Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (2024)

Table of Contents
Pros Cons Bottom Line Hotel & Amenities Photos Amenities Oyster Awards Oyster Hotel Review Scene Upscale, all-inclusive couples resort with a stunning location and a slew of amenities Location On a mile-long peninsula of white-sand beach on St. Lucia's northwest coast, close to Pigeon Island National Park Rooms Rooms have beautiful colonial-influenced Caribbean style; some have butler service or private lounge access Features One of the most amenity rich all-inclusive resorts on St. Lucia Airport Transportation Free transfers to and from St. Lucia's airports Pools Four pools, all with their own vibe Our Favorite Gear and Outfits for St. Lucia Caribbean Rookie Mistakes Outfit Floppy Straw Hat Travel T Dress Saylors Stainless Steel Water Bottle Sandals Men’s Summertime Daywear Pocket T Khaki Shorts Golf Hat Travel Size Sunscreen Shoes Our Favorite Gear and Outfits for St. Lucia Two Piece Swimsuit Beach Sandals Sunglasses Beach Tote Mineral Sunscreen Powder Women’s Warm Weather Outfit Floppy Straw Hat Travel T Dress Saylors Sunscreen Lip Balm Sandals Mens Beach Resort Essentials Tanktop Swim Trunks Sunglasses Sling Bag Beach Sandals Travel Gear Essentials The Everywhere Bag The Carry-On Toiletry Bottles Passport Wallet Dopp Kit This Hotel Also Featured In Oyster Hotel Review Scene Upscale, all-inclusive couples resort with a stunning location and a slew of amenities Location On a mile-long peninsula of white-sand beach on St. Lucia's northwest coast, close to Pigeon Island National Park Rooms Rooms have beautiful colonial-influenced Caribbean style; some have butler service or private lounge access Features One of the most amenity rich all-inclusive resorts on St. Lucia Airport Transportation Free transfers to and from St. Lucia's airports Pools Four pools, all with their own vibe Amenities Airport Transportation Beach Beauty / Hair Salon Business Center Cabanas Cable Concierge Fitness Center Free Breakfast Internet Kids Allowed Laundry Meeting / Conference Rooms Pool Poolside Drink Service Room Service Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space Spa Tennis Court FAQs References

Pros

  • All water sports (including waterskiing and scuba) included in the all-inclusive rates
  • Gorgeous white-sand beach with dead-on views of Pigeon Island
  • 12 restaurants ranging from barefoot beach casual to fine dining
  • Four pool areas, each with its own specific vibe
  • Access to amenities at two other Sandals resorts
  • Peninsula location that allows views of the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean
  • Huge fire pits over the water surrounded by comfortable lounge seating
  • Club Level Rooms with 24-hour lounge access; some rooms have butler service
  • Walking distance to Pigeon Island, where guests can hike and explore
  • Airport transfers are included in the room rate
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • Overwater wedding chapel

See MorePros

Cons

  • Private beach cabanas come with concierge but cost extra
  • The gym is on the small side (only two elliptical machines) for such a large property
  • It's a large property that requires a lot of walking
  • The main pool can get crowded and noisy with imbibing young couples
  • Wine enthusiasts will want to upgrade to the enhanced Manager's Wine list

See MoreCons

Bottom Line

The newest of the three Sandals resorts on St. Lucia, Sandals Grande is a 301-room, upscale, couples-only resort that's set on a peninsula adjacent to Pigeon Island, a historic national landmark. Its signature pool with a huge tower and swim-up bar is the center of the action, a place where young honeymooners mix and mingle. Three other (quieter) pool areas, a slew of water sports (including unlimited scuba), a beautiful spa, and 12 restaurants, including an authentic British Pub, help keep guests occupied. Club Level and Butler Level rooms are available for upgraded service.

