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St. Lucia Hotel, Resort & Villa Reviews Reviews
Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort & Spa All Inclusive
02/12/2005
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
Airports and Flights:
We flew Air Canada regular scheduled service out of Toronto. We did not upgrade our seats as being a scheduled service and not charter we knew the seats would have adequate legroom. You are allowed almost twice the baggage allowance (70 pounds per person plus 22 pounds in each carryon). We had an in-flight hot meal in each direction and free coffee, tea water and soft drinks, while wine, beer or alcoholic drinks were served at a cost of $5 Canadian, we were also provided with free headphones to listen to music or watch the in-flight movie. We had very decent flight times to and from St. Lucia, 9:10 am departing and arriving in St. Lucia at 3:15 pm AST, returning at 4:15 AST and landing in Toronto at 9:15 pm EST.
We arrived in St. Lucia to bright sunny skies and 85F with a moderate northeast breeze. Baggage claim along with Immigration and Customs was very quick and took less than 30 minutes in total. We then headed to the passenger concourse to look for our tour representative Spice Travel when my wife spotted a gentleman holding a sign with my name on it. He informed me that he was there to deliver me to the resort courtesy of the General Manager of the Sandals resort. We immediately boarded a new SUV and headed out of the airport and up the rugged and picturesque Atlantic Coast of St. Lucia. Our guide was very informative pointing out features and island history along the way, stopping at a few view points where we could take magnificent photos of the bays and harbours on the easterly rugged Atlantic Coast. He even opened a small cooler and offered us a selection of cool drinks, water, juices, soft drinks and beer. We then headed cross country after reaching the fishing village of Dennery and through the mountains and the rain forest to the west coast and the capital of Castries.
Location:
As we reached Castries, we headed up a hill that overlooked the beautiful cruise ship harbour below. Reaching the top we made a quick left turn and went down the hill skirting a mountain on our right with the beautiful resort golf course to our left. As we passed the main lobby we could see how the resort was situated on a crescent beach with swimming pool immediately adjacent. We expected a stop to check in but where whisked up a long winding hill to the area known as the Bluffs Concierge Suites, our driver told us to go in as this was where we were to check in.
Check In:
On entering the beautifully decorated and air-conditioned Concierge Suites check in facility we were greeted with snacks and complimentary champagne. Check in was handled very smooth and efficiently. Everything had been pre-prepared and after giving them a credit card imprint of incidental expenses, we were given our key and resort access card. When we exited to go to our room we found that our bags were already on the way. We were then greeted by our Concierge person (Simone) who explained on the way to our room that she had been assigned to us along with her counterpart (Prisca) and if there was anything that we needed, please call her. We arrived at our room number 876, on the second floor of a 4 storey building with direct access from ground level at the rear of the building. Entering the room we found a very large living room containing a chesterfield, love seat, huge glass topped coffee table along with a wet bar and entertainment center, large patio doors to a balcony with a magnificent view of the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea. She then took us into the bedroom of the suite where we found a very nice size dressing vanity, along with a large bathroom vanity, a large Jacuzzi whirlpool bath tub and huge king size poster bed with matching mahogany end tables. Across from the bed was a large armoire which housed a second entertainment center. There was also a secondary access door off the bedroom to the balcony. Between the bed and the bathroom vanity was a large closet which contained adequate space for our clothes, an electronic in room safe, ironing board and iron. Another door between the whirlpool tub and bathroom vanity when opened housed a nice sized room with a toilet and large walk in marble tiled shower. Needless to say the whole suite was very tastefully decorated and just gleamed with cleanliness. Simone then asked if we would like her to unpack our luggage which we declined and told her that it was not necessary and we would like to make a quick change and head for pool area and a quick beverage and snack. She informed us that if we wanted any snacks they could be delivered to our room as part of the resorts service. We thanked her for her explanation and went to quickly freshen up and change into some more comfortable clothes and head for the pool. While I waited for my wife to finish I decided it was time to avail myself of a cool refreshing ice cold “Piton” beer on the balcony as I waited for her.
