insideKENT Magazine Issue 23 - February 2014 | Page 118
TRAVEL
The next choice in the Village is Barefoot by the
Sea, a chilled and relaxed barefoot lunch
experience offering signature wraps, jerk chicken
and burgers by day, evolving into a candle-lit
restaurant with a seafood-based menu by night
– the signature beef wrap became a firm lunch
favourite.
Groups of eight diners gather around the central
cooking station where the chefs create mouthwatering dishes of teriyaki chicken, sweet chilli
beef, salmon and shrimp accompanied by piping
hot boiled or vegetable fried rice. The food was
exquisite and the atmosphere was welcoming
and engaging.
rushed; and nothing was ever too much trouble.
Everyone and everything was always impeccable
from the neatly tended and beautiful grounds
and gardens to the wave goodbye when leaving
for the airport. It’s easy to see why the ‘soon
come back’ desk was forever busy with guests
booking for their next Sandals experience.
Aside from the restaurants, the Village is also
home to Café de Paris – an exact replica of a
quaint rustic Parisian patisserie with goodies like
fresh crêpes, waffles and pastries accompanied
by teas and coffees available throughout the day.
The Caribbean Grove is home to two speciality
restaurants as well as two other themed eateries:
Eleanor's is the resort’s signature restaurant
offering a Caribbean à la carte menu including
the West Indian curried lamb shank which was
seasoned and slow-cooked all day; and the
popular lobster tail and shrimp combo which my
companion devoured. They also have a rum
course on the menu with flavoured rums including
chocolate and cinnamon making an appearance.
Regardless of where you dine you are able to
leisurely amble around the beautiful grounds after
dinner and either retire to your suite or join in with
the evening’s activities.
Once you experience the Sandals touch, other
all-inclusive resorts will pale into insignificance;
luxury included is apt, perfection was a bonus.
The most surprising dining experience though
has to be Kimonos the Japanese restaurant
which is tucked away in the side of a cliff. On
arrival you are immediately transported to the Far
East with this two-storey restaurant decorated
in traditional red accents, with framed windows,
sliding door screens and dim lighting creating
the perfect intimate dining experience to try the
Teppanyaki cooking mastered by the on-site
chefs.
Everything at Sandals is about relaxation and
everyone is on-hand to make your stay as hassle
free as possible. Every evening with the turndown
service you receive the Sandals newsletter telling
you everything from the day to come's dining
options, and sunrise times to who is getting
married and special offers available in the spa or
gift shops.
The resort news also contains a breakdown of
daily activities, which are announced but never
forced upon guests, and take place around the
main pool and terrace areas from mid-morning
till late, and ranged from typical ‘Mr and Mrs’
quizzes and games to tie-dye t-shirt making for
the beach party. Evenings are relaxed rather than
raucous with resident bands and performers
continuing the mellow resort vibe.
For a resort of its size it never felt busy; staff took
time and were genuine with each and every guest;
meals were always enjoyed and savoured, never
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Seven nights staying at Sandals Grande Antigua
Spa & Beach Resort on a Luxury Included® (allinclusive) basis costs from £1595 per person
and includes return flights, resort transfers, tips,
gourmet speciality dining, premium wines and
spirits and water sports. Price is based on two
people sharing a room travelling in Aug/Sept
2014. For further information call Sandals on
0800 5970002, email [email protected] or
visit www.sandals.co.uk
Start your holiday before you’ve even taken
off in the V-room at Gatwick Airport. Adults
£20, Kids £12. To book:
www.virginholidays.co.uk 0844 557 3859