If you have been following our social media, you would have noticed that we were in Saint Lucia earlier in the month. It was our first time on the island, and we had no idea what to expect.Â
We were guests of Sandal Resorts, and we were there to see all three of the resorts and what they have to offer. Doing these trips gives us a unique insight that helps us match the resort with our client’s preferences and personalities.
We stayed at Sandals Regency La Toc, and we were upgraded to Butler which was a huge surprise. The resort itself is gorgeous and it is on a cove. The resort wraps from the left end of the cove, which is a beach, around to the right side of the cove, going up the rocky Bluffs. The beach is beautiful, but this is not a beach vacation destination.
There was only one morning of the five days we were there that had a green flag and safe water to swim. Because of the currents, the way the water enters the Cove makes it rough with big waves many times during the day. The restaurants at this resort were good, we wouldn’t call them great.
While we were there we ate at the French restaurant, La Toc. That was the best meal we had. We had our obligatory escargot, and the view was spectacular. We may be a little spoiled when it comes to excellent cuisine, as we have been to many resorts. We ran into another couple at the pool and all they did was rave about the restaurants that they ate at.
Because we were with a group, two of our meals were not off the menu, so to be fair we may not have experienced the food scene like we would have if we were there on vacation. So just consider that a disclaimer.
The rooms on the bluff are all in the Butler category. The Butler’s drive golf carts up and down the hill all day long at your request. There is also a van shuttle that goes up and down the hill every five to 10 minutes. So, even though you are going uphill the resort is very accessible.
There are two big pools. The main pool is near the lobby at the bottom of the hill and the Sunset Bluff pool is up in the Butler area which is where we spent most of our time. Both pools were lovely.
There is this smaller pool in between them, halfway down the hill. It is very secluded and quiet with little going on. We did not go there because there was no pool bar, and a pool bar is a must for us. If you are looking for a lively atmosphere, you are not going to find it at this resort. While the entertainment we saw was good it was not the fire shows and acrobatics we saw at other resorts.
We would say that this resort is a relaxed resort and if you want to find something to do that is more low-key, then this is the resort for you.
We visited Sandals Halcyon Beach. We did not know what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised, as were the other travel agents. Once again, this is a quiet resort, boutique, and on the smaller side. But it was truly a Garden of Eden, living up to its nickname. All of the rooms are close to the beach and the beach is very long.
This would be a resort for honeymooners who want a low-key quiet romantic setting. I also thought this would be a great resort for elderly couples as everything is within proximity and again it is a quiet resort. There was a winding pool running through the foliage that resembled a lazy river, but it did not look like the water was flowing, it was really beautiful how it wove in and out of the gardens and you could see people set up in areas all along it. It was like they had their own slice of paradise on the resort.
The best resort we have visited over the years has been Sandals Sexy South Coast in Jamaica because of all the details throughout the villages and the main courtyard area. Sandals Grand St. Lucian had a very similar vibe. A very grand entranceway, a beautiful courtyard, and right on the beach, which was also very beautiful. This is the destination if you want active nightlife and a beautiful beach.
Your days will be spent poolside or beachside and your evenings will be taking in one of the many opportunities for nighttime entertainment. There was a pool party going on while we were there, and the guests were having a great time. This resort also offers all day poolside and beachside beverage and food service, which is unique among Sandals resorts.
St. Lucia is an island for golfers and divers alike. The island is know for some of the best diving available. We were able to dive one day while we were there, and we think that it was better than the diving in Jamaica. The Sandals Golf Course is an Executive 9-hole golf course located right at Sandals Regency La Toc. It can be used by guests at any of the three Sandals Resorts.
If a Sandals or Beaches resort interests you but you are not sure if it is worth the price, please give us a call. You are getting what you pay for. Even though we did not have a great meal, it was far above the other brands we have been to. Check out our blog Why we sell Sandals and Beaches to get more information.
21 Crowe Springs Spur NW
Cartersville, GA 30121
(706) 413-2920
info@jlapptravels.com