SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Sandals Saint Vincent

5 star hotel
9.8
Exceptional Our Raiting
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Sandals St Vincent Resort Review _ Saint Vincent And The Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a jet-setters paradise for its tropical atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and uninhabited islands.  As the newest Sandals all-inclusive resort, Sandals St. Vincent embodies all of this and more.

I’ll share my behind the scenes look after spending 5 nights here. One can immediately tell a difference in the new “Sandals 2.0” initiatives that were critical to the resort's development.  From the accommodations to the dining options, everything is more upscale.

The suites are modern and chic. The food has plenty of variety, but there is more emphasis on healthy eating. The beach club overlooking the Caribbean is top notch.

As a Certified Sandals Specialist that has visited all 17 Sandals Resorts, I can safely say that St. Vincent needs to be at the top of your list!

The Beach

The beach at Sandals St. Vincent is extremely secluded within its own private cove.  Each side is surrounded by mountains covered in lush greenery and palm trees.  Because of the privacy, it feels much quieter than other Sandals resorts I’ve stayed at that can get crowded with tourists. 

The white sand is ever so soft and melts between your toes.  There are no rocks, which makes it especially nice for taking a dip in the crystal clear ocean. Additionally, there are wave breaks that bookend the beach so the water is always calm. 

There are several rows of loungers lining the beach so you can easily find one open.  On the right side of the beach you will find all of the kayaks, paddleboards, and hobie cats that you can take out for a cruise.  

Pro Tip: St. Vincent is also famous for its black sand beaches due to the volcanic nature of the island. Although the beach at the resort is white sand, there are several black sand beaches that are close. The Mt. Wynne Beach is a short 15 minute drive from the resort and is worth checking out. 

Here’s what to expect for a day on the beach at Sandals St. Vincent:

  • The Beach: The white sand of Buccament Bay is second to none in St. Vincent. The crescent shaped private cove provides maximum tranquility. 
  • The Water: The deep blue turquoise Caribbean waters are nice and warm for swimming. There are wave breaks on each end of the beach that protect it so the water is always calm.
  • Activities: Unlimited water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, hobie cats, and kayaking are included. You can go scuba diving if you are certified. There is beach volleyball available. 
  • Beach Bars: The Beach Bar is located on the north side of the beach right next to the river. There’s also the Parisol Beach Club between the pool and the beach, which is a great spot for tropical cocktails and snacks. I highly recommend grabbing a frozen Bob Marly drink 🙂
  • Lounging: There are four rows of loungers along the beach so there’s plenty of seating options with umbrellas. I didn’t have any issues finding a spot, and the friendly staff brought drinks right to me. 

Restaurants & Bars

There are 12 specialty restaurants and 9 bars throughout Sandals St. Vincent offering delectable dishes and tropical cocktails that will leave you wanting more. Each restaurant has a unique vibe so you can find the perfect ambiance for any occasion. 

I recommend making reservations for places like Butch’s or Buccan when you check in or even in advance if possible. 

Expert Tip: For a romantic experience, book a private candlelight dinner for two on the beach. You get a four course meal, butler service, and a formal table setting with flowers for only $199 per couple. It’s the perfect way to celebrate special occasions, anniversaries, or honeymoons.

Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options at Sandals St. Vincent:

