Best Sandals in St. Lucia: 2019 (UPDATED) Resort Reviews
November 21, 2019 9:30 am
Which is the best Sandals in St. Lucia? It depends what you value in an all-inclusive resort. Each Sandals resort in St. Lucia has its own pros and cons and we have listed them below.
Our ranking below is based on hundreds of user reviews and our own personal experience. We evaluate how the resort scores in the areas that matter most to guests, like the overall atmosphere, the pools, the beach, the rooms and beds, and the friendliness of the staff.
If you are looking for the absolute best room accommodations Sandals has to offer, then you should consider the Overwater Bungalows.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
An idyllic all-inclusive resort located on its very own peninsula, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is often described as the “closest vacation to a picture-perfect postcard.” Cradled to the west by Rodney Bay – boasting the calmest waters in all of Saint Lucia – and to the east by the majestic Atlantic Ocean, this magnificent adults-only resort showcases awe-inspiring panoramic views and Over-The-Water Bungalows that will linger in your heart forever. Volcanic mountains draped in blankets of green rise majestically from an impossibly clear blue sea. A sheltered mile-long beach extends an open invitation for days of endless water play. This is paradise as it was meant to be, full of natural beauty, rich in history, and resplendent in pure romance.
Sandals
This is the Sandals Resort for you if:
You are looking for a resort with a lively and fun atmosphere.
You are looking for a resort with over-water bungalow rooms.
You want to be served by staff who will take the time to remember your name.
This is probably not the Sandals for you if:
Room view is important to you.
You don’t want to be bothered by cats, birds or mosquitos while dining outdoors.
You don’t want vendors/ peddlers bothering you on the beach.
You don’t like the thought of a 2 hour drive from the airport to the hotel (there is a closer airport that is less popular)
What people love about Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Lush landscaping, calm Caribbean ocean and mountain vistas.
Resort grounds are pristine and well-maintained. Guests noticed there were always small maintenance tasks/improvements happening to keep the resort looking nice.
Check-in process was smooth. You just need to confirm your information on an iPad. Friendly smiles and champagne upon arrival.
Staff are personable and take the time to get to know your name.
Staff members mentioned by several guests as going above and beyond: Peter, Kash, Remy, Romalla, Katie, Keri, Sonja, Ozzy, Candice, Gregor, Isaiah, Irenenus, Vernette, Madonna, Yannick, Junior, Filius, Neville, Everton, Rohan, Heather, Crystal.
There are 2 other Sandals resorts close by (Halcyon Beach and Regency La Toc). Shuttles go between resorts. It was nice to have access to all 3 resorts.
The new over-water bungalows are breathtaking.
Rooms are beautiful and clean.
Housekeeping does a wonderful job.
Gorgeous beach and sunsets… definitely Instagram-worthy! Clear, calm and walkable beach.
The water hammocks and swings are a lot of fun and relaxing.
Plenty of land and watersport activities to choose from (to keep you as busy as you want). Guests enjoyed activities such as SCUBA, snorkeling, skiing, sailing, wake boarding and paddle boarding.
The bar by the pool is great.
Gordon’s on the Pier was a delightful dinner setting.
Other highly recommended restaurants included: Bombay, The Pub, Soy, Mariner’s, Jerk Shack, and the Bayside (for breakfast).
Special dining options/menus available for people with gluten/other allergies or vegetarian.
Evening entertainment was professional and classy.
This is a dream setting for a destination wedding.
Not too many issues with finding available loungers… but some were in direct sun with no umbrellas.
There is a nurse on staff and she is said to be friendly and thoughtful.
There seemed to be a good mix of young, middle and older age groups. Guests didn’t feel out of place based on their age.
Red Lane Spa: Couples massage and Rain Drop massage are highly recommended.
Van transfer from airport to resort only held 6-8 people and was not a good first impression. It did not match the gorgeous resort it was driving to.
Dinner reservations seemed difficult to get.
There are mosquitos – bring bug spray.
Many guests commented that the room views were not what they expected. Ocean view category could mean seeing a chain-link fence and public park with the Atlantic ocean in the distance.
