Planning a fun trip to Saint Lucia? Let me tell you, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a Sandals Resort on this beautiful and unique island. You can stay at Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach, or Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Did you know that you can move between these three resorts by hopping on a free shuttle, allowing you to enjoy all their activities and restaurants at no additional cost? Yep, there’s a lot to love about Saint Lucia!
This guide, however, focuses primarily on Sandals Grande St. Lucian and what this resort has to offer. Let’s start by saying that it’s likely the best resort in Saint Lucia for those who love a great beach and fantastic restaurants. Among the three Sandals resorts, this one offers the best dining options and probably the best beach as well. The beach, called Rodney Bay, features a long stretch of sand with calm waters, and it offers a beautiful view of Pigeon Island, a landmark of Saint Lucia.
Pigeon Island is a beautiful place to visit, by the way. Sure, you can visit even if you're staying at another Sandals Resort, but it’s great that Sandals Grande St. Lucian is so close to it. This is a perfect spot for those who want to connect with nature and enjoy hiking, as well as for anyone looking to capture stunning photos to remember the vacation of a lifetime.
Keep in mind that you can always contact us if you have any questions about Sandals Grande St Lucian. Want to know more about the restaurants, activities, rooms, or anything else about one of the best Sandals resorts out there? Just click the Request a Quote button and let’s talk. Reaching out is completely free, and you never pay extra when you book with a travel advisor like us.
This is also the best Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia for those seeking an extra level of luxury. I won’t claim that Sandals Grande St. Lucian is brand new or that the rooms have a super modern look. In fact, I think some updates could make it even better, but this seems to be the norm at Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia. Rooms are a bit more rustic, which helps keep prices lower. One perk of Sandals Grande St. Lucian? It’s the only Sandals resort on the island with overwater bungalows, perfect for those who want to relax and literally live above the ocean.
Keep in mind that this is a fairly spread-out resort, similar to Sandals Regency La Toc. You’ll need to walk a bit to get around, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. However, unlike Sandals Regency La Toc, this resort is mostly flat, so you won’t have to climb many stairs.
Getting to Sandals Grande St. Lucian also presents the same challenge as the other resorts on the island: the complimentary car transfer can take up to 90 minutes, and the winding roads aren't great for those prone to motion sickness. However, you can pay extra for a ferry transfer or even a helicopter ride, which cuts the travel time by more than half.
So, what do I think about Sandals Grande St. Lucian? I truly believe it ranks among the best Sandals resorts for anyone planning a trip to Saint Lucia. While it is the most expensive Sandals on the island, it also offers the largest number of restaurants (arguably the best ones), the best beach, and easy access to Pigeon Island.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Reviews
The Good
The most fancy Sandals in Saint Lucia: you read that right, my friend. This is the perfect spot for those seeking a touch more luxury in Saint Lucia. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is the only Sandals on the island with overwater bungalows, essentially houses built above the ocean. This means you can step right outside and practically dive into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. These rooms are pricier than standard accommodations, of course, but they elevate the romantic atmosphere to new heights.
Pigeon Island: Sandals Grande St. Lucian is also very close to Pigeon Island, a national park and landmark in Saint Lucia. There's now a man-made causeway that connects you to the island, which is just half a mile from the resort! You can explore, hike, take in the stunning views, and enjoy a romantic time with your significant other. Now, do they have pigeons there? I’m not sure.
Three Sandals Resorts: Staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian gives you the opportunity to visit the other two Sandals resorts for free, allowing you to enjoy all their activities and restaurants. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located in the northern part of the island, Sandals Halcyon Beach is more centrally located, and Sandals Regency La Toc is further south. Regency La Toc is about 30 minutes from Halcyon and an hour from Grande St. Lucian, with complimentary Sandals shuttles available to transport guests between the resorts.
Beach: This resort features a great beach, likely the best one among Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia. While it’s not a private beach, it is primarily used by resort guests. The beach is situated between Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay, boasting calm, crystal-clear waters and plenty of spots for you to relax on the sand.
