There's nothing quite like a spontaneous tropical escape in the midst of winter to recharge your batteries and carry you through to spring. In the midst of the holiday rush, right before Christmas, my husband and I seized a rare chance to escape to St. Lucia, often referred to as "The Helen of the West," situated in the southern Caribbean. Nestled between Martinique, St. Vincent, and Barbados, this enchanting island is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
As a travel advisor, I've had the pleasure of organizing trips to St. Lucia for couples and families alike, whether by land or sea. For this particular adventure, a couples-only retreat, we opted to stay at the delightful Sandals Halcyon Beach resort.
Described as 'A True Garden of Eden by a Tranquil Sea', Sandals Halcyon boasts an array of luxurious amenities. From its fully air-conditioned Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant perched on a 150-foot pier over the Caribbean Sea to its meandering Crystal Lagoon Pool spanning 540 feet, every detail is designed for relaxation and indulgence. We particularly loved the tableside service at the Beach Bistro and the option to 'stay at one, play at three', with access to sister resorts like Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa and Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort.
Our accommodation, a Crystal Lagoon Walkout Swim-up Club Level room, was a haven of comfort and style. Tucked away in one of the resort's charming buildings, it featured a private walkout patio just steps from the serene Crystal Lagoon pool, a plush king-size bed, a smart TV, and a stocked in-room refrigerator. As Club level guests, we were treated to personalized service from a dedicated concierge who took care of our every need, from spa appointments to special requests.
With only three nights to explore both the island and the Sandals resorts, we made the most of our time by scheduling a private car tour for our first full day and hopping on a shuttle to Sandals Grande St. Lucian on another.
Our private car tour took us on a scenic journey around the island, with breathtaking stops along the way. We marveled at the towering volcanic cones known as the Pitons and indulged in excursions to St. Lucia's volcanic origins, including a visit to a drive-in volcano and a dip in the therapeutic Hot Sulphur Springs.
Visiting Sandals Grande St. Lucian was a breeze thanks to the 'stay at one, play at three' option. We spent a luxurious day sipping, dining, and soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring all that Grande St. Lucian has to offer. While Halcyon exuded a tranquil vibe, Grande was more upbeat, offering a lively beach experience. Imagine if Disney's Riviera Resort were whisked away to Castaway Cay and metamorphosed into an adults-only haven—it would resemble the captivating ambiance of Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Whether you are honeymooning, celebrating an anniversary, or just getting away from the daily with the family for a few days, St. Lucia is a worthy destination for guests of all ages to visit to soak up the sun and lovely vistas at every turn.
Gina Akin, Travel Advisor
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