Best Sandals Resort In St. Lucia: All 3 Compared
Let me start with a quick confession that Saint Lucia is my favorite of all the Caribbean islands. The tropical green foliage starts at the coast line and goes all the way up to the mountain tops.
And the Piton Mountains are truly a sight to behold. Photos really just don’t do them justice. Cruising right up to them on the catamaran or going for a swim around the mountains is an experience I won’t soon forget!
After having visited all three Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia (Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Regency La Toc, and Halcyon Beach), I’ll compare and contrast which ones are best for your next romantic getaway.
Each of the St. Lucia Sandals Resorts are adults only, and offer all-inclusive food, drinks, scuba diving, golf, and plenty more. But each has a slightly different vibe.
The good news is regardless of which Sandals you stay at, you’ll get full access to all three locations thanks to the exchange program they have. This is like getting three vacations in one!
Sandals Resorts In St. Lucia Ranked
1. Sandals Grande St. Lucian: Best overall beach in St. Lucia, located on a secluded peninsula that offers unbeatable panoramic views, with a more social vibe.
2. Sandals Halcyon Beach: The most laid-back Sandals in St. Lucia, surrounded with a charming tropical garden and the longest pool in the Caribbean.
3. Sandals Regency La Toc: Located on a sprawling estate with amazing bluff side vistas, this Sandals offers the perfect balance of tranquility and romance.
Best Sandals Resort In St. Lucia
1. Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$330 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
311 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
41 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
12 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Social
Number Of Pools:
5 Pools
Consistently rated one of the most romantic resorts in St. Lucia for couples, my expectations are always surpassed when staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
The pristine white sand beach stretches along the shoreline that’s bookended with dramatic mountainscapes on one end and Pigeon Island on the other. Pigeon island is just a short 5 minute walk from the resort. Here you can see Fort Rodney, old ruins, and spectacular vistas.
Importantly, the resort is located on a secluded peninsula on the northeast tip of the island that not only offers incredible panoramic views, but also protects it from winds that can cause choppy waters. Afterall, there’s a reason they’re called the Windward Islands, but here you can enjoy smooth waters nearly all the time.
The Grande is also the only Sandals Resort in St. Lucia that features Overwater Bungalows. The bungalows are situated on a little peninsula on the south end of the beach. That said, there are beautiful accommodations for every price point!
And when it comes to restaurants, choices are unlimited. There are 12 restaurants at this location, and 16 more to choose from at the neighboring Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Regency La Toc. That is in addition to the 7 bars here, including swim-up bars, the Piano Bar, and more.
Golf lovers can also enjoy free greens fees and transfers to the Cap Estate Country Club or the La Toc Golf Course. Cap Estates is only about a 10 minute drive away.
What we love about Sandals Grande St. Lucian:
- My favorite beach out of all the St. Lucia resorts. There are no rocks or pebbles, just a mile long stretch of fine white sand.
- Located on a private peninsula that offers incredible 360-degree ocean views.
- Dining at 12 specialty restaurants on site and 28 restaurants in total when including the two other resorts.
- Includes full access to everything at the other St. Lucia Sandals Resorts (Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Regency La Toc).
- Free greens fees to the Greg Norman-designed Cap Estate Country Club, or to the La Toc Golf Course.
- Motorized water sports like skiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, and tubing are included. This is not offered at all Sandals either!
- Choose from 5 pools, including the enormous zero-entry pool with swim-up bar.
- Nightly entertainment keeps the excitement going long after sunset.
- Luxury accommodations like Overwater Bungalows and Rondoval suites.
- The Friday night street parties at Gros-Islet are a must! It was one of the most unique experiences here.
Key considerations for Sandals Grande St. Lucian:
- The resort is adults-only, which makes it perfect for honeymoons or other special occasions.
- Complimentary transfers to and from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) airport took us about 90 minutes. Note that this Sandals is the furthest away from the airport, while Sandals La Toc takes about an hour.
- George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) has limited direct flights, which is only about 20 minutes from the Grande St. Lucian.
- You can book Helicopter transfers from the airport for about $200. The flight time is approximately 15 minutes and you get some one of a kind views.
- Transfers to the other Sandals resorts take about 20 minutes to Halcyon Beach, and about 35 minutes to La Toc. The transfers between the resorts are scheduled for at least one every hour.
