Sandals Halcyon Beach

The long white sand beach is lined with tropical gardens and picturesque landscapes that stretch into the distance. Known as Choc Beach, I love that it’s very secluded so you don’t have people from outside the resort hanging out on the beach. 

The Caribbean waters are a glowing listerine blue that is unique to St. Lucia.  It’s clear enough so that you can actually see some cool tropical fish just a few meters from the shore. 

Since the resort is tucked into the northeast corner of the island, there were hardly any choppy waves the entire time we were there. 

All of the kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment are over on the right side of the beach where you can take them out for as long as you want. 

Importantly, there are plenty of loungers and shade so you don’t have to worry about where you sit. I have found that some resorts have a limited amount of seating on the beach, but that’s not a problem here. 

If you want to mix it up a little, you can walk about 15 minutes south to Vigie Beach for beautiful views and an escape from resort life. We brought some towels and snacks to hang out there one morning.  

Here’s what to expect for a day on the beach at Sandals Halcyon Beach:

• The Beach: The beach has bright white sand that practically melts under your feet. The shoreline is bordered by tropical gardens that create an idyllic Caribbean backdrop. Off in the distance you can see the rolling hills and mountains that make Saint Lucia so special. 
• The Water: The crystal clear waters here glow listerine blue. It’s very calm most of the time because of the northwest positioning on the island. The ocean floor is perfectly soft for wading and swimming around. 
• Activities: There are unlimited water sports like PADI scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hobie cats, and more. There is also beach and pool volleyball if you want to get your body moving out on the sand.
• Beach Bar: The Beach Bistro is located right on the shoreline and is perfect for posting up with a tropical cocktail while taking in the beautiful view.
• Lounging: There are plenty of lounge chairs with umbrellas lining the beach. We never had an issue finding a place to sit. The staff is super attentive to anything you need and will deliver drinks and snacks. 
• Beach Cabanas: There are private beach cabanas available that come with personal butler service at an extra cost. If you are looking for a romantic escape, these are a fantastic option.
• Sunsets: The sunsets off the west coast of St. Lucia are famous for vibrant orange and pink hues. Watching it from the overwater restaurant (Kelly’s Dockside) during dinner is an absolute must!

There are 7 world class restaurants and 7 bars throughout Sandals Halcyon Beach offering mouth watering dishes and tropical cocktails that will leave you craving more. Each restaurant has a unique theme so you can find the perfect setting for any occasion. 

Remember that you also get full access to the neighboring Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Grande St. Lucian, which means 29 different restaurants to choose from. 

Pro Tip: For the most romantic setting, I recommend a private candlelight dinner which features a four course meal, complete with a white table cloth setting and flower arrangements. You can arrange it on the beach or at a location of your choice throughout the resort.  At only $199 per couple, it’s definitely worth it!

Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options at Sandals Halcyon Beach:

1. Kelly’s Dockside: Kelly’s Dockside was definitely our favorite restaurant here. Situated out over the water, this place offers the best views (especially at sunset) and fantastic local seafood. My favorite dishes were the swordfish steak and crab cakes. The romantic setting here also makes it a perfect date night spot. Just make sure to get reservations in advance for dinner between 5:30 to 9:00 PM. 
2. Mario’s: For an escape to Tuscany, Mario’s is the place to be. This authentic Italian restaurant creates handcrafted pasta dishes with rich sauces and pairs them with the perfect wine. The rustic decor creates a warm atmosphere to relax and enjoy some Linguine Allo Scoglio.  It is a resort casual dress code and reservations are not required here. 
3. Kimonos: This Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant is an exciting experience! Gathered around the hibachi grill, the chef puts on a show and flips shrimp right into your mouth. It’s also a great way to socialize with other couples at the resort.  Dinner is between 6:00 – 9:00 PM and reservations are required. 
4. Soy: Located right next to Kimonos is Soy sushi bar.  Soy serves up fresh sushi as you watch the chefs make it in front of you. My favorite roll was the Seared Tuna Tataki, absolutely incredible. The unique oriental ambiance here is also very cool and laid-back.  You do not need to worry about reservations, just show up and grab a seat!
5. Bayside Restaurant: Bayside offers incredible views from an open-air patio overlooking the ocean.  They have an incredible breakfast buffet that starts at 7:30 AM, and a lunch buffet with a different theme daily. For dinner there is a menu offering French classics like Confit De Poulet And Creme Brulee. This was our fallback place for food since it’s open all day and located in the center of the resort. 
6. Beach Bistro: The Beach Bistro is an amazing place to grab food and drinks right on the beach.  It really encapsulates the “no shoes, no shirt, no problem” policy. The menu features perfect beach food like jerk chicken wings, burgers, and loaded nachos.  The best part is its open until 2:00 AM!
7. Isola Pizzeria Food Truck:  The Isola Pizza Truck is located back by the crystal lagoon pool. They have the best made-to-order pizza with fresh ingredients.  It’s perfect to grab for lunch while you’re relaxing by the pool.  The hours are from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 

