When comparing Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Royal Caribbean (Jamaica), you're looking at two of the brand's most unique properties. Royal Caribbean is known for its intimate scale, British heritage influence (including afternoon tea), and its private offshore island housing Tahiti-style overwater bungalows. Grande St. Lucian occupies its own spectacular peninsula, offering panoramic views of volcanic mountains, access to a championship golf course, and what is arguably the most beautiful and calm swimmable beach in St. Lucia. Choose Royal Caribbean for a classic, quiet Jamaican retreat with a private island, or Grande St. Lucian for dramatic scenery and an unbeatable beach.
Key Metrics
Metric
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
Our Rating
8.0
8.0
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
311
210
Restaurants
12
21
Pools
5
8
Year Opened
2000
1986
Year Renovated
2015
2025
Features
Metric
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
Yes
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
No
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
Total Venues
22
13
Included
21
12
Extra Charge
1
1
Room Comparison
Metric
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
Room Categories
12
9
Suite Categories
4
5
Activities Comparison
Metric
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
Total Activities
24
20
Included
20
17
Extra Charge
4
3
Pros & Cons
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Pros
Unbelievable hospitality and friendly, accommodating staff.
Stunning location with panoramic views of Atlantic and Caribbean.
Gorgeous and pristine mile-long beach with calm, crystal-clear waters.
Delicious food and wide variety of 12 dining options.
Lively entertainment team and diverse activities.
Romantic ambiance, ideal for honeymoons and anniversaries.
'Stay at 1, Play at 3' program offering access to other Sandals resorts.
Both motorized and non-motorized water sports are included.
Immaculate resort grounds and common areas.
Cons
Long and sometimes rough 1.5-2 hour drive from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF).
Restaurant closing times can coincide with nightly shows, limiting late dessert options.
Difficulty securing sunbeds with shade, often requiring early morning reservation.
Some instances of reserved sunbeds remaining unused for extended periods.
Rooms described as 'adequate but not outstanding' and could benefit from modernization.
Overall food quality found to be 'just okay' or 'meh' by some guests compared to other Sandals.
Isolated but notable complaint about perfume being stolen from a room.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
Pros
Compact layout makes amenities easily accessible.
The private offshore island (Sandals Cay) is a major highlight with exclusive features.
High-quality and diverse dining, particularly Royal Thai and Bombay restaurants.
Exceptional and personalized service, especially from butler staff.
Luxurious accommodations, including celebrated swim-up suites and overwater bungalows.
Relaxed and peaceful atmosphere for a tranquil getaway.
The "Stay at 1, Play at 2" program offers extensive additional dining and activity options.
Proximity to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) ensures quick transfers.
Cons
Summary
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island has more restaurants, while Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort is the larger property, while Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort has more dining venues, while Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort offers more activities.