Sandals St. Vincent Review: Caribbean Luxury Like You’ve Never Seen

Bold, untamed, and breathtaking – we’ve found the Caribbean’s best-kept secret for thrill-seekers and sun-chasers alike! With its hidden jungle waterfalls, stunning black-sand beaches, and unique personality, St. Vincent should definitely be on your travel bucket list. This tropical destination – the largest and northernmost island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, exceptional sailing opportunities, exciting cultural activities, and luxury accommodations.

Tourism in St. Vincent is still relatively new, which is why there’s a limited selection of hotels available, most located between its capital and the airport. But don’t let that discourage you! Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is staying in a boutique villa or a premium resort, St. Vincent is where you can experience what true luxury means. 

One of the newest additions to St. Vincent's amazing portfolio of hotels is Sandals St. Vincent. The ultra-exclusive resort opened in March 2024 and has been raved about throughout social media. As someone who’s previously stayed at Sandals in the Bahamas, was curious to see how this new property compared.

Is Sandals St. Vincent really as special as it’s hyped up to be? Who is the resort best suited for? What amenities can you take advantage of? I spent a week in the mesmerizing resort, so I’m here to tell you what it’s really like!

Quick Facts About Sandals St. Vincent

• Available to: Adults only

• Rooms: 301 rooms in 15 categories, including 101 Butler villas and 10 two-story Overwater Bungalows

• Restaurants/Bars: 12 restaurants and 9 bars

• Pools: 4 outdoor pools, 2 whirlpools, and a dedicated scuba pool for diving instruction and practice. Guests staying in swim-up suites have access to semi-private pools.

• Location: Sandals St. Vincent is located in Buccament Bay, on the southwestern coast of St. Vincent, and a 45-minute drive from Argyle International Airport. No matter which room category you book, you can enjoy a complimentary transfer. Note that the road to the resort is quite winding (but stunning!) 

• When to go: For clear skies and calm waters, the best time to visit is between December and April. If you wish to escape crowds, May and June are the shoulder seasons, offering lower prices. That’s also when the carnival season begins on the colorful island. Avoid visiting between late August and mid-October, when rainy storms and high winds are more common

• Who is it best suited for: This is the perfect resort for couples on their honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or just looking to unwind and have fun in the sun, though I also saw multi-generational families, wedding groups, and girls’ trips enjoying the experience

• St. Vincent’s natural beaches are black sand, but the resort brought in white Caribbean sand to give guests that iconic tropical feel

• All beaches in St. Vincent are public, so don’t be surprised if you see locals or tour groups enjoying the beach near the resort. They aren’t allowed to use Sandals’ facilities or loungers, and security is always present to ensure guest privacy

Atmosphere

St. Vincent is sometimes regarded as an eco-lover's dream destination. With the sweet scent of tropical flowers, rich rainforests, dramatic coastal cliffs, and blissfully bare beaches, it's easy to fall in love with the “Land of the Rainbows.” While the island itself is worth discovering, Sandals St. Vincent will certainly make you want to stick around.

The new resort describes itself “as a hidden gem in an Emerald Sea.” Staying here, you will be in a private cove, surrounded by a lush forest and a beautiful flowing river. Moreover, the hotel is designed to emphasize open spaces and natural materials, which makes its guests feel part of nature.

What’s great about the resort is that it offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking total relaxation or exciting outdoor adventures, here you can get the best of both worlds. 

Indulge in the Caribbean-inspired spa, snorkel or dive through the peaceful blue waters, and explore the stunning hikes. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what is on offer! As the resort emphasizes, you can do as much as you want or absolutely nothing at all, because it’s all included, all unlimited.

Accommodations

Sandals St. Vincent includes 301 rooms in 15 categories, featuring elements like rattan furnishings and four-poster beds, all inspired by the surrounding landscapes. Some suites here include a media room (perfect for movie nights) and a fitness room, which means you can have your daily workout in complete privacy.

During my vacation, I stayed in the Bamboo Palm Partial Oceanview Room with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. This 580 sq. ft. elevated enclave didn’t disappoint – the views were exceptional. I especially enjoyed seeing the island’s famous rainbows right from my balcony!

No matter which room category you choose, every guest at Sandals St. Vincent enjoys thoughtful touches like nightly turndown service between 6–9 PM. Extra pillows and cozy blankets are conveniently tucked away in your closet, and room service is available for all guests – just make a call and they’ll happily accommodate your cravings, anytime.

What to Expect From the Other Rooms

Although my stay at the Bamboo Palm Partial Oceanview Room was lovely, after touring the rest of the rooms, I can say it’s worth splurging on the more luxurious options. Here’s a quick overview of the three other rooms I had an opportunity to visit:

The Bamboo Palm Club Swim-up Room with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub is similar to the one I stayed at, but includes a fantastic swim-up. 

If you’re looking for an ultra-luxury experience that sets a new island standard, make sure to book one of the Butler Elite Rooms! You’ll even begin your experience in style – guests who stay in one of the rooms or villas in this category arrive at Sandals St. Vincent on a boat, which is a great way to see the island. What’s convenient is that you don’t have to go to the lobby to check in. A golf cart will take you directly to your suite.

One of the options for the Butler Elite Rooms is the One-Bedroom Garden Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub. In the stunning villa with breathtaking views of the tropical gardens, you’ll feel like you're in your very own sanctuary. The room includes a private patio with a soaking tub, personal sun loungers, a beautiful kitchen area, and a convenient walk-in closet.

The true stars of the show, however, are the 10 two-story Overwater Bungalows. These incredible suites feature a king-size bed, his and hers closets, a spa-style bathroom with Molton Brown products, and even a private terrace with direct ocean access.