There are two notable bars. The Mirage Bar in the main building has an informal vibe and is perfect for a night cap.  The Irie Bar back in the Crystal Lagoon Village is super fun for late night action.  Both of the main pools also have swim-up bars that are great to post up at during the days. 

Sandals Halcyon Beach has three primary pools and three whirlpools scattered around the property.  Of note, they have the longest pool in the Caribbean! The Crystal Lagoon Pool stretches along the entire back of the property and is a great place to float around under the Caribbean sun. 

Next to the Crystal Lagoon Pool is the Honeymoon Hideaway Pool, which is a more traditional pool and features a nice swim-up bar to grab drinks without ever leaving the water. 

The main pool is located right off the beach and is called the Sunset Pool. Here we really enjoyed the beautiful views of the ocean while relaxing poolside, especially during the sunset.  There is also another swim-up bar here that is super cool because it’s practically right on the beach. 

Aside from the primary pools, there are plenty of suites that offer their own private pools or swim-up pool access. For example, the Beachfront Shore Houses and Rondoval Suites come with their own private pool sanctuaries. More on these in the section below on the different rooms available. 

You can grab fresh towels at all the pools. The friendly staff is also making their rounds to get anything you need. Remember the exchange program means you get access to all of the pools at neighboring Sandals Resorts too. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pools at Sandals Halcyon Beach:

• Main Pool: The main pool (Sunset Pool) located right next to the beach at the center of the resort has a more upbeat vibe. The patio is quite large with plenty of places to lounge. There is also a swim-up bar and whirlpool with great views of the ocean.
• Crystal Lagoon Pool: My personal favorite is the Crystal Lagoon Pool, which is technically the longest pool in the Caribbean!  It’s a bit like a lazy river on steroids.  Perfect for floating around and soaking in the sun. 
• Honeymoon Hideaway Pool: The Sunset Pool is located next to the Crystal Lagoon Pool  and also has a big swim-up bar called Irie Bar that is great for late night fun. 
• Swim-up Bars: Both of the main pools have nice swim-bars where you can enjoy cocktails without leaving the water.  
• Whirlpools:  There are 3 whirlpools here, but what I like about this location is that they have 2 of the whirlpools right up next to the shoreline so it’s perfect for relaxing and soaking the ocean views. 
• Private Pool Suites: You can have your own private pool if you stay in the Rondoval Suites or the Shorehouse Suites.
• Scuba Pool: There is a small scuba pool located at the center of the beach for scuba instructions. 
• Shared Privileges: Don’t forget that there is shared access to Sandals Regency La Toc and Grande St. Lucian!

The great thing about Sandals Halcyon Beach is there is so much to do that you can literally stay on the resort property the whole vacation.  That said, if you want to step out, you can hop over to the other St. Lucian Sandals Resorts, or go explore the natural beauty that St. Lucia has to offer! 

Activities At The Resort

Don’t get me wrong, bumming around the beach or relaxing by the pool are my top priorities when staying at a Sandals.  But there is something for everyone at Halcyon Beach. From wakeboarding and scuba diving, to beach volleyball, the activities are endless.