Golf: I'm no Tiger Woods. In fact, my knowledge of golf mostly comes from playing Mario Golf on my Nintendo 64. But what I do know is that Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts. Just 25 minutes away from the resort, you'll find golf courses with complimentary transportation provided. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there are courses available for all skill levels.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad
Getting there: Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located in the north of the island, while the international airport is in the south. The journey can take up to 90 minutes, and due to the many hills in Saint Lucia, you’ll encounter a lot of winding roads. This can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness, so make sure to take your medicine before boarding the complimentary shuttle. Alternatively, you can pay extra to take a helicopter or ferry to Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Three Sandals Resorts at your disposal in Saint Lucia
Staying at a Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia means that you actually have access to three resorts, allowing you to enjoy the activities and restaurants offered at each one. Sandals Regency La Toc is located on the southernmost side, Sandals Halcyon Beach is centrally located, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian is farther to the north. The distance from Sandals Regency La Toc to Sandals Halcyon Beach is about 25 minutes, and from Sandals Regency La Toc to Sandals Grande St. Lucian is about 45 minutes.
The Pools at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grande St. Lucian features three main pools and two whirlpools. The main pool is large and lively, accommodating several guests, with a swim-up bar right in the middle. The swim-up bar receives great reviews, especially for its delicious drinks. While service can be a bit slow, I prefer waiting a little longer for amazing drinks. Remember that you need to wake up really early if you want to secure a chair by the pool - or let your butler do that in case you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite.
There’s also a lagoon pool right in front of some rooms, allowing you to step outside and take a swim immediately. These pools are decent, but they could use some renovation, as they often have cracked tiles. Still, they are more than sufficient if you just want to relax, and tend to be less crowded than the main pool.
How to get to Sandals Grande St. Lucian?
Flying to Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Most guests traveling to Saint Lucia will arrive at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), the island's largest airport, located about 90 minutes from the resort. Sandals provides complimentary transfers to and from the resort, regardless of room category.
There is also a smaller airport, George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), located just 20 minutes away from Grande St. Lucian.
Saint Lucia is located in the Caribbean, northwest of Barbados and slightly north of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. A flight from Miami to Saint Lucia takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Transportation Options to Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Helicopter transfers from the Airport to Sandals in Saint Lucia
You know what you could do in Saint Lucia if you hate long drives and tend to get motion sickness in a car? You can take a helicopter ride from the airport all the way to Sandals! The company “St Lucia Airport Helicopters” will get you there in half the time it would take by car, and you won’t have to worry about motion sickness. Just talk to the staff at the Sandals kiosk about helicopter transfers, and they’ll assist you.
Keep in mind that your luggage will need to go with the Sandals van, and a helicopter ride costs about $220 per guest. It’s an amazing way to kickstart your trip, with incredible views of the mountains.
Ferry boat transfers from the Airport to Sandals in Saint Lucia
Wait, you hate helicopters and are afraid of flying? No problem, you have another option! You can always take a ferry to the Sandals in Saint Lucia. A ferry transfer costs about $140 per guest and takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours to reach the resort. The trip is slow, but it's very quiet and offers a chance to admire the beautiful island and marine life. You can inquire about ferry options as soon as you disembark and approach the Sandals kiosk.
Where is Sandals Grande St. Lucian?
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located almost 43 miles away from UVF. That means that you are going to take around 90 min from the airport to your final destination, where you are welcomed by the staff and then taken to your private room. If you're staying in a Sandals Cub room, you have access to a private check in and they even give you a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located in Pigeon Island Gros Islet, St Lucia.
Staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers the most expensive rooms among Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia, but they remain affordable compared to newer options like Sandals Royal Barbados and others. As is the case with most Sandals resorts, you can choose from three categories: Sandals Luxury, Club Sandals, and Butler Elite Suites.
Luxury is actually the budget option, while Club Sandals tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The Butler Elite rooms offer guests their own private butler, who can make reservations for couples, bring meals to their rooms, and assist them in various ways during their stay.
Sandals Luxury rooms start at $320 per night, per guest, while Butler Elite Suites begin at $710. The overwater bungalows are the most expensive and luxurious option, starting at $1,900 per night, per guest. Some Butler Suites at Grande St. Lucian also feature either a private pool or a soaking tub, adding a nice touch.