See MoreBottom Line

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Cascade and Sunset Pools
Lagoon Pool
Main pool
Caribbean Beachfront Suite
William Jefferson Clinton Suite
Restaurants and Bars
Ocean View Penthouse
The Hotel
Amenities
Lover's Pool
Swim Up Lover's Lagoon Honeymoon Room
Beach
Grande Rondaval Butler Suite with Private Pool
Caribbean Honeymoon Beachview Penthouse

Amenities

See More Amenities

Oyster Awards

  • Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Gros Islet, Gros Islet Quarter
  • Best All-Inclusive Resorts in St. Lucia
  • Best Luxury Hotels in Gros Islet, Gros Islet Quarter
  • Best Luxury Hotels in St. Lucia
  • Best Beach Hotels in Gros Islet, Gros Islet Quarter
  • Best Beach Hotels in St. Lucia
  • Most Romantic Hotels in Gros Islet, Gros Islet Quarter

Oyster Hotel Review

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Hotel Class:Luxury

Scene

Upscale, all-inclusive couples resort with a stunning location and a slew of amenities

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (15)

Checking in at Sandals Grande is akin to being set free in an adult wonderland. At first glance, it's sensory overload -- a pool with a huge tower rising from its center, a long white sand beach, stretching piers with fire pits, eight restaurants, and a laundry list of water sports.

When the excitement settles, guests seem to find their place at the resort. Young, active, honeymooning couples head to the main pool to party at the swim-up bar, play volleyball, and mingle, while more mature couples seeking a less hectic scene head to the quieter pools or seek serenity within the cocoons of a beachfront cabana.

Guests won't lack for activities. Those already certified in scuba can partake in up to two dives daily, and other water sports include windsurfing, sailing, paddle-boarding, and water skiing. Dining options include fine dining with white-gloved service at an over-the-water restaurant, chocolate crepes at a French-style bistro, and burgers at Barefoot, where you can sink your feet in the sand and stare down a variety of artfully carved mermaids. Three dining options: Bombay Club (Indian), Soy Sushi Bar, and Kimonos (Japanese) were added after our visit.

Candlelit beachside dinners for couples and regular group activities are also on the agenda. Evenings include a rotating calendar of activities that bring out the crowds, including a particularly popular late-night chocolate buffet.

See MoreScene

Location

On a mile-long peninsula of white-sand beach on St. Lucia's northwest coast, close to Pigeon Island National Park

The resort is located about six miles northwest of Castries, St. Lucia's capital city. It sits on a peninsula between Pigeon Island (a national park and landmark) and Rodney Bay on St. Lucia's northwest coast. Views of the Atlantic and the Caribbean can be seen from the property.

  • 8-minute walk to Pigeon Island National Park
  • 7-minute drive to Rodney Bay Village
  • 11-minute drive to Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort
  • 20-minute drive to George F. L. Charles Airport
  • 23-minute drive to Sandals La Toc Spa and Beach Resort
  • 90-minute drive to Hewanorra International Airport

See MoreLocation

Rooms

Rooms have beautiful colonial-influenced Caribbean style; some have butler service or private lounge access

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (16)

The resort's 301 rooms and suites fall into 16 different categories with three levels of service. Guests of butler-serviced rooms and suites are given a cell phone that allows them to dial up a dedicated butler whenever they desire to request help with anything -- from ordering drinks poolside to booking spa treatments and dinner reservations to having rose petals spread across their duvets post-dinner.

The Concierge Level, the resort's second tier of service, allows guests access to Club Sandals. The private club lounge is an air-conditioned haven where guests can grab a beverage and a snack and meet privately with the concierge to make reservations for dinner, the spa, and excursions.

Entry-level rooms do not have access to butlers or Club Sandals, but guests here can still access everything else on the property -- including Gordon's fine dining seafood restaurant, included in rates.

All rooms feature colonial Caribbean style with four-poster, king-size beds draped with breezy white fabric and carved mahogany furniture. The neutral color palette incorporates light-colored tile floors, textured rugs, pale blue or yellow walls, quality white duvets, and chairs and sofas covered in rich blue and taupe fabrics. All rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, mini-fridges stocked with beverages, coffeemakers, and either balconies or patios.

