All-Inclusive Archives - Page 5 of 5

By Kylie Morrow | October 1st 2019

Sandals Halcyon Beach in a nutshell

Accommodation Type: 5 star all-inclusive resort (adults-only).
Location: Castries, Saint Lucia.

Suggested airport: Hewannora International Airport (HIA).
Transfer time to resort: 1 hour.

Best Sandals resort for:
Sandals Halcyon Beach is the perfect intimate and romantic Caribbean getaway featuring one of Sandals’ most relaxing swimming pools and a plethora of watersports. Saint Lucia offers some of the most amazing scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Stay at 1 resort, play at 3!

Atmosphere: Laidback.

Restaurants:
6 restaurants on-property
12 restaurants at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
9 restaurants at Sandals Regency La Toc

Overall review of Sandals Halcyon Beach

Sandals Halcyon is in a class of its own, with many describing it as one of the most intimate Sandals resort in Saint Lucia. The resort is charming and quaint, and guests often say they feel right at home at this “quintessential Caribbean” resort. Of over 4,000 reviews on the property, 84% (!) rate their stay at Sandals Halcyon as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very good’.

With palm trees on idyllic shores, rising green hilly backdrops and a view of an inviting ocean, Sandals Halcyon is a true sanctuary. You’ll be able to get close to nature, even reset your mind from the all-new Beachfront Honeymoon Butler Suites with private deck and plunge pool or any other room category of your choice. You’ll also be able to experience the ‘quiet’ pool, and gourmet dining at any of the six themed restaurants. Guests who leave Sandals Halcyon Beach always do so on a high note, and below you’ll find three of the most loved things about Sandals Halcyon Beach.

Three things guests love about Sandals Halcyon Beach

Based on real customer reviews.

1. Guests love the Paradise pool with lazy river.

At the Paradise Pool you’ll find a winding lazy river. Here you’ll be able to meander, think, or enjoy the company of your other half (all at the same time if you choose). There’s a swim up bar at the Paradise Pool in case you need a refreshment, and another one at the lively Sunset Pool close to the beach. The Paradise Pool is the most popular ‘quiet’ pool of all Sandals resorts and it’s easy to see why.

2. Guests love the Bayside restaurant and the Beach Bistro.

sandals halcyon beach bayside restaurant

The Bayside Restaurant, Beach Bistro, Kimonos (Oriental), and Mario’s (Italian) are the three of the restaurants you can find at Sandals Halcyon Beach, and they’re all loved by guests of the resort. If you need more than the six restaurants available on property to keep things interesting during your stay, you have access to 21 more restaurants at nearby Sandals resorts.

Insider tip: The most popular restaurants at Sandals Halcyon Beach require a reservation. Make sure to make some dinner reservations on arrival, especially during peak season! For dress-codes and opening times, see: restaurants at Sandals Halcyon Beach.

3. Guests love the watersports.

Sandals is on top of its game with watersports offerings, and Sandals Halcyon doesn’t miss a beat in that regard. While on property, you can try things like snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking (free of charge), waterskiing, tubing and other motorized options. Take a ride on Big Mabel, an inflatable pulled behind a boat, for a sure thrill.

Sandals Halcyon is more laid back that the other two Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia. Feeling like a more lively atmosphere? Guests staying at Sandals Halcyon Beach have the freedom to explore Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Regency La Toc, before coming “home” to Sandals Halcyon.

Popular tours and excursion at Sandals Halcyon Beach

Hike the Pitons.

Towering nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, the majestic peak of Gros Piton, along with its twin peak Petit Piton, dominates the western coast of St Lucia. The lush green slopes of these pyramid shaped icons rise from the sapphire blue waters of the Caribbean, filling the adventurous traveler with wanderlust. The view itself is a classic ‘the Pitons of Saint Lucia’, soaring straight up from the sea’s edge.

A visit to the Pitons is decidedly one of things you must do in your lifetime. Snaking up the misty, jungle-covered, boulder-strewn mountainside for the huge views from the top is an experience well worth the hike. Afterwards, head to a rest stop for a sumptuous lunch of local delicacies and a refreshing swim in the majestic Caribbean Sea.

Insider tip: Sandals Halcyon Beach repeat guests often recommend to spend at least one (half) day outside of the resort to explore the island. The famous Pitons are a must see! Make sure to book tours and excursions before arrival to ensure availability.