Guests without butlers needed to wake up earlier than expected to reserve their “preferred” lounge chair by the pool or on the beach.
Pigeon Island buildings – these rooms are next to a public park where locals congregate until late hours and blast music.
Pools can be cold in the winter months.
Vendors/ peddlers present on the beach trying to sell you things. Takes away from the zen of the beach.
The birds were incessant if you were dining outdoors.
Not enough servers on the beach. Guests has to visit resort bar if they needed a drink.
Other Considerations
Upon arrival, guests should proceed to the Sandals desk or lounge, conveniently located at both International Airports serving Saint Lucia.
Transfer time from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is about 120 minutes. If flying into the closer airport (Vigie – SLU) then the transfer time is 15 – 20 minutes. There are also options for private car transportation or transport by helicopter (to UVF) for an additional fee.
Many of the guests take a day excursion to hike Pigeon Mountain. It is $8/person and the views are remarkable.
Odd numbered rooms face Rodney Bay and the pool. Even numbered rooms face the back of the resort and the Atlantic ocean.
There are “resort cats” on property, which may be bothersome to some guests. However, staff are said to be very responsive to shooing them away when guests ask.
Greg Norman is currently working with Sandals to bring a new & improved golf course to St. Lucia.
There are 12 restaurants available at Grande St. Lucian and 15 at the Sandals restaurants close-by (giving guests 27 different dining options)! Reservations required for Bombay, Kimonos, Gordon’s on the Pier, Kelly’s Dockside (Halcyon Beach Resort) and La Toc (Regency La Toc Resort).
Resort has a dress code: Resort casual by day, resort elegant by night.
There is an exchange bureau at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the legal tender in Saint Lucia but most merchants accept U.S. Dollars, traveler’s cheques and major credit cards.
Free WiFi, basic & suitable for web browsing, email & messaging is available for ALL guests. Premium Internet suitable for streaming video, Skype & larger downloads is available for an additional fee.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles in Saint Lucia. Sandals Grande St. Lucian has 110 volts outlets in every room, so all electric items should work just fine. Hair dryers are already included in every room, so you may leave that out of your packing list.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort has a gift shop with souvenirs, perfume, tobacco and sundries. Duty-free shopping is available on all islands and at the airport.
Sandals Halcyon Beach
If ever there was an all-inclusive resort that embraces the quintessential Caribbean, adults-only resort Sandals Halcyon Beach in Saint Lucia is surely it. Here in the midst of a tropical utopia, where majestic palms line a pristine beach and verdant mountains rise from a turquoise sea, you’ll discover a charming and intimate sanctuary that’s the essence of its name… tranquil, peaceful and calm. This is a true Garden of Eden, a Caribbean beach resort where your senses are elevated by caressing sea breezes, inviting ocean waters, and fragrant tropical blooms. Experience the all-new Beachfront Honeymoon Butler Suites with private deck and plunge pool or indulge in gourmet dining at six specialty restaurants.
Sandals
This is the resort for you if:
You are looking for a resort with a laid-back, peaceful atmosphere.
You want to visit a resort where the staff will take the time to get to know your name.
You want to stay at a resort that has recently been renovated (Halcyon Beach released 2 new room categories in 2018).
This may NOT be the resort for you if:
You want a party atmosphere with a lot of entertainment.
You don’t want a resort that’s near a roadway and where street traffic can be heard.
You want a picturesque beach experience… although the beach is beautiful, the water is not crystal clear and can be choppy.
Things people love about Sandals Halcyon Beach
Friendly and kind staff who take the time to get to know your name and remember you.
Staff members who were raved about: Christopher (General Manager), Agnes, Yasmin, Ricky, Delores, Melissa, Catherine, Zenith, Ricky, Claudia, Maverick, Willard, Ria, Mikey, Yannil, Jason, Vienna, Walma.
It was nice to see the general manager helping out. He was seen by guests throughout the day, but most memorably at breakfast helping to seat guests and clean tables.
