Sandals resorts - good/bad/otherwise?

[shelb68]

Hello, just started looking into these "all-inclusive" resorts - does anyone have any stories or know anything about Sandals St. Lucia? (Or any Sandals resorts, for that matter).

Thanks!

[Pearls]

The Washington Post Travel section just did a story on crime in the Caribbean that might be worth looking at (Sunday, April 8th edition - washingtonpost.com) They especially mentioned St. Lucia and Sandals. A travel writer from Frommers has been missing for about a year - she was staying at a Sandals in the Caribbean. The jist of the story is that there is crime in paradise and that local authorities don't always do their best to solve the crimes. The article isn't meant to scare but mostly to alert travelers.

[umd98]

I believe that Sandals story took place in Jamaica (did I spell that right). Anyway, if you stay on the property, they say it is very safe. We went to Mexico, south of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and LOVED it. Many, if not all, of the resorts are all-inclusive and very affordable. We paid $1200 for both of us, including air fare and accomodations for four nights, five days. That price also included everything, from alcoholic drinks to food, to taxes, to tips, etc. Our resort was beautiful and the trip was wonderful. Also, you can go off the resort property very easily and walk around the quaint town of Playa del Carmen. Just a suggestion.

[dkalb]

Where did you get such a great rate of $1200 for the both of you???????? I've been looking because that is what I want to do as well.

[ashleyfgoins]

Here are my two cents on Sandals: I honeymooned at the St. Lucia Resort, and while it is a beautiful Island and the resort is nice, it is a honeymoon factory. Looking back, I wish I had chosen something more unique. I am big on cuisine and atmospheric dining, and I thought the food was very mediocre and they took a mass-market approach to the restaurants. Example: you choose from all inclusive menus. A few times instead of an appetizer and salad, I wanted two appetizers. Well, they brought them to me both at once and piled two plates on the table - they couldnt handle stepping outside their "course" box. It really turned me off. I booked the Sandals trip b/c I had so much going on and didnt have time to spend researching all the options, plus we wanted something somewhat economical. I wish I had gone to a more exclusive resort even in the states- I think there are deals to be had if you look for them.

Bottom line- you are on your honeymoon and will have a great time regardless, but I am a travel snob and was therefore disappointed.

[quinncx]

I lived in Barbados for two years and traveled to most of the islands in the Eastern Caribbean and in my opinion St. Lucia is the most beautiful island down there with the friendliest people. :) I've never stayed at Sandals but I would recommend looking into other options because there are some lovely hotels down there which often offer great deals. I recommend the Bay Gardens Hotel (http://www.baygardensinn.com/about_us.htm) which is small but lovely or the Harmony Suites (http://www.harmonysuites.com/index.htm) which is more spacious. Eating out in St. Lucia is not expensive and there are some delightful restaurants that offer a variety of local and international cuisine. Any hotel you choose will be able to arrange a variety of tours or activities so you do not need to restrict yourself to an all-inclusive package.
Good luck with your honeymoon planning!
Colleen

[pizzagirl]

My fiance and I just attended a wedding at the Sandals Ocho Rios Resort in Jamaica. We went for 5 nights, $1855 for both of us, plus airfare, which I didn't get a good deal on so it ended up being $484 each round-trip... So overall we ended up paying about $2700. Some people in our party only paid $360 for air. Anyway, it was absolutely gorgeous, and we had a great time. The all-inclusive aspect was wonderful, although I agree that the quality of the food was good but not excellent. The drinks were delicious, and the staff very friendly and efficient. We enjoyed snorkeling and a glass bottom boat ride, which would have cost us extra had it not been included. I would highly recommend a Sandals if you want total pampering with no worries. You don't even need to carry money around, just your room and safe keys! We stayed on the resort almost all of the time and didn't see any problems with crime. We used our in-room safe for our wallets, cell phones, anything worth anything.