This New Caribbean Resort Is Being Dubbed 'Sandals 2.0.' Here's Why.

The Dinogo Perspective

St. Vincent is situated at the northern tip of the Grenadines, an archipelago of 32 smaller islands and cays stretching toward Grenada. Significant tourism in this island nation began in 2017 with the opening of Argyle International Airport. Until the launch of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in March 2024, accommodation options were mainly limited to a few villas and small, locally-owned hotels. The resort is a paradise nestled between volcanic mountains, lush rainforests, and the serene blue waters of Buccament Bay.

Sandals Saint Vincent represents a pivotal shift for Sandals Resorts. Established in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the brand has been a staple in the Caribbean for over 40 years. However, it has often been perceived as prioritizing affordability over authenticity and local charm. With the St. Vincent property, Sandals aims to transform that perception, promoting it as a model of 'Sandals 2.0.' This new resort aspires to set a fresh standard for future Sandals locations, featuring improved design and more locally-inspired dining options.

Who is it ideal for?

While the brand is primarily recognized as an adult-only retreat for couples, I encountered several mother-daughter pairs and groups of friends during my stay. With two breathtaking chapels (including one perched over water), the resort is sure to attract couples looking for destination weddings. Those in search of nightlife may find the atmosphere a bit too serene, but there are plenty of active pursuits like kayaking and paddleboarding. Evening activities include outdoor movies and live music events.

The setting

Nestled in the southwestern region of St. Vincent, the resort features the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea gently lapping against a white-sand beach, framed by lush green hills. As the sun sets, the west-facing resort showcases stunning sunset views. The island's striking volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and both black and white sand beaches served as the backdrop for The Pirates of the Caribbean.

In contrast to other Caribbean islands, St. Vincent remains notably less commercialized. Measuring 18 miles long and 11 miles wide, it's easy to navigate the island's towns, fishing villages, and breathtaking natural attractions by taxi.

Most visitors will reach the resort via an airport transfer, which is a scenic yet winding hour-long drive that leads to an open-air lobby with a view of a long pool stretching toward the ocean. Guests in rooms with butler service enjoy personalized check-in and can opt for a 20-minute ride on the resort’s private boat, Jilly Bean, for their arrival and departure.

Island Routes, the resort's dedicated excursion provider, can organize off-site adventures such as sailing through the Grenadines and hiking La Soufriere Volcano, which erupts approximately every 45 years, with the last eruption occurring in 2021. A taxi ride to the capital city of Kingstown takes about 30 minutes and costs $150 for a round trip. Additionally, ferry trips to the nearby island of Bequia are both convenient and affordable, priced at around $20 round trip per person.

Accommodations

Sandals Saint Vincent features the brand’s most spacious rooms and suites, with a total of 301 guest accommodations divided into 15 categories across three main classifications: Luxury (the entry level), Club Sandals (concierge service), and Butler Elite (full butler service). Approximately half of the accommodations are one-bedroom villas, with two-bedroom options also available. Selected Lady Palm Suites, including some swim-up options, come equipped with Technogym fitness equipment or media rooms. Guests can choose from beachfront or private pool lodgings. Prices for rooms vary based on location and view. Those who book butler service enjoy unpacking services and a private cruise around the island.

The interior design showcases a soothing palette of sandy tones and natural wood. Locally sourced materials, such as woven chairbacks and handwoven rugs, are complemented by playful elements like a black-and-white palm tree motif in the bathroom backsplash.

The resort features 10 two-story Vincy Overwater Villas (starting at $1,565 per person per night, all-inclusive), each sprawling over 1,248 square feet. These villas are all within walking distance of the main resort (with butler-driven buggies available for convenience) and boast floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning water views from the bedrooms. The rooftop terrace is equipped with a daybed, an outdoor tub, and a telescope for stargazing, while bicycles are provided for villa guests to easily navigate the property.

Dining Experience

While all-inclusive resorts sometimes fall short in the culinary department, all 11 dining options here are exceptional. Executive chef Delroy Haye has been given the responsibility of creating and implementing unique concepts that are exclusive to St. Vincent, incorporating Caribbean flavors across the restaurants.

One of my favorites was Buccan, the resort’s sole communal dining venue, where each table accommodates eight guests. The set menu showcases local ingredients like breadfruit and mahi mahi, prepared using traditional cooking methods such as wood and charcoal. This dining experience invites guests on a two-hour, family-style culinary adventure through the island's rich history. Meals are accompanied by an array of spices and chutneys served in cala bowls to enhance your dish. (Buccan is one of the two on-site restaurants that requires a reservation.)

At Parisol Beach Club, I savored a delightful callaloo (Caribbean spinach) and artichoke dip accompanied by crispy plantain chips. Meanwhile, the Jerk Shack introduces a new dinner menu featuring robust regional favorites like oxtail and stew peas. The nine bars, including one by the pool, offer a variety of cocktails, mocktails, and the local Hairoun beer. The Three Jewels Rum Bar, with its vinyl records and domino tables, boasts an impressive 32-rum selection, two-thirds of which are crafted in the eastern Caribbean.

Staff and Service

Approximately 80 percent of the staff are locals from St. Vincent, with the remainder coming from other Caribbean regions. Interactions feel warm and personal, reflecting the pride of the island. Since tipping is not customary (except for butlers and off-site service providers), using the provided QR code to commend staff members to management is a thoughtful way to express gratitude.

Butlers provide guests with a phone for easy communication. It can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, so it’s wise to establish your preferences early regarding how you’d like your experience to unfold.

Accessibility

All accommodations and dining venues on the property are accessible for wheelchairs, with the exception of the overwater villas. Guests may request shower benches, ramps, and beach wheelchairs. Every restaurant is equipped to handle various dietary preferences, including vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free options.

Wellness

The RedLane Spa features hydrotherapy pools, cozy egg-shaped chairs for two, steam rooms, and saunas, all of which are available without prior booking. Select spa treatments can be enjoyed outdoors, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the nearby river. A 24-hour fitness center offers various classes for guests. Certified divers can take advantage of up to two complimentary dives daily at over 45 dive sites, showcasing black sand and coral gardens around the island. New divers can enroll in a three-hour course for a fee, which includes one open water dive during their stay.

Sustainability

The resort proudly holds membership with Earthcheck, an organization that assesses its performance in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and community development initiatives. Visitors can find local products, including delightful chocolates from the Saint Vincent Cocoa Company, and artworks from local artists in the Beach House Resort shop, as well as in a small weekly market on-site. The Sandals Foundation, the brand's charitable organization, promotes donations of school supplies and hygiene items from guests, with staff routinely visiting schools to deliver these contributions. Additionally, the foundation collaborates with a local service for spaying and neutering animals.