Upstairs, you can relax on a Bali bed or in the outdoor soaking tub, and even enjoy stargazing with your personal telescope (how romantic!). 

If you’re vacationing with your significant other, you’ll appreciate the fact that it’s possible to have an intimate dinner right on your terrace. Plus, when booking an excursion, you’ll get picked up by a private boat straight from your bungalow!

Our Tip: Make sure to bring UK plugs with you, as there are not many USA plugs in the rooms.

Restaurants and Bars

Sun-seeking travelers have long been drawn to the Caribbean, mainly due to its awe-inspiring waters. In most cases, dining was often an afterthought, but in recent years, the situation has changed, and many of the islands, including St. Vincent, are excellent destinations for food and drink lovers (especially if your idea of a dream holiday involves fresh seafood).

Sandals St. Vincent features 12 specialty restaurants. Since it is an all-inclusive resort, guests can enjoy unlimited premium liquors for no extra charge. Here are my thoughts on the restaurants I tried.

Sora:  Don’t miss the made-to-order omelets for breakfast! Lunch is buffet-style with a different theme every day (French, American, etc.), and dinner is where it really shines. We loved the meatballs, calamari, lasagna, and veal chop. 

Scrimshaw: This elegant seafood restaurant quickly became my favorite breakfast spot – don’t miss the crab cake Benedict or the delicious chicken and waffles. For dinner, I loved the tuna crudo, fried snapper, conch fritters, and grilled zucchini. Outdoor seating comes with gorgeous ocean views, which made every meal feel extra special.

Parisol Beach Club: Just steps from the beach, this spot is perfect for a laid-back breakfast or lunch. My favorite? The spinach and artichoke dip and the burger with pineapple – so good!

Butch’s Island Chop House:  A fine dining experience specializing in steak and seafood – don’t miss the wedge salad, filet mignon, lobster, and decadent chocolate cake; reservations are recommended.

Buccan: If you’re up for trying something new, this is the perfect place to go! An adventurous, family-style dining experience with no menu, serving local flavors like fish, pumpkin, and sun-dried tomato chips. Just make sure to book ahead since there are only two dining times.

Gatsu Gatsu: A fantastic sushi bar. We especially enjoyed the crispy chicken skewers and the Caribbean Dynamite roll. 

The Jerk Shack: Perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch – make sure you order the jerk chicken and grab some beef patties on the side. 

Isola Pizzeria: Fresh, brick-oven pizzas made to order. We were obsessed with the Godfather pizza. Make sure to ask for ranch on the side to dip it in. Yum.

Crema: Charming coffee and ice cream bar – perfect for a sweet treat anytime.

Three Jewels Rum Bar: This is the place to be at night – there’s usually a DJ, plus fun activities like dominoes, karaoke, and themed nights. Try their bold spin on the old-fashioned, mixed with both rum and whiskey.

Amenities & Experiences

When you book a vacation at Sandals St. Vincent, there’s nothing you need to worry about. Eat and drink as much as you’d like (there’s a stocked bar in every room), enjoy the airport arrival lounge (it’s small, but your transfer will be waiting), and take advantage of the many available activities.

Activities

With so many options for having fun, expect to be (pleasantly) busy during your vacation at Sandals St. Vincent. As a guest of the all-inclusive resort, you get access to:

• Scuba for certified drivers (with the best dive team I’ve ever encountered during my travels – if you’re a diver, it’s a must-do experience!) 

• Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks, water skis, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and more

• Tennis and other fun land sports

• Day and night entertainment and live shows

• State-of-the-art fitness center

Wellness

If you’re looking to restore your health in one of the slickest settings in the Caribbean, Red Lane Spa is the place to be, and it’s just as magical as you’d imagine. Honestly, the only downside is that you’ll wish you never had to leave.

All guests are welcome to the spa daily to experience the hydrotherapy, hot and cool plunge pools, steam room, and sauna. I tried the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, which was highly relaxing. Remember to book your treatments in advance!

Our Tip: For an extra romantic experience, the spa offers couples massages in an outdoor setting near the river.

Excursions

If you’re not the type to lounge at the resort all day (no judgment if you are!), there are plenty of incredible adventures waiting beyond the property. You can island-hop through the Grenadines, take a romantic sunset cruise, hike the majestic La Soufrière Volcano, visit the breathtaking Dark View Falls, and so much more.  I joined a local tour – the Dark View Falls Tour and Beach Shore Excursion – and I can highly recommend it!

Weddings & Events

Imagine a sunset ceremony with the ocean as your backdrop! It sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Sandals St. Vincent has five beautiful venues to choose from. Say “I do” in the Overwater Chapel or Riverside Pavilion, host a beach wedding for up to 200 guests, or enjoy a cocktail party above Butch’s Steakhouse. 

There’s even a spacious conference room (holds up to 300) that’s perfect for larger gatherings or as a rainy day backup.

Final Thoughts About Sandals St. Vincent

This adult-only, all-inclusive beauty holds a special spot for the brand: It marks a significant step in Sandals' expansion within the Caribbean. Given all the positive reviews online, my expectations were high, but Sandals St. Vincent somehow managed to exceed them! With its Jurassic Park-like scenery, five-star service, and incredible amenities, it’s the place you’ll want to come back to. 

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Ready to experience what the true Caribbean is like? Get in touch with our expert planners at Travel Queen LLC, and we’ll plan the tropical vacation of your dreams! From excursions to accommodations, we’ll ensure that your adventure is not only comfortable but also memorable.

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