- This is the largest of all the Sandals locations in St. Lucia so it has everything you need right there without having to leave.
- Make sure to book excursions in advance so you don’t miss out on the most popular island tours (scuba diving, catamaran cruises, volcanic hot springs, and more).
Who It’s Best For:
The Sandals Grande St. Lucian is ideal for couples seeking a picture-perfect beach retreat filled with tranquility and romance, albeit in a more social atmosphere.
2. Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$324 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
169 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
35 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
6 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Intimate
Number Of Pools:
3 Pools
The second Sandals Resort on the island of St. Lucia, Sandals Halcyon Beach, stands out as the most tranquil of the three. This property has a unique low-rise layout that seamlessly blends in with the surrounding nature.
Lush gardens of blossoming pink flowers and palm trees create an intimate feel that’s distinct from the larger resorts. All overlooking the glowing blue waters from a private cove beach. It truly is the picture perfect Caribbean paradise.
I really enjoyed the Crystal Lagoon pool that weaves its way through the property (technically the longest pool in the Caribbean). It’s perfect for floating around under the warm sun.
And there’s a unique overwater restaurant, Kelly’s Dockside, that has unbeatable sunset views while you enjoy surf and turf for dinner. You will need to make reservations here because it is so popular.
Finally, the “Stay At One, Play At Three” program means you get to enjoy all the amenities at the two neighboring Sandals. Despite the Halcyon Beach being more laid back, you can always take the short 20 minute transfers to check out the action and make a reservation at one of their restaurants. It’s perfect for a day trip.
What we love about Sandals Halcyon Beach:
- It’s the most tranquil of the three Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia. It’s also the smallest with only 169 suites, which makes for a very low-key vibe.
- Unlimited dining and drinks at 6 restaurants and 7 bars. My favorite is Kelly’s Dockside Grill, which is an overwater restaurant with stunning sunset views.
- Full access to the nearby Sandals Resorts, which means 28 restaurants and 11 pools in total.
- Access to the La Toc Golf Course and Cap Estate Country Club, with free greens fees and transfers. (carts or caddies are not included though)
- The Shore House Butler Suites are really charming while offering a luxury experience. This is where we stayed and they are right on the beach with great views.
- The Piton Mountain catamaran cruise that takes you to the base of the mountains to snorkel the reefs of Marigot Bay and have an authentic creole lunch.
- Motorized water sports skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or kneeboarding is included.
- The lush gardens and landscape that create the perfect backdrop for romance.
- All the scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding you want.
Key considerations for Sandals Halcyon Beach:
- The resort is adults only, so it’s made for intimate and romantic getaways.
- Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is the closest airport, which is about an hour drive away from Sandals Halcyon Beach. Free transfers are included both ways.
- If you are looking for a more social or upbeat atmosphere, the Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Regency La Toc are likely a better fit.
- In St. Lucia, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the local currency, but you will be able to get away with the US Dollar and credit cards at nearly every merchant in the area.
Who It’s Best For:
The Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort is best for couples who value a more intimate and laid back experience in a beautiful tropical oasis setting.
3. Sandals Regency La Toc
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$269 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
323 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
32 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
9 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Social
Number Of Pools:
3 Pools
Located in Saint Lucia’s exclusive La Toc Estate, The Sandals Regency La Toc Resort shines like a diamond in tropical paradise. The property sprawls over 220 acres, featuring a private white sand beach that wraps around the entire half mile long cove.
My favorite part of this resort is the Sunset Oceanview Bluff Village with incredible views of the azure waters below. Even if you are not staying in one of the Ocean Bluff Suites, there is still a pool and restaurant (Armando’s Restaurant) that is the best vantage point for sunsets.
But, if you are fortunate enough to stay in one of the Oceanview Butler Villas, they are some of the best suites out of all the Sandals locations, not just Saint Lucia 🙂
Since the resort grounds are so spread out, they have shuttles to take you to the different spots around the resort. There are 8 restaurants and 9 bars to enjoy, in addition to 3 separate pools.
Overall, La Toc is the perfect mix of relaxation with enough entertainment to keep it lively. You can also enjoy all of the accommodations at the nearby Sandals Resorts with the ‘Stay at One Play at Three’ exchange program.
What we love about Sandals Regency La Toc:
- A private half-mile crescent shaped beach all to yourself.
