Highlighting Sandals and Beaches Locations in the Caribbean

This month’s Inspiring Itinerary, The Perfect Mexican Beach Vacation, touched on the beauty of staying at an All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, but with everything All-Inclusives have to offer, we decided to do a Deep Dive into one of the most impressive All-Inclusive Resort brands in the Caribbean, Sandals/Beaches (this post is not at all sponsored, we at LOTMV just love Sandals and Beaches Resorts for our clients and ourselves, and think you will, too!).

And if the thought of an All-Inclusive Resort makes you skeptical, READ ON! Some people shy away from the whole All-Inclusive thing, thinking they might miss out on the culture of their destination by staying too much in one place, or wondering if the food can really compare to authentic local fare, but there are a plethora of excursions available for those seeking cultural immersion (often with transportation provided directly from and back to your resort), and gourmet cuisine featuring locally grown ingredients, prepared in the traditions of the locale, at the various restaurants throughout each resort. 

For those who already love the idea of All-Inclusive Resorts, or even if you have a few favorites, read on for inspiring ideas of which resorts you should check out next! 

In this blog, you will find:

• Sandals and Beaches Resort Locations, Listed Alphabetically by Island
• Spotlight on Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Saint Lucia
• Spotlight on Beaches Turks & Caicos by Guest Blogger, Samantha Oddo

But First…What does “All-Inclusive” really mean? 

Though the term does differ depending on the brand (but of course, you can trust your LOTMV Travel Agent to know which brands to invest in for your vacation, so you don’t wind up somewhere that requires constant upcharges), the following list is everything that is 100% included with your stay at Sandals and Beaches Resorts:

Sandals (Adults Only, and Designed Specifically for Couples):

• Expertly Curated Designer Luxury Accommodations 
• Unlimited Meals at up to 16 On-Site Fine Restaurants
• Up to 11 Bars, depending on the Resort, with Uniquely Crafted Cocktails
• Unlimited Premium Liquors
• Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks Wines
• Entertainment throughout the Day and Night
• PADI- Certified Scuba Diving (Including Equipment and Professional Instruction)
• Unlimited Land and Water Sports (such as Hobie Cats, Paddle Boards, Kayaks, and more)
• State-of-the-Art Fitness Centers
• Complimentary Green Fees for Golf
• Exclusive Exchange Privileges Between Resorts
• Free Non-Stop Round-Trip Airport Transfers
• All Taxes, Tips and Gratuities
• Access to All Amenities on the Beaches Property at the Same Location 
• Airport Arrival Lounge in Jamaica and St. Lucia

Beaches (Family Friendly):

• Unique Luxury Accommodations Designed with Families in Mind
• Unlimited Gourmet Dining, Including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Anytime Snacks at up to 21 Restaurants
• Up to 15 Bars, Including Swim-Up Bars
• Unlimited Premium Liquors
• Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks Wines
• Kids Camp with INA (International Nanny Association) Certified Nannies
• Pirates Island Waterpark
• Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street
• PADI-Certified Scuba Diving (and all equipment)
• Snorkeling (and all equipment)
• Hobie Cats, Paddle Boards, Kayaks
• Professional Instruction for Water Sports
• Green Fees at Sandals Golf Club
• Unlimited Land Sports
• Liquid (Beaches Nightly Teen Club)
• XBox Play Lounge
• Day and Night Tennis
• Fitness Center with State-of-the-Art Equipment
• Day and Night Entertainment Including Live Shows
• Free Wi-Fi (in room and all common areas)
• Roundtrip Airport Transfers
• All Tips, Taxes and Gratuities

In addition to everything listed above, Sandals and Beaches both offer a new Vacation Protection Program that has been updated in order to provide guests with comprehensive coverage in our now ever-changing travel world (though Travel Insurance of any kind is always a separate charge). 

The Sandals Vacation Assurance Program Includes: 

• Travel Insurance/Protection Plan
• Vacation Replacement
• Replacement Air Credit of up to $500 per person
• On-Resort Quarantine (up to 14 nights)
• On-Resort PCR and Antigen Testing
• Access to the Vacation Assurance Hotline
• Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness for Safety Throughout your Vacation

A true All-Inclusive Resort Experience should be one in which absolutely everything, from the moment you arrive to the time you leave, is taken care of so that your only responsibility is deciding which vacation vibe you’re into on any given day: beach day? pool day? snorkeling? kayaking? a day at the links? And, if you do find yourself wanting to explore the area outside of the resort, there are a myriad of options for excursions that delve into the locale. Sandals and Beaches cover everything you could possibly want in a Caribbean Resort Experience, while also offering opportunities for those who would like additional activities beyond the resort, as well. 