That is in addition to the free greens fees at the 18 hole Cap Estate Golf & Country Club. This one of a kind course is located along the rolling hills of Gros Islet and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea below. 

Here are all the activities you can do at Sandals Halcyon Beach: 

• PADI Certified Scuba Diving: The certified diving program is a perfect way to see St. Lucia’s coastline while visiting some of the best dive sites around the Caribbean like the Anse Cochon reef. Training for first time divers takes just 3 and you are good to go for an open water dive.
• Unlimited Water Sports: Whether kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, windsurfing, or hobie cats, there’s plenty of options for fun in the sun.
• Motorized Water Activities: You can even go skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, or tubing here. This is pretty cool because it isn’t actually available at all Sandals locations. 
• Free Golfing: Greens fees and roundtrip transfers to the Cap Estate Country club are always included. The course is a 25 minute drive from the resort. Note that caddies or golf cart rentals are extra if you want them, and about $20, but everything is free other than that
• Tennis Courts: There are 8 tennis courts back in the Crystal Lagoon Village. You can get complimentary tennis lessons if you want too!
• Group Classes: Daily group fitness classes are available during the weekdays, including beach workouts, aqua aerobics, stretching, absolute abs, and plenty more. The schedule can be found online for the different class options.
• Fitness Center: The fitness center has really nice equipment and machines, and is open 24/7.  I didn’t spend much time here 🙂
• Beach Volleyball: There are pickup beach volleyball games which are pretty fun and not too competitive.
• Land Activities: A ton of land based activities like pickleball, bocce ball, shuffleboard, pool tables, lawn chess, ping pong, and more. 

Relaxation And Spa

The resort offers a perfect balance of activities for adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than a relaxing couples massage when you’re on a romantic getaway.

The Red Lane Spa at Sandals Halcyon Beach offers a variety of treatments in an utterly sublime setting. Aside from massages, you can get treatments including facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy, manicures, and aromatherapy.

I highly recommend the signature Blooming Jasmine Couples’ Massage that is located on the beach at sunset. They actually use a paintbrush over your body to create an experience you and your partner will not soon forget.  

Try to book your massages or treatments in advance to ensure availability for the time you want.

• Massages: There are plenty of massages to choose from, both for individuals and couples. The Scents Of Love is the most popular couples massage, but we tried the Blooming Jasmine massage to mix it up a little. Truthfully I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the options. 
• Facials And Body Scrubs: The natural body scrubs exfoliate your skin to help make it silky smooth. These include the papaya salt mousse scrub, Caribbean glow treatment, or the lemon body polish. 
• Manicures and Pedicures: Professional manicure and pedicure treatments that will leave your hands and feet looking like a million bucks!
• Wedding Packages: Some of the destination wedding packages include a couples massage and other spa perks. Feel free to message me with any questions on the wedding packages.

Off-Site Adventures

Exploring the area around Sandals Halcyon Beach is a great way to experience St. Lucia’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. The nice thing is all of the excursions can be booked at the Island Routes desk in the main lobby of the resort or ahead of time on their website. 

Here are my top six picks for off-site adventures around the resort:

