Comparing All Three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia

This past April, my Mom and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Saint Lucia and stay at all three Sandals Resorts. Saint Lucia has always been on my wish list as it’s known as the “Hawaii of the Caribbean” and anything that mixes Hawaii AND the Caribbean is a winner in my book. Picture volcanic mountains covered in gorgeous flowers, stunning beaches and the jaw dropping pair of Piton Mountains that soar straight up out of the Caribbean Sea.

The three Sandals properties (Sandals La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Grande St. Lucian) are located in the northern part of the island near Castries and are all inclusive, adult only and have the amazing benefit of stay at one, play at three. Shuttles run throughout the day at the resorts to take you to the other Sandals properties giving you full access to 27 restaurants, 21 bars, 11 pools and the most welcoming, friendly staff. Water sports, snorkeling, scuba diving and even green fees at their nearby golf courses are also included with your stay. I highly recommend setting up airport transfers that don’t involve the long, windy drive north and options range from a ferry to a helicopter transfer and I can help you set these up and give my personal recommendations.

It can be hard to narrow down which resort will be the best option for your vacation and below I’m summarizing the main highlights and differences between the three properties. I’m also sharing my “best of” recommendations.

Sandals La Toc has some of the most incredible views of the Caribbean Sea with much of the property nestled up on a hillside before wrapping down around a stunning crescent shaped beach. The resort is bursting with tropical flowers and is set up with more of a small village feel, versus a hotel/resort vibe. La Toc has three unique pools (try the Sunset Bluff pool for views, the Piton Village pool for a more tranquil setting and the Emerald Village pool area for more of a more party vibe and closest to the beach). With nine different restaurants, rich volcanic landscaping and those famous “million dollar views”, Sandals La Toc is a true gem of a destination to celebrate something special.

Sandals Halycon Beach is known as the “garden of Eden” as everywhere you look at this boutique style resort, you will be surrounded by the most stunning tropical plants. This resort has a peaceful and tranquil vibe and we marveled at the towering mango trees and appreciated how easy it was to navigate this property through the charming, flower laden paths. Many of the buildings feature a classic French-Caribbean style with white shutters and exposed stone walls and even though its the smallest of the three Sandals Saint Lucian properties, it does feature the longest pool in the Caribbean. With six restaurants, a gorgeous beach and our favorite area-the Crystal Lagoon Village, if you’re looking for a quiet escape to paradise, Sandals Halcyon Beach delivers beautifully.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is set facing the stunning volcanic mountains of Rodney Bay and was built on a peninsula separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. The beach here is gorgeous with super soft sand and is protected from large waves with its location in the bay. Right next door is Pigeon Island with hiking trails leading you through a treasure trove of history highlighting the century long conflicts between the British and French. With 12 restaurants (many of them right near the water), overwater bungalows and even an option to get married over the water, this resort is the ideal place for honeymooners or couples looking for the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.

Below I’m highlighting my “best of” categories based on my time spent at each resort. I fell in love with Saint Luica and truly enjoyed each resort for so many different reasons.

• Best Sunsets: La Toc. We stayed up in the Sunset Bluff area and the sunsets were spectacular. There is a pool and swim up bar in this area, so be sure to grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the views!
• Best Beach: The Grande. As mentioned, Rodney Bay shelters this beach and the sand is powdery perfection.
• Best Onsite Snorkeling: The Grande. You can snorkel right off the beach here and with their onsite dock, the snorkeling and scuba tours included as part of your stay with Sandals leave right from the resort. Diving and snorkeling is also included at both La Toc and Halycon, but you will take a short transfer to a marina for access to their boats.
• Best Restaurant: It was a tie between Gordon’s on the pier at the Grande and The Pitons at La Toc.
• Best Breakfast: Toscaninis at the Grande. We enjoyed the most delightful service and views of Rodney Bay. Just be sure to ask for an outdoor table on their patio.
• Best Lunch: Toss up between Barefoot by the Sea at the Grande and Beach Bistro at Halcyon. Anything beachfront and relaxed gets my vote!
• Best Spot for a Treat: Creperie at the Grande. Prepared right in front of you and so delicious.
• Best Pool: Halycon’s Crystal Lagoon area got our vote. Lush, quiet and with access to a swim up bar, poolside service and a brand new food truck, you have everything you need for a perfect day in paradise.
• Best Sushi: Soy at the Grande is located in the most Zen garden area and we found the sushi here to be a level above. Close second is Sushi By The Sea at La Toc with open air breezes and ocean views.
• Best Hiking: Pigeon Forge National Park is a five minute walk from the Grande; however La Toc is further south in Castries for a shorter commute to hike Gros Piton.
• Best Landscaping: Halcyon is incredibly lush and you can attend a native plant tour with the groundskeeper.
• Best Gym: The Grande. Lots of light and good equipment.
• Best Birding Opportunities: With all the tropical plants at Halycon, the birds were right at home here.
• Best Party Atmosphere: The Grande has the most “going” in the evenings and their main pool is lively during the day.
• Best Drink: Island Smile at any of the three. Runner up–you must try a Piton beer.
• Most Peaceful: Halcyon. But you can find quiet, private areas at all three!
• Most Unique Accommodations: The Overwater Bungalows at the Grande are stunning!
• Best Overall Food: Our vote went to La Toc for best variety, but we had our favorites at each resort.

Are you interested in visiting Saint Lucia? I can help you with all the details including setting up your transfers and your excursions so your vacation is stress free. For those of you looking for an amazing adventure, you can read more about my hike up Gros Piton here. I am a Sandals Certified Specialist and keep up to date on all the latest promotions offered by Sandals. My assistance is 100% complimentary to you and I am an Certified Travel Advisor . Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here. I am here to make your stay in Saint Lucia that much more relaxing (and adventurous)!