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 118 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