• Piton Mountains & Soufriere Adventure: The number one thing to see in St. Lucia are the Piton Mountains. It is an absolute must!  Cruises are available to explore the Pitons that also stop at the drive-in volcano sulphur springs so you can take a rejuvenating mud bath (NOTE: Do not wear white if you plan on doing the mud bath).  The cruise also includes a local creole lunch with appetizers and fresh seafood. The cruise costs $145 per person and can be booked right at the Island Routes desk at the resort.  Separately, you can also hike the Tet Paul nature trail that is right next to the Pitons. We did this and the hike itself is only about 30 minutes and offers absolutely stunning views. 
• Pigeon Island National Park: This national landmark is about a 20 minute drive away and is located next to Sandals Grande St. Lucian.  You will go to the Grand St. Lucian and walk 5 minutes from there. It’s the ideal day trip to explore the park and then get dinner at the Grande St. Lucian. The park has some great hiking and historical ruins with old cannons. The entry fee is only $10. 
• Explore The Verdant Forest: Only 15 minutes away from Halcyon Beach is the gorgeous Verdant Forest. You can take a tram ride through the forest, which is filled with tropical flora, wildlife, and waterfalls. 
• Friday Night Gros Islet Street Party: Each Friday night there is a street party in Gros Islet that features live music, dancing, and local food (mainly fish and barbecue). The party kicks off at sunset, but it doesn’t really pick up until about 9:00 PM. It’s free to walk around to check out local spices, crafts, and fruits. Yes, it’s a little touristy but it’s still a fun glimpse into the local culture.
• Marigot Bay: A short 35-minute drive leads you to the famous Marigot Bay via an offroad Jeep where you will then explore the bay in a kayak. This is a great spot to adventure through untouched mangroves and enjoy a nice meal with a view. This excursion will start at about $100 per person, but everything is included. 
• Anse Chastanet Reef And Beach:  This is perhaps the most famous diving location in St. Lucia.  You can go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the colorful reef and tropical fish.  When you are done, you can go relax on the beach and have a bite.  Tours are available from the resort and it is about a 50 minute drive. 

There are 13 different room categories with unique features, making it easy to find something for everyone’s preferences and budgets. In all, Sandals Halcyon Beach has only 169 rooms varying between Luxury Level, Club Level, and Butler Level.  This resort actually has the least amount of rooms and categories out of all the St. Lucian Sandals Resorts so it is very peaceful and quiet. 

We stayed in the Shore House Butler Suite, which is located right on the beach on the second floor with a huge patio overlooking the ocean. The Shore House Suite on the first floor features a private pool with walkout access right to the beach. That being said, all accommodations include the ultimate 5-star luxury experience Sandals Resorts is known for. 

Luxury Level Rooms:  Sandals Luxury Level rooms are entry level rooms that are ideal for those looking for comfort without compromise. This room category will include things like a private balcony, tranquility soaking tub, smart TV, large king-size bed, and a premium mini bar. They will have views of the tropical gardens, pools, and sometimes even the ocean and beach. Essentially you still get the 5-star luxury service that Sandals is known for but without the additional amenities like butler service, Club Sandals access, or private pools. For some, this is not an issue because you might not spend too much time in your room anyway! 

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level rooms include all the benefits from the Luxury Level Rooms with some added perks. Most of these rooms will have nice views with large private balconies, beachfront walkouts, or even swim-up access from the Crystal Lagoon Pool.  Importantly, you also get access to the Club Sandals Lounge. They will cost a little more than the Luxury Level rooms, but not significantly. 

Butler Elite Level Suites: For couples seeking the ultimate in luxury and privacy, these suites offer personalized 24/7 butler service.  Not only that, but the suites themselves are absolutely incredible. For example, the Koko Rondoval Villas here feature their own secluded private pool sanctuaries. But my favorite suites are the Shore House Suites that have walkout access right to the beach with your own pool. On top of all this,  you also get added benefits like VIP airport transfers, exclusive in room dining options, and more.

Sandals Halcyon Beach brings new meaning to the term “all-inclusive” with their extensive list of offerings. The price is more than worth it when I consider all the dining options, activities, excursions, and luxurious rooms. 

Don’t forget that you get full access to all the Sandals in Saint Lucia (Sandals Regency La Toc and Grande St. Lucian) that are just 20 minutes away in either direction. There are transfers every hour from the resorts until about midnight.  The resort concierge can arrange all of that for you. 

