Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort vs Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
Sandals Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
✨ The Resort Flock Verdict
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.