Fort James Beach - Fort James Beach on Antiguas western shore is one of those beaches that takes your breath away at first sight. On this episode we take a deep dive into two really great resorts Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Grenada! There are 3 Sandals resorts in St Lucia (in no particular order). Most of the things you list , for us, were equally good on both islands however a big thing for us was the ease of getting around on Grenada compared to St Lucia. Looking out at Rodney Bay from the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, An outdoor area at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Drink out of a coconut, sail along Les Pitons, snorkel with tropical fish, spot exotic birds and explore the ruins of Pigeon Island. Having been to/stayed at all Sandals, the Grande remains firmly as one of our top favourites. As a general rule, Antigua is the destination of choice for visitors interested in white sand beaches, exploring Caribbean history and swimming with stingrays. Looking to book club level room. Sometimes divers here report sightings of moray eels, nurse sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, and much more. Antigua or St. Lucia - Which one for wedding/honeymoon? Contrastingly, Curacao was a Dutch colony and its influence is still seen currently especially in the architecture of the city. Green fees and transfers to both golf courses are included for all guests staying in any of the three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia. These islands have a wide range of nightlife options, including bars, lounges, and even resorts that provide day and night entertainment, such as Sandals Resorts. Grande's beach/swimming area is in a Bay (Rodney Bay ro be exact) so the water is calm and clear. The Gros Piton and Petit Piton are two of the Caribbeans most iconic natural wonders. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Visitors are able to enter at certain points and give themselves a mud bath. Get the night started and meet other couples in an authentic British pub. It also has the calmest water, and being nestled in Rodney Bay means easy access for boat activities. If you travel to St Lucia and you are among locals, they will more than likely speak Patois. To get around on both islands, minibusses, taxis, and car rentals are available. That alone would be an excursion of ours. In Antigua, youre generally never more than 45 minutes away from your destination. Smoked herring and breadfruit - This Saint Lucian favorite is made with smoked herring that has been well-seasoned and it is served with a breadfruit and cucumber salad. It is about 5-8 metres deep and is accessible by scuba diving, snorkeling and glass bottom boats. Colourful buildings at Sandals Regency La Toc. Grand Anse beach is a beautiful two mile strip of white sand. this is in no particular order and weigh them how you feel. Highlights At SANDALS Grenada Magnificent Skypool Suites Caribbean's most innovative rooms and suites Only 257 rooms and suites Romantic Tranquility Soaking Tubs on patios and balconies 4 Villages: Pink Gin, South Seas, Lovers's Hideaway & Italian Village Butler service in top-tier categories Unlimited fine dining at 10 restaurants 2019 Ted Fund Donors Thank goodness there is a shuttle that can whip me around. Both Saint Lucia and Antigua are enjoyable during the day and after the sun sets. When you arrive on this uninhabited island, you can dive in and see the corals, sea sponges, sea fans, and tropical fishes up close. Here are some of our favorite dive spots on this island: Deep Bay - Deep Bays waters are calm, shallow, and ideal for snorkeling. READ MORE: Resort review of Sandals St Lucia overwater bungalows. Diving is possible on both Saint Lucia and Antigua as these islands both have vibrant coral reefs and interesting marine life. There is simply no all-inclusive vacation in Saint Lucia that matches a Sandals vacation! now i am in the same boat a year later! Where would we find the most nicest resorts, in terms of rooms, service and food? Green fees are included, while caddies and cart rentals are extra. See full disclosures for details. Saint Lucia is known for the majestic Piton mountains, spectacular hiking trails, world's only drive-in volcano, its lush rainforest, botanical gardens, refreshing waterfalls, great snorkeling and scuba diving, romantic beaches, locally grown chocolate and much much more. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. PADI certified Sandals guests can join us on a free scuba diving trip (max. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. During a visit here you can expect calm waters, minimal crowds, chairs, and umbrella rentals, amenities, and stunning views as this beach is set at the foot of the Pitons. In Saint Lucia, you can visit places like La Place Carenage in Castries and the Rodney Bay shopping malls (Bay Walk and JQ Shopping Mall). On a whole, visitors to St Lucia should expect for beaches and attractions to be more crowded when compared to Grenada. Residents of the US and its territories only. Relax and have a burger for lunch at Anse Mamin. