Welcome to paradise. The second your plane touches down, your fun officially begins. Check in, toss your bags in the room, and immediately ditch your shoes—because Dickenson Bay doesn’t wait. The water here is that unreal shade of turquoise that looks filtered even when it’s not. Take a dip in the beach-entry pool to shake off the flight, grab a frozen drink from the swim-up bar, and let the Caribbean breeze do its thing.
As the sun starts melting into the horizon, wander down Dickenson Bay. The beach glows gold, the air smells like salt and sunscreen, and for a moment you’ll forget what day it is. Dinner at Bayside keeps the mood easy: toes-in-the-sand dining, steel-drum music drifting by, and views that scream “you’re finally here.”
Want to see more of the island beyond the resort? Follow my Two Weeks in Antigua itinerary for beaches, food, and day trips.
You’ve earned a lazy day, so sleep in and claim your favorite pool lounger early. Order a mimosa, open a book, and let time dissolve. For lunch, grab a Bella Napoli pizza—fresh-made, wood-fired, and the perfect poolside bite that doesn’t interrupt your relaxation streak.
When the afternoon heat kicks in, cool off with a swim or a stop at the café for iced coffee. As the sun sets, head to Soy for dinner. It’s Sandals’ cozy sushi spot, and even if you’re not a sushi pro, the staff will help you find a roll you’ll love. Pair it with sake and call it an early night—or a very romantic one.
By now you’re ready to explore beyond the resort gates. Join the shopping tour in the morning—it hits Heritage Quay, the Vendor’s Mall, and a few local spots where you can snag a bag of Antigua’s famous black pineapple or handmade souvenirs.
Head back mid-afternoon for a quick swim or nap, then get ready for dinner at Mario’s. The antipasto and charcuterie bar here will absolutely ruin you for all future vacations. Between the pasta, the wine, and the candlelight, this meal feels straight out of Italy—just with palm trees instead of piazzas.
Today’s the day to get a little wild. Book a Barbuda day trip or a beach-hopping excursion—you’ll see pink-sand beaches, hidden coves, and that jaw-dropping turquoise water from every angle. Expect to come back sandy, salty, and completely in love with Antigua.
Dinner at Barefoot by the Sea is the perfect post-adventure reset. You’ll sit directly on the sand under string lights, eating conch fritters and grilled fish while waves lap a few feet away. It’s one of those moments that becomes a forever core memory.
Morning is made for play. Take advantage of all those included watersports—paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, or even a Hobie Cat if you’re feeling brave. (Don’t worry, the instructors make it easy.) Follow it with an afternoon nap by the pool—you’ve earned it.
For dinner, head to OK Corral, Sandals’ Tex-Mex restaurant. Order the fajitas, chase them with a margarita, and whatever you do, do not skip dessert. La Media Luna will wreck your self-control in the best possible way.
Before booking, take a look at my full Sandals Grande Antigua Review for insider details on dining, pools, and rooms.
This one’s your official reset day. Start with a slow breakfast at Eleanor’s overlooking the water, then schedule a couples massage at the spa. Spend the rest of the afternoon floating in the pool or wandering the gardens—there’s no rush today.
When evening hits, dress up for a romantic dinner. Whether you choose Eleanor’s again or one of the other fine-dining options, make it count. Afterwards, head to the main stage for live music or dancing under the stars.
Savor every last minute. Take an early-morning walk along Dickenson Bay, watching pelicans dive for breakfast. Float in the pool one more time, order that final Bella Napoli pizza, and linger until checkout insists you leave. Dinner at your favorite spot—mine was OK Corral again, because apparently three desserts equals tradition—is the perfect send-off.
Craving off-property eats? Here are the Best Lunch Spots in Antigua to check out between excursions.
Sandals Antigua may not be the newest Sandals resort, but it’s got character, heart, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The pool is huge and perfect, the food surprised me in the best way, and yes, I may have befriended a few cats along the way.
Wrap-Up:
Sandals Antigua might not wow you with marble lobbies or brand-new sparkle, but it wins with soul. It’s walkable, relaxed, and perched on one of Antigua’s most stunning beaches. Add in good food (La Media Luna forever), friendly cats, and a pool you’ll dream about, and you’ve got a resort that feels like home base in paradise. Antigua may claim 365 beaches, but for me, the one at Sandals Antigua is enough.
Yes. Sanguich is worth it. 🥪😍 It works because it doesn’t try to be trendy. No fusion twist. No reinvention. Just the classics done correctly.
Roasted pork done right.
Bread pressed properly.
Flavors that actually make sense together.
It feels nostalgic. Intentional. Rooted in culture. And it’s easily one of the best lunch stops in Downtown Miami. If you’re near Bayside Marketplace wondering where to eat this is a simple answer.✨
Thinking about the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata for your Virgin Voyages excursion?🌊 Important context: I am not a thrill girl. Roller coasters make me queasy. And I still loved this.
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are like a 5/10 intensity. Adventurous but very doable. Guided. Safe. Not extreme.
You can choose your comfort level and that’s what makes it so good.😍
#damajagua #puertoplatacity #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #waterfalls #adventure
If you’re docking in Puerto Plata and don’t want to book an excursion, this is such an easy way to spend a few hours. You can walk straight from Taino Bay. It’s flat, manageable, and felt safe with a really good mix of colorful photo ops and actual city energy.
If you only have 1–2 hours, prioritize:
📍 Umbrella Street
📍 Pink Street
📍 Centro Histórico
Have more time? Add the Malecón de Puerto Plata. Into history? Stop by Fortaleza San Felipe. We were there during La Vega Carnival, which made everything feel extra lively, but even without a festival, I’d still recommend this route.
It’s simple. It’s realistic. And it gives you a look at Puerto Plata beyond just the cruise port. 🌴✨ Save this for your next stop.
#travelling #puertoplata #dominicanrepublic #downtownpuertoplata #travelitinerary
If you’re cruising into Taino Bay, here’s what you actually need to know. I was genuinely surprised. It’s clean, modern, and way more built out than I expected. Shops, photo spots, a lazy river, restaurants you could easily spend a few hours here without feeling bored.
I left for an excursion, but coming back and spending the afternoon inside the port was actually… nice. Easy. Low stress.
If you want adventure or deeper culture, leave the port. If you want a relaxed day? You truly don’t have to. Save this for your Puerto Plata stop & read the full blog now! 🌴
I wouldn’t recommend @virginvoyages to everyone…🫢
If you’re Googling who Virgin Voyages is really for, you’re probably wondering if it fits your travel style, or if it’s just great marketing. I’ve sailed multiple times, taste-tested the ship (for research, obviously), and paid attention to the details that actually matter.
Here’s the honest answer, no cruise brochure fluff. Head to my blog to read more about planning your trip!🚢
#travelling #travelvlog #cruisevlog #cruiseship #virginvoyages
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