Grounds, Restaurants, Bars and Beach:
The Concierge lobby is very beautiful with its marble and hardwood floors, beautiful chandeliers furniture and floral arrangements. Set at the top of the bluffs overlooking the Caribbean and surrounded by well manicured gardens and interlocking brick roads. The grounds and the gardens around the buildings are beautifully lush tropical plants impeccably maintained constantly by a diligent gardening staff. Immediate adjacent to the Concierge lobby you will find the large bluffs pools with its swim up bar running waterfalls and Sunset lounge. Above you find fine Italian dining at Armando’s which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all a-la-carte. It is a magnificently decorated Italian restaurant where no reservations are required and the only stipulations for use is a top or pool cover-ups for breakfast, lunch and long pants and collared shirts for dinner.
Going down from the Bluffs, you can walk the steep incline on a well maintained interlocking brick road surrounded by lush cliff side tropical vegetation plunging down to the sea on one side and similar manicured vegetation on the other side of the road that seems to want to reach for the sky or you may take the shuttle down towards the Main lobby. You may also stop on the way down at Kimono’s the fabulous a-la-carte Japanese Restaurant which is set on an array of stilts on the cliff side overlooking the Caribbean. You must have reservations for Kimono’s. Be sure and obtain your reservations quickly as they fill up very fast. Further down the hill you will come upon very nice quaint small guest cottages on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean and adjacent to the Pitons Pool, Herbie’s Bar and the Pitons Restaurant (a-la-carte) which are open all three meals with no reservations required and casual dress. From the Pitons area you can go down a small flight of stairs to a walkway along the beach passing the Arizona Beach Grill which is open for 24 hour service, or you may from the Pitons continue up a large incline past blocks of rooms and down another incline to the Main Lobby. I generally choose the beach path as to avoid the steep hills. Along the beach walkway you will find shoreline gazebo’s that are used for weddings and special occasion luncheons, followed by the pavilion main pool with swim up bar and flowing waterfalls and the Pavilion Restaurant which serves a beautiful buffet breakfast with made to order egg dishes, a buffet style lunch and a-la-carte dinners. Here also no reservations and dress code is casual. Upstairs, overlooking the Pavilion pool and the Caribbean you will find the main lobby, a beautiful setting of fine furniture and floral arrangements, marble floors and pillars. This is the pulse center of the resort containing the resort offices, main check in, guest services and information center for the resort. Above the office area to the south is the La Toc Restaurant a fine French Rrestaurant with many mouth watering gourmet selections. Reservations and proper dress code is required. On the other side to the north over the administration offices is Jaime’s Sports Bar and Disco.
The beach is beautiful, with powdery golden sand that stretches approximately one quarter mile in each direction from the pavilion pool. There are an adequate number of chaise lounges available on the beach but do not expect to find shade, this is for the sun and water lovers definitely.
Sunfish, catamarans, kayaks and boogie boards are available for use of the clients of this resort except on Red Flag days which there was only 1 during our stay.
Rooms:
There are 328 rooms in this complex in 12 different categories, while I never saw every category, Mr. Powell the general manager was kind enough to show me as many that we available. We visited two different categories in the lower complex adjacent to the main lobby; the first was a bedroom and bath that had been newly renovated. It had a king size poster bed, a chair, a dressing table with a flat screen 32 inch (approx) televisions, adequate closet space and bathroom with tub and shower. All rooms were impeccably clean as were all the hallways and facilities.
The second room was the same but was smaller due to the size of the balcony, these are schedule to have the balcony closed off to enlarge the bedroom and be refurbished with new furniture and bath facilities at the end of this month.
Renovation programs like this to keep the resort updated are a normal maintenance item on the resort; we also noticed that some buildings were having new roofs and or new shingles installed. So one must be aware that the resort has a continuous maintenance program in place and it is quite possible that you may have to take an alternate route at times to your favorite restaurant or bar.
Pools, Bars and Drinks:
A total of 4 pools, 4 heated Jacuzzi whirlpools and 10 bars are available for your pleasure, which includes 2 swim up bars. Each bar serve a variety of cocktails made from local and international brands and either Pitons or Heineken beers. Service at these bars was very prompt and the bartenders were extremely courteous at all times
Restaurants
All restaurants (except for the beach snack bar and Pavilion) are air-conditioned and non-smoking. Men must wear long pants in the a-la-carte restaurants at dinner; they can wear shorts to the buffet. There were two classes of dress expected at the resort.
Resort Casual:
Nice shorts or jeans, swimwear must be covered, no bare feet.
Resort Evening Attire:
Dress pants for men, shirts with sleeves and collar, dress shoes.