  1. Buccan: This spot serves up authentic Caribbean cuisine with traditional stone and hearth cooking. I loved the use of St Vincent’s local produce and seafood in the dishes.  I tried the Confit Mahi Mahi, which was incredible. The festive, colorful decor adds to the island vibe.  Reservations are required here and dinner runs from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
  2. Butch’s Chop House: Named after the founder of Sandals, Butch Stewart, this steakhouse offers the best surf and turf around. You can’t go wrong with any of the hand cut steaks or fresh seafood options. The opulent and luxurious setting makes it a great date night spot.  Reservations are required for the dinner service between 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. 
  3. Gatsu Gatsu: Fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine here are fantastic. This was one of my favorite restaurants that I ate several times at. The made to order rolls tasted nice and fresh, and the tempura on the crispy rolls were perfectly done. Sitting at the sushi bar to watch the chefs work is cool to watch.  You do not need reservations, but dinner is from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM. 
  4. Scrimshaw: Specializing in seafood, you can find the best seasonal offerings here. They have amazing conch fritters, which are one of the most famous foods in the Caribbean. I also recommend the Spiny Lobster that is locally caught. The breakfast here is also fantastic with a variety of made to order options like crab cake benedict and lobster omelet.  You do not need reservations for breakfast or dinner here. 
  5. Parisol: This restaurant offers a chic beachfront experience.  It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the views and the sunset.  I tried their grilled snapper with lemon and herbs, which was delicious.  There is often live entertainment going on so you can have a drink and enjoy the music. The breakfast here is also fantastic and goes from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, while the lunch goes until 5:00 PM. 
  6. The Jerk Shack: Jerk chicken is perhaps the most famous dish around the Caribbean, and The Jerk Shack does it right!  The smoky, spicy flavors leave you wanting more. It’s a quick, casual stop for a tasty treat with a cold Hairoun Beer.  The stand is open from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
  7. Isola Pizzeria: Italian made to order wood-fired pizzas. You can order your pizza with any toppings you want and it’s ready in a matter of minutes.  I grabbed this a couple of times for lunch out by the pool. The nice thing is that it’s open until 2:00 AM so it’s perfect for a late night snack. 
  8. Imoro: A healthier dining option with vegetarian and wellness-focused salads. You can order one of their bowls or create your own. There are dozens of ingredients you can choose from right in front of you. The restaurant is located right next to Isola Pizzeria and is open for lunch until 6:00 PM> 
  9. Sora: A focus on Italian-American dishes for lunch and dinner, and a fantastic breakfast buffet in the morning. I really liked this location because it’s located right off the beach and has an overwater patio with a great ambiance. I really enjoyed the live violinist. The breakfast buffet here starts at 7:30 AM, while dinner service goes until 9:30 PM.  Reservations are not required. 
  10. Three Jewels Bar: What Caribbean vacation would be complete without tasting the best rum in the world?  At this Rum Bar, you can try a sampling of imported rums from around the islands. You have to try the Planter’s Punch! This bar is open late night from 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM, and it also has a nice snacking menu to choose from. 
  11. Blum: Blum was my go-to coffee stop.  They feature local Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica, and potent nitro brew.  They have a nice patio where you can relax in the tropical garden.  It opens early at 6:00 AM so you can start your day off right!
  12. Crema:  A nice little coffee and ice cream stand that is open all day.  I loved going here on the hot days to enjoy a refreshing gelato. They have a signature drink called affogato, which is ice cream mixed with espresso. 

There are also several bars to choose from aside from the restaurant options.  The beach bar, plaza bar, or the swim up bar are always a great choice!  Some will close around 5:00PM, but others will be open until 2:00 AM so you can keep the party going.  There is almost always live entertainment going on as well. 

Pools

Sandals St. Vincent has 4 primary pools and two whirlpools scattered around the property.  The main pool stretches throughout the entire center of the resort and features a swim-up bar so you can enjoy a cocktail without leaving the water.  Here there are plenty of loungers available and several restaurants to choose from. 

The other pool that is my favorite is the Parisol Pool that is right off the beach and features the Parisol Beach Club. It’s a very unique crescent shaped infinity pool. This spot is more upbeat with live entertainment to enjoy. It is also an amazing spot to watch the sunset. 

The two other pools, the heart-shaped pool and crescent pool, are more low key and best for relaxing. You can take a nap or read a book in a relaxing setting. 

Lastly, there are several suites that feature swim-up access in the Lady Palm and Bamboo Palm buildings. You can also get butler suites that come with their own private pools.  The Red Lane Spa has an amazing dipping pool that you can use if you get a spa treatment too. 