Sandals and Beaches Resort Locations, Listed Alphabetically by Island

Antigua

• Sandals Grande Antigua in St. John’s

Bahamas

• Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma
• Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau

Barbados

• Sandals Barbados in St. Lawrence Gap
• Sandals Royal Barbados in St. Lawrence Gap

Curacao

• Sandals Royal Curacao in Santa Barbara

Grenada

• Sandals Grenada in St. George’s

Jamaica

• Beaches Negril in Negril
• Beaches Ocho Rios in Ocho Rios
• Sandals Montego Bay in Montego Bay
• Sandals Negril in Negril
• Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios
• Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay
• Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios
• Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse

Saint Lucia

• Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Gros-Islet
• Sandals Halcyon Beach in Castries
• Sandals Regency La Toc in Castries

Turks & Caicos

• Beaches Turks & Caicos in Providenciales

Spotlight on Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia

Location

Saint Lucia has long been known as one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, with its picturesque beaches, lush rainforests, and breathtaking vistas of the Piton Mountains, every direction you look holds a view more gorgeous than the last. 

It’s not surprising, then, that Sandals has three distinct properties on the island, as there is so much to see and experience, despite its relatively small size. The three properties are the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Regency La Toc. Staying at any of these resorts grants you access to all three, making 27 restaurant choices available to Sandals guests staying anywhere on Saint Lucia, in addition to providing multiple beaches and pools for you to experience, and, of course, Sandals provides round-trip transportation between resorts. It’s almost like you’re getting three vacations in one!

Accommodations

But back to Sandals Grande St. Lucian! This resort offers one of the most sought after types of accommodations at any oceanfront resort: Overwater Bungalows. These Tahiti-style bungalows are the ultimate in luxury accommodation with included Butler Elite Service and 24 hour Room Service. Each bungalow features unparalleled ocean views, glass floor panels to watch fish swim beneath you, extended sun decks with overwater hammocks, an outdoor shower, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub for Two. If you’ve ever dreamt of being alone with your significant other with nothing but ocean and tropical islands as far as the eye can see, the bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian are the perfect romantic escape for you. 

Dining

And when you’re ready to take that Do No Disturb sign off your door, there are plenty of activities and dining options available as you venture out of your bungalow. If you simply cannot get enough of that over-water-experience, you’ll definitely want to check out the unique seafood restaurant perched on a pier at the edge of Rodney Bay, Gordon’s on the Pier. From the open exhibition kitchen, this one of 12 gourmet restaurant choices serves creative seafood dishes with local fare and flare. Whether you love seafood, dinner al fresco with a view, or just enjoy any opportunity for a romantic dinner, Gordon’s on the Pier should be at the top of your must-try list. 

Activities

As for day-time activities when you aren’t lounging in your hammock with your toes in the water, there is an incredible array of both land and water activities. All those things you’ve always wondered about trying, like Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Wake-Boarding, Sailing, Windsurfing, Water Skiing, Snorkeling, and even Scuba Diving, are all included, with equipment, AND Professional Instruction if you choose to have it. There is no shortage of activities if you want to stay dry either, from two Golf Courses with Green Fees included, to day and night Tennis, to Pool Tables and Bocce Ball Courts, there is always something available for those of us who just can’t sit still. Plus, on top of all this, there is live entertainment every night, with a different theme each night of the week, such as Reggae Sundays and the “Love Hop” Chocolate Gala on Fridays. 

And if ALL of this is still not enough, there are always opportunities to add on specialty activities, like spa treatments and excursions off of the resort property. Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s Red Lane Spa offers traditional European spa treatments with a Caribbean flare to provide the ultimate form of relaxation and tranquility. If you’re more of an adventurer, Sandals offers hundreds of excursions, from coastal tours of the Piton Mountains, to waterfall hikes and dips into mineral hot springs and mud baths. 

Love Is All You Need

Of course, with the Sandals theme of “Love Is All You Need,” and the focus on couples and romance, the Grande St. Lucian, or any Sandals Resort, is perfect for your Honeymoon, or even Wedding (which can be free, yes free, with a three night stay, or of course you can customize the wedding of your dreams, too). But Sandals is not just for newlyweds; any couple would benefit from a getaway during which they can bask in each other’s company, have a chance to reconnect, and fall in love just a little bit more every day, as the song goes. 