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Going on our honeymoon second week in October this year, and can't decide between going to sandals lasource in Grenada or the Grande in St Lucia. U.S. citizens generally do not need a visa for tourist travel up to 6 weeks. Much like vacationing in any other destination, it is important to stay alert and on guard, especially if you choose to go out at night. Cades Reef - This is a 2-mile barrier reef off the coast of Antigua. Grenada has the better beaches of the two islands with Grand Anse beach being the finest of them all. Sandals Antigua is close to the airport (15 minutes) however Sandals St Lucia is far from the airport (90 minutes). Dickenson Bay is surrounded by beach resorts, great shopping, restaurants, bars, and lounges. Sandals Halcyon Beach is more intimate and features the laidback Paradise Pool. Zipline through the rainforest - With stunning vistas, a zipline adventure is always a good idea in the Caribbean. Sandals Grande St. Lucian, over the water Bungalows. March 7 - Saint Lucia vs. La Horqueta Rangers (Trinidad & Tobago professional soccer team). Enjoy the scenery at the charming Marigot Bay. Why not combine the two islands. Heres an overview of the best features of the Grande St. Lucian, Regency La Toc and Halcyon Beach, to helpdecide on the best Sandals resort in St Lucia for your dream vacation. Looking to book club level room. The project has been approved by the SLFA . Carnival is said to have evolved over time, and the celebration is connected to the liberation of people of African descent from colonialism in this region. We do a lot of All Inclusive's, so we are used to getting certain things that you have to pay up for with Sandals, (24 hour all inclusive, including room service, full mini bars etc.) Theres lots of coral and beautiful tropical fish in this area, as well as a variety of places to dive. If you won't be renting a car, then it doesn't really matter. Millionaire Suites at Regency La Toc. Take the challening hike up to Mount Gimmie and enjoy the view. Jalousie Reopening as The Tides, Sugar Beach. Excursions Antigua and Saint Lucia are excellent destinations for those seeking adventure. Info. St Lucia is a much more popular and well known tourism destination than Grenada. A vacation surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on an island with wonderful white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and endless ways to have fun is a good choice any day of the year. Wow! Sandals. Rodney Bay has a variety of restaurants and bars for a more laid-back night out. The British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor is the creator of the park. We have been to Grenada and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I thought about it and did a lot of research and I came to this conclusion. Avoid lonely and secluded places and do not leave valuable items unattended or visible in vehicles. The richness and intensity of flavors distingui, Photo credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com Cancun and The Bahamas are incredible destinations, both with vibrant cultures, friendly people, unique landscapes, and so much to discover. The north of Saint Lucia is the most happening place with the most beautiful beaches. Book your all-inclusive vacation package and fly non-stop to one of Sandals Saint Lucia adults-only resorts from Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark, New York, Boston, Toronto and Montreal. This island is a top choice for couples seeking romance. The Grande St. Lucian offers the most variety, as it has a hopping main pool area with daily entertainment, and also boasts a number of small, quiet pool areas including one that winds through the property where guests can swim right up to their rooms. Antigua is mostly flat and has the stereotypical Caribbean landscape, whereas Saint Lucia is characterized by its dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush greenery. