Escape to Paradise: My Unforgettable Stay in St. Lucia
Arrival and First Impressions
I had the incredible opportunity to visit the breathtaking island of St. Lucia last September, and I'm excited to share my experiences with you! My journey began with a smooth, non-stop flight on Delta from Atlanta to St. Lucia. Upon landing, we were welcomed with warm smiles and a refreshing drink in the Sandals lounge before hopping on our shuttle to Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
The Journey to Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located on the stunning Rodney Bay, about an hour’s drive from Hewanorra Airport. While the journey can be a bit bumpy due to the island's winding roads, the destination is well worth it. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider sitting up front with the shuttle driver – and don’t forget your motion sickness medication. For an extra bit of romance, consider booking a helicopter ride to enjoy spectacular scenery. To reduce transit time, book a helicopter transfer that takes you from Hewanorra Airport (in the south) to George F.L. Charles Airport (in the north).
A Grand Welcome
Upon arrival at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, we were greeted by a three-story, palatial lobby with grand ocean views that immediately took our breath away. Situated on its own peninsula, this resort offers 360-degree views that look like picture-perfect postcards.
Luxurious Accommodations and Amenities
The resort boasts five stunning pools, including a zero-entry signature pool, and luxurious accommodations ranging from Over-The-Water Bungalows to Beachfront Rondoval Suites. The peaceful waters of Rodney Bay are perfect for a relaxing swim or a variety of water sports. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Greg Norman-designed Cap Estate Golf & Country Club.
Culinary Delights
One of the highlights of our stay was the food. Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers twelve specialty restaurants that take you on a culinary tour around the globe. Three of these require reservations: Gordon’s Pier Restaurant (seafood), Bombay (Indian), and Kimonos (Japanese Hibachi).
Must-Try Dishes:
- Gordon's Pier Restaurant: Panko Crusted Crab Cake, Pan-Fried Scallops
- Bombay: Naan, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka
- Kimonos: Gyoza, Ginger-Sesame Salad
If you LOVE sushi, make sure to dine at Soy Sushi Bar located at all three Sandals Properties in St. Lucia. Their signature dish, Seared Tuna Tataki, is delicious!
Make sure to end your night with a stop at Josephine's Gourmet Creperie for a sweet or savory crepe, coffee, or ice cream! Josephine's is a MUST try and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! This gourmet crêperie serves authentic French crêpes and delicious desserts.
Explore More with the Sandals Exchange Program
One of the unique perks of staying at a Sandals resort in St. Lucia is the exchange program. This allows you to "stay at one, play at three" – essentially giving you access to three vacations in one. Complimentary shuttle buses make it easy to enjoy the amenities at Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon, in addition to Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Discovering Sandals Regency La Toc
After a few days, we hopped on a shuttle to Sandals Regency La Toc. Nestled on the 220-acre La Toc Estate, this resort is known as the "Emerald of the Caribbean" due to its sparkling emerald waters. With its lush tropical scenery and exclusive Sunset Oceanview Bluff Village, it epitomizes luxury. Lunch at Neptunes, the Mediterranean seafood restaurant, was a treat, especially with the stunning beach wedding as our backdrop.
Relaxing at Sandals Halcyon
Our next stop was Sandals Halcyon, a tranquil, quintessentially Caribbean resort. Smaller and quieter than the other properties, it’s perfect for honeymooners or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. Most rooms are close to the beach, and the ground-level accommodations are ideal for those with mobility issues. Dinner at Kelly’s Dockside Seaside Bar & Grill was both romantic and delicious.
Adventurous Excursions and Romantic Moments
While at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, we took a short walk to Pigeon Island National Park. For just $10 per person, we hiked up Fort Rodney and Signal Peak for incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. We also booked a delightful excursion to a nearby waterfall through Island Routes.
Nature and Romance in St. Lucia
St. Lucia is a botanical paradise with countless romantic possibilities. Enjoy a private candlelight dinner at any Sandals property, complete with champagne and a four-course dinner with white glove service. Whether you prefer exploring the lush rainforest, enjoying the therapeutic volcanic mud at Sulphur Springs, or taking a sunset cruise, St. Lucia has it all.
Your St. Lucia Adventure Awaits
Looking to plan your St. Lucia vacation? Reach out to me today or your preferred Sojourney Travel Advisor! Let’s curate the perfect getaway tailored just for you. From the serene beaches to the adventurous hikes and luxurious accommodations, St. Lucia is waiting to enchant you. Don’t miss out on creating unforgettable memories in paradise!