Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

We went to Sandals St. Lucia Grande for our honeymoon and couldn't have been happier with everything! Like most people, we spent hours researching our options and reading reviews. We tortured our travel agent with questions and doubts until finally, we decided on this resort. We are so thankful that we did! Reading all of the negative reviews can be very confusing but it's all about the expectations you have, what kind of person you are and what you're looking for in a vacation or honeymoon. We live in Los Angeles (but are both from New York) so we are admittedly spoiled when it comes to food, drinks, travel and entertainment.
Our idea of a great honeymoon was something where we could relax, eat and drink. We didn't want to deal with more planning, more budgeting, and more itineraries! This was our first all-inclusive experience, although we have been on one cruise (and hated it). Our expectations were semi-low..... we sort of expected a "cruise on land" vibe, low quality food and cheesy "Sandals" logos everywhere. We were also terrified that we would be the oldest couple there (we are in our mid-30's) or that we'd be amidst a sea of "honeymooners-gone-wild." None of these things were the case! There are all kinds of couples, of all ages there. Most people are there on their honeymoon, so if you're looking to be treated like you're something special just because you're wearing a "sexy little bride" t-shirt then yes, you will be disappointed. Your experience here is really what you make of it. If you want to meet other couples and make new friends, there are plenty of opportunities and friendly people at the bars and the beach who you will meet and talk to. If you want to be alone and focus only on your husband/wife then you can do that, too and that's what we mostly chose to do. There's always an empty hammock, a quiet spot by the pool or a walk on the beach. Getting a cabana one day was our favorite thing we did. "No Pressure, No Problem" was my favorite drink (we made it a point to try all of them and they are all delicious!) The food was all wonderful. We did not go to the other resorts and other than one dinner at Toscanini's, we were happy eating dinner every night at Bayside (breakfast buffet at Bayside and breakfast at Toscanini's are both great!) Our room was lovely. We had a wonderful couples massage at the spa - worth every penny. And thanks to some great advice, we took the Jeep Safari excursion.
We truly enjoyed the "Soufriere Jeep Discovery & Waterfall Revelation” tour with our guide Nilan. The volcano, waterfall, banana plantation and fishing village were all beautiful, but it was really the star personality of Nilan that made the experience extra special. He was fun, genuine and funny - giving us a fantastic insight into the island and its true culture. We recommend taking advantage of the natural mud bath near the volcano, but be warned that the sulfur smell and stains from the mud are hard to get out of your bathing suit (so don’t wear your best suit or your jewelry).
If you're looking for a no-brainer, relaxing honeymoon/vacation and you enjoy eating and drinking then this is the PERFECT place for you! If you don't drink or like to eat (let's face it, that's what you're paying for) or if you are a hard-to-please complainer who thinks the world owes you something because you are on your honeymoon, then..... good luck to your new spouse! We will definitely be looking into other Sandals for future romantic, relaxing vacations!