When I’m at bridal shows in Orange County or the Inland Empire, I love to feature Sandals Resorts, because they are perfect for honeymoons or romantic vacations. They are all-inclusive, luxury resorts for adult-couples only, which is hard to find elsewhere. So, there are no kids and only king sized beds. They’re all on a gorgeous beach, somewhere in the English speaking Caribbean. I’ve been to all 15 different Sandals resorts, so I can be a great resource for you. Since there is a brochure for every one of the resorts and then some, my table would be overflowing if I brought them all. I only bring my favorites.
What are my favorites, you ask? My favorite resort of them all is Sandals LaSource Grenada. Click here to read more about that. My favorite island where there are Sandals is St. Lucia, because there are three Sandals resorts there and you have shared privileges among the resorts, including transportation between them. So, you pay for one resort, but you get two more for free! You can eat in every restaurant, have a drink at every swim-up pool bar and lounge on every beach. You can also take advantage of the spa at each one, which usually will have a sauna and hot and cold plunge pool, all free to use. A romantic getaway in St. Lucia at Sandals resorts is an incredible value.
Tip: Your flight will arrive at the opposite end of the island. Avoid the long transfer time by booking a helicopter transfer to the airport that’s right next to the Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. Here’s a picture of my clients; Steve & Cathrine, who celebrated their 30th anniversary in St. Lucia.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, voted “St. Lucia’s Leading Resort” 12 years in a row, is the Sandals in St. Lucia that I recommend for couples that want the most romantic accommodations on the island. Here are two of my favorites:
The Beachfront Grande Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary gives you luxury and exclusivity, just steps from the mile long Pigeon Island Beach. You’ll have beautiful views of Rodney Bay. A rondoval is a cute, thatched roof, round suite. In this one you’ll have your own private plunge pool, hammock and outdoor shower. Inside, you’ll love the romantic four-poster canopy bed and relaxing lounging area with great beach views. There is a luxurious bathroom with a huge soaking tub and separate rain shower. This romantic suite comes with butler service and the butler can do all kinds of amazing things for you. Your butler can draw a romantic bubble bath with rose petals strewn around and have a bucket of champagne waiting for you. Your butler can also serve a private dinner to you and your mate beside your pool, course-by-course with white-glove service from your favorite restaurant on the property.
If you come to the resort with a group of friends or love to make lots of new friends when you travel, I recommend the President Clinton Oceanfront Penthouse Two Story Butler Suite for you. This residential suite is big enough for entertaining with a gigantic balcony and incredible views of Rodney Bay. It’s got a beautiful dining table that seats eight and a large living room area. All of this is separate from the master suite and there is an additional bedroom. I’m not sure what the extra bedroom is for, since there can only be two people booked per suite. You could invite your friends over for cocktails and dinner or throw a party. Your butler will be there to serve you and your guests, so you can simply enjoy the company.
Another reason why I love this resort is that it’s on the best beach with the calmest water of the three different Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. The resort sits on a peninsula. It has the rough Atlantic behind the property, but the other side, the Caribbean side, has a protected bay and the smoothest water for swimming and watersports. There’s also a beautiful, mile-long stretch of soft sand beach. Often when the beach is red-flagged at Sandals Regency La Toc, there’s a green flag at this beach, meaning it’s safe to swim.
Historic Fort Rodney sits at the tip of the peninsula and you can hike over to it. They charge a small admission fee of about $5, so bring a little cash with you. Fort Rodney was used in the 18th century by the British to spy on French ships going in and out of Martinique. I love this cute photo that one of my honeymoon couples; Jake & Nicole, took on their hike over to Fort Rodney. They sent it to me in a Christmas card.
Some of the romantic features of the resort are swinging daybeds nestled in the shade, gorgeous mountain and ocean views, long walks on the beach, chic fire pits, the Lover’s pool, beach cabanas and romantic gazebos scattered throughout the property. The Red Lane spa also offers some wonderful couples massages and also you can enjoy your massage in some of the outdoor settings, if you like.
Tip: The fire pit out on the pier at Gordon’s offers spectacular sunset views.
There are five freshwater swimming pools at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. The largest is the magnificent 7800 sq. ft. Sunset Pool. There are also four hot tubs available. You’ll love the meandering lagoon, which is sort of like a lazy river.
Tip: bring some big, inflatable inner tubes to enjoy the meandering lagoon.