Room types vary by size and view and are scattered throughout the property. Among the most luxurious are the Grande Rondovals. Set on opposite borders of the property close to the beach, they feature large circular bedroom and living areas, huge bathrooms with deep tubs, walk-in showers, and two vanities. Also included with the Rondovals are private outdoor pool decks with plunge pools, hot tubs, hammocks, and outdoor showers. Other notable accommodations include the two-bedroom President Clinton Oceanfront Penthouse (he visited the island and prime minister in 2003) with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and the Swim-Up Lover's Lagoon Rooms, which offer direct access to the pool from the patio.

See MoreRooms

Features

One of the most amenity rich all-inclusive resorts on St. Lucia

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (17)

Sandals possesses the largest water sports operation in the Caribbean and guests of Sandals Grande will find a long list of water activities to keep them occupied. Divers already certified can take advantage of daily dives while others can sign up to get scuba certified (for a fee). Waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and windsurfing cater to active guests while the more leisurely oriented can partake in snorkeling and lounging in a giant seaside hot tub.

Other noteworthy amenities at the resort include 12 restaurants, a signature RedLane Spa, an overwater wedding chapel (added after our visit), and an adequate (somewhat small) fitness center.

See MoreFeatures

Airport Transportation

Free transfers to and from St. Lucia's airports

The resort's rate includes airport transportation in a group van. Those seeking privacy can book a ride in a luxury vehicle for fee. This service is included with butler-serviced rooms.

See MoreAirport Transportation

Pools

Four pools, all with their own vibe

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (18)

The main pool with its signature Sandals tower (large logo included) is the social hub for young, honeymooning couples who like to party and mingle. It has a swim-up bar, water-spouting dolphin statues, a ring of tightly packed lounge chairs, and a private club-like room at the top of the tower.

An adjacent grouping of pools and whirlpool, separated from the main pool by a small bridge, are surrounded by landscaping and palm trees. They offer a quieter environment.

The Lovers Pool and whirlpool is an intimate lagoon-style pool sheltered by greenery. It is rarely crowded and lounge chairs are spread out around the pool's edges.

The Lagoon Pool caters mostly to guests staying in the surrounding buildings where some of the rooms have direct swim-up access from their patios. It features collections of lounge chairs and pergolas.

See MorePools

Our Favorite Gear and Outfits for St. Lucia

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Hotel Class:Luxury

Scene

Upscale, all-inclusive couples resort with a stunning location and a slew of amenities

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (55)

Checking in at Sandals Grande is akin to being set free in an adult wonderland. At first glance, it's sensory overload -- a pool with a huge tower rising from its center, a long white sand beach, stretching piers with fire pits, eight restaurants, and a laundry list of water sports.

When the excitement settles, guests seem to find their place at the resort. Young, active, honeymooning couples head to the main pool to party at the swim-up bar, play volleyball, and mingle, while more mature couples seeking a less hectic scene head to the quieter pools or seek serenity within the cocoons of a beachfront cabana.

Guests won't lack for activities. Those already certified in scuba can partake in up to two dives daily, and other water sports include windsurfing, sailing, paddle-boarding, and water skiing. Dining options include fine dining with white-gloved service at an over-the-water restaurant, chocolate crepes at a French-style bistro, and burgers at Barefoot, where you can sink your feet in the sand and stare down a variety of artfully carved mermaids. Three dining options: Bombay Club (Indian), Soy Sushi Bar, and Kimonos (Japanese) were added after our visit.

Candlelit beachside dinners for couples and regular group activities are also on the agenda. Evenings include a rotating calendar of activities that bring out the crowds, including a particularly popular late-night chocolate buffet.

See MoreScene

Location

On a mile-long peninsula of white-sand beach on St. Lucia's northwest coast, close to Pigeon Island National Park

The resort is located about six miles northwest of Castries, St. Lucia's capital city. It sits on a peninsula between Pigeon Island (a national park and landmark) and Rodney Bay on St. Lucia's northwest coast. Views of the Atlantic and the Caribbean can be seen from the property.

