Sandals Resorts - WDW Magical Castles Travel

Dreaming of your next luxury getaway? Sandals’ newest Caribbean paradise might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.

When it comes to all-inclusive luxury in the Caribbean, Sandals has long set the gold standard. But their newest resort, Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, which opened in March 2024, takes that standard to spectacular new heights.

Having just celebrated its one-year anniversary, this stunning property has quickly become the crown jewel of the Sandals portfolio, and for good reason. Here’s everything you need to know about this extraordinary destination.

A Setting Like No Other

The moment you arrive at Sandals Saint Vincent, you understand why Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart waited over 20 years to develop this particular location. The 50-acre property sits nestled between dramatic volcanic mountains and a pristine private cove, creating what many guests describe as “Jurassic Park meets luxury resort.”

This unique setting offers a completely different vibe from other Caribbean destinations. The lush, mountainous landscape provides a striking backdrop to every view, whether you’re lounging by the pool, dining at one of the restaurants, or relaxing on your private patio.

Innovative Accommodations

Sandals Saint Vincent features 301 rooms and suites across 15 different categories, but what makes them truly special is their thoughtful design and unprecedented features. The resort offers several industry firsts:

Two-Story Overwater Villas: The first of their kind in any Sandals resort, these stunning accommodations feature see-through glass floors, multiple bedrooms, and private patios with hanging daybeds.
Beachfront Butler Villas with Media Rooms: Perfect for couples who want entertainment options alongside luxury, these spacious suites include dedicated media rooms with large-screen TVs.
Suites with Private Fitness Rooms: For wellness enthusiasts who want privacy during their workouts, select suites come equipped with their own fitness equipment.

All rooms embrace a clean, minimalist aesthetic that puts the focus where it belongs—on the breathtaking natural beauty just outside your door.

Culinary Excellence

With 11 restaurants and 9 bars, the dining options at Sandals Saint Vincent elevate the all-inclusive experience to new heights:

Buccan: The first of its kind in the Sandals portfolio, this reservation-only restaurant features traditional open-fire cooking and communal seating for a unique dining experience.
Scrimshaw: An upscale seafood restaurant where fresh catches are prepared with local ingredients and Caribbean flair.
Gatsu Gatsu: For sushi lovers, this Japanese restaurant offers expertly prepared rolls and ramen dishes.
Butch’s Island Chophouse: The perfect spot for steak enthusiasts, featuring premium cuts and decadent desserts.

What makes the dining experience even more special is that almost all venues offer à la carte service rather than buffets, creating a more refined atmosphere throughout the resort.

Activities & Amenities

Beyond relaxing by the four pools (including both lively and quiet options) or on the private beach, Sandals Saint Vincent offers a wealth of included activities:

Water Sports: From snorkeling and scuba diving to sailing, paddleboarding, and even waterskiing, all equipment and instruction are included.
Fitness: A state-of-the-art fitness center plus daily classes like yoga and aqua aerobics.
Entertainment: Nightly shows, live music, and themed events keep the energy high.
Spa: While treatments at the Red Lane Spa come at an additional cost, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the cold plunge, sauna, and steam room facilities.

One charming detail that guests consistently mention: bikes are available throughout the property, making it easy and fun to navigate the expansive resort.

Excursions Worth Taking

While the resort itself offers enough to keep you entertained for days, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is known for its natural beauty and amazing excursions:

Tobago Cays: A boat trip to snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat is consistently rated as a must-do experience.
La Soufrière Volcano: For the adventurous, hiking this active volcano offers incredible views and a one-of-a-kind experience.
Botanical Gardens: Dating back to 1765, these are the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere.
Island Hopping: Day trips to nearby islands like Bequia and Mustique offer glimpses into different aspects of Caribbean culture.

Service That Stands Out

Like all Sandals resorts, Saint Vincent offers Butler Elite service in select accommodations. These professionally trained butlers handle everything from unpacking your luggage to reserving the perfect spot on the beach each day.

Even in non-butler accommodations, the staff consistently receives rave reviews for their warm hospitality and attention to detail.

Is It Worth It?

With rates starting from around $400 per person per night (and ranging up to $1,500+ for premium accommodations), Sandals Saint Vincent represents a significant investment in your vacation budget. However, considering that this price includes luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, premium beverages, water sports, entertainment, and more, most guests find it delivers excellent value.

