Which is the best Sandals in St. Lucia?  Like with most things, it depends. In this case it depends what you are looking for in a resort.  Each resort has its own pros and cons and we have listed them below.  However, we decided to rank them anyway.  Based on reviews from across the internet we have ranked the 3 Sandals resorts in St. Lucia.  Additionally we have included each St. Lucia resorts overall ranking in the Sandals chain of 12 Sandals resorts.  This is up to date through 2009

The Best Sandals in. St Lucia:

1.  Sandals Grande St. Lucian (#4 overall)

Set on its own spectacular peninsula, this resort provides panoramic views in every direction.  Situated on some of calmest waters in St. Lucia, its sheltered beach offers views of both nearby Ft. Rodney, and a scenic harbor.

What people love about Sandals Grande St. Lucian:

• Great pools
• The beach is beautiful although it is a little small
• The resort is in a very scenic location
• The Simon Says tour is excellent
• Very good selection of watersports
• The spa is excellent, but pricey

The common complaints about Sandals Grande St. Lucian:

• Too many pesky peddlers on the beach
• Many guests expect more amenities and features to be included (like room service)
• Many guests are surprised to find out the resort is not new (it is a refurbished older hotel)
• The resort often hosts conference guests which was is an unexpected drawback to vacationers
• The drive from the airport is long, and bumpy
• There are rocks in the water at the beach (not always soft sand below your feet)
• When the resort is full it feels crowded
• Extras are expensive (e.g. spa, internet, bottles of wine in your room, resort shop)

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• Some rooms have good views while others have poor ones, like facing a construction site.
• Some guests expect more from the rooms at this resort.
• The entertainment is enjoyed by some while others find it to be a little lacking.

The latest deals at Sandals Grande St. Lucian

2. Sandals Halcyon Beach – St. Lucia (#7 overall)

Sandals Halcyon St. Lucia boasts classic Caribbean architecture and tropical gardens. Three restaurants are highlighted by the legendary Pier Restaurant, the island’s most impressive dining experience set directly on the sea.  This resort caters to a slightly older crowd.

What people love about Sandals Halcyon Beach:

• The resort is in a good location and the island views from the resort are excellent.
• The resort is quiet and peaceful, which was a plus for most of the visitors, a minus fora few.
• Most visitors appreciated the well maintained landscaping and gardening at this resort

The common complaints about Sandals Halcyon Beach:

• The resort buildings and rooms are dated
• Too many stray cats on the premises
• This resort typically attracts an older crowd, and the entertainment is limited.
• Some rooms are situated near a road that runs by the property which can be noisy
• Younger visitors often complain there are not many visitors of a similar age, and the resort is very quiet

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• Resort is not situated on a spectacular beach.  Some liked the beach while others did not.
• Some positive and negative reports on the overall friendliness of the staff – mainly positive.
• Some people comment on the limited watersports while others enjoy the options provided

The latest deals at Sandals Halcyon

3. Sandals Regency La Toc – St. Lucia (#9 overall)

Set within the 210-acre La Toc Estate, Sandals Regency La Toc is located on a secluded half-mile beach and a breathtaking bluff. Unique among Caribbean beaches, the water is emerald-green due to its depth- hence the resort’s nickname the “Emerald of the Caribbean.”

What people love about Sandals Regency La Toc:

• Friendly staff at this resort
• Very good on-site entertainment provided by Cowboy Eddie
• Great Island views from the resort
• The ability to visit and dine at the other two Sandals resorts in St. Lucia

The common complaints about Sandals Regency La Toc:

• The drive from the airport is long, windy, and bumpy
• Not a lot of  young people (this may actually be a plus depending on your perspective)
• The lobby area of this resort is dated
• The age of the resort is apparent
• Lots of mosquitoes
• Lots of cats wondering the premises

