St. Lucia is a beautiful island and country, drenched in the lush, green countryside and supported on the blue cushions of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Sandals Grande is one of three Sandals resorts in the country along with Regency Le Toc and Halcyon Beach.

The family-owned Sandals Resorts International is extremely well-known. Starting with just one resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, it’s now become one of the most sought-after resort brands in the Caribbean, (possibly the world), but does it deliver?

For those who aren’t familiar with Sandals Resorts, they are high-end, adult only, all-inclusive havens with multiple restaurants, continuous activities and top-notch service. With the strapline of ‘Luxury Included’, Sandals sets its own standards high and aims to ‘exceed expectations’ of guests.

Having just returned from a holiday at Sandals Grande, St. Lucia, I can honestly say they do, indeed, deliver on every level. Similar to the Secrets brand in Mexico, the food is excellent, the branded spirits and wine are wonderful and the cocktails, amazing. With the exception of a couple of specific restaurants, you also don’t have to worry about booking a table. Simply turn up when you’re hungry and, even if you have to wait for a while, enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.

The idea that ‘everything’s included’ seems unbelievable, yet this is true. Naturally, you’d expect to pay for excursions and spa treatments; however, water activities including kayaks, Hobie Cats, windsurfing, water skiing, snorkelling and even scuba diving are included. And you will never go hungry with food almost available 24:7 in more than 12 on-site restaurants plus a further 15 at the neighbouring resorts, which are also fully inclusive via a shuttle bus service.

 

 

I have stayed at a few different Sandals now and what’s particularly noticeable is the branding/theming of the resorts and restaurants; it’s consistently brilliant. You know you’re in Sandals as soon as you pull into the gates. The grounds are manicured to the highest standard, which is simply stunning, the hotel areas are spotlessly clean and by night the entire resort changes to a hive of entertainment, where there’s something to suit all tastes.

In my opinion, what really makes Sandals a cut above other resorts, is the staff. I genuinely hope they are all as happy as they appear. You always get a ‘good morning/afternoon’ or ‘hey, how are you?’ when you pass any member of staff, be that housekeeping, front-office, maintenance, the aqua-team or bar/service. The entire team make you feel welcome and wanted. They also pay close attention to the finer details, listening to what’s going on to spot an opportunity for them to ‘surprise and delight’.

Service is also included at Sandals with many of the team wearing a ‘no tips thank you’ badge. This helps maintain the consistently high service levels by all staff and if you feel anyone has excelled, there are ways and means to get them recognised by talking to the management or reception.

Finally, Sandals do well when you’re a repeat visitor, regardless of which resort. Their loyalty programme is brilliant, and while some folk take it more seriously than others (affectionally known as Sandalites), the perks and recognition make you feel that little bit more special.