Celebrating turning 40 at Sandals Grande Antigua

Written by VibeGetaways Expert Travel Advisor: Michelle Plemmons

Turning 40 is often considered a milestone birthday. If you Google it, they talk about changing from a young adult to (UGH) middle aged! It’s a time for reflection and figuring out goals for the next part of your life. But for me, this milestone is a celebration of life itself. Not everyone gets the chance to see their 40th, and that perspective makes the occasion even more special.

My mom died from cancer when she was only 39, so when my husband, Tim, was turning 40, I wanted to do something special. We chose to visit Sandals! Since we are both big beach people, we wanted somewhere close to the airport to maximize beach time, and we wanted to try a new island, it was easy to decide on Sandals Grande Antigua. It. Was. Amazing!!!! 

When we arrived, we grabbed pizza and drinks, then grabbed some chairs at the beach just in time for the stunning sunset. 

After unpacking and getting organized, we explored the resort. With two sides—the Mediterranean and the Caribbean—it was a large and breathtaking place. Here is a picture of the building we were in. 

Tim’s “birthday dinner” at Kimonos was a highlight, where the delicious food came with a side of entertainment, making it feel like a true celebration.

We quickly settled into a new routine of getting up, scoping out the perfect chairs on the beach, visiting our friends Samson and Delilah (the resort’s Scarlet Macaws), and grabbing breakfast and mimosas with amazing views of the beach. Then the rest of the day was dedicated to unwinding and relaxing – reading, people watching, walking the beach, floating in the water, eating, and drinking. We’d end the days by watching the sunsets, eating a delicious dinner, and enjoying the evening entertainment. 

The highlight of our trip was crossing off a major bucket list item – a turtle release. Tim mentioned he thought someone in the water had a baby turtle. I do NOT go in the water but I have never moved so quickly. LOL. It was such a magical moment I’ll never forget. 

There were countless activities to enjoy—from Hobie Cats, kayaks, and paddle boarding to snorkeling, scuba diving. The entertainment team kept things lively at the pool with trivia, dance lessons, and water aerobics, while the night brought more fun with live bands, fire dancing, and a Caribbean beach party.

Above all, though, the trip allowed Tim and I to truly celebrate his first 40 years of life. We enjoyed precious time together without the distractions of our everyday lives. We created memories that we’ll carry with us forever, and in the end, that’s what matters most. Here’s to turning 40—and to living every moment to its fullest!

Want help booking your next Sandals or Beaches All Inclusive Vacation?
Reach out to VibeGetaways travel advisor and Sandals specialist, Michelle Plemmons!