With Saint Lucia being one of the most romantic islands in the Caribbean, it makes perfect sense that Sandals Resorts would have not one, not two, but three properties on the island.
The all-inclusive, adult-only resort chain is popular for celebrating weddings, honeymoons and special anniversaries thanks to its reputation for setting the stage for romance, and even was the first to introduce St Lucia overwater bungalows.
With special perks like butler service, massages under the shade of a cabana on the beach and chilled champagne waiting in your room after a day of sightseeing in Saint Lucia, the luxurious resorts are the perfect place to relax and reconnect with your partner.
Sandals Saint Lucia reviews: Comparing the three resorts
The big question then is, which of the Sandals St Lucia resorts are the best?
It turns out it’s hard to choose, which is why many guests end up splitting their time between at least two of them. Fortunately you don’t have to stress about it too much thanks to their ‘Stay at One, Play at All’ program which offers free transportation between the properties, giving guests full access to all of the restaurants, pristine beaches and spas.
Here’s a side-by-side overview of the Grande St. Lucian, Regency La Toc and Halcyon Beach, to help decide which Sandals resort in St Lucia is best for your dream vacation.
Best rooms at a Sandals resort in St Lucia: Grande St. Lucian
The Grande St. Lucian wins this category, which has the first overwater bungalows in St Lucia. The luxurious villas are perched over the sea, complete with a see-through glass floor perfect for watching the underwater life from the comfort of your king size bed.
An indoor/outdoor rainfall shower, butler’s kitchen, private deck with loungers and a hammock are just some of the other perks, along with a striking tranquility bath overlooking the water.
READ MORE: Resort review of Sandals St Lucia overwater bungalows
WATCH: A tour of the overwater bungalows
The over water villas tend to book up fast, so the next best thing are the Millionaire Suites at Regency La Toc. Perched on a lush bluff overlooking the shimmering sea, the retractable glass walls offer 180 degree views, and lead to a sundeck with a private infinity pool—including a whirlpool and waterfall, natch.
A private butler means you’ll never need to leave the comfort of your lounger, but if you do head back inside you’ll have 1000 square feet of space to explore including a living room, fully-stocked bar, modern bathroom and king size bed.
Exciting updates at Sandals Halcyon Beach brings the addition of 25 new butler-served accommodations. Twenty Joli Beachfront Suites are built on the shoreline and surrounded by vibrant bougainvilleas. The open air layouts feature natural wood tones and king-size beds with direct sea views.
There are five Koko Rondoval Villas with thatched roofs, huge windows and curved walls, complete with a posh private patio and plunge pool.
Best Location
Thanks to the complimentary resort transfers the actual location of each property doesn’t need to be a deciding factor, but if you’re planning to explore the island there are a few differences.
The Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach are close together, and only a five minute drive from the capital of Castries where most of the cruise ships dock.
The Grande St. Lucian is on Pigeon Island Beach, which is popular with locals and just steps away from Pigeon Point National Park which is great for hikers and history buffs. It’s also near bustling Rodney Bay, which is the top area in Saint Lucia for shopping and nightlife.
Best activities: Regency La Toc
Each Sandals resort offers complimentary activities for guests, including snorkelling trips, SUP, kayaking and even scuba diving.
However, the Regency La Toc wins the activity category thanks to its nine hole golf course which features narrow fairways framed by cedars, bamboo and tranquil ocean views.
Green fees are included, while caddies and cart rentals are extra.
Best beach: Sandals Grande St Lucian
The golden beaches at all three resorts are beautiful, with plenty of cushy loungers and cabanas available for guests. Each stretch of sand is well-maintained and peaceful, though it’s worth noting the beach at the Grande St. Lucian is a bit busier as it’s sandwiched between two other spots popular with locals.
However, it gets tops marks for its setup of swings, floaties and hammocks suspended over the water, which are great for both relaxing and photo-ops.
It also has the calmest water, being nestled in Rodney Bay means easy access for boat activities, and it’s also on the doorstep of Pigeon Island National Park which is one of the best things to do in St Lucia.
Best ambiance and pools: All of them!
Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, there’s a Sandals resort that will fit your needs. Halcyon Beach typically appeals to an older crowd (traditionally attracting British guests) and is considered to be the quietest property perfect for R&R.
If you’re looking to party, Regency La Toc is the best bet thanks to its multiple pools complete with swim up bars, DJ sets and games like pool volleyball.
Be sure to stop by the Sunset Bluff Pool perched on the top of the hill, which features grotto-like decor complete with waterfalls and grants gorgeous views of the sparkling azure water below.
The Grande St. Lucian offers the most variety, as it has a hopping main pool area with daily entertainment, and also boasts a number of small, quiet pool areas including one that winds through the property where guests can swim right up to their rooms.
Best Sandals St Lucia resort for scenery: Regency La Toc
This category is no contest: Regency La Toc has scenery in spades.
While Halcyon Beach and the Grande St. Lucian are both beautiful properties sprawling across expansive blonde beaches, it’s hard to beat Regency La Toc’s perch on bluffs bursting with fragrant foliage. Villas hug the cliffside over the dazzling Caribbean Sea, and its vantage points are a photographer’s dream.
When the day is done, watch the spellbinding sunset as its kaleidoscope of colours dip toward the horizon—a scene that just might be the highlight of an unforgettable escape to Sandals in Saint Lucia.
Globe Guide stayed at Sandals as a guest of Sandals Resorts. As always, hosts have no editorial influence on articles.
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Wow, I want to go to both! It would be hard to choose just one because they both look amazing! I am not big into golfing but I am loving the views and pools at La Toc Halcyon Beach! I think we need to plan another trip soon!
I want to go back already, and I was just there! 🙂
Oh come on! How can you choose! I want to do both! Both resorts look totally amazing. Love the reviews but the photos are amazing. I can feel the summer heat on my face right now because of this!
The Play at 3 program sounds amazing – you don’t really have to decide which resort is best because you can enjoy amenities at any of them! Great idea! Loved your photos, by the way!
Thanks Tami! The the fact that you can visit all three resorts is so handy!
I hate post like these, all beautiful and luxurious and delectable, while I’m toiling in the salt mine of a day job… Just kidding. What a gorgeous place! I love the colors.
#TheStruggleIsReal 😉
Dammit! I still cant choose. So I think I would want to stay at the Regency La Toc since you said the scenery is the best plus there is more energy there at the pools and with my ADD I would like the noise.
However the Grande being over in the historical area may be totally awesome too. Thank goodness there is a shuttle that can whip me around.
It really doesn’t matter which one you choose to stay at, they all look amazing. Love the fact you could stay at all three and easily move between them if you wish. Those overwater bungalows have my name on them!s
The overwater bungalows are heaven!
I´ve been in some islands of Caribbean and i love it. This island look also amazing and so the hotel…. I imagine that your holidays should have been amazing!
It was! I love the Caribbean 🙂
Oh what a dream.. I’d love a beach resort vacation right now! Those pictures have me jealous. It’s nice that they provide free transportation between the properties so that you can make the most of your time there- and not make a clearly hard decision!
Thanks Annie, we loved our stay at Sandals!
Wow! That looks heavenly. I understand how it could be hard to choose, but give me champagne and a beach and I’m happy!
I’d love to vacation at a Sandals resort. I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews from friends that have stayed at Sandals properties. It looks like the resorts in Saint Lucia would be no exception. It would be really hard to pick, but I think I’d want to stay at Regency La Toc, you can’t beat those views! What a perfect way to end the day by taking in a spectacular sunset. On the wishlist!
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You can inquire about a “split stay” and book some days at 1 resort with remaining days at a 2nd resort. If you are in a Butler level room they will even pack and move your luggage from one resort to the other that way you can enjoy stays at multiple resorts during same trip.
Yes it’s very common for people to stay at at least two of the resorts during their trip- so awesome that the butlers will even move your stuff for you!
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We booked in Sandals La Toc and we are staying in piton , can’t wait to see around and enjoy our vacation……see you soon!!
Hooray, enjoy your time on the island!
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Can’t decide between the Honeymoon Hideaway room with private pool, La Toc location or the swim up at the Grande. Anyone stayed at the Honeymoon Hideaway? Wondering how the pool rates.
A great review! If I have booked a butler suite at la toc, where should I ask to be set up for the quietest pool/sunbathing spot please? Would you say The Piton pool, or ask to go to somewhere at the Halcyon? Thanks!
Hi Rachel, the butlers at Sandals are the best and they know all the best spots! Just ask them what their recommendation is and I guarantee they’ll find you a great spot and will have it set up beautifully for you when you arrive. Have so much fun!