The resort has stunning gardens with tropical flowers and hummingbirds.
There is a lazy river that leads right up to most rooms. It is relaxing and fun.
The rooms are clean and well-appointed. Crystal Lagoon Walkout rooms and Club-level Oceanview Tranquility rooms are highly recommended. Decently sized tubs and showers. Beds are comfortable.
The hideaway rooms are very nice and have recently been renovated.
In-room fridge was stocked daily with water, juice, soft drinks, beer and wine.
Food is delicious and Halcyon Beach restaurant reservations were fairly easy to make (although,it was a little more difficult to make reservations at Grande St. Lucian and La Toc restaurants because those are busier resorts).
Late night cheeseburgers at the beach bar!
The firepits are a great place to end the night with a drink.
Dietary restrictions or special menu requests were not an issue (gluten free/allergy/vegetarian).
The main pool is lively, while the quiet pool is calm. It was nice to have the option to select the atmosphere you wanted to be in.
The bartenders will make you any drink you want, with any ingredients. Bloody Mary’s and “dirty banana” drinks were especially enjoyable.
It wasn’t difficult to find beach or pool chairs. No need to wake up early like you do at other Sandals resorts.
There are two other Sandals resorts close by (about 20 minutes away) – Grande St. Lucian and Regency La Toc, and it’s great to have the option to stay at 1 resort, but play at 3!
Excursions were fun additions to vacation. The catamaran trip to Soufriere, Dolphins, Marigot Bay and visit to The Pitons were favorites.
A good variety of land and sea activities to choose from – Ping pong, billiards, cornhole, snorkeling, SCUBA, paddle boards, hobie cats, wakeboarding, etc.
The watersports staff were incredibly helpful and encouraging to guests trying watersports for the first time.
There was a good mix of all age groups represented at this resort: honeymooners, middle and older age demographics.
Sandals Halcyon Beach is a romantic and intimate setting for a wedding.
Halcyon Beach is a smaller resort, so you get to know the other couples vacationing there.
Overwhelmingly the reviews are positive, but when people complain, this is what they say:
The ride from the airport was a bit long – 90 minutes, and it was hilly and curvy – be aware of this if you are prone to motion sickness.
There is a busy street around the resort and traffic can be heard.
The beach was nice but the water was choppy and cloudy. Because of this, snorkeling experiences were hit or miss.
The beach is public access, and vendors walk up and down the beach trying to sell things to people.
Communication about activities could have been better. Some guests wished there had been a bulletin board or better way of announcing entertainment opportunities.
Entertainment was hit or miss. Sometimes great, other times it felt boring.
Limited restaurant choices (if you don’t want to venture outside of Halcyon Beach Resort) and the menus are said to be repetitive.
It was difficult to get a good steak, it always seemed tough or overcooked.
The dinner buffet is only open on Mondays and Fridays.
The Spa staff are constantly trying to sell you treatments. Several guests said it was annoying that they asked so many times.
Wi-Fi coverage was fine in the common areas, but not strong in the rooms. Several guests stated they had problems FaceTiming in the privacy of their rooms and needed to go to the lobby for better internet strength.
Housekeeping schedule was inconsistent – they came at different times each day.
Sometimes the staff forgot about guests’ special occasions or needed to be reminded.
Some guests wished they had brought bug spray – there are a lot of mosquitos.
No exercise bikes or free weights in the fitness center.
Photo packages are expensive. Guests reported charges between $18 – $25 for 1 photo.
Room service is not available for all room categories.
Other Considerations
Upon arrival, you’ll proceed to the Sandals desk, conveniently located at both International Airports serving Saint Lucia. Your complimentary transfer to and from the resort will be arranged by Sandals. Transfer time from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is about 120 minutes. If flying into the closer airport (Vigie – SLU) then the transfer time to the properties is 15 – 20 minutes.
A departure tax is to be paid in cash upon leaving the airport if not included in airline ticket.
There are “resort cats” on property – which may be bothersome to some guests; however, resort staff will help shoo them away if you ask.
