 3 months now? I have read alot of posts since researching our trip to Antigua, and most people say that if it rains it does not last long, and they do not get alot of rainfall per year, so I would not worry too much about the weather, I am sure it will be wonderful-from what I hear anyways. Wish you the very best on your wedding, and all the joy that will come soon enough with the new addition! Congrats! Michele
Toppy, we usually stay at AI, if where we are going has one, we just find it leaves less surprises! We are quite adventurous when off without the kids, and tend to get bored sitting around, so sometimes we joke about paying for everything upfront, as my fiance loves to eat good food-so we do tend to try to find some nice restaurants-off the resort. We also have alot of excursions planned. My fiance is an avid fisherman, and plans most of our trips based on how the fishing is! We will be there for 2 weeks, and I think we have things planned to do for 8 or 9 days! We do want to relax a bit though as this is our longest holiday since having kids!
Aug 16th, 2006, 10:44 AM
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Hi. My husband and I honeymooned at Sandals Antigua in January of this year. I will tell you my pros and cons:
PROs
The grounds and beach are beautiful
We were in a secluded sector of rooms, and though it was quite a walk to the beach, it was nice to get away from everyone else when we wanted to.
There are pools and jacuzzis everywhere, and the ones by our room were never crowded.
The lobster tails at the tex-mex restaurant were so good! Order two!!!
The people were so nice
Just because there is a sweet drink menu over the bars doesn't mean you can't get whatever you want. I only thought on our last day there to order a martini, and it was delicious. Wish I had thought of that sooner.
Our room was nice, bed was heavenly
You can participate or not participate in any activity you want. No pressure to do anything.
The spa was divine... a highlight
My husband enjoyed all the watersports very much
Tennis courts were never crowded. We played every evening. Not much of a wait for ping-pong and pool either.
CONS
Upon arrival we were made to sit through an orientation which was basically useless and a waste of time. It was sunny and we just wanted to get on the beach but instead we were ushered into this dark piano bar and the staff tried to upsell us other services.
The food is mediocre at best (other than the lobster tails) and I don't like buffets
The drinks don't use fresh fruit so are too sweet for my liking, except the banana sip sops which I enjoyed each afternoon
Vendors on the beach were a bit pushy at times
The cruise ships dropped off their passengers right on the adjoining beach so it got crowded at those times
A couple of the hot tubs were not working properly and were not hot. We were there when the weather was so-so, and would have to hot-tub hop hoping to find one that felt good. The best one was always crowded.
They feed you drinks, and so there are some rowdy people (especially if there are any conferences there at the same time)
Though I don't plan on going back to a Sandals again, for our honeymoon it was the right spot. We acted and felt like children and had the most amazing, relaxing time. (If you want to get off the grounds, may I suggest going to Harmony Hill... that was one of the highlights of our trip.)
PROs
The grounds and beach are beautiful
We were in a secluded sector of rooms, and though it was quite a walk to the beach, it was nice to get away from everyone else when we wanted to.
There are pools and jacuzzis everywhere, and the ones by our room were never crowded.
The lobster tails at the tex-mex restaurant were so good! Order two!!!
The people were so nice
Just because there is a sweet drink menu over the bars doesn't mean you can't get whatever you want. I only thought on our last day there to order a martini, and it was delicious. Wish I had thought of that sooner.
Our room was nice, bed was heavenly
You can participate or not participate in any activity you want. No pressure to do anything.
The spa was divine... a highlight
My husband enjoyed all the watersports very much
Tennis courts were never crowded. We played every evening. Not much of a wait for ping-pong and pool either.
CONS
Upon arrival we were made to sit through an orientation which was basically useless and a waste of time. It was sunny and we just wanted to get on the beach but instead we were ushered into this dark piano bar and the staff tried to upsell us other services.
The food is mediocre at best (other than the lobster tails) and I don't like buffets
The drinks don't use fresh fruit so are too sweet for my liking, except the banana sip sops which I enjoyed each afternoon
Vendors on the beach were a bit pushy at times
The cruise ships dropped off their passengers right on the adjoining beach so it got crowded at those times
A couple of the hot tubs were not working properly and were not hot. We were there when the weather was so-so, and would have to hot-tub hop hoping to find one that felt good. The best one was always crowded.
They feed you drinks, and so there are some rowdy people (especially if there are any conferences there at the same time)
Though I don't plan on going back to a Sandals again, for our honeymoon it was the right spot. We acted and felt like children and had the most amazing, relaxing time. (If you want to get off the grounds, may I suggest going to Harmony Hill... that was one of the highlights of our trip.)
Sep 25th, 2006, 11:29 AM
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LORAINE,
You will have a great time at Sandala Antigua. It's one of the few places that I would go back to.
You will only have problems if you are looking for them. My wife and I had so much fun we didn't have time to complain about anything.
The only thing i would do different the next time is leave the property to see the Island.
Best Wishes
You will have a great time at Sandala Antigua. It's one of the few places that I would go back to.
You will only have problems if you are looking for them. My wife and I had so much fun we didn't have time to complain about anything.
The only thing i would do different the next time is leave the property to see the Island.
Best Wishes
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