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• The rooms rooms are a little run down and dated
• It’s not the biggest or best beach you will find among Sandals resorts.
• The landscaping and condition of the resort grounds appeals to some an not others.
• The 9 hole golf course is not a place for avid golfers, but nice as a recreational activity
• Spa
• Food – like most Sandals resorts some liked the food while others didn’t.
• Snorkeling

The latest deals at Sandals Regency La Toc

There are several fantastic resorts in St. Croix, but there are currently no St. Croix all inclusive resorts.  The Divi Carina Bay resort in St. Croix has in the past offered all inclusive packages, but as of this writing, there are none offered.  If you are going to stay in St. Croix and you want an all inclusive vacation, you should inquire with The Divi Carina resort as they may begin offering them or create one for you.

Go here for a comprehensive listing of hotels in St. Croix.

Here is a site with a listing of St. Croix hotel deals

Barbados March Activities

This page is focused on things to do in Barbados in March.  We have another page if you are interested in looking full list of things to do in Barbados that are available year round.
The highlights of the March calendar include two events:

Sandy Lane Gold Cup (Horse Racing)

Sponsored by Sandy Lane Resort and the Barbados Turf Club, this thoroughbred race is considered to be the most prestigious in the Caribbean. It’s also among the top few annual events on the Barbados social calendar. Run since 1982, the race is as much a chance for the upper echelons of society to show off their finery and the hoi polloi to enjoy a good party, as it is a competition to decide the best horses and jockeys. To get things off to a festive start, the race is preceded by a performance of the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, along with a parade of dancing majorettes and stilt walkers.

The kickoff of the Oistins Festival, most of which takes place in April, but there are several other things to do during the month.

Here is a more complete calendar of things to do in Barbados in March.

If you haven’t completed your planning, check out these Barbados vacation deals.

New Sandals Resort in Bahamas opened in January 2010

Sandals Resorts International has opened a new Sandals resort.  This is now the 13th Sandals resort in the Caribbean.   Sandals acquired the former Four Seasons resort in the Bahamas and converted it to a luxury sandals resort.

The resort has been renovated and modified to meet the expectations of the Sandals clientele including the addition of an expansive new pool complex and additional dining establishments.  The resort will opened January 2010.

And yes, you can get a deal to this new resort:
Introducing our new Sandals Emerald Bay Resort! Experience this luxurious new addition at 50% off!

Here is some more information about Sandals’ newest resort:

“This is a remarkable moment in the history of Sandals Resorts,” Stewart said. “We are acquiring one of the most spectacular pieces of real estate in the Caribbean, which was operated by one of the world’s most highly regarded hotel companies. This is a reflection of all that Sandals Resorts has accomplished and a tremendous opportunity to further demonstrate our commitment to providing the very best vacation in the Caribbean. We look forward to bringing our Luxury Included® experience to this special property, which has been kept to impeccable standards.”

Sandals Emerald Bay is set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. According to Stewart, the all-suite resort will offer a selection of 190 “magnificently-appointed” luxury accommodations with styles that range from beachfront villas to charming bay house settings – all oceanfront, all extremely spacious and all serviced by butlers trained by Sandals Resorts through the company’s exclusive partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

This will be the first ever Sandals Resort to include a fully-protected stand-alone Marina. The Emerald Bay Marina by Sandals offers 133 slips and is equipped to accommodate and service yachts up to 300 feet in length. Open to the public, the marina also features a welcoming clubhouse with a full-service restaurant including al fresco dining on a spectacular wraparound terrace, pool, a world-class Red Lane® Spa.

See all Sandals resorts deals

Which is the best Sandals resort?  Note: we haven’t ranked this one yet.

Travel and Leisure has recently published their 2009 Worlds Best list and they have ranked the top 25 resorts in the Caribbean.  Jamaica has dominated the list with 10 of the top 25.  But which Jamaican resort has topped the list?  That honor goes to Couples Negril.  Couples Negril comes in at #2 on the list and is joined by 3 other Couples resorts, all ranked in the top 10.