Resort has a dress code: Resort casual by day, resort elegant by night. So while the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swim suits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required (although elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants).
There is an exchange bureau at Sandals Halcyon. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the legal tender in Saint Lucia but most merchants accept U.S. Dollars, traveler’s cheques and major credit cards.
Most public areas of this resort and all of the rooms have WiFi coverage.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles in Saint Lucia. 110 volts outlets are provided in every room, so all your electric items should work just fine. Hair dryers are already included in every room.
Sandals Halcyon Beach has 6 restaurants on property, but you can also visit Grande St. Lucian or Regency La Toc Sandals resorts – which gives you 27 included restaurant choices! Reservations required for Bombay, Kimonos, Gordon’s on the Pier (Grande St. Lucian), Kelly’s Dockside (Halcyon Beach Resort) and La Toc (Regency La Toc Resort).
Sandals Halcyon is located between Sandals La Toc and Sandals Grande. The free shuttle service is available every 2 hours and takes ~20 minutes to get to the other resorts.
Sandals Regency La Toc
Saint Lucia’s most glamorous adults-only resort, Sandals Regency La Toc is a magnificent 220-acre estate set on a half-mile, crescent-shaped beach, cradling exotic coral bluffs, lush hillsides and rolling fairways. Featuring a challenging executive-style golf course, stunning oceanfront suites and the private enclave of the Sunset Bluff Village, this all-inclusive resort is recognized as the most sparkling jewel in the islands. Indulge in Five-Star Diamond French cuisine and other international cuisines with access to 27 restaurants with the Stay at 1, Play at 3 exchange program.
Sandals
This is the resort for you if:
You are looking for a “middle of the road” resort… not too busy, but not too quiet.
You enjoy golfing. La Toc guests can play at 2 Sandals golf courses.
You are looking for a resort where the staff will take the time to remember your name.
This may NOT be the resort for you if:
You have mobility issues. This resort is spread out and very hilly. Although, the resort does offer shuttle service every 10 minutes.
You are looking for a calm beach experience. While the beach is nice, the water is said to be rough/choppy.
You want a private beach experience. The beach at La Toc is public.
What people love about Sandals Regency La Toc
Staff are friendly, professional and offer top-notch service.
The butlers add that extra spark to make your trip amazing.
Mr. G – the general manager – was always seen around the resort making sure everything was running smoothly and he was even pitching in when needed.
Guests enjoyed the champagne and cool towel upon arrival.
The grounds are well-maintained with gorgeous landscaping and hummingbirds.
Resort is well lit at night and guests felt safe.
There are 2 other Sandals resorts within 30 minutes (and you can take a shuttle to visit) – It’s a stay at 1, play at 3 deal!
The beach has yellow/white sand with beautiful water (although the water can be rough to swim in). Paradise sunsets.
The following excursions were highly regarded: Sunset catamaran, visit to pigeon island, visit to Soufriere, Joe Knows Tour.
Rooms are nice, well-appointed and most offer incredible views. Furnishings seem up-to-date and the air conditioning works well. Beds are comfortable. The Pitons private sundeck rooms were said to have wonderful views.
Housekeeping does a nice job responding to requests promptly.
Refreshments are provided in-room and are restocked daily.
There are 3 pools. The main pool is where all the parties and events are, and the other two pools (sunset bluff and pitons) are much quieter.
The fire pits are a relaxing way to end each night.
Bartenders are friendly and efficient. Try the local rum.
Entertainment is great, wonderful singers and bands. The fire-eating and limbo show was fun! Guests also speak highly of the “beach party” with pig roasting.
Great selection of water & land activities. Guests enjoyed golf, tennis, scuba, snorkeling, paddle boards and kayaking, etc.
The golf course is nice and the greens-fee is included in your resort stay.
The golf club staff are extremely friendly and helpful. They can also offer advice on improving your game (if needed).
Sandals La Toc has a shower/ changing area that you can use on departure day (after you check out of your room) so that you can still enjoy the beach before you leave.
Food is great!
Special dietary needs are taken care of with no issues.
Pizza by the pool is delicious.
