More about Sandals Halcyon Beach St Lucia All-Inclusive
St. Lucia ....paradise!!
by Kara01 about Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort
St. Lucia is truly a paradise! We stayed in the Sandals Halcyon Resort... there are three of them. We stayed at the Halcyon (the small one). The small one worked for us because we were able to meet many of the other couples staying at the resort and we made many lasting friendships. If you are only intrested in spending time with your true love ... either one will do. The resort is all inclusive and the only thing we spent big money on was on the daily excursions. They had a large party boat that toured the island. We learned about the "sulfur" (pu!) volcanos, the plant life, and learned a bit of British/French history. I do need to warn you they have a local beer called the Piton Beer ...(named after the volcanos) it is a wonderful beer. I found that swimming all day in one of their three pool and drinking Piton beer will make you a happy vacationer. The resort is clean and accommondating. You can get a snack at all hours of the night. The food is wonderful. I loved the bars in the pool. The mixed drinks were not as strong as their local beer. You can also go to the other sandals resorts if you do not like the restaurants at the one you are staying at.... just take the shuttle.
Resort in St. Lucia
by KnMYoung about Sandals Halcyon Resort
The staff was fantastic and very accomodating to our needs. They booked any trips we wanted to take and shuttled us to the other Sandals resorts on the island for free so we could see other parts of the island. The resort was clean and nicely landscaped with basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts. There are also pool tables, a piano bar, and a spa. One night we had a fantastic four course meal with champagne in an open gazebo on the beach. It was amazing! If you are a repeat Sandals visitor you get a special dinner with the management staff along with leather necklaces, t-shirts, and a bottle of local rum. There were two pools with swim-up bars, several jacuzzis, hammocks overlooking the ocean, lots of restaurants and snack bars. They also have an entertainment with fire eaters, steel drum bands, talent shows and comedy nights.
Sandals Halcyon: GREAT honeymoon!
by A TripAdvisor Member
We transferred to the Halcyon after a horrendous ordeal at the St.
James Club.
We began our honeymoon the right way once we got there. We were greeted by a friendly bell hop and given champagne and a cool cloth to wipe off with. The entire stay there was great. We were upgraded to a better room than the one we paid for due to being honeymooners. Our room was not completely ocean view but the gardens outside the room were so great and the walk was minimal that it was OK. There were many activities for us to partake in as well as all of the food and drink you could ever want. All of the food was excellent. Our favorites were Mario's (reservation required). We also traveled over to the Sandals Regency and Kimono's was fun. But at the Halcyon, we enjoyed the buffet at the Bayside each morning and also for lunch and never got tired of the food. The buffet was different every day and the food always excellent. And I am considered a picky eater so this is a big complement coming from me.
The entire staff was very accommodating which was surprising to me considering it was all-inclusive. I had top shelf liquors the entire time and we even took a bottle of wine back to our room a couple of times when we requested to do so. The normal restaurants were great but for a late night snack the Beach Grill was great. It was mostly bar food but we made sure to go there almost every afternoon or evening for a late night snack. The day staff was very friendly.
I would definitely recommend the Halcyon to others. We met a lot of people from the other 2 Sandals resorts and from what we found out...the Halcyon is laid back, Regency had the party pool, the Grand had the great ocean view. So you can take a shuttle and go check out all three and decide for yourself!
Sandals - not what it's cracked up to be!
by Copperdave about Sandals Halcyon Resort
My wife and I had a mixed experience which ultimately left a bad taste in our mouths. The Sandals Halcyon resort generally is a beautiful resort. Sandals is great at making you feel important at first. To their credit, the food at all the Sandals resorts is good (not utterly fantastic, but not bad either), and the champagne flows like water. The grounds are immaculately kept and the staff is generally friendly. However, our wedding coordinator (and I use the term loosely) let us know 3 days before our scheduled wedding that she didn't think the Attorney General's office would accept my divorce decree from a prior marriage because it didn't have a RAISED seal (it did have a certified stamp, but that apparently wasn't enough). Sandals had the document for 6 months, but didn't mention this "problem" until 3 days before the wedding. Getting our marriage certificate mailed to us after the fact was a fiasco, too. We almost didn't have time to find a work-around to the problem, because the message light on our room phone didn't work, and neither the wedding coordinator nor the concierge felt the matter was important enough to leave a note on the door. Some maintenance issues with the room were reported, too, but never fixed. When it was time to check out, the taxi (minibus) arrived and the driver happily told us to load our own luggage. It was almost comical to see 20 couples digging through a pile of 60-70 bags. So much for all-inclusive. Be careful! There are other options. Look into them! The grounds at the Halcyon are absolutely gorgeous! Well kept and relaxing, it's always nice to come back to after a day out and about, or visiting the other Sandals resorts. There are two pools (the Sunset pool for the younger crowd, and the Paradise Pool if relaxation is your thing), both with swim-up bars. There are 3 on-site restaurants, plus a grill. Of the on-site restaurants, Marios (Italian) was excellent. The Pier (over-rated) was just "okay." You'll spend most of your time at the Bayside -- a buffet-style eatery, and your only option for breakfast. Watersports are available and are one of the high points of the resort. If you're into scuba, don't bother. You'll have to bring your dive logs and PADI or DAN cards, and the boat dives are short in duration -- in short, not worth the trouble. If you're just into relaxation, the Halcyon is a fine choice. Don't get married there!!!! Oh, and definitely DO go zip-lining. A fantastic day-trip!! You'll see a whole other side of the island and have a blast, too. Watch out for the homeless on the beach trying to sell necklaces and coconut crafts -- a rip-off, plus they can be a real pest.