There are lots of fun things you can do at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Watersports activities included here and at every Sandals are kayaks, Hobie cats (personal sized catamarans), snorkeling, paddle boarding and scuba diving. Because of the calm waters, the resort also offers some additional watersports that aren’t offered at most other Sandals. Those are windsurfing, waterskiing, Hydrobikes and kneeboarding. The resort offers lighted tennis courts, billiards, volleyball and a great fitness center. You can also golf at nearby Sandals Regency La Toc and that’s included. Greens fees are included. You just have to pay for your cart, clubs and caddy.
Note on the scuba diving at Sandals in St. Lucia: you will need to travel by included shuttle over to the marina for scuba diving. Also, many of the dive sites are an hour away from the marina. So, please keep this in mind as it does add quite a bit of time to your dive day. Call me at 909-255-1410 if your priority is booking the most convenient Sandals resorts for diving.
There are 12 restaurants and one bonus food cart to choose from at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Here’s a list of what the restaurants serve, opening hours, as well as the dress code, and which ones require reservations. Please see my tips below regarding making reservations.
| Barefoot By the Sea
Setting: Outdoor Beach Dining Type of Cuisine: Create your own Seafood Dinner Hours: 6:00PM – 9:30PM Dress Code: Resort Casual |
Bayside Restaurant
Setting: Indoor Dining Type of Cuisine: International Buffet for Breakfast and Lunch, French Brasserie for Dinner, served A la Carte Breakfast [Buffet]: 7:30AM – 11:00AM Lunch: [Buffet]: 12:30PM – 2:30PM Dinner: 6:00PM – 9:30PM Dress Code for Breakfast and Lunch: Resort Casual Dress Code for Dinner: Resort Evening Attire |
Bombay Club
Setting: Air-conditioned Indoor Dining Type of Cuisine: Indian Dinner: 6:00PM – 10:00PM, Closed on Wednesdays Dress Code: Resort Evening Attire Reservations Required
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| Dino’s
Setting: Outdoor Dining Type of Cuisine: Pizzas made fresh to order Opens: 11:00AM – 6:00PM Dress Code: Resort Casual |
Gordon’s on the Pier
Setting: Indoor and Outdoor Dining Type of Cuisine: Grilled specialties Dinner: 6:00PM – 9:00PM Dress Code: Resort Evening Attire Reservations Required |
The Jerk Shack
Setting: Outdoor Dining Authentic Jamaican Jerk Specialties: Offering a rustic jerk shack atmosphere, open exhibition kitchen Opens: 11:00AM – 4:00PM Dress Code: Resort Casual |
| Josephine’s Creperie
Setting: Indoor air-conditioned and Outdoor Dining Type of Cuisine: Smoothies and Crepes made to order, desserts, afternoon tea & specialty coffees Opens: 6:00AM – 6:00PM on Monday 6:00AM – 10:00PM on Tuesday through Sunday Dress Code: Resort Casual |
Kimonos
Setting: Indoor air-conditioned Dining Type of Cuisine: Japanese Teppanyaki Opens: 6:00PM – 10:00PM Closed on Mondays Dress Code: Resort Casual Reservations Required |
The Mariner Seaside Bar and Grill
Setting: Outdoor Beach Dining Type of Cuisine: Beach Grill Lunch: 11:00AM – 4:30PM Dress Code: Resort Casual. Barefeet are allowed |
| Olde London Pub
Setting: Air Conditioned Indoor Dining Type of Cuisine: British Gastro Pub Cuisine Dinner: 5:00PM – 10:00PM Late Night Snacks: 10:15PM – 2:00AM Dress Code: Resort Casual |
Soy
Setting: Air Conditioned Indoor Dining Type of Cuisine: Sushi Dinner: 6:00PM – 10:00PM Closed on Thursdays Dress Code: Resort Casual |
Toscanini’s Restaurant
Setting: Indoor and Outdoor Dining Type of Cuisine: Italian for Dinner Breakfast: [A la Carte]: 8:00AM – 11:00AM Dinner: [A la Carte]: 6:00PM – 9:00PM Dress Code for Breakfast: Resort Casual Dress Code for Dinner: Resort Evening Attire |
Bonus: Doggies Hot Dog Stand [Opposite the Beach Bar], Open Daily: 12:00Noon – 5:00PM
Dining Tip: If you have a butler; when you arrive, ask to have your dinners scheduled for the week, at your preferred time. Reserve at least one night for romantic in-suite dining. If you don’t have a butler, make reservations at those restaurants that require them right after you check-in, so you don’t have to worry about it and you don’t miss out.
