Ever thought about visiting the beautiful island of Saint Lucia? Well, friend, let me tell you that you have three choices for your next vacation: Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Regency La Toc, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian. If you stay at one Sandals resort, you have complimentary shuttle access to visit the other two, allowing you to enjoy all their activities and restaurants and relax however you wish. That’s already a pretty awesome perk just for staying in Saint Lucia. They are also just 20 to 45 minutes away from each other, so you can even experience all three on the same day if you wish to do so!
This guide focuses on Sandals Halcyon Beach, and let me tell you, it’s the quietest and most peaceful of the Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia. It’s also the most compact, with everything close by and within easy reach. Plus, it’s very affordable, with rooms starting at about $240 per night, similar to Sandals Regency La Toc. If you’re looking for someplace small and intimate where you can relax, savor special moments with your significant other, and still save money, you can’t go wrong with Halcyon Beach.
Also, keep in mind that if you want more information about Sandals Grande Antigua, you can just click the Request a Quote button and talk to us. Contacting us is free of charge, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Sandals Halcyon Beach is all about trees, beautiful plants, and lush greenery surrounding you. Seriously, there are palm trees everywhere, which is lovely and really adds to the peaceful atmosphere, making it feel like you’re in paradise. This resort also features what Sandals calls “the longest swimming pool in the Caribbean,” located on the western side of the resort, in front of several rooms and bars. Isn’t it funny that one of the smallest Sandals resorts actually has one of the biggest pools?
The beach is nice, though it may not be as stunning as the one at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. It’s a curving bay with golden sand. Since the resort is located on the western side of the island, it’s protected from the Atlantic, so the sea is usually calm with shallow water. The beach is public (like all beaches in Saint Lucia), so even though it doesn’t get crowded, you may occasionally encounter vendors trying to sell you things. Just politely tell them “no,” and they’ll move along.
Sandals Halcyon Beach is also just 15 minutes away from Sandals Regency La Toc, which is great news for golf fans, as there’s a fun golf course there. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a bit farther north, about 30 minutes away, but still not too distant. It’s cool that Halcyon is more or less centrally located between Regency La Toc and Grande St. Lucian, so the other resorts are never too far away.
There’s more good news: Sandals Halcyon Beach underwent renovations in 2023, adding brand-new Club Sandals rooms and suites. It’s awesome to stay in one of these suites now, as they feel modern and fresh. While the rest of the resort still has a cozy and fun vibe, keep in mind that it originally opened in 1994, so it may lack some of the features and activities you’d find at the newer Sandals resorts.
The main problem with Sandals Halcyon Beach is also the main problem in the other two Sandals in Saint Lucia: the complimentary car transfer can take up to 80 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.
All in all, I really like this resort. It’s perfect for those who want a peaceful retreat and to be surrounded by lush greenery for a week or two. If you're looking for more parties and a wide range of activities, I’d probably recommend Sandals Grande St. Lucian, as Halcyon Beach has only six restaurants on-site and is relatively small.
Sandals Halcyon Beach Reviews
The Good
Price: Sandals Halcyon Beach, much like Sandals Regency La Toc, ranks among the most affordable Sandals resorts. Rooms typically start at $240 to $270 per night, per guest, depending on the time of year. That’s great news for those who want to plan ahead, save money, and experience a Sandals resort that’s all about peace and quiet.
Peace and quiet: Yes, we ended the previous sentence talking about this, so here it is: this is the most peaceful Sandals resort in Saint Lucia. It’s small, it’s compact, and the abundance of palm trees, plants and flowers really makes it feel like you’re in the Garden of Eden. This is a great option for those who just want to relax all day and forget about life’s problems.
Some updated rooms: Sandals Halcyon Beach underwent a major update in 2023, especially in the rooms. The renovation included 20 beachfront, two-story villa rooms with large balconies, as well as five Rondoval suites. Who doesn’t love staying in brand-new rooms that feel fresh and smell like heaven, right?
Three Sandals Resorts: Staying at Sandals Halcyon Beach 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.
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 Halcyon Beach is a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts. Just 15 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 Halcyon Beach 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 Halcyon Beach is located a bit to the north of the island, while the international airport is in the south. The journey can take up to 80 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 Halcyon Beach.
