Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Rst, Gros Islet

We went to Sandals St. Lucia Grande for our honeymoon and couldn't have been happier with everything! Like most people, we spent hours researching our options and reading reviews. We tortured our travel agent with questions and doubts until finally, we decided on this resort. We are so thankful that we did! Reading all of the negative reviews can be very confusing but it's all about the expectations you have, what kind of person you are and what you're looking for in a vacation or honeymoon. We live in Los Angeles (but are both from New York) so we are admittedly spoiled when it comes to food, drinks, travel and entertainment. Our idea of a great honeymoon was something where we could relax, eat and drink. We didn't want to deal with more planning, more budgeting, and more itineraries! This was our first all-inclusive experience, although we have been on one cruise (and hated it). Our expectations were semi-low..... we sort of expected a "cruise on land" vibe, low quality food and cheesy "Sandals" logos everywhere. We were also terrified that we would be the oldest couple there (we are in our mid-30's) or that we'd be amidst a sea of "honeymooners-gone-wild." None of these things were the case! There are all kinds of couples, of all ages there. Most people are there on their honeymoon, so if you're looking to be treated like you're something special just because you're wearing a "sexy little bride" t-shirt then yes, you will be disappointed. Your experience here is really what you make of it. If you want to meet other couples and make new friends, there are plenty of opportunities and friendly people at the bars and the beach who you will meet and talk to. If you want to be alone and focus only on your husband/wife then you can do that, too and that's what we mostly chose to do. There's always an empty hammock, a quiet spot by the pool or a walk on the beach. Getting a cabana one day was our favorite thing we did. "No Pressure, No Problem" was my favorite drink (we made it a point to try all of them and they are all delicious!) The food was all wonderful. We did not go to the other resorts and other than one dinner at Toscanini's, we were happy eating dinner every night at Bayside (breakfast buffet at Bayside and breakfast at Toscanini's are both great!) Our room was lovely. We had a wonderful couples massage at the spa - worth every penny. And thanks to some great advice, we took the Jeep Safari excursion. We truly enjoyed the "Soufriere Jeep Discovery & Waterfall Revelation” tour with our guide Nilan. The volcano, waterfall, banana plantation and fishing village were all beautiful, but it was really the star personality of Nilan that made the experience extra special. He was fun, genuine and funny - giving us a fantastic insight into the island and its true culture. We recommend taking advantage of the natural mud bath near the volcano, but be warned that the sulfur smell and stains from the mud are hard to get out of your bathing suit (so don’t wear your best suit or your jewelry). If you're looking for a no-brainer, relaxing honeymoon/vacation and you enjoy eating and drinking then this is the PERFECT place for you! If you don't drink or like to eat (let's face it, that's what you're paying for) or if you are a hard-to-please complainer who thinks the world owes you something because you are on your honeymoon, then..... good luck to your new spouse! We will definitely be looking into other Sandals for future romantic, relaxing vacations!

This resort is one of many resorts that we have visited over time. we were treated like we were special and so was everyone we were in contact with.The attitude of the staff left nothing to be desired and anyway they could make your stay more enjoyable they did. Clean and efficient service and grounds. Highly rated.TM.

we departed from miami, we arived to lern that we didnt have assigned seats (sandals booked). The Grande was verry nice we had the personal buttler service that was OUTSTANDING. drawn baths, reserving cabannas, anything you want you can call then on a cell phone sandals supplied when you get there. One major draw back was my blackberry ws stolen from my room and the made very little effort to accomidate me.Food was average at best however 24 hour roomservice was great. the personal hot tubs and the private small pool in your backyard was great! I would do it again however not in st lucia!!!!! from airport to the Grande its about a 1 hour ride thank god we had the nicer package we had a personal car instead of packing into a mini bus with 15 others . over all for 8k it was average