The other Jamaican resorts to make the list are (overall ranking in parentheses):

Couples Swept Away – Negril (3)

Royal Plantation – Ocho Rios (6)

Couples Sans Souchi – Ocho Rios (7)

Couples Tower Isle – St. Mary’s Jamaica (8)

Jamaica Inn – Ocho Rios (11)

Rockhouse Hotel – Negril (20)

Sandals Whitehouse – Jamaica (21)

Round Hill Hotel and Villas – Montego Bay (24)

Half Moon -Montego Bay (25)

Earlier this year, we also compiled a list of the best resorts in the Caribbean.  Our list was based on information collected from a variety of travel publications, and we may update the list to account for these results.  Resorts that made our top 14, but didn’t crack the T+L 2009 top 25 are:

Sandy Lane – Barbados

Parrot Cay – Turks and Caicos

Malliouhana Hotel and Spa – Anguilla

Little Dix Bay – BVI’s

The Reefs – Bermuda

The Travel and Leisure Worlds Best has been released for 2009 and only one Sandals Resort has made the list – Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica.  In our ranking of sandals resorts, we also had Sandals Whitehouse as the premier Sandals Resort.

Sandals Whitehouse is a new property, unlike most other Sandals resorts and is a slight cut above the rest.  Here is the latest deal at Sandals Whitehouse.

This page is focused on things to do in Barbados in July.  We have another page if you are interested in looking full list of things to do in Barbados that are available year round.

The July calendar is dominated by the crop over festival, but there are several other things to do during the month.

Barbados July Activities

Horse Racing at the Garrison Savannah

• July 4th
• July 18th

Hike Barbados

• July 05 BNT Headquarters – Wildey House….. Moon M5
  Next door to Carter’s Complex, travelling South towards traffic lights at BET. First left after car park
• July 12 Codrington College J4
  Meet at College car park.
• July 19 Indian Ground Sports Field A2
  Highway 2A until right turn towards the Rock, bear left in Sailor Gully
  and at top of road go right. Sports field is east of road
• July 26 Drax Hall Plantation G4
  Highway 4. Don’t take road to Drax Hall Village, but next right to the Plantation

Crop Over Festival (Kadooment)

• Many activities throughout the month.  Here’s a link to the Kadooment calendar

Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament.

• Multiple dates for this tournament click here for more tournament information

The deal of the day is a brand new offer on Grenda Resorts from Petite Anse.

Petite Anse has two new offers depending on the length of the stay.

Petite Anse (Little Cove) Hotel and Restaurant, is owned and run by Philip and Annie Clift. It is a unique Beach Front Development set in a beautiful tropical garden with a Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Bar and Restaurant on the north coast of the ‘Spice Isle’ Grenada.

Each of the 11 rooms has a spectacular view over the stunningly beautiful wild beach and beyond to the Grenadines. Every room is literally within a coconut’s throw of the beach and has its own deck or terrace. The topography of the land is such that the Bar and Restaurant sit on a pinnacle of land taking full advantage of the amazing ocean view. A big bonus is that with our constant on shore breeze, the whole resort is virtually Mosquito free all year round.

Fresh produce for the Restaurant is grown in the fruit and vegetable gardens at the Old Plantation House where the owners, Philip & Annie Clift live. What is not produced there is carefully sourced from known local producers. The Restaurant produces an imaginative menu using seasonal and local produce.

The North of Grenada is one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean. Off the beaten track and relatively undiscovered, it is a step back in time. The local people are both charming and friendly.

What is the best Sandals in Jamaica?  Well, there are 7 Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, and most of them are excellent resorts, but only one can be the best Sandals in Jamaica.  Following up on our previous article, where we told you the Best Sandals Resort in the Caribbean, this article merely takes the same information and summarizes which Sandals Resort in Jamaica is the best.  Of the 12 Sandals resorts in the Caribbean, 7 of them are in Jamaica.  The resorts in Jamaica are ranked 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12 overall.  The two best Sandals resorts are in Jamaica, but the three lowest rated ones are also in Jamaica.  There is a significant difference in the cost and the quality of the properties ranked at the very top and very bottom of this list.