Spotlight on Beaches Turks & Caicos by Sandals/Beaches Specialist and Guest Blogger Samantha Oddo 

Location

As much as I love Sandals, when you have a family with children, it’s not always possible to getaway as a couple all the time; however, just like Sandals is my favorite All-Inclusive Resort Brand for Adults, Beaches Resorts are the most amazing All-Inclusive experience for families. Although all three Beaches locations, Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and Beaches Turks & Caicos, all offer incredible options to make family memories that will last a lifetime, I am highlighting Beaches Turks & Caicos, as I recently vacationed there with my own family. 

Accommodations

The accommodations at all Beaches Resorts are designed to suit a variety of family sizes and dynamics, with multi-bedroom suites for multi-generation family trips, and also rooms with bunk beds that kids love, especially if they don’t have them at home. At Beaches Turks & Caicos, there are four different Villages of accommodations, all with sidewalks that make it easy to get around, especially with strollers. 

My family stayed in a Key West Two-Bedroom Suite, which was just the right size for us. The main floor of our suite included a living area with extra trundle beds, a bedroom with a king size bed, a full bathroom, and a spiral staircase. Upstairs was a bedroom with another king size bed, and another full bathroom. An alternate set up for this room type included bunk beds, which my children were super excited about staying in when they get a bit older. It was located in the West Building, landing us right next to the Italian Village, which was great since we got the feel of two different Villages at once. 

Kids Clubs

One of the most amazing things about Beaches Resorts is their Kids Club programs, which are open to children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. Each Kids Club offers different programs so children will never be bored, and will always be with their peers participating in age appropriate activities, all while being supervised by Certified Nannies. All Nannies at Beaches Resorts are members of the International Nanny Association, which requires each nanny to have 2000+ hours of child care experience. Kids Club runs from 9am to 9pm, and Nannies are available after hours for babysitting at an additional charge. My oldest son was begging to be dropped off as early as possible and stay as late as he could! Furthermore, Beaches Resorts were the Caribbean’s first Autism friendly Resorts, having completed the rigorous IBCCES training to receive their Autism Certification.

Sesame Street

In addition, Beaches Resorts have a long-standing partnership with Sesame Street, which provides an incredible and unique experience for children! While we were there, my oldest son got to do science experiments with Sesame Street characters, and as a family, we all got to enjoy the Sesame Street Character Breakfast, which was super fun for everyone! The characters were full of energy and performed familiar songs that kids and adults could dance to! Children can also bake cookies with Cookie Monster, and enjoy a nightly show with all of their favorite Sesame Street characters.

Activities

And when your children outgrow Sesame Street, there are plenty of water and land sports included at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Our favorites were the Hobie Cat boats, kayaks, and glass bottom boats. Probably the biggest hit with everyone in our family was the Pirate’s Island Water Park, which includes five slides, a splash pad, a lazy river, and even a surf simulator! 

Dining

As for dining, Beaches Turks & Caicos has 21 restaurants with all but two being family friendly. One of our absolute favorites with our son was Bobby Dee’s, a 50’s-style Diner located inside the Jolly Roger Ship in Pirate’s Water Park. Open pretty much all day long, they offer pizza, chicken nuggets, Philly Cheese Steaks, Reubens, and many other American classics. Plus, they offered ice cream and popcorn for quick snacks! There were also two kid-friendly food truck options: Mr. Mac served different varieties of Mac and Cheese, and Curls and Swirls served different flavors of ice cream! And of course, for the adults in your party, all premium liquor is included as well! 

Best For Families

Beaches Resorts are a true All-Inclusive Vacation with everything the whole family could want included. Personally, my family finds great value in not having to spend any additional money once we arrive (even for tips, which are included in the price of the stay, and staff is not allowed to accept extra tips, even if you try). We especially love that Beaches Resorts even include Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, as well as all required equipment and Professional Instruction. And, if you are looking for extra value on your Beaches Vacation, the best time to travel is September-October or January-February. 

Ready to Plan?

Truly, there is nothing you will miss out on when you stay at any Sandals or Beaches All-Inclusive Resort; if anything, you’ll find it’s quite the opposite, and you’ll be experiencing adventures and romance and fun as a family that you may never have had the opportunity for without taking the plunge of an All-Inclusive Vacation. 

If you are ready to plan your Sandals or Beaches All-Inclusive Vacation, contact me, Gina Pantina,  our awesome Guest Blogger, Samantha Oddo, or your favorite Love of the Magic Travel Agent, here today!