So the first night we got there, there actually was a lot of roaches in our room. We called down and let them know, so they sent a housekeeping person up to basically just spray bug killer all over our room. We left to go eat dinner and when we came back, turned on the lights, they seemed to be more of them and actually bigger ones too. We called down and insisted that we be moved, so at 11:30pm, we got switched to another room. (same layout, worse view) But hey, this time there was no roaches so we were much happier. HOWEVER, we get a call the next day from the manager who tells us we have to move again even after we had already unpacked. I told them this was extremely inconvenient and they eventually got back to us and upgraded us to a "swim up room". It was nice, but to be honest I'm glad we didn't spend an extra 2K on it. There are pools everywhere and all the rooms are the same anyways. Now for the food - nothing spectacular and actually a big let down because we are such foodies. Not changing the menus, a lack of options & flavors, and generic chain restaurant type quality really spoiled it for us. After about the third day, we had already eaten at all the restaurants and were in shock that there was no local cuisine there! It was like italian, american, etc. Worst part about this was one night I had ordered a dozen oysters, ended up getting food poisoning and throwing up all night. I let them know but they seemed more concerned if I was going to infect other guests rather than finding out what I actually ate or what the cause was. So what about the resort itself - Daisy and I both agree, it was OK. It was equivalent to a 2 star resort in our opinion. Seriously difficult coming from the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in (The Tides in Miami, overlooking the ocean, with a complimentary martini waiting for us in our amazing room) to a resort where trash bags were left in hallways, the elevators smelled like mold, and the overall feel was just dirty. How about the beaches - They were OK, the water was decently clear and beach area was clean, but again in Miami it was more more enjoyable. The funny thing is that we just aren't the kind of people who lay out for 8 hours a day. We would much rather be doing things, But there really were a ton of people who just sat at the beach and pool all day long. The more we got to know them, the more they were from middle America and I imagine beaches are something much more unique to them than for us. The last piece about this was that on the last two days we were staying there, Sandals sent out a notice club wide to everyone, saying they were going to be having a large ariel photo shoot and would be "closing" the beaches & pools ALL DAY. To offset people getting outraged, they offered some tours complimentary (like zip lining and treetop adventure one day and catamaran another) We took advantage of one of the trips but the silly thing is that it was raining hard both those days so we ended up getting soaked and they couldn't even do their photoshoot. So now that I've gotten through all that, you're probably wondering.. what was good right?? Well, first let me just say the St. Lucian people are some of the nicest and sweetest people in the world. Everywhere you go, they are polite and their motto is "no pressure, no problem". We had some great employees take care of us at Sandals and also our tour guides were awesome. If it wasn't for their smiles and positive attitudes, it really would have ruined the trip! Another positive was the SPA.Top of the line, no complaints here, it was really extravagant and wonderful. how we actually ended up having a great time, we just kept ourselves busy! We went to the local market in Castries, hiked through the rainforest, went swimming in some lagoons, zippliing, climbing through the trees, and offroading through the backcountry. Everyday was a new adventure of things to do so it was always fun and we were so glad we added those extra things on

My husband and I honeymooned in St. Lucia @ Sandals Grande Resort in April 2008. The staff, bartenders and all of the employees at the grande were absolutely wonderful! Everyone and everything was so accommodating and just a beautiful place to be! The service was outstanding from beginning to end of our 7 day stay. We had met some friends during our stay and enjoyed the atmosphere so very much! Everything requested was given with a 'no pressure' response which was lovely to hear! All of our photos taken are spectacular; some look like they were for a sandals catalog! All of the staff associated with Sandals were great....we have recommended your resort to friends and family, we look forward to returning again soon.

I just got back from there with my family, party of 8. If you're planning a trip to St. Lucia this is the place to stay. The staff was so friendly we found ourselves sad to leave them when the trip was over, in fact we got some of their contact info to keep in touch! We visited the other Sandals (Regency & Halcyon) and it only re-affirmed our choice to stay at the Grande. Never a dull moment, I honestly can't think of one complaint. I highly recommend the concierge's suites as the extra personal touch and attention is more than worth it (fully stocked mini bar, private lounge and staff, 24 hr room service all included). Beautiful views from every vantage point and fun activities every night. Would definitely recommend to anyone!

My wife and I got married at the St. lucian Grande and loved every minute of it. We really cannot wait to get back there and enjoy the paradise that St. Lucia has to offer. I highly recommend snorkeling because the waters are very clear with many tropical fish to see. Getting married on the beach was beautiful and the planners did a great job with coordination. The staff is incredible and friendly. The rooms are not great, but who cares because you spend your time on the beach and enjoying the activities anyway. The all-inclusive package is great as well, but the food is not 5 star. At the same time it isn't bad either. All in all it is a no-brainer to book at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian hotel.

My husband and I just got back from the Sandals Grande St Lucian and we LOVED it! We were treated so well and all of the staff were so friendly and happy! There were pleanty of activities to do at the resort and you also had the option to venture out on available excursions. We found it to be extremely romantic and very hard to leave when our time came to an end. We met a bunch of great couples and saw many married on the beach. If I could click my heels and go back, I'd be there right now! The sunsets are gorgeous as is the island itself! I highly recommend utilizing the water sports as getting out there is so fun! We also did the waverunners and wow was that amazing! The staff at the spa are a little overwhelming as they as you EVERY day to book a service, despite the fact that we had already gone but they are overly friendly which makes it easy to decline services. I recommend checking out the beach party on Monday night if you are there on a Monday...my is there a TON of food! We went golfing at the other Sandals and saw the Halcion but did not go in. I must say that neither of the other resorts compare to how pretty the Grande is! Enjoy everyone if you choose to go here...it is well worth it!

My husband and I were married at the Grand. It was a trip that neither one of us will ever forget. The staff was wonderful, by the second day they new our names or atleast had nicknames for us. The food and drinks were also wonderful, but if you like your drinks strong ask for doubles, and if you want top shelf you need to ask. Our room was perfect with the patio so that we could have our morning coffee or afternnon drinks away from the crowd. If you enjoy meeting new and making new life long friends this is the place for you. the private car from the airport is the way to go. Happy Ever After michigan

This place is awesome. Absolutely gorgeous!! Have no complaints about this hotel. The staff bend over backwards to make sure your stay is great. We were skeptical about the food, but it was great too. Would go back to this place in a heartbeat! Some advice though is to take the helicopter transfer instead of the shuttle. Only takes 20 mins. and the views are terrific. Also, don't try to go through customs wearing ANYTHING with camouflage print. NOT allowed in the country and you will have to change clothes before entering.