Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers a relaxing beach experience alongside the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Located on the serene Rodney Bay, the white sand feels like it melts between your toes. 

The beach itself is called Pigeon Island Beach, and is located on its own secluded peninsula. Being that it is sheltered from the choppy waters of the west side of St. Lucia, the water is extremely calm.  

This makes for perfect water sports activities like snorkeling, or even wakeboarding and skiing.  We were able to swim out only a few meters to go snorkeling and see some cool tropical fish.   

But I think the view from the beach is the best of all the Sandals Resorts.  Looking out you can see the mountainous terrain covered with lush green jungle and blossoming flowers. 

Here’s what you can expect for a day at the beach here: 

• Beach: A private white sand beach that wraps around the entire peninsula.  Bookended with the famous Pigeon Island and Mt. Pimard. 
• Water: The calm waters make for an ideal swim. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely dip or swim some laps, the sea here is like your private pool.
• Watersports: Lots of watersports including kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling. The PADI-certified diving program is a must-try.
• Lounging: There are plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and private cabanas so you don’t need to worry about getting a spot or losing yours if you go for a swim. 
• Beach Service: Servers will attend to you and deliver you drinks (and appetizers even if you don’t order them!).  There are also a couple of beach side bars like the Mariner you can go to. 

There are 12 unique restaurants throughout Sandals Grande St. Lucian offering delicious dishes from around the world. Keep in mind that you get access to the restaurants the nearby Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach, so there are 15 additional to choose from. 

Each restaurant has its own distinctive vibe so you’ll find the perfect setting for any craving or mood.  Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options:

Gordon’s On The Pier: A very unique restaurant offering an over-water fine dining experience. The menu focuses on seafood and steak for some of the best surf and turf I have ever had. Make sure to make reservations early for this one (especially during the sunset).  

Bayside Restaurant: A more casual restaurant that serves buffet-style meals throughout the day and transforms into an a la carte French Brasserie in the evening.  A great option for the breakfast buffet because it opens at 7:30 AM. 

Barefoot by the Sea: I love this one because you are right on the beach with your toes nestled in soft sand. The menu features fresh seafood and island specialties in a casual atmosphere.

Josephine’s Creperie: The best place to grab local coffee in the morning and get french pastries and crepes.  It opens very early at 6:00 AM. 

The Mariner: This restaurant is great to grab a late lunch after relaxing on the beach.  It’s located right on the beach with a nice seaside patio to soak in the Caribbean vibes. 

The Jerk Shack: Also located right on the beach and has the most amazing Jerk chicken wings I have had. Amazing to grab some wings and a Red Stripe and take them to your spot on the beach. 

Bombay Club: Tucked back in its own private area,the Bombay Club offers authentic Indian cuisine. We had the butter chicken and basmati and I would highly recommend it!

Soy: Also located back by the Bombay Club, Soy offers fresh sushi and sashimi for dinners. 

Kimonos: A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant that is super entertaining and a great way to meet other people around the table.  The restaurant has all glass walls so you can see out to the sea. 

Dino’s Pizzeria: Dino’s is located by the main pool and it is a solid option to grab one of the Neapolitan pizzas to eat poolside. 

Olde London Pub: A classic British Pub that is perfect to grab a drink and relax, and it’s the only option for late night snacks. 

Toscaninis: Delicious Italian food and deserts.  It also has a broad selection of Italian wine that pairs perfectly with the dishes. 

I will say, regardless of which restaurant you choose, the common theme at all the restaurants is the staff’s attention to the details.  You can see the managers even making the rounds and ensuring everything is operating top notch. 

During my stay at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of pools available. In total, the resort has 5 large pools, each offering a unique experience. The main pool is a zero entry pool, and perfect for socializing and enjoying poolside activities, while the quiet pool off to the side provides a more peaceful atmosphere. 

The main pool also has a swim up bar that is great to post up at or get quick drinks from. And it is right up to the beach so it offers perfect views of the Caribbean Sea. 

Some of the suites, like the Rondoval suites, will have their own private pools. There are also the swim up suites that will have pool access connected to your patio.  

Similar to the restaurants, you have to remember that you have access to all the pools at the other Sandal St. Lucia Resorts. That means you have 11 pools and 10 whirlpools in total!

The nice thing about staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian is you would never have to leave if you didn’t want to. There are a wide range of activities for any taste whether you’re looking for adrenaline-filled adventures or peaceful relaxation. 

Sports At The Resort

There is always something to keep you busy, that is, if you want a break from the relaxation.   The fitness center is perfect for keeping up with your workout routine. You can even get tennis instructions from a certified trainer. For the golf aficionados, you get greens fees covered at the nearby golf club. 

• Golf: Greens fee and transfers to La Toc and Cap Estate golf clubs
• Fitness Center: Open daily with a range of equipment.
• Tennis: Available day and night, with complimentary coaching.
• Water Sports: Ski, wakeboard, paddleboard, scuba, snorkel, kayak

Relaxation And Spa

There’s nothing better than unwinding at the Red Lane Spa while on vacation. I would highly recommend the Tropical Paradise Couples massage to help set the romantic mood. You can get a massage by the beach which is amazing to hear the sea in the background, definitely worth it. 

• • Spa Treatments: A variety of options such as massages, aroma therapy, facials, and scrubs.
  • Manicures and Pedicures: Expert beauty treatments for your nails.
  • Himalayan Salt Stone Treatment: Full body warm himalayan salt stone massage. 

Off-Site Adventures

If you want to adventure off the resort, there are a few activities that we highly recommend. 