Italian Restaurant – Armando’s
A beautifully decorated gourmet restaurant serving fine Italian fare. Opened in the morning for breakfast (a-la-carte) and similarly lunch ether indoors of outdoors. Guests are treated to impeccable service and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Reservations are not required.
Dress code: Resort evening attire. Resort Casual for breakfast and lunch.
Japanese Restaurant – Kimono’s
A wonderful traditional Japanese restaurant with dramatic panoramic view of the Caribbean sea, featuring Teppanyaki style cuisine prepared and cooked table side by an entertaining chef. Reservations are required.
Dress code: Resort casual
Grill Restaurant – Arizona’s
A western-style open air covered restaurant serving the finest steaks, poultry and other grilled dishes in a casual outdoor setting. Cooled by the breezes of the Caribbean Sea. Reservations are not required. Arizona was open for service 24 hours a day by utilizing the adjacent Beach Grill.
Dress code: Resort casual
Gourmet Restaurant - La Toq
A fantastic exquisite gourmet French restaurant in a lavishly decorated air conditioned room. Located on the second floor adjacent to the Pavilion restaurant. Service here was simply-put “superb”. Reservations are required.
Dress code: Resort evening attire
Caribbean Restaurant - The Pitons
An open air contemporary Caribbean restaurant that features white glove service overlooking the moonlit sea. Reservations are not required. It was available for breakfast lunch and dinner a-la-carte daily.
Dress code: Resort casual
International Restaurant Pavilion
The Pavilion Restaurant, with its 50 foot ceilings features International cuisine served overlooking one of the Caribbean's largest pools and a breathtaking view of the Caribbean. Each evening at dinner live music provided a wonderful background while dining and watching the marvelous sunsets. Reservations are not required. This restaurant also features both a-la-carte and buffets dining for breakfast or lunch.
Dress code: Resort casual.
Entertainment during the Day:
The animation team works hard to provide daily activities. You can join in if you wish or if you’re like me and just like to sit and relax, they’ll leave you alone. There is the schedule for activities posted at each pool location and in lobby bulletin boards, it is also provided in Daily Times newsletter which is at your door each morning. I have provided a sample of the daily activities below:
Sample Schedule of Daily Activities at Sandals Regency St. Lucia
8:00 am
Walk N' Stretch
Fitness Center
10:00 am
Vacation Briefing
Amphitheater
10:30 am
Aquacise
Main Pool
11:00 am
Suites Orientation
Pool Terrace
11:00 am
Local Crafts & Vendors
Pool Terrace
11:00 am
Beach Olympics
Beach
11:30 am
Sand Castle Building
Beach
12:00 pm
Darts Tournament
Pool Terrace
2:00 pm
Pool Olympics
Main Pool
2:00 pm
Rehearsals for Talent Show
Amphitheater
3:00 pm
Shuffle Board Competition
Beach Grill
3:30 pm
Guest vs. Staff Volleyball
Beach
4:00 pm
Pool Volleyball
Pool
5:00 pm
Vacation Briefing
Amphitheater
6:00 pm
Silk Painting
Pavilion
7:00 pm
Live Music
Pavilion
7:00 pm
Jamie's Sport Bar
Entertainment Center
8:00 pm
Pictionary
Amphitheater
9:00 pm
Big Games
Amphitheater
9:30 pm
Band Plays for Dancing
Amphitheater
10:00 pm
Sandals Presentation
Amphitheater
10:15 pm
Guest & Staff Show
Amphitheater
10:15 pm
Sing-a-Long
Piano Bar
10:15 pm
Disco Night
Sports Bar
Nightly Entertainment:
Nightly entertainment was provided in the Amphitheatre, as well as in the Pavilion Restaurant. A disco was available in Jamie’s Sports Bar and there was a quiet piano bar near the Pitons restaurant called Herbie’s. We generally relaxed in the quiet confines of the Sunset Bar for a night cap.
Internet Access:
Internet access was available in the business center at a cost of $10 US for one half hour.
Hotel Stores/Shopping:
A very nice store available outside the main lobby and a lovely fine jewelry store for the ladies on the main concourse of the lobby. All prices were in US dollars.
Spa :
A wonderful full-service ultra spa is available at additional fees on site; I did visit it to look around and was impressed with their facilities. Each day spa staff visited the pool to offer you a cool mist of therapeutic lemongrass spray and a cold towel to freshen your face. Another lovely Sandals touch.
Tennis Courts:
Day and Night tennis available on 5 lit courts.
