As a frequent traveler and avid resort enthusiast, I’m excited to share my experience at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian all-inclusive resort.
Nestled on the picturesque shores of St. Lucia, this luxurious paradise offers an unforgettable getaway for couples seeking romance and adventure. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning Caribbean views and the warm, welcoming staff dedicated to providing top-notch service.
In my review, I’ll dive into the resort's exceptional accommodations, featuring elegant suites with breathtaking ocean views and private balconies. The dining experience at Sandals is nothing short of spectacular, with a diverse selection of culinary options that cater to every palate. I was particularly impressed by the authentic local flavors and the innovative dishes prepared by world-class chefs.
For those looking to unwind, the resort boasts pristine beaches, luxurious pools, and rejuvenating spa services, ensuring that relaxation is never out of reach. Additionally, the abundance of activities, from water sports to land excursions, guarantees that adventure seekers will find plenty to keep them entertained.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a romantic escape, my detailed review of Sandals Grande St. Lucian will provide you with all the insights you need to make an informed decision about your next vacation.
Sandals Grande St Lucian: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Location and Setting in St. Lucia
Located on a causeway between Rodney Bay and the serene waters of the Caribbean Sea, the resort is surrounded by lush landscapes and stunning views.
To the west lies Pigeon Island National Park, a historic and scenic site perfect for a day trip. To the east, guests can enjoy the calm waters of Rodney Bay, a natural lagoon where the ocean meets the shore. The resort’s location offers the best of both worlds — tranquil beachfront relaxation and easy access to the lively culture and history of St. Lucia’s northern coast.
Transportation and Getting to the Resort
Most international flights arrive at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), located about 90 minutes from Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
The resort provides complimentary transfers, but guests can also opt for a private helicopter transfer, significantly reducing travel time while offering stunning aerial views of the island.
Flights From the United States
- Airports: Fly into Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) or George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU).
- Direct Flights: Non-stop flights are available from cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Boston.
- Transfer: Sandals provides complimentary transfers from UVF (about 120 minutes) and SLU (15–20 minutes) to the resort.
Flights From Europe
- Airports: Most travelers will connect through major hubs like London or Amsterdam before flying to UVF.
- Flight Duration: Expect a total travel time of approximately 10–12 hours, including layovers.
- Transfer: Utilize Sandals’ complimentary transfer service upon arrival at UVF.
Flights From Asia
- Airports: Travel typically involves multiple connections, often through major cities like Tokyo or Hong Kong to a U.S. hub, then onto UVF.
- Flight Duration: Total travel time can exceed 20 hours, depending on layovers.
- Transfer: Similar to other regions, Sandals offers free transfers from UVF to the resort.
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Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort Map
Proximity to Key Locations
- Rodney Bay Marina: 10-minute drive
- Pigeon Island National Park: Adjacent to the resort, a short walk away
- Castries (St. Lucia’s capital): 30-minute drive
- Hewanorra International Airport: About 90 minutes by car
Accommodation Options and Room Types
Sandals Grande St Lucian: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
At Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the variety of accommodation caters to different preferences and budgets.
The rooms range from luxury beachfront suites to the exclusive overwater bungalows — a rare feature in the Caribbean. Here’s a breakdown of some popular room categories:
- Overwater Bungalows: The epitome of luxury, these stunning bungalows are perched directly over the Caribbean Sea and feature glass floor panels, a private deck, an outdoor soaking tub, and 24-hour butler service.
- Beachfront Grande Rondoval Butler Suites: These circular villas offer direct beach access, private plunge pools, and butler service for an ultra-exclusive experience.
- Caribbean Beachfront Walkout Rooms: Located steps away from the beach, these rooms provide private patios with garden or ocean views, perfect for guests who love the idea of immediate beach access.
- Club Level Rooms: These suites offer ocean views, spacious interiors, and Club Sandals concierge service, providing access to exclusive amenities and services.
Room Amenities Include:
- Plush king-sized beds
- Private balconies or patios
- Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
- Marble-appointed bathrooms
- Complimentary stocked mini-bars
- Air-conditioning and ceiling fans
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Dining Experiences and Restaurant Reviews
One of the standout features of Sandals Grande St. Lucian is its 12 gourmet dining options, offering a mix of international cuisines and local Caribbean flavors.
The resort ensures that every meal feels special, with culinary options that range from casual to fine dining. Here’s a quick overview of some popular restaurants:
- Gordon’s on the Pier: A fine-dining over-the-water restaurant known for its elegant seafood dishes, exclusively available to guests in Butler-level suites.
- Barefoot by the Sea: A relaxed, beachfront restaurant serving Caribbean seafood with your toes in the sand — perfect for a romantic sunset meal.
- The Jerk Shack: For a more local experience, this casual eatery offers authentic Jamaican jerk meats, spicy sauces, and refreshing drinks.
- Toscanini’s: An upscale Italian restaurant serving freshly made pasta, rich risottos, and delectable desserts in a charming open-air setting.
Dining Highlights
- Unlimited premium liquors and a diverse wine selection.
- 24-hour room service for butler suites.
