Sandals Grande Antigua and Sandals Barbados are both beautiful and luxurious. We have found both resorts to be wonderful and would recommend either. If you’re trying to choose between them, this comparison will highlight the differences to help you decide.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Sandals Antigua and Barbados is that Sandals Barbados is located right next door to Sandals Royal Barbados, so you get two resorts in one. This gives you many more restaurant and bar choices, including some unique options like a rooftop bar with an infinity pool and a bowling alley.

Some other key differences are the beach at Sandals Antigua is nicer and better for watersports, while the resorts in Barbados have more variety in food selection and activities.

An Overview of Sandals Grande Antigua

Sandals Grande Antigua is a romantic, adults-only all-inclusive resort set on the stunning white sands of Dickenson Bay, Antigua’s most famous beach. Known as the “World’s Most Romantic Resort,” it features two distinct villages: the laid-back Caribbean Beachfront Village, with tropical gardens and beachside charm, and the upscale Mediterranean Oceanview Village, offering elegant hillside suites with panoramic views and modern luxury. With options ranging from beachfront walkouts to butler-level Skypool Suites, the resort caters to couples seeking both relaxation and indulgence.

Guests can enjoy 11 restaurants, 7 bars, 6 pools, and a full range of included activities like scuba diving, kayaking, and nightly entertainment. The Red Lane Spa, beachfront dining, and signature Sandals service make it ideal for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Located just 15–20 minutes from the airport, Sandals Grande Antigua blends Caribbean beauty with European elegance for a truly unforgettable escape.

About Sandals Barbados

Sandals Barbados is a vibrant, adults-only all-inclusive resort set on the scenic south coast of Barbados in the lively St. Lawrence Gap area. Located on beautiful Dover Beach, this resort is known for its energetic atmosphere, lush tropical gardens, and upscale modern design. Guests have full exchange privileges with the adjacent Sandals Royal Barbados, giving access to two resorts in one with over 20 dining options, 11 bars, rooftop pools, a bowling alley, and even a craft beer bar.

The resort features a wide variety of accommodations, including swim-up suites, tranquility soaking tub rooms, and Club or Butler level categories. Scuba diving, water sports, and nightly entertainment are all included, along with access to one of the Caribbean’s best dive sites—Carlisle Bay, home to multiple shipwrecks and abundant marine life. Sandals Barbados is perfect for couples looking for a lively beachfront getaway with plenty of dining, nightlife, and luxury included.

The Beach: Sandals Antigua vs. Barbados

Sandals Antigua is located on Dickenson Bay, on what is considered the best beach on the island. It’s a long, 2-mile stretch of white sand and calm turquoise water, but it is a public beach. This means that there are vendors on it.

The Sandals Barbados beach is also considered one of the best on the island. However, the water can be a little rough at times, and it’s a much smaller beach in comparison to Antigua. This can make it difficult to get a good lounge chair.

Restaurants and Bars

If you’re looking for the most choice in terms of dining and drinking options, Sandals Barbados is the winner here since it offers access to everything at the neighboring Sandals Royal Barbados.

This gives you a total of 21 restaurants and 14 bars. Eleven of the restaurants are onsite at Sandals Barbados, and they offer a range of cuisines including seafood, sushi, Caribbean, Italian, Asian, Indian, steak, grilled specialties, and pizza. There is also a French-style café serving pastries and specialty coffee. Top recommendations here are Soy Sushi, Chi Asian Fusion, Bombay Indian, and Butch’s Steakhouse.

The restaurants at Sandals Royal Barbados include two unique offerings that offer healthy dining: Heart & Sol and Greenhouse. There is also a gourmet donut shop.

There are 11 restaurants and 7 bars at Sandals Grande Antigua. Choose from Caribbean, Italian, Asian, international, seafood, sushi, Tex-Mex, pizza, and Parisian-style pastries. Favorite restaurants here include Soy Sushi, Bayside, and Corral. There may be less options, but they are all still great quality and have excellent service, making some prefer Sandals Grande Antigua over Barbados.

Activities and Amenities at Sandals Antigua vs. Barbados

As at every Sandals resort, a wide range of complimentary activities and amenities are included at both Sandals Antigua and Barbados. These include watersports such as scuba diving and snorkeling, land activities like tennis and beach volleyball, daily and nightly entertainment, a variety of pools and whirlpools, and full fitness centers. Both resorts have spas as well, but services are extra.