Sandals Halcyon, you won't find better
by A TripAdvisor Member
We have now stayed at Sandals Halcyon 5 times and return next year again. Why keep going back to the same place? well, if you,ve got the perfect recipe, you don,t change it do you?The setting is beautiful, the staff are ever so friendly and cannot do enough for you, the food is excellent (you can dine at the other Sandals on St Lucia, total of 18 Restaurants!) and the rooms are excellent, but stretch to a honeymoon beachfront if you can, awesome. Yes, it can seem a little expensive, but it's worth it.
Romantic Couples Only Luxury Hotel
by sandysmith about Sandals Halcyon Beach
An amazing stay here - first time in the Caribbean and just simply the best choice for a special holiday. Halcyon is the smallest of the Sandals resorts and the most typical Caribbean with its low rise buildings amongst the beautiful gardens. Two pools, one for partying and one for peace - both have swim up bars in them - plus several hot tubs in the gardens.
The rooms are luxurious - fully air conditioned, huge beds and plasma screen TV's. Room equipped with fridge (mini-bar restocked daily) safe, filter coffee maker, iron/ironing board, hairdryer. Good sized bathrooms with large bath with shower over. We were in the paradise pool rooms - recently refurbished and very comfortable and spacious. They do have the road running atg the back but we were never bothered with any noise.
Yes its an expensive trip - we stayed here 12 nights but for luxury and fine dining in an amazing place its was well worth it - indeed exceeded my expectations. Exceptional staff, customer service and cuisine.
Ability to dine around the other nearby Sandals resorts - The Regency and The Grand via courtesy bus shuttle.
They have a policy of picking staff with the right attitude as skills can always be added to this and it showed, this really is the most friendliest place I have ever been to and it was interesting to note that the Halcyon is a training ground for other Sandals hotels. What a marvelous ethos to export!
Halcyon.One of three Sandals hotels on St Lucia
by PeterVancouver about Halcyon Sandals
This is a an all inclusive hotel which leaves nothing to chance.There is also the Grande and Regency Sandals hotels on this Island, with shuttle busses going back and forth all day and late into the evening as guests at any of these hotels can use the facilities or restaurants of any of the other two hotels at no cost,making in all, 14 fine restaurants available to the guests. The Halcyon has a excellent beach which extends about two miles beyond the property and has available both sail and kayaks which are ideal for someone who has never been on them. There are no dreaded jet ski available to the guests. For a romantic holiday, this hotel is the smallest of the three and the best. The welcoming sparking wine at check-in is a nice touch.The food is first class either for breakfast, lunch or dinner and a good selction of red and white wine, plus Spanish Cava flows until you really have had enough.
Despite this holday being total bliss, my personal opinion was that five days was enough, as by that time I had recharged my batteries and was ready to come back to the real world
Not as bad as they would have you think...
by TripAdvisor Member mnofpeace123
We chose Sandals Halcyon because it IS smaller and more quaint and quieter than the other Sandals. We made the right choice.
Please note to all first time travelers. You are going to a small island nation and things are going to be as super-organized as they might be, say, in Kennedy Airport in NYC. Take your time, be patient, and remember you are on vacation, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery that you will see while traversing from the airport to the property.
Believe me, St Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands you will ever see.
The hotel itself is very very nice. Is it the top place in the entire carribean to stay for all-inclusive; No, of course not. Is it a nice, quiet, very lush, well stocked resort where you can go, relax, and simply enjoy a wonderful island, its wonderful people,wonderful food and drink, and have a wonderful vacation/honeymoon/wedding; of course.
If you take it for what it is, and haev a little perspective about where you want to go, Halcyon is fabulous.
My wife and i got married and had our honeymoon there for 7 days and thought it was simply perfect for it. The other Sandals were bigger and a little better, but they were also louder, and had more hustle and bustle. Halcyon was quiet, more compact, and perfect for the romantic trip we wanted it to be.
The Pier and the italian resturant on the property were very very good.
Service was also good for whatever you needed.
