Antigua, St. Martin or St. Thomas
May 31st, 2002, 07:56 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Antigua, St. Martin or St. Thomas
Celebrating ten year anniversary in August and have narrowed my choices to the three islands mentioned. Want to visit an all inclusive resort and Sandals comes highly recommended. Want a beautiful beach and pool area and also the ability to walk out of the resort and sightsee/ shop etc.<BR><BR>Thanks
May 31st, 2002, 10:07 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
We have vacationed at Sandals Antigua twice and had a very good time. The complaints we had were the numerous vendors on the beach and the same people asking you everyday if you want to buy. Most popular vendors were the braiding of hair and stringing of beads for your selection of necklace. Another complaint-2 jacuzzis were not warm enough to use the entire week. Nice facilities-love the swim up bar at mid afternoon-also some games that were all in fun at the s.u. pool around mid day--we participated--all ages. Otherwise use one of the other pools. Spent 1/2 hour at the spa-aromatherapy--felt fantastic. Nice sized rooms with 4 poster beds, we took the highest category without concierge--didnt find it necessary. Dining was good--nice variety-- but not as good as in St. Martin. Some shops in St. Johns but not too many. The aqua shop and the linen shop were my favorite. <BR>Shirley Heights on Sunday is fun--unbelievable view from the top of the mountain watching the sun set(Sandals shuttles you there) with live music/barbecue for a fee. Day sails to Barbuda are available among others--vendors all the way down the beach or at Sandals tour desk. Tour English Harbour to see all the yachts. <BR>The best shopping will be in St. Thomas or St. Martin if that is what you want. We have vacationed in St. Martin (french side) at the Esmeralda Resort-cottages--on beautiful Orient Beach. Individual pools--fridge-burner-large units with cathedral ceilings. Some of the best restaurants we have ever dined at anywhere were in St. Martin--Marigot and Grand Case. Restaurant on premises is good as well as the beach bar--there are also several other beach hars situated along the expansive beach-great for walking. Didn't see any vendors. We walked in Marigot at night and stopped at the Marina to have drinks. You could also split your time between St. Martin and St. Barts--Eden Rock or Hotel Guanahani--very romantic. St. Martin is still our favorite island.<BR>We only stopped in St. Thomas on a cruise and took a catamaran to St. John which was a really beautiful island but would be too quiet for us.<BR>
Jun 1st, 2002, 04:53 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Steven,<BR><BR>As mush as an all-inclusive is attractive, if you decide on St. Martin an all-inclusive is not recommended. There are so mnay great restaurants there, you probably wouldn't be getting the most for your money with an all-inclusive. Yes, there are some all-inclusives, but your would not be getting to appreciate one of the islands best qualities - good eats !
Jun 1st, 2002, 07:05 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
I also recommend Sandals Antigua. We have been to numerous Sandals, and Sandals Antigua is one of our favorites. The grounds are absolutely beautifiul - very lush and tropical creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The beach is very long - great for walking - soft white sand. Water is very calm and clear. We loved the pools scattered about - no one place ever felt crowded although the resort was full. The town area for shopping is ok - not as good as you would find in St. Martin or St. Thoomas but there is plenty to see and do off the resort, including Shirley Heights, the rain forest, great scuba and snorkeling, the boat yard, etc...<BR><BR>I do have pic's of the resort - just email for the site.<BR><BR>Penney
Jun 1st, 2002, 09:46 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
We love Sandals Antigua. We didn't have any problems with vendors on the beach and loved the pools. The front of the resort is very elegant. The Bayside restaurant is in a celestial setting with great food. Try an island tour. Sandals will be happy to set you up.