The main difference is that you will find more options for amenities at Sandals Barbados since you also have access to everything at Sandals Royal Barbados. However, activities are pretty comparable.

At Sandals Grande Antigua, watersports include scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing, and Hobie Cat sailing. Land sports include beach volleyball, basketball, day and night tennis, table tennis, and croquet. There are 6 pools and 6 whirlpools.

Watersports at Sandals Barbados include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, glass-bottom boat rides, and Hobie Cat sailing. Land activities include day and night tennis, beach volleyball, bocce ball, cricket, table tennis, and pool. There are 3 pools and 3 whirlpools. You also have access to all the pools and activities at neighboring Sandals Royal Barbados, including a bowling alley, a glass-front pool by the beach, and a rooftop infinity pool.

Accommodations at Sandals Antigua vs. Barbados

You’ll find a wide range of rooms and suites at both Sandals Grande Antigua and Sandals Barbados. Accommodations at both resorts are a bit older and more dated than some other Sandals resorts, but they are still quite nice. The top tier butler suites at both are spacious and luxurious, and come with 24-hour in-room dining and personal butler service.

Overall, the rooms at Sandals Barbados are nicer than those at Sandals Antigua, although the prices are relatively comparable. However, the most expensive room at Sandals Barbados is much cheaper than that at Sandals Antigua.

Rooms at Sandals Grande Antigua are divided into two areas, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. New rooms include the Caribbean Honeymoon Grande Luxe Poolside Walkout Room, with a private patio near a quiet pool. There are also deluxe and premium rooms, ocean- and garden-view club suites, beachfront rooms, seaside butler suites, beachfront butler suites, penthouse suites, beachfront Rondoval butler suites, honeymoon Rondoval butler suites with private pool sanctuaries, and the Mediterranean One-Bedroom Butler Villa with Private Pool Sanctuary.

At Sandals Barbados, accommodations are in three areas: the Caribbean Village, the Crystal Lagoon Village, and the Beachfront Village. Many rooms have oversized soaking tubs on the balcony or patio. There are premium and deluxe rooms, luxury honeymoon rooms and suites, beachfront club level suites, penthouse suites, one-bedroom butler suites, swim-up suites, and beachfront butler suites.

Nightlife at Sandals Antigua vs. Barbados

While neither of these is a “party” resort, the nightlife at Sandals Antigua is more laidback than at Sandals Barbados. However, this is due to the more vibrant scene at neighboring Sandals Royal Barbados, as Sandals Barbados is itself a quieter resort.

Sandals Antigua has 7 bars including swim-up bars and beach bars. Nightly entertainment includes theme nights, talent shows, dance lessons, chocolate parties, karaoke, a piano bar, beach parties, and live music. The beach also offers perfect sunset views.

There are 8 bars including a swim-up bar and a tiki bar at Sandals Barbados. Sandals Royal Barbados has the better nightlife, with 6 bars including a rooftop bar and infinity pool, the bowling alley, a piano bar, and a craft beer bar. Nightly events include live music, beach parties, Barbados Day celebrations, theme nights, and more.

Cost: Sandals Antigua vs. Barbados

These are both some of the more affordable Sandals resorts. Rates at both currently start at just above $300 per person per night.

Which Resort Would We Pick?

While both Sandals Grande Antigua and Sandals Barbados offer incredible experiences, I would personally choose Sandals Barbados for its livelier atmosphere, variety of dining options, and modern amenities. The ability to enjoy two full resorts in one, with access to rooftop pools, a bowling alley, and more than 20 restaurants adds a level of variety and energy that makes each day feel different. Plus, being located near the vibrant St. Lawrence Gap means there’s even more to explore beyond the resort. If you’re looking for a more social and activity-packed vacation without sacrificing luxury, Sandals Barbados stands out.

Sandals Grande Antigua would be our choice if we were looking for a more romantic atmosphere. Dickenson Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, perfect for long walks, swimming, and sunset views. For a quieter, more intimate escape that still offers plenty of luxury and activities, Sandals Grande Antigua is my top pick.