“Leave your world behind” is the official Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines tagline, and it’s easy to understand why most Canadians would like to leave behind the long commutes, cold weather and daily grind, to walk into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Or take a dip in the longest pool in the Caribbean (100 metres long, double the size of two Olympic swimming pools) at the newly opened Sandals Resort in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This resort opened in March 2024, after an extensive rebuild of an existing property.
“We Sandalized it”, said Winston Anderson, Managing Director, Eastern Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International, in an interview with Open Jaw.
What does that mean?
“We are sometimes our own worst enemy”, said Anderson. “We keep upping our own standards.”
So, what’s “up” at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sandals?
For starters, guests’ spirits as they arrive at the resort via boat transfer from a marina near the airport (available to Butler class guests). Story has it Adam Stewart, the executive chairman of Sandals Resorts, travelled in this way when he visited during the build and decided that guests would love this oceanic opening to their vacations as well. It’s proven to be extremely popular, and after experiencing it firsthand, I can see why this is resonating with their clientele who are looking for unique and exclusive experiences.
As the first all-inclusive resort on the island, this resort also features other firsts for Sandals. This includes two-story over the water villas, an authentic Vincentian restaurant, and accommodations which can include a media room or fitness room. (I had a fitness room and it included an exercise bike, hand weights, bands, mats, and a roller. Perfect for working out as soon as you roll out of bed or before you roll into it.) Of course there’s a fully equipped fitness centre, spa, pickleball courts, tennis courts and shuffleboard. And what about that heart shaped pool? Or the double decker crescent shaped pool?
Diving is big on the island, and this Sandals offers certified divers free dives, plus you can take a resort course if you’re new to the sport (for an extra cost).
Guests have the choice of 11 different eateries on site. Unlike many all-inclusives, there are no restrictions or extra charges for any of the food offerings. While some require reservations, guests can easily do that on-site or in advance via an app. Guests could eat at the same place the whole time, but why would they with so many choices?
Breakfast and lunch are offered buffet style at Sora, which turns into an a la carte Italian restaurant for dinner. There is no dinner buffet on the resort, instead guests are provided an array of à la carte options. Scrimshaw serves up seafood. Butch’s Island Chophouse brings beef to the table. Buccan features local cuisine, family style. Gatsu Gatsu will get you with their Izakaya sushi and handroll bar. The Jerk Shack jumps up the spices with authentic Jamaican Jerk specialties. Parisol proudly parlays a beach club grill, for breakfast and lunch only. Keep it simple and drop in to Blum for coffee and sweets, Isola Pizzeria for pizza or Imora for a green bowl. Guests don’t have to scream to get ice cream from Crema, open all day.
There are 15 different room categories guests can choose from, in the Luxury, Club and Butler categories. The prime property is the Beachfront Two Bedroom Butler Villa Suite with a private pool and an outdoor tranquility soaking Tub. This is the only two-bedroom villa in the Sandals Resort. There are ten “Vincy” Overwater Two Story Villas, featuring lush rainforest and caves in the rear, with ocean views at the front. The second story day beds are a must for days of ocean gazing.
There are a variety of Beachfront One Bedroom Villas in the Butler category. Guests can choose a media room, private pool, beachfront, tranquility soaking tub, garden view or a mixture. Guests in the Butler category enjoy check in at their rooms, as well as the opportunity to have that boat transfer from a marina close to the airport.
In the Club category, guests are invited to check in via a separate lounge, fully appointed with comfortable couches, large screen televisions and a welcome drink. This room is available for Club members throughout their stay. Club level suites come with a variety of amenities. A fitness room or a media room might be perfect, or perhaps a swim-out room or a patio tranquility soaking tub. There are a few combinations for guests to choose from, and all club suites have gorgeous views of the property and the ocean.
Both Butler and Club level guests can order room service 24/7, including food and drinks. The bar fridge is always stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and coffee and tea can easily be made in your room.
Guests checking in at the Luxury level are greeted by smiling Sandals staff in the expansive and airy lobby, which features a bar and décor inspired by the natural wonders of Saint Vincent Island. The Luxury level suites also offer the balcony tranquility soaking tub, as well as lush garden views.
The island of Saint Vincent is in full recovery mode, after getting through Covid, the volcanic eruption and Hurricane Beryl.
“We are open for business”, confirmed the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Carlos James. “The recovery is going well.” While the South Grenadines Island were harder hit, the day after Hurricane Beryl landed, clients at the Saint Vincent Sandals were out by the pool, as the staff worked diligently to get things back to normal. “There is an eagerness, a passion, to truly serve pure hospitality.” said Anderson. “We have a special relationship with Canada that we want to cement, in collaboration with Sandals.” said Minister James.
Newly appointed CEO of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority Annette Mark says a key strategic initiative in the next year will be all about one thing: marketing. They will be adding two new marketing team members, bringing the staff for the authority up to 31, with offices in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Saint Vincent. “I want every member of my team to be a marketer.” said Mark. “It will be the key to our success. We have so much to talk about.”
Besides the attraction of the island of Saint Vincent itself, it is the perfect landing spot to begin an island-hopping vacation amongst the Grenadines, to Bequia, as well as exotic Mustique only a ferry ride or short flight away. These tours, and others, can be arranged through Sandals.
Air Canada flies once a week to Saint Vincent’s Argyle Airport currently, and it will increase to twice a week in October, through the winter season.
