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.
Here’s the thing about Curaçao that nobody talks about enough there’s really no bad time to go. 🌤️ Outside the hurricane belt. Mid-80s nearly every day of the year. Colorful buildings no matter what month it is.
But there IS a difference between going in peak season vs. shoulder season, and it shows up in your wallet, your beach chair availability, and how long you’re waiting for a table at dinner.
Full breakdown of every season, what to expect, and when I’d personally go linked in bio.
I wasn’t expecting much. I just needed dinner. 🍽️ Kome ended up being one of the best meals of the entire trip.
Wood-fired everything. A menu that actually makes you read it twice. A vibe in Pietermaai that feels nothing like a tourist restaurant and everything like somewhere locals actually go. I didn’t rush. I didn’t check my phone. I just ate, start to finish, and enjoyed every single second of it.
If you’re in Curaçao and you only have one nice dinner make it this one.
#curaçao #travelling #travelvlog #musttryrestaurant #visitcuracao
Renting a golf cart in Bimini was genuinely one of the best decisions we made the entire cruise, and if you have a stop there, I cannot recommend it enough.
✨ Off the ship and behind the wheel within minutes
✨ Multiple beaches, food stops, and random pull-offs
✨ Zero tour schedules, zero waiting on strangers
✨ Just the island, at your own pace
Honest caveat: if you prefer a guided experience with everything planned out, a tour might suit you better. But if you like doing your own thing? This is it.
Everything you need to know about renting, where to go, what to budget, and our favorite stops, is linked in bio. 🔗
50 miles from Miami. Feels like a different planet. 🌴
One day in Bimini looks like: golf cart before 9am, Bimini bread still warm from the oven, water so clear it looks fake, and a conch stand where the guy knows everyone’s name.
No itinerary needed. But I made one anyway because that’s just who I am. Linked in bio
#bimini #biminibahamas #travel #travelblogger #visitbahamas
If you go to Bimini and don’t get conch salad… what are you even doing? 🐚
I’m not exaggerating when I say this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. It’s a local staple, and after talking to enough people on the island, I realized fast, Bahamians have very strong opinions about where to get the best one.
So we made it a mission.
We tracked down the three spots that kept coming up over and over again, and I tried them all so you don’t have to guess.
Full breakdown is linked in bio. 🔗
#travel #travelblogger #bimini #bahamas #conchsalad
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
