Sandals South Coast and Sandals Grande Antigua are two of the most popular Sandals resorts for honeymoons and romantic getaways, but each has different qualities that make it special.
This comparison of Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua will help you decide which is best for you.
Our Quick Take
Sandals South Coast is secluded and peaceful, featuring overwater bungalows. The resort is loved by guests because of its size allowing you to feel secluded without any difficulty of finding beach chairs. It is perfect for a quiet getaway. Its also know for having several large pools each with its own vibe. The resort is regularly updated so rooms are well maintained and enhanced regularly.
Sandals Grande Antigua is very romantic and set on the best beach in Antigua. The pools here are smaller and quieter and the rooms can feel a bit outdated. However, we love the level of service and the way you can easily feel at home at Sandals Grande Antigua. The resort is also closer to the airport than Sandals South Coast.
Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua Overview
Sandals South Coast is nestled on a 2-mile stretch of pristine beach along Jamaica’s southern coast. It is a top Sandals resort for destination weddings and honeymoons because it’s quiet and features the amazing overwater bungalows, as well as an overwater bar and overwater wedding chapel.
Set on the best beach in Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted “World’s Most Romantic Resort,” and the lushly landscaped grounds have all sorts of romantic nooks.
Location
Sandals South Coast is in Whitehouse, Jamaica. It’s about 30 miles from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, and the drive is along winding, rough roads, so be prepared if you get carsick.
Because the resort is isolated there are less options for excursions, but it is the best resort to make it to YS Falls.
Sandals Grande Antigua is set along Dickenson Bay, in St. John’s, Antigua, 15 minutes from VC Bird International Airport. The island has several great excursions and is very safe.
As at every Sandals, airport transfers are complimentary.
Price
Both are some of the more affordable Sandals resorts. Rates at Sandals South Coast currently start at $230 per person per night, while Sandals Grande Antigua currently starts at $275 per person per night.
Amenities and Activities
Both Sandals South Coast and Antigua offer beautiful beaches and a full range of complimentary watersports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing.
Sandals South Coast has a two-mile stretch of pristine and private beach, as it’s in a nature reserve. Sandals Grande Antigua is on two miles of the most famous and best beach in Antigua, Dickenson Bay.
Both resorts have a variety of pools and whirlpools, plus land sports such as tennis and beach volleyball. Sandals South Coast has the Caribbean’s longest river pool. Each also has a full fitness center, as well as a luxurious spa (which costs extra).
There is nightly entertainment at both, including live shows, theme nights, and more. Sandals Antigua has stunning sunset views over Dickenson Bay.
Food and Drink
Sandals South Coast has 9 restaurants, while Sandals Grande Antigua has 11 restaurants. There are 7 bars at both, including swim-up bars and beach bars. Sandals South Coast also has an overwater bar.
When it comes to selection, the resorts are fairly similar and we slightly prefer Sandals Antigua. In the near future, new restaurants should be opening at Sandals South Coast, so that might sway our decision.
Accommodations
Sandals South Coast features the incredible overwater bungalows, which have private decks with soaking tubs for two and direct access to the water and have recently been renovated. It also has swim-up Rondoval villas with private plunge pools in addition to a selection of beachfront swim-up and walk-out suites, penthouse suites, oceanview rooms and suites, and more.
Sandals Grande Antigua offers a range of beachfront, oceanview, and garden view suites and rooms at the luxury, club, and butler level. One of the swankiest options is the Mediterranean Villa with Private Pool Sanctuary, which has beautiful water views from the private patio with pool and whirlpool. When we visited, we stayed in a Mediterranean Oceanview Penthouse with One Bedroom Butler Suite, which had a great view of the resort.
All butler suites come with 24-hour inroom dining and personal butler service.
So in general, you will find a lot of options at both. If you want swim up suites or overwater bungalows, Sandals South Coast is probably the best option for you.
Sandals South Coast vs Sandals Antigua: Our Pick
Its funny trying to compare the two because we have our opinions but we can find guests that have the other as their favorite. Overall, I’d pick Antigua, but I understand anyone that wants Sandals South Coast for the seclusion and affordability.