  • 8-minute walk to Pigeon Island National Park
  • 7-minute drive to Rodney Bay Village
  • 11-minute drive to Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort
  • 20-minute drive to George F. L. Charles Airport
  • 23-minute drive to Sandals La Toc Spa and Beach Resort
  • 90-minute drive to Hewanorra International Airport

See MoreLocation

Rooms

Rooms have beautiful colonial-influenced Caribbean style; some have butler service or private lounge access

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (56)

The resort's 301 rooms and suites fall into 16 different categories with three levels of service. Guests of butler-serviced rooms and suites are given a cell phone that allows them to dial up a dedicated butler whenever they desire to request help with anything -- from ordering drinks poolside to booking spa treatments and dinner reservations to having rose petals spread across their duvets post-dinner.

The Concierge Level, the resort's second tier of service, allows guests access to Club Sandals. The private club lounge is an air-conditioned haven where guests can grab a beverage and a snack and meet privately with the concierge to make reservations for dinner, the spa, and excursions.

Entry-level rooms do not have access to butlers or Club Sandals, but guests here can still access everything else on the property -- including Gordon's fine dining seafood restaurant, included in rates.

All rooms feature colonial Caribbean style with four-poster, king-size beds draped with breezy white fabric and carved mahogany furniture. The neutral color palette incorporates light-colored tile floors, textured rugs, pale blue or yellow walls, quality white duvets, and chairs and sofas covered in rich blue and taupe fabrics. All rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, mini-fridges stocked with beverages, coffeemakers, and either balconies or patios.

Room types vary by size and view and are scattered throughout the property. Among the most luxurious are the Grande Rondovals. Set on opposite borders of the property close to the beach, they feature large circular bedroom and living areas, huge bathrooms with deep tubs, walk-in showers, and two vanities. Also included with the Rondovals are private outdoor pool decks with plunge pools, hot tubs, hammocks, and outdoor showers. Other notable accommodations include the two-bedroom President Clinton Oceanfront Penthouse (he visited the island and prime minister in 2003) with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and the Swim-Up Lover's Lagoon Rooms, which offer direct access to the pool from the patio.

See MoreRooms

Features

One of the most amenity rich all-inclusive resorts on St. Lucia

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (57)

Sandals possesses the largest water sports operation in the Caribbean and guests of Sandals Grande will find a long list of water activities to keep them occupied. Divers already certified can take advantage of daily dives while others can sign up to get scuba certified (for a fee). Waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and windsurfing cater to active guests while the more leisurely oriented can partake in snorkeling and lounging in a giant seaside hot tub.

Other noteworthy amenities at the resort include 12 restaurants, a signature RedLane Spa, an overwater wedding chapel (added after our visit), and an adequate (somewhat small) fitness center.

See MoreFeatures

Airport Transportation

Free transfers to and from St. Lucia's airports

The resort's rate includes airport transportation in a group van. Those seeking privacy can book a ride in a luxury vehicle for fee. This service is included with butler-serviced rooms.

See MoreAirport Transportation

Pools

Four pools, all with their own vibe

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (58)

The main pool with its signature Sandals tower (large logo included) is the social hub for young, honeymooning couples who like to party and mingle. It has a swim-up bar, water-spouting dolphin statues, a ring of tightly packed lounge chairs, and a private club-like room at the top of the tower.

An adjacent grouping of pools and whirlpool, separated from the main pool by a small bridge, are surrounded by landscaping and palm trees. They offer a quieter environment.

The Lovers Pool and whirlpool is an intimate lagoon-style pool sheltered by greenery. It is rarely crowded and lounge chairs are spread out around the pool's edges.

The Lagoon Pool caters mostly to guests staying in the surrounding buildings where some of the rooms have direct swim-up access from their patios. It features collections of lounge chairs and pergolas.

