My stay at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
This was a trip I had booked years ago and have had to move it several times for different reasons, including COVID-19. However, as most things do – the timing ended up being perfect. Dustin and I were able to take 2 weeks of vacation away from the restaurant (because February is the slowest time of year and MVP Cheyna was able to run take-out for us while we were gone). So during week 1, I went to St. Lucia with my family while Dustin went to Vegas with some friends of ours. The second week, we met back together in Jamaica and had an incredible time that I will write about next. So for now – here is a write up about my time in St. Lucia.
Sandals Resorts
For those that may not know, I’ve been a Sandals fan for years now. I’ve been to almost all of them. So if you are trying to decide which one is for you… do some research by reading some of my other reviews. You are also welcome to message me on social media (@Katie.wineandweekends).
Overall
Sandals has 3 different resorts in St. Lucia – and typically, guests can go between each one for free. However, during COVID this was not an option. We were in St. Lucia for 6 nights and never really left the resort. Personally, I had no complaints about this because all I wanted to do on this trip was to relax. The staff was incredible and it was truly a magical way to reconnect and spend some quality, uninterrupted time with my family.
Getting there
The main downside to this trip was the fact that there is a 1.5-hour car ride from the airport to the resort (which is free and included with your booking with Sandals). But it gives you a good opportunity to see the real island and how the people live.
Family Time
We laughed and laughed all week – spending our days on the beach and our nights eating amazing food and watching the entertainment in the main lobby. My favorite past-time was asking each bartender to make me his or her “specialty” drink (because I never know what I want LOL). I also loved waking up before everyone else, grabbing a latte, and getting on the beach while everything was quiet.
Sandals are definitely known as couples resorts. However, don’t let that stop you from taking a friend-trip or a family-trip. We never felt weird or awkward as a family. There were quite a few wedding parties at the resort while we were there.
Dining
The dining experiences are what kept me returning to Sandals after so many years. They are certainly on the more pricy end of all-inclusive resorts, but the quality and experience is always incredible. I definitely recommend making dinner reservations when you first arrive (at any Sandals for that matter).
Gordon’s was our favorite restaurant by far – I had Jamaican Jerk Snapper! I was also pleasantly surprised by Bombay Club (the Indian Restaurant); it was my first time having Indian cuisine, so trying it at an all-inclusive resort was nice because I could try pretty much everything without paying for it! LOL
We also really enjoyed breakfast every day at Toscanini’s. But the lunch options were some of my absolute favorites… Dinos & the Jerk Shack had me coming back for snacks every day! Also, The Olde London Pub was open for late-night snacks until 2am!
Excursions & Water Sports
A few days in, we made a few new friends and decided to book a boat excursion with the guys at the Water Sports desk (shout out to Donovan & Junior). It was only $100/pp and they took the 6 of us out on a private boat for about 2 hours with drinks and snacks. They were a ton of fun and it was definitely worth the money! The sunset was amazing.
Sandals also offers free snorkeling trips each day and free diving for those certified (which has always been another huge plus for me at Sandals)! We took advantage of the snorkeling one day. The spot that we snorkeled at wasn’t far from the resort at all, but we were able to see a huge variety.
Beach Party
One of the most unique experiences that we got to take part in at Sandals Grande St. Lucian was the weekly beach party. They serve up fresh coconuts, have a DJ on the pier for, bring out a floating bar into the ocean, and facilitate an in-ocean beach party! It was a lot of fun and as a water person, I loved being able to listen to music and dance while still being in the water.
COVID-19
Overall, it was an incredible trip with my family. COVID did not effect our happiness while we were at the resort. Guests were to wear masks when going to dinner and when in the lobby, gift shop, or other inclosed spaces. However, the resort is mainly outdoors and open-aired – so we did not have to wear masks throughout the majority of our vacation. Sanitizing stations were very frequently located and you were required to sanitize at restaurants, gift shops, etc. before entering.
I am thankful and blessed to be able to spend this time with my family at the incredible Sandals Grande St. Lucian. I think it will be a while before I return anywhere like this, simply because life looks a lot different for me now than it once did. But I couldn’t be more thankful for where God has lead me and how he is using me in my own life these days.
As always, feel free to message me with any questions!
Until next time,
XO
Katie
Thank you so much for your review. I’m going to Sandals for the girls time in August. We are staying at The Halcyon in St. Lucia. We will take a ride over to LA Grande and book some of your suggested restaurants and excursions.
We are two weeks away from leaving for Mexico and trip just got canceled today. I remembered you and the fun we had in St.Lucia and decided to visit your blog for some ideas of some places we could go. Stumbled across this pic, man what a beautiful place! Hope to run into you again one day. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Absolutely! Hope y’all have fun on whatever you decide to do! If you have any questions let me know!!