- Variety of dietary options: gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly menus.
Activities and Amenities Available at the Resort
Sandals Grande St Lucian: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
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Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers an impressive range of water sports and activities to cater to adventurous spirits. Whether you prefer lounging by the pool or getting your adrenaline pumping, there’s something for everyone:
Water Sports
- Scuba diving (included for certified divers)
- Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking
- Windsurfing, sailing, and waterskiing
- Hobie Cat® rentals for sailing around Rodney Bay
Land-Based Activities
- Beach volleyball and tennis
- Golf at the Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Club
- Red Lane® Spa treatments, offering a full menu of massages, facials, and body treatments
- Yoga classes and a state-of-the-art fitness center
Beach and Pool Areas
The resort boasts one of the best beaches in St. Lucia, with long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The beachfront is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or taking part in water activities. The ocean-facing pools offer stunning views, with the main lagoon pool featuring a swim-up bar and in-water loungers.
Pool Options
- Four swimming pools, including a massive lagoon-style pool
- Three whirlpools
- A lively swim-up bar with entertainment and drinks flowing all day
Customer Service and Staff Interactions
Guests often praise the attentive and professional staff at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
The butler service, available for higher-tier rooms, receives particularly high marks for creating a personalized, worry-free experience. From arranging romantic dinners to ensuring your sunbed is reserved, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure comfort and convenience.
Pros and Cons of Staying at the Resort
Pros
- Stunning location with picturesque views and beachfront access
- Extensive dining options with gourmet, international cuisine
- Luxurious accommodation including overwater bungalows and butler suites
- All-inclusive amenities like water sports, scuba diving, and spa services
- Perfect for romantic getaways like weddings and honeymoons
Cons
- Long transfer time from the airport (about 90 minutes)
- The resort may feel crowded during peak seasons
- Pricey upgrades for overwater bungalows and butler service
Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay
- Book early for the overwater bungalows, as they sell out quickly.
- Take advantage of the included activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Consider Club Sandals or Butler suites for exclusive perks and personalized service.
- Visit Pigeon Island National Park, right next to the resort, for stunning views and a taste of St. Lucia’s history.
Comparison to Other Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia
St. Lucia is home to three Sandals resorts: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Halcyon Beach, and Sandals Regency La Toc. Each has its own distinct vibe:
- Sandals Halcyon Beach: Known for its intimate and laid-back atmosphere, this resort offers a quieter experience.
- Sandals Regency La Toc: Ideal for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a more secluded retreat with cliffside villas.
While Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers the most beachfront access and a lively social atmosphere, the other resorts cater to guests seeking more intimacy or golf-centric vacations.
Guests staying at any Sandals resort in St. Lucia can use the amenities of the other two through the Stay at One, Play at Three program.
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Sandals Grande St Lucian: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
Best Times to Visit and Weather Considerations
St. Lucia enjoys warm temperatures year-round, but the best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest.
The summer months can be hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain, especially from June to November, which is also the hurricane season.
Value for Money and Pricing
With all-inclusive packages covering dining, drinks, activities, and transfers, Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers good value for money.
While upgrades such as butler service and overwater bungalows come with a steep price tag, the overall experience is luxurious and stress-free.
Things to know before you arrive — Checklist
ARRIVALS
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.
Included Airport Transfers
Climb aboard your air-conditioned bus and enjoy your included roundtrip transfer from either airport in Saint Lucia. The ride takes less than 15 minutes from Vigie Airport (SLU) and about 120 minutes from Hewanorra Airport (UVF).
BUTLER GUESTS
If you have booked a butler-level room category, you can expect unimaginably supreme standard of service and luxury. As part of the extra pampering, you can inform your butler about some personal preferences before you arrive at the resort, after booking. As a butler guest, even your luggage gets special treatment. As such, make sure you have a name tag on all your luggage pieces, including your carry-on items.
CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUTS
If you arrive before check-in, we’ll hold your luggage so you can begin your all-inclusive vacation right away. Check-out time is 11:00a.m. If your flight departs later, you can also leave your luggage with us and spend as much time as possible beside the sea, soaking up the sun.
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).
CURRENCY
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, i.e. VISA®, MasterCard® and American Express®.
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CHARGE IT
Although everything is included, you may also want to enjoy optional on-site and off-site experiences, spa treatments, and make phone calls or purchases in our gift shops. We accept most major credit cards (MC, VISA and AMEX) at the spas, gift shops, photo shops, and the front desk. We also accept cash and Traveler’s checks at the front desk, as well as cash at the gift shops.
SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES
Safe deposit boxes are included in every room. Guests with jewelry and/or cash are advised to store all valuables in safe deposit boxes as Sandals cannot be held responsible.
WI-FI COVERAGE AND INTERNET ACCESS
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.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Caribbean temperatures are warm year-round. Daytime average: 82°F, 28°C. Nighttime average: 72°F, 22°C.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
220 volts, 50 cycles in Saint Lucia. But don’t worry, we provide 110 volts outlets in every room, so all your electric items will work just fine. Hair dryers are already included in every room, so you may leave that out of your packing list.