I never had problems finding a place to sit by the pools. The cabanas are also the perfect place to lounge all day with your partner.  Importantly, the staff will deliver snacks or refreshments so you never don’t have to get up. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pool amenities at Sandals St. Vincent:

  • Main Pool: The main pool is  long and narrow right in the middle of the resort. It is surrounded by a spacious patio with plenty of seating.  There is also a nice swim up bar. There is a clear path to the ocean that makes for great views. 
  • Parisol Pool: The Parisol Pool is a fantastic infinity pool right on the beach. There is also the Parisol Beach Club where you can enjoy cocktails, entertainment, and great food. 
  • Heart Shaped Pool: This pool is located toward the back of the resort and is more of a peaceful area. The pool is in the shape of a heart with a whirlpool attached. This is a great spot to relax with your partner. 
  • Crescent Shaped Pool: This is located right next to the main pool, but is more of a laid back vibe. There are several cabanas that you can enjoy here as well. 
  • Swim-up Bar: The main pool has a swim-bar in the middle where you can get your drink of choice without leaving the water. 
  • Whirlpools:  There are 2 whirlpools here, in the heart shaped pool and the main pool. These can be great in the evenings or right after going for a swim. 
  • Private Cabanas: Private cabanas can be rented for the day, and I would advise to ask the desk in Club Sandals to help you with the reservations. 

Things To Do

The great thing about Sandals St. Vincent is there’s so much to do that you can literally stay on the resort property the whole vacation.  That said, you can always go explore the natural beauty that St. Vincent has to offer so no two days are the same! 

Activities At The Resort

I’m all about lounging on the beach or hanging out by the pool when staying at a Sandals. But, the good news is there’s something for everyone at Sandals St. Vincent. From scuba diving to yoga on the beach, the options are endless!

Note that there are bicycles on the resort which makes getting around the property that much easier.

Here are all the activities you can do at Sandals St. Vincent: 

  • Daily Scuba Diving: The certified diving program is a perfect way to explore St. Vincent while visiting some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean like Anchor Reef. You can have up to 2 dives per day, except for your departure day, pending weather conditions. First time divers can take a 3 hour class and you’re good to go for an open water dive, or you can take the 8 hour classroom portion online in advance.
  • Unlimited Water Sports: Fun in the sun with kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding,  hobie cats, and more. 
  • Tennis And Basketball Courts: There are several tennis courts  and a basketball court back by the conference center. You can also get complimentary tennis lessons!
  • Fitness Classes: Daily fitness classes including pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics, stretching, beach workouts, and plenty more. The class schedule can be found online for each week.
  • Fitness Center: The fitness center features free weights, machines, and cardio equipment. It’s also open 24 hours. 
  • Land Activities: Several other land based activities like beach volleyball, pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce ball, billiards, and more. 
  • Red Lane Spa: The Red Lane Spa at Sandals St. Vincent is a luxurious retreat. They offer a variety of treatments in a serene setting. The Tropical Paradis massage is a must, getting your massage next to the river. Aside from massages, there are facials, pedicures, manicures, body wraps, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and more. 
  • Live Entertainment: Every day there is live entertainment and music to enjoy.  Generally during the day by the pool, and again at night there will be a larger show to watch with different themes each night. 

Off-Site Adventures

Exploring the area around Sandals Saint Vincent is a great way to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture on the island. The nice thing is that all of the tours can be reserved at the Island Routes desk in the main lobby of the resort or ahead of time on the website or app. 

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

  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise: There are several sunset cruises to choose from, and they all cost around $118 per person. I love the catamaran cruises as a way to not only relax but also as a way to check out the scenic coastline. You might even see dolphins and whales! The transfers leave right from the resort and the boats set off in the late afternoon and offer incredible views as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. Drinks, snacks, and island music are also included. 
  • La Soufriere Volcano Hike: If you’re looking for a nice outdoor adventure, I highly recommend hiking La Soufriere island. This active volcano offers a glimpse into the volcano’s crater that was formed during the last eruption. Reaching the summit of approximately 3,000 ft. has amazing panoramic views of the island. You will also walk along Richmond Beach and a volcanic gorge named Willibou River.  Guided group tours cost around $230 per person and include all the transfers right from the resort. 
  • Visit Kingstown: Go for a walking tour through Kingstown to enjoy the sites and do some local shopping.  The colorful architecture of the historical buildings date back over 200 years.  The local market is also filled with fresh fruits and local foods that are the most authentic you will find anywhere on the island. Lastly, you’ll be able to do some shopping for handmade souvenirs to take back home. 
  • Go Island Hopping: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are made up of 32 different islands.  If you have the chance to set out and explore some of them, they are absolutely beautiful. The best part is most of them are hardly touched and have pristine white sand beaches.  The cruise I recommend is to the islands of Mustique and Bequia, where you will also see coral reefs, go snorkeling, check out the famous Basil’s Bar for a drink, and simply unwind in paradise. The cruise lasts nearly all day and costs $385 per person, which includes transfers, food, and drinks.  You can also do the Tobago Cays cruise which is absolutely beautiful and is more geared toward snorkeling around the uninhabited islands. 
  • Botanical Gardens Experience: The St Vincent Botanical Gardens are among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere dating back to 1776. The expansive gardens occupy nearly 20 acres! You can expect exotic plants, tropical flowers, shaded walkways, and colorful birds (including the national bird, the St. Vincent Parrot). You can take a guided tour that includes transfers and additional site seeing for $100 per person, or the general admission to the gardens is only $5 EC (or about $2 USD). 

