Fodor's Expert Review Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort & Spa

This is the most intimate and low-key of the three Sandals resorts on St. Lucia. Like the others, though, it's beachfront, all-inclusive, for couples only, and loaded with amenities and activities. And it's just 10 minutes north of downtown Castries. Learn something new—perhaps sailing, windsurfing, or waterskiing; enjoy swimming in the sea or in any of three pools; or play a game of croquet, table tennis, or billiards. And the low-rise architecture at Halcyon is entirely friendly to the physically challenged.

It's about half the size of the other two Sandals on St. Lucia—and just as popular—so book well in advance.

room

Beachfront rooms are in cozy one-story bungalows with exposed-stone walls, stone terraces accented by tropical greenery, and private plunge pools. “Honeymoon Hideaway” rooms are in a two-story building near the pool. There are three levels of rooms—luxury, club, and butler—based on location, size, amenities, and, of course, price. Furnishings are similar in all rooms, but guests in club- and butler-level rooms enjoy 24-hour room service and stocked minibars.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Wi-Fi is complimentary only in concierge- or butler-level rooms; otherwise, there’s a charge.

bathroom

Like the rooms, the bathrooms here vary. Some rooms have large, modern soaking tubs; some have stand-alone claw-foot tubs; some have tubs with jets. Some have single vessel or countertop sinks; some have granite vanities with double sinks. Mostly, the bathrooms are modern and well-appointed. And some rooms have a second soaking tub (for two) on the balcony.

lobby

The lobby is in a small building at the entrance to the resort. In addition to reception, there’s a guest lounge with comfortable seating, a cocktail bar, and treats like just-baked chocolate chip cookies. On the other side of the port cochère, a gift shop sells beachwear, souvenirs, and sundries—including duty-free items.

pool

The resort has two large swimming pools, each with a swim-up bar, and three Jacuzzis. Both pools have plenty of cushioned sun loungers and umbrellas for shade.

spa

At the Red Lane Spa, guests can indulge in luxurious massages, healing aromatherapy, rejuvenating facials, therapeutic body wraps, soothing/stimulating reflexology, and invigorating body scrubs. Specialty services include a bridal radiance facial, jasmine candle massage, hot stone therapy, green coffee wrap, facial/foot massage combo with two therapists, and much more.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Spa treatments cost extra.

gym

In addition to working out on the machines and weights and working with a private trainer, guests can participate in various sessions such as power walking, stretching, intense Tabata, cardio “Jammin” to music, and something called the Caribbean Beach Shred—a high-intensity workout intended to burn fat and sculpt the body. Guests can also get some exercise by jogging or walking along 1,000 feet of beach or around the 22-acre property.

Guests can take the free shuttle to Sandals Regency La Toc and play a round or two of golf; greens fees on the 9-hole, 3,141-yard, resort-style course are complimentary.

dining

There are a half-dozen dining options at Sandals Halcyon: Bayside serves three meals daily, inside or outside; Beach Bistro serves grilled specials and snacks all day long; Mario's specializes in northern Italian cuisine; Kimono's specializes in Asian cuisine; Soy is a sushi bar; and Kelly's Dockside, which is perched on a 150-foot pier, is the place to go for seafood.

Room service is available in accommodations with butler service.

drinking

The 7 bars here—including a beach bar, two swim-up bars, and a piano bar that stays open until the wee hours—are good places to meet and greet new friends.

beach

The resort faces a lovely section of Choc Beach—broad white sand lapped by the aquamarine sea. It’s perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, sailing (Hobie Cat), tubing, knee boarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paddleboarding—all of which are complimentary.

Unlimited scuba diving is complimentary for certified divers; beginners can take a resort course or become certified for a fee.