This article is updated for 2010.

The Best Sandals in Jamaica:

1.  Sandals Whitehouse – Jamaica

On the untouched South Coast of Jamaica, Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa is a 50-acre seaside resort within a 500-acre reserve. It is in a rather isolated location and so your vacation will be primarily limited to the expansive resort grounds. It is the newest of the Sandals resorts, and is the very best Sandals has to offer.

Sandals Whitehose Pool

Sandals Whitehouse Beach

The Best Attributes of Sandal Whitehouse:

• It is a new resort with excellent facilities
• The whitehouse resort has an excellent and beach that is notably private
• Great selection of pools
• Spectacular views

The common complaints about Sandals Whitehouse:

• The resort is secluded and the drive is long
• There isn’t much to do nearby the resort
• There can be very long waits at the restaurant
• Too much upselling for spa services
• Service is not to expectations of many guests
• The resort is large and you may have to walk quite a bit, especially from the French Village
• The snorkeling is average at best

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• Most feel the rooms are excellent, but not all rooms have the same quality view, and some guests are expecting larger rooms
• The resort is not noted for its entertainment, and some guests feel it is a little sedate

The latest deals at Sandals Whitehouse

2. Sandals Negril – Jamaica

One of the most popular of Sandals resorts, Sandals Negril is set on one of the longest and best stretch of Negril’s famous Seven-Mile Beach. Sandals Negril Resort is close to shopping and lies in the midst of great night life and tourist attractions like Rick’s Cafe and Margaritaville.

Sandals Negril Pool

Sandals Negril Beach

The Best Attributes of  Sandals Negril:

• Very nice and large beach
• Good diving excursions
• Good snorkeling
• The staff is very friendly and helpful
• The facilities at the resort are outstanding from the pools to the gardens to the exercise room

The common complaints about Sandals Negril:

• Lots of drug peddling on the beach
• The resort is a long drive from the airport
• The resort staffers are constantly upselling features like the spa
• The pool area can be very loud
• The nightly entertainment does not meet the expectations of some guests
• Some guests complain about the advantages or lack thereof of not having a butler

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• Rooms – mostly guests like their rooms, but some guests feel they are a little dated and run down.  It depends on where your room is.

The latest deals at Sandals Negril

3. Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio – Jamaica

With a $24-million redesign and significant upgrade in 2005, this Sandals resort is better than ever. During its redesign, it went heavy on the Italian theme and that is apparent throughout the resort.

Sandals Dunn’s River Beach

Sandals Dunn’s River Pool

The Best Attributes of Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio:

• Very friendly staff
• The atmosphere at the resort is quaint and appealing to most guests
• There are always good activities going on at the resort
• The entertainment at the resort is noteworthy
• Many guests comment on the quality of the massages at the spa
• There is a pitch and putt golf course very close to the resort which is a nice perk not available at other resorts

The common complaints about Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio:

• Because Jamaica is not that far south (relatively), and some of the pools are shaded, the pool can be a little cold in winter
• The beach is a little smaller than many guest expect
• The drive from Kingston is quite long – 2 hrs
• The beach is not as clean as returning guests have come to expect.

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• This is not a brand new resort so the buildings and rooms are a little dated
• There are lots of activities and entertainment at the main pool which some people like and others don’t – can be a little loud.
• The golfing is adequate but not outstanding

The latest deals at Sandals Dunn’s River

4. Sandals Grande Ocho Rios – Jamaica

Newly remodeled, this resort offers two resort experiences in one, spanning the lush foothills of the St. Ann Mountains on the Manor side, down to Jamaica’s most sought-after stretch of coastline on the Caribbean Riviera side. It is closer to the sea than any other resort in the area.

