Anyone w/info on Sandals resorts? Which one is best?

Question

We booked trip to Sandals resort in Ocho Rios Jamaica for daughter's wedding. Wedding is now OFF. We weren't crazy about Jamaica - have heard high crime horror stories & been told its great on the resort, but not to leave it due to the crime. We can switch to another Sandals (several on Jamaica, as well as St. Lucia, Antiqua, Bahamas) - we like to swim, eat, maybe scuba or snorkeling, maybe boating, shop, visit historic sites or points of interest, explore new places - we play a little golf or tennis, but not into it in a big way. Not into heavy drinking, partying, or dancing. Looking for more relaxing persuits, lounging around, walks, sunning, etc. I thought St. Lucia looked interesting - volcano, rainforest, whale watching - any opinions positive or negative on visits to Sandals resorts & these islands is appreciated.

Answer 1

I stayed at Sandals Regency - La Toc in St. Lucia last summer.  There are 3 Sandals resorts on the island (the other two are The Grand and Halcyon).  None of them are in walking distance to anything, but they do have a free hourly shuttle that will run you between the 3 resorts, and you can use your "all inclusive" package at any of them.  My hubby and I really liked that scuba diving and snorkeling were free, and they had a very nice boat and set up for it.  They had 2 dive trips and 3 snorkeling trips per day and we didn't have a problem signing up for any of them.  The underwater sights were very cool.  We also booked an optional Jeep tour of the rainforests which was fun, and a shopping trip that took us around to several touristy shopping locales around Castries.  They had a mess of different trips and tours you could sign up for but they all cost money and most of them all leave around the same time, so you can only do one per day which was a bummer.

Out of the 3 resorts on St. Lucia, I would recommend The Grand.  They had the nicest beach set up, the best pool and the prettiest grounds.  The Grande seemed a little more sophisticated that the Regency, which felt a little too "spring break" for us.  We didn't spend too much time at the Halcyon because it's the smallest of the 3, but we did hear it was the spot to watch the sun set.

I don't have any experience with Jamaica, but I would tell you to be prepared for St. Lucia.  It was a lot more 3rd world than we were imagining, and we did not feel comfortable enough to rent a car and venture out on our own (they do drive on the left).  However, everything you need is available on site at Sandals.  Their sites are secluded, well maintained and segregated from the native population.  You shouldn't have any problem feeling safe while on their properties in St. Lucia.

Answer 2

My husband and I went to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica in August. We had an amazing time. Since then we went to a Couples resort and it wasn't as nice. The resort was better than the pictures online. The food was very good. Lots of choices. They have room service so we ordered some snacks when we were hungry but wanted to stay in the room. they had a Paris Cafe where we got some deserts and coffee drinks.

They have plenty of bars and the drinks were great. You could get what ever you wanted.

The rooms were very clean. We had a concierge and they arranged everything for us. The beaches and pools were great. They had several pools and we went to different ones each day.

We also got massages which were pretty good, but not the best I have ever had.

this was a very quiet resort.  Snorkling was neat.  If you stay on the resort you shouldn't have problems with crime.  Most of the crime happens in the cities.  Just like traveling anywhere you have to be aware of your surroundings.

Dunn's River Falls (near Ocho Rios) is supposed to be amazing.  We were supposed to go in April but the Couples resorts switched us to another resort, so maybe next time!

GO to Jamaica and have fun!!!   If you have any specific questions let me know!

Answer 3

I loved Antigua and St. Lucia. I will never go back to Jamaica. I did not stay at Sandals but we drove by them and their locations are breathtaking. If I had a weeks vacation I would choose either of them.