50 YEARS, 50 SANDALS STAYS – A LOVE STORY CELEBRATED IN PARADISE
SAINT JOHN’S ANTIGUA, June 24th, 2025 – For retirees, Ross and Valerie Mickle, love is
an adventure best shared in paradise. This remarkable Baltimore couple recently celebrated their
50th wedding anniversary in a truly unforgettable way; during their 50th stay at a Sandals resort.
Their chosen haven for this milestone? The breathtaking Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa.
Their journey with Sandals began in 1997, and though they briefly explored other all-inclusive
options in their earlier years, the allure of Sandals, and especially Antigua, always drew them back.
“We tried some other all-inclusive brands and they weren’t as nice, so we came back home to
Sandals and Antigua over the years,” Ross shared.
As valued resort pearl guests, a membership loyalty tier reserved for those who have spent a total
of 250 or more nights at Sandals Resorts, Ross and Valerie were treated to a special celebration.
The Sandals loyalty and travel team organized a private, beachfront garden reception to honor their
golden anniversary, a gesture that highlighted the deep connection the couple has forged with the
brand.
Sandals Grande Antigua holds a special place in their hearts. “When we first came here to Antigua,
the Mediterranean Village wasn’t built yet, so we came back the second time to experience the
new addition, and we just love it here,” Valerie explained. “Sandals Grande Antigua is a wonderful
property. From the big pool that’s right in front of the beach, to the amazing array of restaurants
and the friendliest team.”
While they’ve explored nearly every Sandals resort, a total of 13 to be exact, with only Sandals
Royal Curacao, Sandals Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals
Halcyon yet to be discovered, Antigua remains a cherished destination. This recent trip marked
their fourth stay on the island, and they eagerly anticipate many more vacations in the Caribbean.
Resort General Manager David Latchimy said, “the Mickles are family. They have continued to
support the brand and have introduced other guests to not only Sandals but Sandals Grande
Antigua. Their story is an inspiration, a testament to the enduring power of love, loyalty, and the
pursuit of paradise found only at Sandals.”
With their next vacation set for Sandals Negril, in Jamaica later this year, It’s a reminder that the
greatest adventures are those shared with the ones you love, and that sometimes, “home” is just a
little bit of paradise within the Caribbean islands. “We love sharing our Sandals experiences,”Valerie said. “Every couple deserves to discover the magic that Sandals offers, not just in Antigua,
but across the entire region one island escape at a time.
Javier Jacobs, Operations Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, took the
opportunity to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the couple on achieving such a significant
and historic milestone, right here in Antigua.
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Photo Captions:
0001- L-r – Sandals Pearl Guest, Valerie and Ross Mickel
About Sandals® Resorts:
Family-owned Sandals® Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and
spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront
resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The
Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler
service and signature suites, including the Caribbean’s first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go
all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island
Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation.
Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on
lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.
Media Contact:
Leon Norville
Public Relations Manager
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa
Tel: 1-268-736-9194
E: leon.norville@grp.sandals.com
