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.
Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua Quick Take
Sandals South Coast is secluded and peaceful, featuring overwater bungalows. Sandals Grande Antigua is very romantic and set on the best beach in Antigua. Both are on islands with plenty to do.
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.
Both resorts are on popular Caribbean islands with plenty to do and see. Sandals South Coast is rated higher on Google than Sandals Grande Antigua, at 4.5 vs. 4.3.
Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua 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.
Sandals Grande Antigua is set along Dickenson Bay, in St. John’s, Antigua, 15 minutes from VC Bird International Airport.
As at every Sandals, airport transfers are complimentary.
Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua: 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.
Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua: 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.
Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua: 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.
Sandals South Coast vs. Antigua: 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.