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The most popular lake on the island is Grand Etang lake which is the crater of an extinct volcano. Some of our favorite Saint Lucia beaches include: Reduit Beach - Located in the north of Saint Lucia, Reduit Beach is beautiful, well-kept, and popular. Carnival is one of the cultural celebrations that take place on both of these islands. Nonprofit Organization Best wishes on your upcoming wedding and honeymoon. Antigua is full of exciting opportunities, from sailing to hiking. OPENS NOVEMBER 1ST. It would be hard to choose just one because they both look amazing! On the other hand, from Grenada the only ferry service available is to its dependencies being Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Sandals Resorts offers guests free snorkeling and scuba diving (up to 2 tanks per day). They are both nice places, but you get what option there you choose to purchase, but beware, when 4 sizes of room turn into 20 price points, you know marketing games are in play. It sits on the end of a small, quiet stretch of sand called Pink Gin Beach - and since it's at the very end of the island, this area is exposed to the open seas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Pigeon Point beach is shady, has calm, clear waters, and is ideal for snorkeling. St Lucia Vs Grenada: Which Island Gets More Tourists. Though Antigua and Saint Lucia use the same currency, your dollar may go further in Saint Lucia than in Antigua. It is widely believed that these mud baths have medical benefits. When it comes to a beach vacation, its a win on either of these islands. Excursions can be booked from all three Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia. The beaches in Grenada are slightly better in my opinion. Fortunately you dont have to stress about it too much thanks to the Play at 3 Program, which offers free transportation between the properties, giving guests full access to all of the restaurants, pristine beaches and spas. This dish is typically made with lamb, beef, pork, or saltfish, with dumplings occasionally added. Saint Lucia is in the eastern Caribbean, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. I have been looking at Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and St. Lucia and I am trying to determine which resort will be the best option and which island will not incur the most rain during that time of the year. Sandals Regency La Toc features a 9-hole golf course on property. The beaches were slightly better on Grenada and to get to waterfalls and the fun was far easier on Grenada. While Halcyon Beach and the Grande St. Lucian are both beautiful properties sprawling across expansive blonde beaches, its hard to beat Regency La Tocs perch on bluffs bursting with fragrant foliage. Dammit! However, what really makes Sandals THAT much better and, how would you rate or overall compare it to the Hideaway Royalton? Vendors sell barbecues and other local dishes and there is a live band featuring music from the island. groups direct line 1-800-327-1991 (EXT 6172). Saint Lucias beaches stand out more as compared to those in Antigua, with breathtaking scenery that includes the majestic Pitons, historic sites, vibrant greenery, and more. Its a toss up! Trek to waterfalls - In Saint Lucia, a waterfall adventure is a must. I know the Royalton is beautiful, but it would be a hotel I would book if we returned to St. Lucia because I think it's a more affordable anytime vacation. There are 16 Sandals resorts in the Caribbean: 6 in Jamaica, 3 in St. Lucia, 1 in Grenada, 2 in the Bahamas, 1 in Antigua, 2 in Barbados, and 1 in Curacao. So any other thoughts or advice let me know. LA Toc has better views, IMO - Cliffside, beachfront, and in between. If you're planning to be out and about several days, then AI isn't really a good option as you'll be paying twice for food and drinks - ie in the cost for AI, and then again while your out. Excursions can be booked from all three Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia. Whether you want to dance, listen to live music, or participate in karaoke, Saint Lucia is likely to have it all. However, I would really like to compare and contrast the Hideaway Royalton St. Lucia vs. Sandals Grande St. Lucia. The resort is located on its own estate that grows some of its own organic food. Villas hug the cliffside over the dazzling Caribbean Sea, and its vantage points are a photographers dream. We were able to get to more beaches in Grenada, rather than sticking to one. The Rose Festival and the Feast of La Marguerite are two other festivals celebrated in Saint Lucia. Expert tip: In addition to the Saint Lucia Carnival and Antigua Carnival, there are other diverse and exhilarating cultural festivals that take place all across the Caribbean. Transfers are complimentary. Both St Lucia and Grenada are Commonwealth nations. Get answers to your questions about St. Lucia. Saint Lucias cultural traditions are a blend of Carib, African, English, French, and Dutch influences. In that regard, it may be reassuring to know that both Saint Lucia and Antigua have a rich food culture. ago. It takes about 1/1.5 hours to get from the north to the south. The state of Grenada comprises of three islands. Our preference is the Grande due partially to its calmer beach on Rodney Bay, and the top notch service we have consistently had over 3 stays. Have been to both island 3 times. Sandals Barbados vs Sandals Grenada, My Island Hop. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands.