St. Lucia

Never to pass up an opportunity to head to the Caribbean, Dr. D was in full on support mode in helping me to utilize some opportunities I had for some resort visits. After pouring over some Sandals Luxury All-Inclusive resort brochures (let me know if you’d like me to send you some!), we agreed upon St. Lucia. BEST. DECISION. EVER. There are three Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia and to get the most out of our experience we did a split stay between two of them.

Getting to our first resort

I have sent several guests to Sandals resorts in St. Lucia, so I was well aware of the hour and a half transfer time. Having just experienced the worst motion sickness known to man in what is now referred to as “the FAM* that shall live in infamy” in beautiful Jamaica, the two of us decided on alternate transportation to get to our resort. YES, it is possible to set up helicopter transfers! Granted this simply takes you across the island to a closer airfield where you still catch a shuttle to Sandals, but it was well worth not being sick straight away on our trip. For the record we took the shuttle back to the airport and it was NOTHING like Jamaica for me.

*FAM stands for familiarization trip. I was able to go with several agents at my company to Jamaica to tour 6 Sandals Resorts so I would know them intimately and be able to better service my guests.

We said we felt like we were in Jurassic Park the landscape was so lush and untouched.

Sandals Regency La Toc

My Millennials really like La Toc, so I anticipated a youthful resort with loads of uniqueness. It was definitely unique in a few ways. The resort is essentially built onto a cliff with varying levels rather than on a flat stretch of property. There is a convenient shuttle that will take you up and down, running every few minutes should you so desire. We took the shuttle up the first time, but found we preferred to amble along the roadway instead. The walk for whatever reason made me feel like I was in Cocktail…I’m dating myself, but it just had that tropical “no worries” vibe. La Toc is also unique in that it has some of the most unusual room categories. It’s not like a “regular” hotel (with the exception of the main building off the lobby near the lower pool. You’ll see what I mean when you see some of my photos.

Essentially I would recommend this resort for pool lovers looking for an island with a plethora of activities and a relaxed atmosphere at their resort.

Island vibin’ walking back to the lower level. These rooms sit midway up.

These two story accommodations are my FAVORITE!

Steep drop off and rough water. It’s still lovely to walk and lay out on, but it’s not a place for those who want to relax IN the water.

Lots of intimate little places to get away and feel completely alone. I think this is a very romantic resort.

Still on the main level, you can see the blue mid levels in the distance. Lots of quick service restaurants are on this main level just beyond the flower arbor.

Once on property, you may inquire about cabana rentals. I have to say that we snuck into one every night after dinner and listened to the waves. It was sincerely the most relaxed I’ve been in years.

Mid level pool and surrounding piano bar and Pitons restaurant which was open air and one of our favorites-second only to LaToc the French restaurant.

See! Here’s a great shot of my “Cocktail Road”.

On the highest level there is a 3rd pool, complete with swimup bar and whirpool that looks off the cliff. Stunning views and sunsets.

Even God agrees, Sandals is made for lovers.

View from our balcony of the main pool and Caribbean.

Did I mention the youthful vibe? There were multiple theme nights and even a themed bubble party at the pool one afternoon!

There is even high class shopping on property!

Check out this view. The food was outstanding. You get what you pay for!

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

I was trepidatious about leaving La Toc to head to the Grande because the serenity and intimacy of La Toc was exactly what we needed. You see like lots of you, we had not left our children before we headed to Barbados the previous November. Yes, that’s 12.5 years without ANY alone/down time. We were so frazzled that even though we REALLY enjoyed ourselves, we honestly didn’t let down completely. La Toc gave us that. We questioned what we’d find at the Grande. Of course if you are a Sandals person you know the Grande ranks amongst the best, so we knew it would be great, we just loved the vibe at La Toc so much…

As soon as you see the pictures you will know what we thought of the resort. PICTURE. PERFECT. PARADISE.

The vibe here is completely different. This is a luxe resort. The views are outstanding, the restaurants varied, the landscape lush. I will say that sans a few room categories (Rondovals and Over-The-Water Bungalows) the rooms here are pretty standard. They are tricky to book however if you want that coveted view of the Pitons.