How I spent my time on St. Vincent
Sandals is one of the best-known all-inclusive brands, and their newest (and perhaps nicest) resort is in out-of-the-way St. Vincent. It takes some getting to—but it is a gem in the Caribbean.
I visited for a too-short three nights in October and left counting this among my favorite resorts. (For the record, five to seven nights is what I’d recommend at this property. ) Here’s why:
The setting
Tucked into a bay about an hour’s ride from the airport, Sandals St. Vincent couldn’t be any prettier if it tried. The property is surrounded by mountainous, tropical terrain; improbably, the view of the surrounding hills is as stirring as the ocean view.
There are three big pools—a quiet one near the front of the property, a large active pool that runs down the middle, and a quiet-enough one nearest the beach. This last one was where I spent my time; it’s a bi-level infinity pool overlooking the ocean, right next to an open-air bar/restaurant, and near the buffet, coffee shop, several other restaurants, and the activities desk.
The rooms
Although I didn’t get to see the villa rooms, my ‘regular’ hotel room, in one of the bigger buildings along the side of the property, was BIG, with a large walk-in closet, a big bath with separate tub (for two) and shower (for two) and sinks (for two), lots of amenities, and an over-sized sleeping/living area, correspondingly over-sized balcony with another tub, tons of storage throughout, and a stocked minibar. The décor is contemporary, bright, lightly tropical—and doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. [See a quick video tour of my room at the bottom of the page.]
Aside from the villas and regular hotel rooms, there are a handful of overwater bungalows—a rarity in the Caribbean—wedged in between the hillside and water, and they look nice. If you want an overwater bungalow and don’t want to go all the way to the Maldives, look here.
Overwater bungalows are a rarity in the Caribbean.
The food
I’d been a little let-down by the meals at sister property Beaches Turks & Caicos last year—and so was a little nervous visiting this Sandals. Happily, the food was consistently good. I managed to hit most of the restaurants and didn’t have a bad meal. My favorites were dinner at the Italian spot (Sora) and the chop house, and apps at Gatsu Gatsu (Japanese—I ordered apps because I don’t love sushi, and they were terrific). Breakfast at Parisol, the poolside restaurant overlooking the ocean, was a daily treat.
Steak + eggs + Coke Zero + view
Ready to escape the next snowpocalypse (or just tired of being cold)? Drop me an email to book a visit to St. Vincent or another nice warm destination: beau@rediscovereurope.com.