For couples celebrating special occasions like honeymoons or milestone anniversaries, the resort offers additional packages that include special touches like private dinners on the beach.

Planning Your Visit

A few tips to make the most of your Sandals Saint Vincent experience:

Book Early: As the newest and most unique Sandals property, availability can be limited, especially for the most desirable room categories.
Consider Travel Time: The resort is approximately 45 minutes from Argyle International Airport, with complimentary transfers included.
Pack Accordingly: While the resort is casual during the day, some restaurants require resort evening attire at dinner.
Make Reservations: While most restaurants don’t require reservations, Buccan and Butch’s Chophouse are exceptions and should be booked early in your stay.

The Bottom Line

Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and exceptional service that creates a truly unforgettable vacation experience. If you’re looking for a Caribbean escape that goes beyond the typical beach resort, this stunning property deserves a place at the top of your travel wish list.

Ready to experience Sandals Saint Vincent for yourself? Contact us for a free quote and expert advice on planning your perfect Caribbean getaway.

If you’re a Disney Cruise Line fan (like me!), you already know how magical it is to have everything planned out, your meals taken care of, and the world waiting to be explored… all without constantly reaching for your wallet. That’s the dream, right?

But here’s something you may not have considered yet: all-inclusive resorts can offer that same kind of stress-free, pampered experience as a cruise vacation—sometimes with more flexibility and (gasp!) a lower price tag.

This week in our Beyond the Castle series, we’re diving into the wonderful world of all-inclusive vacations—and how they stack up against the cruise vacations so many of us already love.

Let’s break it down…

All-inclusive resorts vs. cruise vacations: which is right for you? Beaches Ochos Rios — Photo: Beaches Ochos Rios

🏝️ What is an All-Inclusive Resort?

At its core, an all-inclusive resort is a one-stop vacation shop. You pay a flat rate, and once you arrive, nearly everything is taken care of—your room, meals, snacks, drinks (yes, even the adult beverages!), entertainment, and many activities are all included.

Some all-inclusive resorts even offer airport transfers, 24/7 room service, water sports, and nightly shows as part of the package.

No surprise bills at checkout. No worrying about budgeting every dinner. Just… relaxation.

Pros of an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation:

✅ One price = meals, drinks, entertainment, and more
✅ Often includes water sports, yoga, fitness classes, and more
✅ Airport transfers frequently included
✅ More space to spread out than a ship
✅ Flexible schedule—dine, rest, or explore whenever you want
✅ Great for both romance (Sandals!) and families (Beaches!)
✅ No seasickness or port hustle

Cons of an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation:

⚠️ Usually stay in one location the entire trip
⚠️ Excursions often cost extra
⚠️ Service quality varies between resort brands
⚠️ Some resort activities may require advance reservations
⚠️ Resort atmosphere can be too quiet or too party-ish depending on the property
⚠️ Less of a “see the world” feeling compared to cruising

All-inclusive resorts vs. Cruise vacations: Which is right for you? Disney Cruise Line — Photo: Disney Cruise Line

🚢 Cruise Vacations: Floating Cities of Fun

Cruises offer an incredible way to see multiple destinations while only unpacking once. For many of us, they’re the perfect blend of adventure and convenience—with food, entertainment, and accommodations all bundled together.

However, while your stateroom and main dining are included, there are often a lot of extras to plan for:

- - Gratuities
  - Shore excursions
  - Specialty dining
  - Beverage packages
  - Wi-Fi access
  - Port fees and taxes

If you’ve ever had sticker shock looking at your final cruise bill… you are not alone!

Pros of a Cruise Vacation:

✅ Explore multiple destinations without unpacking
✅ Wide variety of entertainment, shows, and themed events
✅ Excellent for families (especially Disney Cruise Line)
✅ All meals included in main dining rooms
✅ Great for socializing and meeting new people
✅ Themed cruise experiences (e.g. Marvel, Star Wars, holiday sailings)

Cons of a Cruise Vacation:

⚠️ Extra costs add up fast (excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, etc.)
⚠️ Fixed itinerary—you’re on the ship’s schedule
⚠️ Motion sickness may be a concern
⚠️ Smaller cabins than most hotel rooms
⚠️ Less flexibility once onboard
⚠️ Crowds and lines, especially on sea days

Let’s Face It: All-Inclusive Resort or Cruise Vacation: You’re Winning!