Soufriere Captain for a Day.

guests ridin speed boat alond st. lucia's coast

Explore the most sought-after spots in Saint Lucia by both land and sea on this two-part adventure. First up, cruise in a 17-foot speed boat along the picturesque west coast of Saint Lucia to the town of Soufriere.

Once you arrive your transport will be ready and waiting to take you to three stops, all of which offer striking views of the Pitons; the drive-in volcano and mud baths, the Toraille Waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip, and the Still Beach Restaurant to enjoy an authentic buffet lunch while marveling at a view of the bay.

After lunch, return to your vessel and proceed to our exclusive snorkeling site. When snorkeling is over, head back up the coast via the majestic Marigot Bay.

Piton Sunset Snorkel Cruise.

sunset cruise making it's way through golden sea

Kick back, relax and enjoy gorgeous views of Saint Lucia as you make your way to the majestic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, jump into the magical blue waters at the base of the volcanic peaks for an unforgettable swim and snorkel. Then, cruise back up the coast as the sun sets into the sea and lights up the sky with hues of orange, amber and gold you may be lucky enough to see the elusive green flash. Pass through Marigot Bay and dance to the latest local and international music while you enjoy drinks and delicious appetizers.

Recent Sandals Halcyon Beach Awards

Awards Sandals Halcyon Beach won in the past 5 years alone, not counting the awards that were won by Sandals Resorts as a chain:

MLT Vacations Quality Assurance Award 2014, 2015.
Condé Nast Traveler’s Annual Readers’ Choice 2014: Best Resort in the Caribbean.

Paul Graham

Thank you for visiting the website and our blog. I love to research travel destinations and the fun things to do while there. I will use this blog to share the things I find interesting and helpful, the majority of the article will be by others. I will credit them and share a link to their work in the post here. I have been married to Mary since June 1999 we have four children and currently 4 dogs (3 St Bernards, and 1 Small Terrier, 1 Cat, 1 turtle

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reposted from Sandals Blog

By Kylie Morrow | October 1st 2019

Sandals Grenada in a nutshell

Accommodation Type: 5 star all-inclusive resort (adults-only).
Location: Pink Gin Beach, Grenada.

Recommended airport: Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND).
Transfer time to resort: 5 minutes.

Best Sandals resort for:
Sandals Grenada is one of the newest and best rated Sandals resorts overall, located on the beautiful Pink Gin Beach. With the Underwater Sculpture Park around the corner, it is a great location for scuba diving and snorkeling. Sandals Grenada is the perfect romantic honeymoon destination!

Atmosphere: Sophisticated, Laidback, Social.
Restaurants: 10 restaurants.

Overall review of Sandals Grenada

It’s no secret that Sandals Grenada is the Caribbean’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort for the last three years in a row (World Travel Awards). Located on the picturesque Pink Gin Beach, the resort has a unique advantage and this is brought together by impeccable service and inclusions that are almost too good to be true. Of over 3,000 reviews, 91% (!) of the guests at Sandals Grenada vote their stay as “Excellent”, or “Very Good”. The resort scores highly for a number of reasons, including that it boasts some of the most innovative swimming pools, and it is one of the best Sandals resorts for a vacation that includes some of the most incredible scuba diving. Here are the three things guests love most about Sandals Grenada:

Three things guests love about Sandals Grenada

1. Guests love the sushi and Champaign

guests enjoying sushi at soy sushi bar at sandals grenada

Sushi lovers will be happy to know they have pretty much found a home at Sandals Grenada. Though the resort has 10 simply delectable restaurants to choose from, Soy Sushi Bar is a favorite, and a must visit during your stay. Here you’ll find the freshest sushi every day, best paired with a glass of Champaign. The staff will ensure you have an experience that is pleasing to the pallet. Once you’ve fulfilled your sushi craving, you can also check out Cucina Romana, Sandals’ Italian restaurant where you can find top notch Italian cuisine.