- Access to 27 restaurants and 11 pools at the other two St. Lucia Sandals resorts.
- Unlimited PADI scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.
- Free greens fees at the La Toc Golf Course or the Cap Estate Country Club.
- The couples massages at Red Lane Spa is a great way to enhance romance!
- Sandals La Toc prices start around $269 per person/per night, making it the least expensive of all the Sandals in Saint Lucia more often than not.
- The Oceanview Bluff Millionaire Villas are two stories, with a private pool, unbeatable sunset views, and your own butler. This is one of my favorite suites.
Key considerations for Sandals Regency La Toc:
- The closest airport to Regency La Toc is Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), which is about a 50 minute drive to the resort. It’s the closest Sandals to the airport in St. Lucia, and car transfers are included both ways.
- The resort is rather large, so it can mean more walking. But they have carts to transfer you where you need to go!
- It’s adults-only so it’s made for couples celebrating honeymoon or other romantic getaways.
- Book excursions like golf, catamaran cruises or treetop zip lining early to ensure you get a spot!
Who It’s Best For:
Sandals Regency La Toc is best for those who want an exclusive Caribbean escape with a private cove beach and unparalleled ocean views, but at an affordable price.
Related: Best Sandals Resorts Ranked
We reviewed and ranked all 17 Sandals Resorts. See which ones we love and which one will be the best fit for you dream getaway.
Sandals St. Lucia Resort Locations
Here is an interactive map we made that shows all 3 Sandals Resort locations in Saint Lucia. You can click on each location to get more information.
Saint Lucia Immigration And Customs
Arrival: There are a few things to know when you arrive at either Hewanorra International Aairport (UVF) in Vieux Fort, or George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Castries. You are required to complete the Saint Lucia Immigration And Customs Form online no more than 72 hours before you arrive. Make sure to keep your receipt to present to customs upon entry. You only need one per family or group.
Visas: United States citizens to not require a visa for leisure trips that last less than 90 days. You will just need a valid passport that doesn’t expire for at least 6 months past your stay. You may also need to show proof of departure date.
Departure: You are technically supposed to be at the airport 3 hours prior to your departure time. The Sandals staff will schedule your transfer to the airport to accommodate your flight times.
Airport Club Access: The Hewanorra Airport is pretty small, but Sandals does have a pretty nice lounge that you can hang out in until your departure.
Current Travel Advisory Level: The current travel advisory level in Saint Lucia is Level 1, which is the lowest level out of four. This simply means to exercise normal precautions when traveling.
Comparison Of Sandals St. Lucia Resorts
| Sandals Grande St. Lucian | Sandals Regency La Toc | Sandals Halcyon Beach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.9 | 9.3 | 9.5 |
| Location | Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia | Castries, Saint Lucia | Castries, Saint Lucia |
| Price | $$$ | $ | $$ |
| Resort Mood | Luxurious | Social | Relaxing |
| Number Of Restaurants | 12 | 9 | 6 |
| Number Of Pools | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Number Of Rooms | 311 | 323 | 169 |
| Distance To Airport | 41 Miles | 34 Miles | 30 Miles |
| Flight Time (From Miami) | 3 Hours 40 Minutes | 3 Hours 40 Minutes | 3 Hours 40 Minutes |
| Type Of Beach | Long | Private Cove | Long |
| Golf Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Access To Nearby Sandals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim-Up Rooms | Yes | No | Yes |
| Skiing & Wakeboarding | Yes | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest Sandals Resort in St. Lucia?
The least expensive resort in Saint Lucia is generally Sandals Regency La Toc which starts at about $270 per person per night. The good news is that all of the St. Lucia Sandals are relatively affordable compared to some of the other Sandals located around the Caribbean.
What is the best time to visit St. Lucia?
The best time to visit a Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia is during the low season between June and November. This is when you can get the biggest deals on accommodations and airfare. During the high season between December and April the prices will be higher, but the weather has more consistent sun and less rainfall.
Which St. Lucia Sandals Resort has overwater bungalows?
The only Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia that features overwater bungalows is the Grande St. Lucian. There are 9 overwater bungalows located out on a peninsula that offer a one of a kind experience with fantastic views of Rodney Bay.
BEST SANDALS RESORTS
Our favorite all-inclusive resort brand.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grenada
Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Grande Antigua