All-inclusive resorts vs. cruise vacations: which is right for you? Royal Caribbean. Allure of the Seas — Photo: RCL Allure of the Seas

First of all, I have to say that when one of the toughest decisions you have to make is whether you are going to go on a cruise vacation or stay at an all-inclusive resort, you’re having a pretty good time. You’re pretty much guaranteed a win either way.

I also have to say that not all cruise lines are created equal, and not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal. The quality and type of experience you have can be dramatically different between the various cruise lines and all the different all-inclusive resorts.

This doesn’t mean that one brand is better than another: they all have their strengths. What matters most in making these decisions is what is important to YOU. Things like budget, location, type of room, how much sleep you like on vacation–it’s ALL important when choosing whether to take a cruise vacation, an all-inclusive resort vacation or even an adventure travel vacation. It’s important that you do your research or work with a trusted travel advisor to make sure that whichever cruise vacation or all-inclusive resort you book, it’s a good fit for you and your family or traveling buddies.

All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Cruise Vacations: Which is the Better Fit?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you weigh the options:

Feature	All-Inclusive Resort	Cruise Vacation
Room + Meals + Drinks	✔ Included	✔ Main dining included, alcohol usually extra
Entertainment	✔ Nightly shows, beach parties, etc.	✔ Broadway-style shows, character meet & greets
Activities	✔ Land + water sports often included	✔ Onboard activities, pools, slides
Excursions	❌ Typically extra	❌ Always extra
Transportation	✔ Airport transfers often included	❌ Flights, transfers usually extra
Unpack Once?	✔ Yes	✔ Yes
Visit Multiple Places?	❌ Usually one destination	✔ Several ports of call
Motion Sickness?	❌ Not an issue	⚠️ Could be a concern
Kid-Friendly Options?	✔ Beaches Resorts = amazing for families	✔ Disney Cruise Line = pure magic for kids
Adults-Only Escape?	✔ Sandals = adult-only luxury	✔ Adult areas, but families are everywhere

All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Cruise Line: Which is right for you? Beaches Ochos Rios — Photo: Beaches Ochos Rios

Which Vacation Style is Right for You?

So, you’ve decide that you need a break from the “go-go-go” of most theme park vacations, and you want a vacation that is more laid back and where you can relax, knowing most things are already taken care of.

How will you choose between an All-Inclusive Resort or a Cruise Vacation?

- - Want to explore several destinations and don’t mind spending more on extras? A cruise might be perfect.
  - Craving a restful beach vacation with no surprises or schedules? An all-inclusive resort could be your dream come true.
  - Looking for a romantic, kid-free escape? You’ll want to check out Sandals Resorts (more on those soon!).
  - Planning a multigenerational or family vacation? Beaches Resorts offer something for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents.

All-inclusive resort vs. cruise vacation: which is right for you? Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wish — Photo: Disney Cruise Line

🌴 Sneak Peek: Meet Sandals & Beaches Resorts

I just completed my Sandals training (yay!), so I’ll be sharing more over the next couple of weeks about what makes these all-inclusive resorts so special.

- - Sandals is perfect for couples, honeymoons, or romantic getaways. It’s adults-only, ultra-luxurious, and filled with thoughtful extras (like butler service and private pools!).

Photo: Sandals

- - Beaches is their sister brand, made for families and groups. Think kids’ clubs, Sesame Street parades, and waterparks—alongside fine dining and gorgeous Caribbean beaches.

All-inclusive resorts vs. cruise vacations: which is right for you? Beaches — Photo: Beaches Negril

Next week, we’ll dig deeper into these dreamy resorts, so stay tuned!

Have You Ever Tried an All-Inclusive Resort?

I’d love to hear about your experience! If you’ve stayed at a Sandals or Beaches resort—or if you’ve been curious about trying one—drop me a comment or shoot me a message. I’m happy to answer questions or help you figure out what kind of vacation might be your perfect match.

And if you’d NEVER give up your beloved cruising to check out an all-inclusive resort, tell me that, too! What is your favorite cruise line? Why?

And don’t worry—Disney’s not going anywhere. But there’s a whole big world of magic out there, and I can’t wait to help you explore it.

Category: Sandals Resorts

Beyond the Castle: Sandals Saint Vincent – The Caribbean’s Most Breathtaking New Escape