Earlier this week, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association brought together regional leaders, tourism stakeholders, and industry changemakers for the Caribbean Travel Forum, and the setting couldn’t have been more fitting. Situated on the pristine white sands of Dickenson Bay, Sandals Grande Antigua hosted the event with a seamless blend of Caribbean warmth and business-ready professionalism.
The forum took place in the Admiral Lord Nelson Ballroom, a flexible and well-equipped space accommodating up to 144 guests banquet-style. It can also be divided into smaller configurations for breakouts or concurrent sessions, with a pre-function area, which was ideal for registration, coffee breaks and informal networking. For more focused or high-level meetings, the resort offers an intimate boardroom for up to eight delegates. AV facilities and internet access are integrated throughout the event spaces, ensuring smooth connectivity and delivery, and the venue’s layout made transitions between sessions, breaks, and meals feel effortless.
Whilst it ticks the technical and logistical boxes, what sets Sandals Grande Antigua apart is its ability to deliver the full Caribbean experience without compromising on service or sophistication. The service team were incredibly attentive throughout throughout the event and the property created an environment that was both relaxed and refined, a rare combination that can suit everything from forums to incentive celebrations.
Speaking of incentives, the resort would also be ideal for a luxury retreat, offering an impressive eleven restaurants and six freshwater pools, all spanning across 27 acres of lush tropical gardens. Its two accommodation villages, the Caribbean Beachfront Village and the Mediterranean Oceanview Village, provide variety for group bookings, with tiered options to suit a mix of delegates, VIPs, and incentive winners.
For those looking for a real VIP experience, the private villas with four-poster beds and private pools offer secluded luxury, while the Penthouse Suites delivers stunning views across Dickenson Bay, complete with whirlpool tubs and elevated design. There are also multiple honeymoon suites ideal for adding a little extra extravagance to any trip.. The inclusion of Butler, Club, and Luxury Level room categories ensures flexible planning for group sizes and budgets, without compromising on style.
Connectivity is always key, and the Sandals Grande Antigua is conveniently located just six miles from V. C. Bird International Airport, making it easily accessible for international groups, with a quick transfer time, so beach time is maximised. Off-property excursions such as boat trips to uninhabited Prickly Pear Island, historical visits to Fort James, or a few holes at the nearby Cedar Valley Golf Course offer excellent options for itinerary add-ons or leisure day activities.
For event planners looking to combine meaningful content with a luxury destination, Sandals Grande Antigua delivers in spades. It’s a strong contender for executive retreats, sales incentives, and small-to-mid-size forums, especially for groups looking to blend beachside beauty with fully supported event infrastructure, which can often be hard to find on smaller Caribbean Islands. The Caribbean Travel Forum had a strong focus on building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking tourism sector, and the setting felt like a perfect reflection of that ambition. From its versatile meeting spaces to its award-winning service, upscale accommodation, and unbeatable beachside location, Sandals Grande Antigua proves that in the world of MICE, you really can have it all – and with a view like that, who wouldn’t want to?