Not a lot to do on site: Sandals Halcyon Beach is relatively small, and there aren’t many activities or restaurants on-site. In fact, there are only six restaurants. However, keep in mind that you can always visit Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Grande St. Lucian for even more options at no additional cost. If you love to party and want a wide variety of restaurants nearby, Halcyon Beach might not be the best choice for you.
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 Halcyon Beach
I know that many people prefer to relax by the pools, especially in Saint Lucia, where the beaches are public and vendors may be wandering around. Sandals Halcyon Beach has three main pools, two of which feature a swim-up bar. One of the pools is the Crystal Lagoon Pool, considered the longest in the Caribbean. The other main pools are the Honeymoon Hideaway Pool, which is usually quieter and perfect for enjoying time with your significant other, and the Sunset Pool, located in the center of the resort and close to the beach.
The main pools have plenty of lounge chairs surrounding them. Halcyon Beach isn’t too crowded, so you might not have any trouble securing a chair, but it’s always a good idea to wake up early and reserve a spot. Most guests that stay at Halcyon Beach do share my thoughts that there are always chairs available, but you never know. If you’re staying in one of the Butler Elite Suites, you can ask your butler to save a spot for you.
How to get to Sandals Halcyon Beach?
Flying to Sandals Halcyon Beach
Most guests traveling to Saint Lucia will arrive at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), the island's largest airport, located about 80 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 15 minutes away from Halcyon Beach.
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 Halcyon Beach
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 Halcyon Beach?
Sandals Halcyon Beach is located about 80 minutes from the airport. Once you arrive, you will be welcomed by the staff and taken to your private room. If you're staying in a Sandals Club room, you’ll have access to a private check-in, and they even provide you with a complimentary bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Sandals Halcyon Beach is located in Castries - Gros Islet Hwy, Castries, St Lucia.
Staying at Sandals Halcyon Beach
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.
Interestingly, there is only one type of Sandals Luxury room, but there are various options for Club Sandals and Butler Elite Suites. Even better, new suites and Club Level rooms were introduced in 2023, providing guests with fresh and updated accommodations.
Sandals Luxury rooms start at $240 per night, per guest, while Butler Elite Suites begin at $400. Newly renovated Club Sandals rooms start at $260, which is a great price. Sandals Halcyon Beach offers very affordable rates for a wonderful vacation, and I’d certainly recommend paying a little extra to stay in a Club Sandals room to take advantage of the updated features and perks, rather than opting for a standard Luxury Room.
Dining at Sandals Halcyon Beach
Sandals Halcyon Beach has six restaurants on-site, which isn’t a large number, especially when considering that Sandals Grande St. Lucian has 12 restaurants. However, remember that you can also visit Grande St. Lucian and Regency La Toc, dining 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 Sandals Halcyon Beach, with the type of cuisine offered.
- Kelly’s Dockside (Grilled meat & Seafood)
- Kimonos (Japanese Tappanyaki)
- Mario’s (Italian)
- Bayside (Brasserie)
- Soy Sushi Bar (Sushi)
- The Beach Bistro (Comfort Food)
Two restaurants require advance reservations: Kelly’s Dockside and Kimonos. Be sure to book a spot at either of these as soon as you arrive at the resort, or let Famvia assist you with that.
None of the restaurants require Resort Evening Attire, so you’re free to visit all of them in shorts and a t-shirt if you wish.
Activities at Sandals Halcyon Beach
Like most Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia, you’ll find a very chill and calm atmosphere in Halcyon Beach. There is one activity that is pretty good at Halcyon Beach, and that’s called… relaxing. There aren’t a lot of parties that take place here, or any kind of exclusive, mind blowing activity like some that exist in newer Sandals Resort. This is mostly a place to enjoy nature and recharge your energies.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Halcyon Beach:
- Golf
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaks
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
- 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 Halcyon Beach 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 15 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 Halcyon Beach 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 Halcyon Beach
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.
Packing list for Sandals Halcyon Beach
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 Halcyon Beach?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals Halcyon Beach if:
- You want peace and quiet
- You want so save some money during your vacation
- You love the idea of being surrounded by lush greenery
- You enjoy playing golf
- You don’t mind staying in a small and compact resort
- You’re okay with the longer travel time to reach 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 Halcyon Beach!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Halcyon Beach… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Sandals Halcyon Beach? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
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