Antigua...KristenandDan!

Re: Antigua...KristenandDan!

• kristinanddan member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Yes we did go to Antigua, we loved it!  We booked with a travel agent - Jennifer from http://www.thetropicaltravelers.com/ and she was great. We didn't book through Sandals because the airfare was cheaper through Jennifer. And when the price of the room dropped, she adjusted for us.
  
  We didn't have any spa credits because it wasn't part of the cheaper rate that we booked. The people there that we talked to loved the spa though, we just never got around to going.
  
  As far as our room went, we were "upgraded" upon arrival to a honeymoon luxury concierge room. The location of it was excellent, but our room was definitely in need of renovations. We weren't there much so we really didn't care, but we did love having the bar in our room. And having the concierge to call to make dinner reservations was great.
  
  As far as restaurants, we ate breakfast at Bayside everyday - it was gorgeous eating outside. They have the same breakfast at Marios, but who wants to be inside. The pizza was ok for lunch, we preferred Barefoot by the Sea. For dinner, we had a fabulous time at Kimonos. Also, you can go to the sushi place there without reservations. It was really good! We didn't care for Eleanors, but we liked the OK Corral and Barefoot by the Sea for dinner. Marios was also ok, but I think we're spoiled by good Italian around here.
  
  For Eleanors, Kimonos, and OK Corral you need reservations. You can call 2 days ahead of time beginning at 8:30 (I think). We called right away and always got reservations.
  
  We also loved getting late night snacks from the Cricketers Pub and bringing them back to our room. Yummy!
  
  When you're on the beach, you will get bombarded by locals selling items and jet ski rentals. Just politely decline and they'll continue on.
  
  As far as activities, we took the shopping trip to St Johns one day when it was kind of overcast. It was ok, but a little too long. We did the canopy tour through antiguarainforest.com and it was SOOO cool! I loved it! We took a cab there, but I believe Sandals might take you there as well, it just costs a litlte more. The cab stays though, so it ended up costing us $80 (it's a long ride).
  We also did the x-treme circumnavigation tour through adventureantigua.com - this was also fabulous! You go around the entire island, you go swimming with sting rays and snorkeling and have lunch on a deserted beach.
  
  We also did two snorkeling tours through Sandals - they were both excellent, and free!
  
  Wear plenty of sunscreen, and bring some kind of bug spray! We forgot, and there are a lot of bugs out at night time.
  
  
  Whatever you do, try a banana sip sop! It is a fabulous drink that I still miss dearly. And if you see a bartender named Niels at the main bar (by Bayside), he'll take care of you - he's fabulous.
  

  

  Report0 Reply
• Crissyo

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  Thank you so much!  Question: which side was your room in the mediterranean or the other one? I think we have a concierge room too...
  How was the pool and beach? Were they crowded?

  Report0 Reply
• kristinanddan member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  We were on the caribbean side, which is the original part of the resort. It was beautiful because it was very authentic with the tile floors and the paint colors, our room just wasn't one of the made over ones yet. It was in a gorgeous location though, bulding 24 on their map. The meditterean side looked gorgeous, we just didn't feel like paying for the upgrade, and we also wanted more of the authentic feel.
  
  The main pool does get crowded. Our buildings had a smaller pool in front of them that was usually pretty empty (and quiet!) We only went to the main pool once - it was neat to swim up to the bar. People reserve the chairs there really early though and just leave their towels there all day - so annoying! They try and do the same thing with the chairs under the umbrellas on the beach. We would see the same stuff sitting under the umbrellas all day, and no one ever came. If you're bold enough, just move it.
  
  When we were there the resort was full, and we didn't find the beach too crowded. There were always plenty of chairs, just not the covered ones. And actually the whole resort will seem so quiet. You'll have a great time!
  
  Oh and when you get to the airport, there will be guys in yellow shirts offering to carry your bags outside (for a tip of course!) They literally carry bags about 30 feet from the baggage claim to customs, and then maybe another 40 feet outside - trust me, it's not worth it!
  

  

  Report0 Reply
• lauraNkieran member

  

  February 2010 edited December 2011

  ooo so glad I found this!  We actually just booked our HM on Friday and can't wait!  Crissyo seems we'll just be missing you since we get back on 3/28

  The blog: http://lksullivan.blogspot.com

  Report0 Reply