• Piton Mountains: The famous twin Piton mountains tower over St. Lucia at a height of 3,000 feet. The hike to the top will take about 4 hours, but the panoramic views are priceless. You will also be able to check out Piton Falls and bathe in the sulfur springs.  
• Pigeon Island: Pigeon island is right next to the resort and has a 44 acre protected park with beautiful beaches and the historical Fort Rodney to explore. 
• Drive In Volcano: Located in Soufrière’s, the world’s only drive-in volcano offers rejuvenating sulphur springs where I love to relax and soak in the jungle vibes after a solid hike.

Island Routes is located right on site at the resort and offers incredible local excursions to places like the Pitons or historic Pigeon Island in Gros Islet.

There are 19 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals Grande St. Lucian has 311 luxurious suites spread out across the property. 

For example, we stayed in an overwater bungalow, but here are the different room levels to choose from:

Luxury Level Rooms:  The Sandals Luxury Level rooms are entry level rooms with amenities such as a king-size bed, smart TV, and in-room refrigerator. These rooms are still very nice rooms with great views, but without additional amenities like butler service or private pools.

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level rooms include the Luxury Level offerings with added concierge services. These rooms come with a fully stocked bar with premium liquors and access to the Club Sandals Lounge. All of these will also have great views of the Caribbean. 

Butler Level Suites: If you want to spring for the ultimate luxury experience, Butler Level suites have a personal butler to tend to your every need. These include premium Rondoval Suites with their own private pools that are very popular, or the overwater bungalows.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian has so much to offer that it’s hard to keep track of it all.  Considering all of the included amenities, it was definitely worth it to us. 

It’s important to remember that when you stay at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, you get access to all the amenities at all the Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia (Sandals La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach).

Let’s unpack everything that is included: 

• Luxury Accommodations: The rooms and suites strike a fine balance of elegance and comfort. Even the Luxury Level rooms stand out as being quite nice for “entry level”.   
• Unlimited Dining And Drinks: With 12 gourmet dining options and 7 bars, all-inclusive is taken to the next level. You choose which restaurant you want for every meal. 
• Golf: Enjoy access to 2 separate golf clubs on the island with greens fees included. 
• Water Sports: The range of included water sports is extremely large. Some Sandals don’t include power water sports like skiing and wakeboarding like they do here.  Other options include PADI certified scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis and tennis training from a certified instructor.  There is also beach volleyball, table tennis, shuffleboard, pool tables, and more.
• Entertainment: There is always music and festivities going on somewhere it seems.  We really enjoyed Beach party night.  There is also live music and fire eaters. 
• Service: The team is clearly dedicated to providing a friendly and attentive service.  If you go with the butler service, you can request anything you want at any time of day!
• Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from the airport are included.
• In-Room Wine and Spirits: A selection of premium wines and spirits are stocked right in your room.
• Private Cove Beach: The beauty of the private cove beach is just steps away from your luxurious accommodation.
• Fitness Center: There is a really nice and modern fitness center here.  You can do classes or have a trainer, but we were too busy on the beach. 
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no tipping is allowed! Indulge in whatever you want without the need for extra gratuities.  This creates a laid back atmosphere, but more importantly, you wont get any extra fees or charges at checkout.

There are also amenities that are offered, but not included.  These are things like the on-site Red Lane spa, beach cabanas, butler candlelight dinners, and local tours.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located on the very north west tip of the island in the Gros Islet Quarter.  Getting there was only a three and a half hour flight from Miami.

There are several direct flights to St. Lucia from major cities in the United States and Canada.

The primary airport is Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) airport on the southern end of the island, which is about an hour and half drive to the resort.  The George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) is located on the north side with more limited flights, but is only a 30 minute drive to the airport.

No matter which package you choose at Sandals, you will always have a complimentary transfer to and from the airport. 

If you want to fly in style, you can reserve a helicopter transfer from the Airport that is $190 per person.  It is a little pricey, but you save on time, and it offers amazing views of the island as you fly overhead.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian routinely wins awards for being one of the most romantic resorts and the best honeymoon resort in the Caribbean. Nestled on a private peninsula in Rodney Bay, its adults-only policy makes for a perfect getaway for couples and honeymooners.

Weddings: The Grande St. Lucian is one of few Sandals resorts that has an over the water wedding chapel.  It has a glass floor over the water and makes for an exquisite backdrop for a wedding ceremony. You can also have a gazebo setup on the beach or in the garden. The Sandals staff is on standby for all your wedding needs from a test drive to the final vows!

Honeymoons: Couples basking in the glow of their new union are greeted with a special welcome including a bottle of chilled sparkling wine to toast to their future.  Rooms with tranquility soaking tubs for two set the stage for relaxation and romance.

Anniversaries: Celebrating a milestone can be just as exciting as those first blissful wedding days together. The resort offers a renewal of vows packages, so you can reaffirm your love in paradise, complete with a photo session to capture the magic.

For honeymoons or those special anniversaries, the complimentary Honeymoon Package adds thoughtful extras like a romantic turndown service, breakfast in bed, and a honeymoon dinner to ensure memories are as sweet as the island’s breeze.  I might also suggest a couples massage at the spa to get the mood going. 

Can families with children stay at the resort, or is it adult-only?

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is an adult-only resort, specifically tailored for couples. The resort’s policy ensures that all guests are above the age of 18, offering a serene and romantic experience for those seeking a peaceful getaway.  That said, it is not couples-only, you can go with friends, family, or for a solo trip!

When is the best time to go to Sandals Grande St. Lucia?

The best time to go is in the high season between December and April, when there is the most consistently sunny weather. However, prices and crowds will be slightly elevated during this period.  For the best deals, go during the “rainy season” between June and November.  The rain typically comes occasionally and in spurts of about 20 minutes.

Is Sandals Grande St. Lucian all-inclusive?

Yes, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is 5 star all-inclusive resort.  You will get unlimited food and drinks, water sports, scuba diving, tennis, golf, and more. Best of all, there are no gratuities allowed!