Insider tip: The most popular restaurants at Sandals Grenada require a reservation. Make sure to make some dinner reservations on arrival, especially during peak season! For dress-codes and opening times,

2. Guests love the pools and swim up bar

guests having fun at the swim up bar in sandals grenada

What’s a Caribbean beach resort without a swim up bar? Well, probably still a pretty decent resort, but make no mistake about it, being able to swim right up to the bar, hop on a bar stool and enjoy great ambiance, music and good company is truly incomparable. At Sandals Grenada, you’ll be able to spend some time in the ‘party pool’, the highlight of which is the swim up bar where there’s always an interesting activity in progress. Beach side though, you’ll find a quieter pool, if peace and serenity is what you crave.

3. Guests love the Pink Gin Beach

couple having fun at sandals grenada beach

With the beautiful Pink Gin Beach as a backdrop, Sandals Grenada is hard to beat. Guests can lounge near the ocean and watch as the waves lap gently against the shoreline as they are reminded of just how lucky they are to be in this part of the world where it sometimes seems like time stands still to offer more time to soak in the lushness of life. In any case, after spending a late afternoon watching the sun go down in Grenada, you’ll be more than convinced you’re in the right place.

Insider Tip: Wake up to the sound of the ocean and enjoy the most incredible sunsets from one of the luxurious Skypool Suites.

amazing view from luxurious skypool suite

Picture: The Skypool Suites at Sandals Grenada come with a private infinity pool.

In addition to these amazing three reasons guests love Sandals Grenada, while on the island you will be able to book some amazing half and full day tours of the island via Island Routes’ office right at the resort.

Popular tours and excursion at Sandals Grenada

Grenada Rainforest & Waterfall Dune Buggy Tour.

dune buggy plowing through puddle splashing water all over

Ride in a two-seater buggy along coastal and mountain trails while following a trained guide on your way to the Annandale Waterfalls.

Begin your journey from the trails of Mt. Hartman to Clarks Court Bay Marina. From here you’ll drive over the Morne Jaloux Ridge and enjoy the wonderful vistas of the south western end of the island that provide great photo ops. Crawl up mountainous roads to the lively villages of Beaulieu and Constantine and navigate the mud trails of the Annandale Forest home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna.

Now that you feel at one with nature it’s time to plunge into the cool waters of the Annandale Waterfalls, originating from the Grand Etang Lake. Relax as you soak up the majestic beauty of rapidly flowing water cascading down walls of volcanic rocks. Afterwards complete your journey by cruising down the hills and back to base.

Insider tip: Sandals Grenada repeat guests often recommend to spend at least one (half) day outside of the resort to explore the island. Make sure to book tours and excursions before arrival to ensure availability.

Lover’s Rock Sunset Cruise.

Sail off into the sunset on this romantic cruise aboard the 60-foot, motorized catamaran. Enjoy stunning views of the golden sun sinking into the sea and lighting up the horizon with a spectrum of red, pink and orange tints on this evening cruise delight. Munch on snacks and sip cocktails as you stand on deck and watch the sky change with fiery color. During this two-hour cruise, you will sail off the coast of St George’s, allowing you to take superb pictures of the historic buildings situated behind the bell-shaped harbor called the Carenage. Laugh out loud with newfound friends as the undulating shoreline passes you by and sway to the rhythms of the pulsating Caribbean music. There’s nothing quite like a Caribbean sunset at sea to reawaken the fires of love or to ignite memories that will last a lifetime.

Grenada in a nutshell.

Photo credit: Hugh O’Connor/Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a full day of adventure where you’ll visit many of Grenada’s prime attractions and take in beautiful views of the island’s west coast.

Learn about the secrets of Grenada’s “black gold” and primary export crop, nutmeg, at the Gouyave Nutmeg Cooperative. Passing the fishing village of Victoria, your next stop takes you back in time to the Diamond Chocolate Factory and Cocoa Estate where delicious chocolate is still made using traditional farming methods.

Up next travel to the northern town of Sauteurs where you’ll learn about the fierce Caribs who resisted French rule. Then a delicious plantation lunch awaits you at Belmont Estate; Grenada’s finest agri-tourism facility. After lunch there’s time to sample River Antoine rum, manufactured using waterpower and traditional methods that date back 200 years!

The return ride takes you to 1900ft above sea level into the Grand Etang Forest Reserve to see the volcanic crater lake. Finish the day surrounded by lush vegetation and spice trees in the heart of the rainforest as you take a refreshing swim at the cascading Annandale Falls.