Dining at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grande St Lucian offers 12 complimentary on-site restaurants, spread across the resort. You can also visit Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach and dine at their restaurants for free, bringing the total number of dining options available to you in Saint Lucia to 27.
Let’s list all the restaurants you can find at Grande St. Lucian, with the type of cuisine offered.
- Gordon’s on the Pier (Seafood)
- Bombay Club (Indian)
- Kimonos (Japanese Teppanyaki)
- Soy Sushi Bar (Sushi)
- Toscanini’s (Italian)
- Barefoot by the Sea (Seafood)
- The Mariner (Seaside Grill)
- Dino’s Pizzeria (Pizza)
- The Jerk Shack (Caribbean)
- Josephine’s (Creperie)
- Bayside (Brasserie)
- Olde London Pub (British Pub)
Only Toscanini’s requires resort evening attire; all the other restaurants have a resort casual dress code. Gordon’s on the Pier, Bombay, and Kimonos require reservations in advance. Be sure to book a spot as soon as you arrive at the resort, especially for Gordon’s, which is one of the best restaurants available.
Activities at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Like most Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia, you’ll find a very chill, relaxing atmosphere. Many people online say that the entertainment options are better at Sandals Grande St. Lucian compared to Halcyon Beach and Regency La Toc, and that’s true: there are more parties at night and a few surprises here. However, there aren’t any mind-blowing activities or unique offerings on-site.
That said, Pigeon Island is located just half a mile away and is a great place to explore and hike. You can also enjoy golf at Sandals Regency La Toc, which is about 30 minutes away, with complimentary shuttle service provided by Sandals. Besides that, you have access to typical activities like water sports, pool games, volleyball, and more.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Grande St. Lucian:
- Pigeon Island just half a mile away
- Golf
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaks
- Waterskiing
- Windsurfing
- Snorkeling
- Paddle Boarding
- Land Sports (tennis, table tennis, pool, beach volleyball)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Spa
Golf
One of the main reasons guests decide to stay at Sandals Grande St. Lucian is to relax and play golf. According to their official website, “guests staying at any of our St. Lucia resorts can enjoy free green fees and complimentary transfers to our 18-hole Cap Estate Golf & Country Club, a challenging golf course perfect for all levels of play.”. The golf courses are located only 25-30 minutes away from the main resort.
All guests at Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia receive complimentary green fees, but you'll need to pay for golf club rentals, a caddy, and a golf cart.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Weather Guide
Ahh, we love the Caribbean. I mean, everyone loves the Caribbean. The weather is great all year round, including in places like Jamaica, Barbados and Saint Vincent. Of course, things are not different in Saint Lucia.
In Saint Lucia, temperatures typically range from 77°F to 80°F throughout the year. February and March are the driest months, while August through October have the highest chances of rain. These rainy months are also generally more affordable, offering an advantage for travelers.
Hurricanes are a possibility in Saint Lucia, occurring about six times a year, but they rarely make landfall. The hurricane season spans September and October, with October being particularly wet, averaging 224mm of rainfall, which is significantly higher than any other month.
Best Times to visit Sandals Grande St. Lucian
February, March, and April are ideal months for a romantic vacation. These months offer the best combination of favorable weather and availability, with very low chances of rain. However, they are also among the most expensive times to visit. March, in particular, is known for its dry weather and lowest chance of rain throughout the year, but it is also the most costly month for a vacation in Saint Lucia, especially around Easter.
December through February are great months to visit. While it can be a bit windier, the chances of rain are very low. Water visibility is also excellent from December to April, making it a great time for snorkeling enthusiasts.
August through October have the highest chances of rain and are considered hurricane season. However, this period offers the most affordable room rates at Sandals. August is one of the hottest and sunniest months of the year, with maximum daily average temperatures reaching over 87°F. Wind speeds are also at their lowest during August through October.
If we had to pick the perfect months to visit, we’d probably go with December-March.
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Packing list for Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals Grande St. Lucian?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals Grande St. Lucian if:
- You love a good beach
- You like the idea of visiting and trying three different Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia
- You like playing golf
- You love the idea of an overwater bungalow
- You don’t mind moving around a lot
- You don’t mind that it takes a while to get to this resort from the airport
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Grande St. Lucian!
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