Let’s unpack everything that’s included:

• Unlimited Food And Drinks: With unlimited dining at 7 superb restaurants and bottomless premium drinks, nobody includes more than Sandals. Especially when considering the two neighboring resorts, you get access to 29 restaurants in total.
• Stay At 1 Play At 3 Privileges: Get full access to the restaurants, pools, beaches, and all activities at both Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Grande St. Lucian.  It’s like getting three vacations in one!
• Unlimited Water Sports: Endless water sports including PADI scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, hobie cats, and more! 
• Motorized Water Activities: Motorized water sports like skiing, kneeboarding, tubing, and wakeboarding. 
• Golf Greens Fees: Free golf at the 18 hole Cap Estate Golf Club. Transfers to and from the course are also included. It’s about a 25 minute drive.
• Land Sports:  Enjoy some tennis, beach volleyball, shuffleboard, croquet, bocce ball, lawn chess, ping pong, pool tables, and more.
• Day And Night Entertainment: Festivities every day and night from fire dancers and cabaret shows, to Caribbean beach parties. Make sure to check out the event schedule on the property so you don’t miss out!
• 5-Star Service: All of the staff members here are so friendly and helpful. No matter which room level you choose, you will always get the 5-star treatment that Sandals is famous for. 
• Airport Transfers: Free roundtrip transfers to and from the airport are always included. 
• Top Shelf Wine And Spirits: Top shelf selections of wine and spirits like the Appleton Estate Rum, Robert Mondavi, and more are available. Your room comes fully stocked with premium drinks as well. 
• Private Beach: This resort has one of the nicest white sand beaches that the St. Lucia has to offer!  
• Fitness Center: A 24 hour center with daily fitness classes on the weekdays. 
• No Tipping: Last but not least, gratuities are not allowed!  The one exception to this is if you want to tip your butler, but even that is not required. I love this policy because it sets the stage for a stress free vacation. 

Keep in mind that there are optional vacation extras like the couples massages, private candlelight dinners, tour excursions that can all be arranged in advance.

Sandals Halcyon Beach is nestled along Chock in the northeast corner of St. Lucia. The resort is a little over an hour drive from the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), which is located on the southern tip of the island. Airport transfers are always included regardless of the room level you booked. 

Despite the drive being a bit longer than some of the other Sandals Resorts, I found it kind of nice because it cuts through the heart of the island so you see a lot of the beautiful landscape and mountains on the way. 

The good news is that Sandals Halcyon Beach is located in the middle of the other two St. Lucian Sandals Resorts, so if you decide to visit either of them, they are both just a short 20 minute drive. 

Because Saint Lucia is relatively close to the United States, flight times are shorter than for some of the Caribbean Islands further south. For example, flights out of Miami to Hewanorra Airport are only about 3.5 hours long and operate every day.

Pro Tip: One of my favorite tips for arriving at St. Lucia is to take the private helicopter transfer from Hewanorra to the resort. The flight time is 11 minutes and costs around $200. I did this and it was definitely worth it not only in terms of saved time, but also because it’s essentially an aerial tour over the entire island. 

Sandals Halcyon Beach is tailored specifically for destination weddings, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Afterall, there’s a good reason why Sandals Resorts has been rated the top all-inclusive resort for honeymooners for the last 40 years!  

As a Certified Sandals Specialist who has been to all the Sandals and planned thousands of romantic vacations for happy couples, I can safely say that Halcyon Beach will not disappoint.

First off, the adults-only policy is ideal for special occasions between you and your loved one. Second, the accommodations at Halcyon Beach are some of the most affordable, which leaves more budget for extras like couples massages, sunset catamaran cruises, or private candlelight dinners.

Remember that you get a free honeymoon package if stay at a Sandals within 1 year of your wedding, which that includes:

• A champagne toast at arrival for the newly wed couple.
• A special bed turndown service on the first evening with flower petals.
• A special breakfast in bed for any morning that you want. 

You can also get a free night simply by staying 7 nights or more in a club or butler level room within 30 days of your anniversary! After you complete your booking, just submit your wedding certificate as proof of your wedding date.  

For destination weddings at this resort, there are two beautiful beachfront wedding gazebos and one in the center tropical garden. There is also a very nice wedding lounge and a spacious banquet room.  This can be invaluable as a fallback plan in case there is bad weather on your wedding day! Group booking discounts are available for wedding parties that book 5 rooms or more.