VISA & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
All travelers will require a valid passport. Please check for any other necessary visa or documentation requirements on sandals.com/passports.
TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Tips and gratuities are strictly prohibited for all staff except personal butlers and spa therapists. In the event you wish to tip your butler, it will be greatly appreciated but under no circumstance will a tip be required or solicited.
PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED
Sandals will try to accommodate the special needs of guests to the best of our abilities. Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort can also provide special equipment. We must have approximately 60 days notice prior to your arrival to facilitate your requests. For a detailed list of available equipment and further information, please call Unique Vacations at 1–888-SANDALS.
MEDICAL STAFF
There is a Registered Nurse on the premises at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort with daily office hours. For an additional charge, a qualified physician is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. If there is any prior medical history, medication that is needed or present illness Sandals should be aware of, please notify Sandals prior to your arrival.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack lightly; one large suitcase with a carry-on is ideal. Casual wear is perfect, except for formal nights, theme nights, and restaurants that require full-length pants and collared shirts; the dress code is listed under each restaurant description.
Sandals Grande St Lucian: BOOKING EXPEDIA HOTELS
GIFT SHOPS
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.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Gift items are available including flower arrangements, champagne and gift baskets. Items can be ordered by calling Unique Vacations at 1–888-SANDALS.
LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort provides optional laundry and dry cleaning services. Price lists and laundry bags are provided in every room. Notify housekeeping and your laundry will be returned within 24 hours, dry cleaning within 72 hours.
SCUBA DIVING
Top-of-the-line equipment for scuba diving is included; however, you’re welcome to bring your own. You must remember your diver certification cards to enjoy full diving privileges. If you have any contra-indications to diving you must have a doctor complete, sign and affix stamp/seal the physician section on the medical questionnaire form before you will be allowed to dive at any of our resorts.
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Private car service
Private airport transfers in a luxury car is available at an additional cost for all guests. Please call 1–888-SANDALS or contact your travel agent for more information.
DEPARTURE
If your plane leaves in the afternoon or is delayed, you’re welcome to enjoy the amenities at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort until your airport transfer arrives.
Celebrate memorable moments
Colombian Emeralds International a leader in luxury travel retail for 40 years, offers an award-winning customer service experience, along with the finest gemstone jewelry and watches at Tax and Duty Free prices. Take advantage of our convenient location on the resort property.
SANDALS FOUNDATION
The Sandals Foundation is dedicated to working closely with neighbors, civic leaders, employees, travelers and partners to harness resources, energy, skills and passion in our lasting commitment to the Caribbean. Learn how you can give back through programs like Pack for a Purpose®, Reading Road Trip and more.
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
Our beautiful golf courses in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas are truly a golfer’s paradise. Contact the resort after booking to schedule your next tee time.
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Guest Experiences and Testimonials
Many guests rave about the resort’s romantic ambiance, excellent service, and breathtaking scenery.
Kelly G — THE BEST EXPERIENCE!! 10/10 RECOMMEND
I visited for my honeymoon and it was THE BEST. Everyone was so nice and fun and made it the greatest vacation. The burlesque show was AMAZING. Yannick, our photographer, took the best photos EVER! The poolside entertainment is UNMATCHED! We absolutely loved having all the activities at our finger tips. We water skied, wake boarded, paddle boarded, wind surfed, and sailed. It was the perfect amount of activities to relaxation. Highly recommend staying for 5–6 nights to get the best and full experience. Make sure to say hey to Mauka, Kelvin, and Neville the Devil for us (they’re awesome!!). And don’t forget to visit Peter at the pool bar and upstairs bar for the best cocktails you’ve ever had!!
Fred S — Perfect trip
I was asked for input on a way to improve my visit I can’t come up with one. Excellent resort . Staff is very friendly they make you feel at home. Awesome place to stay. We were on our 30th wedding anniversary and her birthday they knocked it out of the park for us.
Nicole V — Wonderful all around
The resort was very clean and had plenty of pools and restaurants. The food was delicious and there was a lot of variety offered. The drinks were made with real alcohol that I had heard of and not only things exclusive to the island. The customer service was good, there was always someone willing to help and everyone who worked at the resort greeted us every time they saw us. Can’t wait to explore other Sandals resorts.
Testimonials often highlight the friendly staff, diverse dining options, and the variety of activities offered. However, some mention that the resort can feel a bit crowded, particularly during peak season.
Overall Rating of the Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort: 4.8/5
Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers a truly unforgettable experience for couples looking for a romantic Caribbean retreat.
With its prime location, variety of dining options, luxurious accommodations, and endless activities, it’s no wonder the resort continues to attract rave reviews. Despite minor drawbacks like travel time from the airport and seasonal crowds, this all-inclusive haven delivers a memorable vacation.
Perfect for Foodie Couples and Beachfront stays fans
If you’re seeking a luxury beachfront getaway, complete with butler service, overwater bungalows, and gourmet dining, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach All Inclusive Resort — Couples Only
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Sandals Grande St. Lucian Reviews: Caribbean All-inclusive In-Depth Look