There are plenty of other options to choose from though.  I recommend checking out the website beforehand, or simply asking the Island Routes desk at the resort what the different excursion options are. 

Nightlife And Entertainment

There is always entertainment at Sandals St. Vincent.  The resort especially comes to life at night with performances and live music.  My personal favorite was the silent disco night. Here was the schedule when we were here: 

  • Island Night: Steel pan music and local dancing
  • Beach Party Night: Music, food, and dancing on the beach
  • White Night: Live music with all white dress code
  • Silent Disco: Party night with silent disco headphones
  • Sandals Live: Live local bands
  • Retro Night: Throwback live music like Michael Jackson, Kiss, etc.

Note that this schedule changes quite a bit, but it gives you an idea of the types of entertainment. Some other entertainment includes fire dancing, carnival dance parties in traditional Carnival dress, reggae night, and plenty more. You can also go to the different bars on the property like Three Jewels Bar which almost always has some action in the evening and is open until 2:00 AM.

Rooms And Suites Available

There are 15 different room categories with unique layouts, making it easy to find something for everyone’s needs and budgets. In all, Sandals St. Vincent has 301 rooms varying between Luxury, Club, and Butler Level. Rooms in the Luxury Level Rooms will start at around $400 per person, per night. 

We stayed in the Beachfront Butler Villa With Private Pool, which is a massive 1,630 sq. ft located steps away from the beach!. The patio was spacious with a nice dining set so we could enjoy a private dinner while watching the sunset. I would be remiss to not mention our outstanding butler service from Arella! 

That said, all accommodations will have the 5-star luxury experience Sandals Resorts is famous for, it really comes down to your personal preferences. 

Luxury Level Rooms:  Entry level rooms, Sandals Luxury, are perfect for guests that want to indulge but at an affordable price point. This category includes amenities like a private balcony, fine linen, tranquility soaking tub, large king-size bed, walk-in rain showers, and a premium mini bar. The rooms generally have views of the pools or tropical gardens. Sometimes you can even snag a room with great ocean views for cheap. Overall, you get the 5-star luxury service without the additional frills like Club Sandals access, premium views, butler service,or private pool sanctuaries. This can be completely fine for couples that don’t want to spend too much time in the room anyway! 

Club Level Rooms: Club Level rooms include all the benefits of the Luxury Level Rooms with additional benefits. Some of the Club rooms might even be the same layout as the Luxury rooms, but with a better view of the beachfront. Most of the Club rooms feature large private balconies, beachfront walkouts, or swim-up access.  Importantly, you get access to the VIP Club Sandals Lounge that has a concierge, snacks, and premium drinks. The club rooms will cost a little bit more, but, but not significantly. 

Butler Elite Level Suites: For couples seeking the ultimate in luxury and intimacy, Butler suites offer personalized butler service. The unique thing with a Butler level room here is that you can opt for a boat transfer, which I highly recommend because you get amazing views of the island. Not only that, but the suites themselves are absolutely incredible. My personal favorite are the two-story overwater bungalows that feature a daybed on the second floor where you can soak in the stunning views of the private cove. To communicate with your butler, you get a smartphone when you check in to message or call them between approximately 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. 