The following restaurants were highly regarded: Armandos, La Toc, Piton and Soy.
Massages at the spa were nice and relaxing.
Very clean gym. Had good equipment and weights. Terry is a great trainer and there were a lot of options for classes. Terry provided nicely structured workouts.
Resort has a nice jogging trail.
Guests recommended the private car or helicopter transfer to/ from the airport. Both can be booked through Sandals. Previous guests thought this was well worth the money.
This resort is between 60-90 minutes from the airport. Route is curvy and hilly – bring Dramamine if you’re prone to motion sickness.
The check-in / check-out process seemed slow for some guests.
Some guests felt overwhelmed by all of the options upon their arrival and wished they had received a tour and sample menus from all of the restaurants in a “welcome packet” of sorts.
The pools don’t seem to be heated, and can be chilly in winter months (and even summer months).
A few guests wished they had known that snorkeling and scuba required a 20-30 minute shuttle ride to the other side of the Castries.
A few guests were annoyed with how often spa and photo sales were pushed.
The photo packages are too expensive.
The spa is pricey and the additional 12.5% service charge on top of package charge almost makes it not worth it.
Butler service was hit or miss. It depended on the butler and how busy the overall resort was. Some guests said having a butler was worth the upgrade, while others didn’t feel they were treated any differently than other guests – other than sun lounger reservations.
There seemed to be a lack of service at the pool and on the beach – guests had to visit a bar or restaurant for food and drinks.
Room service is not available for all room-types.
Restaurants are only accessible by stairs. This resort isn’t very handicap friendly.
The shuttles to the other Sandals resorts don’t start until 11am, so you can’t have a “full day” at another resort.
The honeymoon hideaways are private, but they are really far away from activities.
Some guests felt that La Toc was in need of more “luxury amenities” such as hammocks, swings and beach floats – which they currently do not have.
In some of the rooms, water leaks out of the shower – soaking the entire bathroom floor.
Maintenance crews are present all over the resort. While they are working hard to improve the upkeep of the resort, some guests felt it took away from the romantic vibe when they saw them right outside their room’s window.
Getting a sun lounger by the pool or on the beach was hit or miss. Some days were busier than others, but guests said that most chairs were already reserved by 7:30am and they didn’t like having to wake up early on holiday just to save chairs.
Only the greens-fee is the “all-inclusive” part of the golf course. You will need to pay additional money for clubs and a caddie if you want them.
There were guests smoking by the pools (and not in the designated areas). It also irritated some guests that the resort staff didn’t make the smokers move.
No ATM on property for you to be able to get cash.
Other Considerations
Upon arrival, you’ll proceed to the Sandals desk or lounge, conveniently located at both International Airports serving Saint Lucia. Your complimentary transfer to and from the resort will be arranged by Sandals. Transfer time from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is about 120 minutes. If flying into the closer airport (Vigie – SLU) then the transfer time to the properties is 15 – 20 minutes.
Be aware that there are non-sandals workers at the airport who will ask you if you are going to Sandals. They will then carry your luggage ~10 feet to the Sandals Lounge – and then ask for a tip. These “luggage carriers” are not actually associated with Sandals.
There is an exchange bureau at Sandals Regency La Toc. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the legal tender in Saint Lucia.
Resort has a dress code: Resort casual by day, resort elegant by night. So while the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swim suits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required (although elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants).
Guests say that this resort requires a decent amount of walking and is very hilly.
Shuttle service around the resort is offered approximately every 10 minutes for guests because the resort is so spread out. The butlers will take their guests around on a golf cart.
Guests reported that this resort sees a lot of destination weddings and honeymoons.
This resort skews “younger” in terms of age demographics. Quite a few newlyweds.
Not all rooms have a place for you to hang your wet bathing suits.
Note the difference between oceanfront rooms and oceanview rooms – as the views from each of these room types will be different.
Guests report that if you want a private/ relaxing room – try getting a room located in the sunset bluff area.
Guests are encouraged to make restaurant reservations upon their arrival. Restaurants quickly book up.