Billiards:
Billiards and pools are available on the Bluffs next to the Sunset Bar and off the Main lobby concourse.
Weddings:
Weddings are free, with exception of government’s fees. They include:
Preparation of Documents.
Decorated Wedding Area.
Best man / maid of honor or witness.
Flower bouquet and boutonniere.
Taped musical accompaniment.
One 5"x7" wedding photograph.
4 off-site guests for wedding and reception.
Wedding reception with champagne & hors d'oeuvres for bride, groom and 4 guests.
Certified Marriage License.
Marriage Officer.
Wedding coordinator.
"Just Married" t-sirts.
Two-tiered Caribbean wedding cake.
Candlelight dinner for bride and groom.
Continental breakfast in bed morning after wedding.
There is a wedding gazebo where the weddings are held, and there were lots of them, seemed to be 2 or 3 a day. Wedding dinners are held in an a-la-carte restaurant.
Tours:
Many tours are available for your pleasure and can be booked at the Tour desk or through the Concierge; rates are comparable to those found in most island destinations.
• Soufrière Day Sail
• Soufrière by Land & Sea
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Jeep Rainforest Safari
• Maria Island
• the Jungle Trail
• Marquis Plantation
• Horse Riding
• Shopping Shuttle
• Waterfall Bike Ride
• Sunset Party Cruise
• Atlantic Fun Drive
• Pigeon Island
• Tours were also available to Martinique and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Complimentary shuttles are also provided every 2 hours for guests to use the facilities of the sister resorts Sandals Halcyon and Sandals Grande. They are air-conditioned comfortable mini buses and highly recommend a visit to these beautiful resorts as well.
Golf :
Sandals Regency St. Lucia offers a marvelously manicured 9 hole par 33 course with rolling hills and majestic fairways directly on the premises. With 9 greens, the narrow fairways make the course a challenge for the best of golfers. They include the green fees and professional instruction. Caddies are not included but mandatory. Complimentary transportation is provided for guests staying at nearby Sandals Halcyon St. Lucia and Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
9 Holes, Par 33, 2,475 Yards
Complimentary green fees for all Sandals guests
Complimentary transportation for all guests of Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia. Caddy is mandatory at $10 per caddy for 18 holes; $5 for 9 holes Carts are optional at, $30 per cart for 18 holes; $20 for 9 holes
Club Rental: $20 per rental
Shoe rentals (includes free socks).
45 minute golf lessons are available for $35. All prices quoted in U.S. Dollars
Summary:
I have traveled to many resorts and island destinations in the Caribbean and have read many reviews prior to visiting a resort on many different internet sites. The reviews that I read regarding the Sandals Regency had me wondering if I had selected the right resort. Well, I will say take these reviews with a grain of salt, most provide absolutely no credence or true value, they are in my opinion false and could have been written by any internet junky whose mission was only to spam resorts with bad reports. True and factual reviews should include the writers email address and a link to photo’s to show evidence of any problems that may exist. The only problem that I can see in this resort that may hinder travelers is the hilly location and number of stairs in the resort; it is not very handicap friendly, although they do provide a great shuttle service to and from all locations of the resort. The management of Sandals Regency are aware that this problem does exist and they recommend those with these major handicaps visit their sister resort the Sandals Halcyon.
I certainly would return to this beautiful Sandals resort, we left the resort with the following opinion: Sandals is Class in the Caribbean.
Special thanks to Messrs: Baldwin Powell, Carl Hendriks and Joe Kelley, Mme: Simone and Prisca and all the wonderfully friendly and helpful Sandals staff.
If you want further information and details on this resort feel free to email your questions to me, I will be happy to try and answer your concerns
hlywud@sympatico.ca .
Resort and island pictures can be seen at this website address http://www.worldisround.com/articles/12506/index.html
SD Henderson
Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort & Spa All Inclusive
Hotel Details |
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Adult couples-only resort with three pools, spacious beach
- Set on hills and a bluff above the Caribbean Sea 1.5 miles from Castries (capital of St. Lucia), this resort offers active vacations for couples.
- Adult, heterosexual couples (singles, children, and same-sex couples are not allowed) choose from various room and suite types, most with mahogany four-poster beds and some with plunge pools.
- Huge pools, six restaurants, a health/beauty spa, and activities provide fun-in-the-sun, unlimited food and drink, and romance.
- This all-inclusive resort includes various amenities in the room price.
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