Included Amenities

Nobody includes more than Sandals, and Sandals St. Vincent brings a whole new meaning to the term “all-inclusive” with the long list of perks. When I compare all the restaurants, luxurious rooms, activities, and excursions, the price is more than worth it to me. 

Let’s unpack everything that’s included:

  • Unlimited Food And Drinks: Get unlimited dining at 12 unique restaurants and endless premium drinks at 9 different bars. 
  • Unlimited Water Sports: Endless water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding,windsurfing, hobie cats, and more! 
  • Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Tours: Daily outings to famous dive sites with coral reef, marine life, and shipwrecks.. 
  • Land Sports:  Enjoy some pickleball, basketball, tennis, beach volleyball, bocce ball, cricket, pool tables, and more.
  • Daily Entertainment: Live entertainment every day and night from fire dancers and live music to Caribbean beach parties.  Check out the event schedule at the resort once you arrive.
  • 5-Star Service: All of the staff we came into contact with were so friendly and inviting. You are greeted with a fresh towel and champagne toast right from your entrance.  It doesn’t matter which room level you choose, the 5-star treatment that Sandals is known for is always included.
  • Airport Transfers: Free transfers between airport and resort are always included. 
  • Boat Transfers: Free boat transfers to and from the airport for butler level guests.
  • Top Shelf Wine and Spirits: A premium selection of wine and spirits including the Johnnie Walker, Robert Mondavi, Tanaqueray, Appleton Estate Rum, and more. Your room comes stocked with a premium bar as well. 
  • White Sand Beach: This resort has a pristine private cove beach that is amongst the nicest in all of St. Vincent. 
  • Fitness Center: The state of the art fitness center is open 24 hours and has daily fitness classes. 
  • No Tipping: Last but not least, no tipping allowed!  The only exception is if you want to tip your butler, but that’s not required either. I love this policy because you can book your vacation and that’s it, no extra fees or surprise charges.

There are plenty of optional extras like the couples massages, private candlelight dinners, beach cabanas, and tour excursions that can all be arranged at the resort or in advance.

Where It's Located

Sandals St Vincent is located along the southwest coast of St. Vincent in Buccament Bay.  The resort is just about 45 minutes by car from Argyle International Airport (SVD). 

Airport transfers are always included regardless of which room level you booked. Once you are exiting the airport, the Sandals Transfer stand will be just to the right, and they will assist with the transfer.

Before you depart, make sure that you have shared your arrival time and flight information with Sandals if you did not book your flights directly through them. This way they know when to be there for your transfer. 

Because St. Vincent is one of the southernmost islands in the Caribbean, flight times from the mainland United States are a little longer than some destinations like Jamaica or the Bahamas. For example, flights out of Miami to Argyle International Airport are about 3 hours and 45 minutes long. But for me, that is still a very reasonable flight compared to so many other options that are much longer!

Romantic Getaways

Sandals St. Vincent is specifically tailored for honeymoons, destination weddings, and anniversaries. There’s a good reason why Sandals St. Vincent has been rated a top all-inclusive resort for honeymoons since it opened!  

As a Certified Sandals Specialist who’s been to all 17 Sandals and planned thousands of romantic vacations for couples, I can safely say that St. Vincent will not disappoint.

To start with, the adults-only policy is perfect for romantic occasions between you and your loved one. Secondly, the accommodations at Sandals St. Vincent are relatively affordable, which leaves more room in the budget for things like private candlelight dinners, sunset catamaran cruises, or couples massages. 

You’ll receive a free honeymoon package if your stay at  Sandals is within 1 year of your wedding date, which that includes:

  • Sparkling wine toast upon arrival for the newly wed couple.
  • Bed turndown service on your first evening with flower petals.
  • Breakfast in bed for any morning you choose. 

You will also get a free night for your anniversary simply by staying 7 nights or more in a club or butler level suite within 30 days of your wedding date! 

For destination weddings at this resort, there is a fantastic overwater wedding chapel. There’s also a lounge and a spacious banquet room. This is ideal in case there is bad weather on your wedding day! You can get group booking discounts for parties that book 5 rooms or more. 

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