Getting There

We flew with BA from Glasgow via Gatwick to Saint Lucia (South Airport). The journey time is eight and a half hours from Gatwick. The great thing about booking Sandals is you get to use their own airport lounge with free drinks and snacks before you get the transfer.  Transfer to hotel is around 70 minutes depending on traffic.  Airport located in South whereas Hotel in the North.  Interesting drive through the middle of Saint Lucia which is basically a large rainforest.

The Resort

We stayed at the Grande Saint Lucian which is easily the best out of the three Sandals hotels here.  The all-inclusive is very extensive here with about ten restaurants which are mostly ala carte and all excellent quality.  The main theme is sea food but you also have Indian, Japanese and French as great options.  You can also dine around in any of the other restaurants at La Toc or Halcyon and there is a free shuttle.  We were here a week so there was enough onsite to have something different every day.  The drink quality was also excellent especially if you like your rums and cocktails!  As far as all-inclusive go its up with the very best I have stayed at and extremely good value for money.

Rooms

We got an upgrade to the Swim Up room, which we really enjoyed using in the morning as it was so quiet and peaceful.  The rooms are a good size and the bed was massive and also very comfy.  Air con worked a treat to keep the room cold as us Scots are used to that!  As part of the all-inclusive here the mini bar is stocked with soft and alcoholic drinks.  You can also request this to be refilled at any time.  We used the in room dining a few times for breakfast and worked perfect for us and the food was excellent.  I was most impressed with the Water Bungalows which are like floating luxurious suites.

Out and About

Outside the resort we did a rum tour and tried 15 different local rums.  You get to see how it’s made and how its adapted over the years.  Its high quality and very cheap to buy out there so stock up!  We also did a full day trip taking in the beautiful west coast by boat.  This is where the famous Piton Mountains are and the mud baths which are particularly popular with tourists.  It is claimed these baths can make you look up to 12 years younger!  It certainly made your skin incredibly smooth and great fun for couples.

Golf

The Grande is 5 minutes transfer to their newly designed Greg Norman 18-hole championship golf course.  Only the front 9 was open as the back 9 is still getting redeveloped and will no doubt be an excellent test of golf once fully opened.   Golf is free for any Sandals guests and just need to pay for the Buggy which is needed in that heat!   There is also a 9-hole course at La Toc (about 30 minutes away) which is a much shorter but equally enjoyable.  Caddies mandatory here.  Best time to come for golf (Feb – May) when it’s in its best condition.

Weather

Temperature wise it was perfect for a relaxing holiday with each day getting to around 30 degrees.  There was some rain as it was at the tail end of the stormy season but only lasts a couple of minutes.

Overall Impressions

What I loved about this place is there are plenty of staff in every area of the resort and sometimes feels like more staff than guests! Everyone is so laid back and nothing is a bother for them.  Believe that as soon as you are down to your last sip of that drink, they are there to ask if you want another!

The majority of customers here are celebrating either their honeymoon or wedding anniversary.  It is couples only which really helps provide that romantic feel and this resort is the perfect place to celebrate.