See MorePools

Amenities

  • Airport Transportation

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay (2024)

FAQs

When not to visit Saint Lucia? ›

St Lucia is usually warm and balmy throughout the year, but the hurricane season – which coincides with the rainy season – begins in June and runs until November.

What do people wear to Sandals in St. Lucia? ›

DRESS CODE

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).

What is the best month to go to St. Lucia? ›

The best time to visit Saint Lucia is in the high season, from Mid-December to Mid-April. During this season, you'll experience the most sunshine. If you are looking for a more laid-back vibe, the 'wet' season might be your pick during the months of June to November. Often you'll find accommodation at a lower rate.

How much do Sandals St. Lucia employees get paid? ›

The average Sandals Resorts salary ranges from approximately $39,195 per year (estimate) for a Reservations to $206,822 per year (estimate) for a Principal Auditor. The average Sandals Resorts hourly pay ranges from approximately $18 per hour (estimate) for a Cook to $47 per hour (estimate) for a Software QA Engineer.

What are the disadvantages of tourism in St Lucia? ›

Violent crime against tourists isn't unheard of and neither is petty theft. Robberies and break ins also do occur. Then there's the natural world to worry about such hurricanes. It seems paradise comes at a price!

What is the rainiest month in St Lucia? ›

Rainfall is highest during October with an average of 224mm in the month, but temperatures remain high with averages of between 30.7 Celsius in November and 31.6 Celsius in September.

How strict is the dress code at sandals? ›

Resort Casual: Shorts or jeans, t–shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and footwear required. Resort Evening: Dress pants or jeans for men, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar).

What can you not bring to St. Lucia? ›

Any items used for Black Magic, Occultism, Witchcraft or similar. Endangered species and any products thereof as outline by CITES. Firearms - an application needs to be made to the Commissioner of Police in Saint Lucia.

How far is Sandals Grande St. Lucian from the airport? ›

Getting to Sandals

Luckily Sandals already includes complimentary airport transfers in an approved shuttle so you are good to go! Without any stops, it is 1.5 hours to get to Sandals Grande St. Lucian from the main airport, Hewanorra International.

Which is the best side of St Lucia to stay? ›

Most of the best places to stay on St Lucia are dotted along the west coast of the island, where the tranquil blue seas promise fantastic snorkelling, sailing and swimming.

What is the best money to take to St Lucia? ›

The Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar is used on St Lucia and can be obtained at any bank. Most places accept US dollars, but change will be given in EC dollars. Most hotels, restaurants and larger stores accept credit cards, but local stores seldom do. Bank ATM machines will give EC dollars.

How many days is enough for St Lucia? ›

How Many Days is Enough for St Lucia? Try to spend at least one week in St. Lucia if you can. This way you can enjoy all of the island's major attractions while still taking some time to relax.

Why is Sandals no tipping? ›

Sandals and Beaches want to ensure all guests receive a quality resort experience, regardless if they tip, so with few exceptions Sandals and Beaches have a no tipping policy.

Why get a butler at Sandals? ›

Butler suites at Sandals offer the 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience, ideal for that special occasion! If you choose to stay in a suite of this category, you can expect that your butler will greet you on arrival with lemongrass-scented hand towels, welcome co*cktails or champagne, and even culinary treats.

How much does the average person make in St Lucia? ›

Average Wages

As of recent data, the average monthly salary for a worker in Saint Lucia typically falls within the range of 3,000 to 3,500 Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD), which is equivalent to roughly 1,110 to 1,295 US Dollars as per the current exchange rates.

What months are hurricane season in St Lucia? ›

Beryl is the second named storm in the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Earlier this month, Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall in northeast Mexico and killed four people.

Is it safe to travel to St Lucia right now? ›

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Saint Lucia.

Is September a bad time to go to St Lucia? ›

Rainy season is officially from June-November, but September and October are when the hurricanes are most likely to hit.

What is the safest Caribbean island? ›

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Tortola is considered one of the safest Caribbean islands. It's also the largest of the BVIs and home to luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and myriad things to do, like snorkeling, diving, shopping, and eating at tasty restaurants.

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