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Pool

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach

The Best Attributes of Sandals Grande Ocho Rios:

• The resort has lots of activities throughout the day
• The staff at this resort is notably friendly
• Guests note the very nice selection of pools
• The resort is well manicured and the landscaping is very attractive
• Access to nearby Sandals Dunn’s River is a plus for many guests

The common complaints about Sandals Grande Ocho Rios:

• Long ride from the airport
• Although there is golf, it is not free when you consider the caddy and other charges.
• Getting a reservation to the restaurants without a butler is difficult or impossible at some restaurants

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• Nice beach, but a little small
• Very large resort that may require using shuttles depending on where you are staying
• Some guests like the quality of the rooms, others don’t
• The golf is adequate but not outstanding

The latest deals at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios here:

Save up to 65% plus 1 Night Free and a $250 Red Lane Spa Credit at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort

5. Sandals Montego Bay – Jamaica

The original Sandals, this resort is set on Jamaica’s longest private white-sand beach. Originally the Bay Roc Hotel, it was designed by Edward Durrell Stone, one of America’s most famous architects and creator of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Today, it offers a lively, upbeat scene where the party doesn’t stop until you do.

Sandals Montego Bay Beach

Sandals Montego Bay

The Best Attributes of Sandals Montego Bay:

• Nightly entertainment is noted by many guests at this resort
• This resort is noted for its party atmosphere, which most guests liked, while some others did not
• Very friendly staff
• Great beach
• Many guests note the benefits of the multi-resort privilages

The common complaints about Sandals Montego Bay:

• The resort is close to the airport and so plane noise is an issue for some guests
• Because this resort seems to attract a party croud, running out of alchohol is a problem noted by many vacationers
• The problem of drug peddlers is noted by many guests

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• Some guests note that the rooms are dated
• The pools are a little small and can be chilly in winter

The latest deals at Sandals Montego Bay

6. Sandals Royal Caribbean – Jamaica

Situated just outside Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean is an active Sandals destination with plentiful activities.  It is known for it’s private island just a short boat ride away.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Beach

Sandals Royal Caribbean Private Island

The Best Attributes of Sandals Royal Caribbean:

• Many guests comment on the excellent entertainment at this resort
• This resort has lots of activities throughout the day
• The staff is very friendly
• There is a nearby private island which many guests enjoy

The common complaints about Sandals Royal Caribbean:

• Mosquitoes in rooms
• Noise from the nearby airport
• Too many pool activities – not peaceful enough
• Many guests complain of the peddlers on kayaks in the water
• The pools can be cold in winter

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• Some guests feel the rooms are dated
• Good beach, but a little small

The latest deals at Sandals Royal Caribbean here:

Get 3 Nights Free plus save up to 65% and a $250 Red Lane Spa credit at Sandals Royal Caribbean. Click Here!

7. Sandals Inn – Jamaica

Located in Montego Bay, Sandals Inn is the smallest of the Sandals resorts with only 52 rooms.  This resort is a good way to get the Sandals experience without the big price tag – especially if you utilize the nearby Sandals resorts.

Sandals Inn Beach

The Best Attributes of Sandals Inn:

• Most guest note the very friendly staff at this resort
• Because this is one of the cheaper Sandals resorts, many guest like the ability to utilize the facilities at the other nearby Sandals resorts

The common complaints about Sandals Inn:

• The resort is on a very busy street that can be noisy into the night – room selection will impact this as well.
• The beach is very small and is across a small road from the resort – it is also public and sometimes crowded with locals
• There is less entertainment at this resort than most guest expect

Features that received mixed reviews (some positive, some negative):

• The rooms are hit or miss for many guests

The latest deals at Sandals Inn here:

Save up to 65% at Sandals Inn!

Thanks to our partners, Dealeel Caribbean and Shermans Travel, we are now able to offer an Antigua Deals page with nothing but deals to and in Antigua.