Barbados and Antigua
We were met at the airport by our taxi driver and taken to the Almond Beach Club, an adults-only hotel. The hotel is not very big and only has one choice for the all-inclusive restaurant, but it was fine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking the sea – what more could you ask for! We were allocated a superior room – overlooking the pool and the sea – with a nice big balcony.
We could walk along the beach past Sandy Lane and up to the Tamarind Cove hotel - Sandy Lane looks amazing! We went to a restaurant called the Tides which was recommend by my client. We had a lovely meal overlooking the sea and this restaurant is only 5 minutes down the road from the Almond beach club.
We also went snorkelling for the day and saw a shipwreck (famous diving area). This was just by the Hilton hotel. The beauty of the Almond Beach hotels is that you can take a visit to the Almond Casuarina and the Almond Beach Village hotels and use their facilities – the hotel provided a shuttle bus. We had a nice relaxing time at this hotel.
Antigua
We flew over to Antigua with Liat – the Caribbean airline. My partner was a bit worried because it is only a small plane, but he managed!
We arrived in Antigua and were met by the s=Sandals driver and taken to the hotel. Wow, It’s such a big complex! There are 2 parts to the hotel – the Caribbean village and the Mediterranean village.
We were lucky enough to stay in the Mediterranean Village side in one of the Portofino rooms. It had all the mod cons – a 4 poster bed, flat screen TV and Jacuzzi bath. There was a big balcony where you could sit out and have a nice drink before you went out for the evening. We also took advantage of the concierge service which is well worth it. You have a fully stocked (branded) drinks mini bar every day and also the concierge will organise your week for you such as booking the restaurant in advance (you have 11 to choose from) and excursions if desired.
We did go on a trip to Nelsons Dockyard, a very nice day out. The guide took us to see mangoes growing on trees and drove past a banana plantation – all very interesting. Antigua is very green and lush.
The rooms in the Caribbean village are in the gardens, some overlooking the pool and the sea. This does depend on which room type you go for.
We also took advantage of the Red Lane Spa. We had a couple’s massage which left us so chilled out. It’s fantastic - the spa is a place not to be missed!
I would definitely recommend the Almond Beach Club. If you were looking for something small, I have clients who go there every year and love it. If you are looking for something on a grander scale, then Sandals Antigua would be perfect for you.