The one negative point...there isnt much to do come night time. the disco is usually empty and since what seems like 90% of the people there are either getting married or on thier honeymoons, folks retire to the privacy of thier rooms after dinner. The Sandals Golf Resort is about two steps above Halcyon, and can be visited without much trouble...we may stay there next time.
As i said, dont believe all the bad things you may see about this hotel, its a very good place to stay.
Would not go back
by A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed at Sandals Halcyon during the 2nd week in November, 2003. We had read the reviews here but decided to go ahead because the reviews seemed to be mixed and everyone has an opinion...We would not go back, and would not rate the place as a good value. Specifics: 1) The rooms are mediocre to average, at best. Another reviewer, here, compared the rooms to Howard Johnsons and I would agree. The rooms are not well cleaned and are a bit thread-bare around the edges. The furniture was pretty well scratched up as well. 2 broken lamps..... drawers that were not installed on tracks properly.... mildew and algae in the bathroom.... 2) Service. Poor. Once they have your money, their interest in good service is gone. I really think this is a training and management issue more than personalities. Time and again we were in situations where the service person really needed to take some initiative to resolve a problem and did not. examples: No orange juice at breakfast, They ran out 4 out of 5 mornings and during the 45minutes we waited, no one could refill the dispenser. Restaurants ran out of linens. The concierge couldn't offer advice on where to locate services or how much they should cost. Rather than volunteering information and assistance I felt like I was playing "20 questions" with simple yes and no answers rather than explanations or advice.Maid service didn't clean the room until 4 or 5pm and forgot to leave towels - twice. 3) Food. Mediocre at best. The restaurants don't have chefs, they have cooks warming up entrees. At Le Toc, the appetizers and salads are prepared hours in advance and show it.... The steak was as tough as I've had.... ever. Not once but twice in two different restaurants. Many of the restaurants ( more than 50%) are not air conditioned.... yet they'd like for men to wear slacks and women dresses.... it's frequently too warm to be comfortable. As for the concept of staying at one and using the facilities at all three, it can be done: with careful planning and persistence but be aware that the shuttle buses are on a schedule and if you miss one or want to stay a little longer or leave a little earlier you could find yourself paying a taxi $ 16.00 US for each trip(one way). To have dinner at another resort requires getting dressed then piling into a crowded bus and riding 15 - 30 minutes to another resort.... at dinner's end pile on another crowded bus (don't be late !!!) and go back to your hotel.... it really breaks up the evening.... We spoke to a number of couples with similar opinions and experiences.... a number recommended the Windjammer resort in St.Lucia and rated it as "far superior"....
Sandals St. Lucia
by ThatGuyB
Spent a week at Sandals resort. This is the one with the waterfall in the swimming pool. Not to mention the swim up bar. The location was perfect. The resort has both beach facing and tropical garden facing rooms. It also has cottages that line a ridge that get a beautiful view of the sunset. The bay is gorgeous and well protected, giving you a great opportunity to swim and sail.
The island of St. Lucia is beautiful. It also has been a protected marine reserve for some time, so the coral is wonderful. Had the opportunity to go horse back riding out to the windward side of the island. It's rugged and unspoiled.
I was there during elections. These islanders are very involved in election politics. Almost missed a plane because of the number of people crowding into the streets. It was a very exciting time.
Photos
Sandals Halcyon
Desert at the Pier restaurant at Sandals Halcyon
A view from the Sandals Halcyon resort.
Pier Restaurant on the Halcyon Beach
Forum Posts
winter vacation in St Lucia
by todnkate
Hello there,
We are planning a vacation at Sandals St Lucia around the first part of December 2006, but not sure on how cold it will get. This is our first trip out of the USA and not really sure. I have looked at various sites and seem to find a wide range from 60-70 at night and 77-83 daytime. Could anyone who has been there during this time period give me some tips on this subject. My traval agent suggest that it is really not that cold, and hints that prices will go up the first of January. But of course they are going to say that, thank you in advance for all helpful comments
RE: winter vacation in St Lucia
by vanderlust
I haven't stayed on St. Lucia but I have visted during the day in December and have stayed on various other islands in the Caribbean usually the first week in December. Your travel agent is correct both in the temps and the pricing. We prefer to go the first week in Dec. because the hurricane season has ended and we have always enjoyed good weather. Prices do skyrocket from Christmas week through the winter months.
Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia
by Coupletx
Hi,
We are planning a trip at the end of August to St. Lucia. We've been looking at the all inclusive resorts. Any feedbacks or comments on Sandals Resorts. Recommendations for other all inclusive luxury resorts in St. Lucia will be appreciated.
Thanks,
David and Anne
RE: Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia
by ashjakemom9203
Sorry this isn't really an answer to your question but was wondering if you found any further information on the Sandals resort. I'm planning an anniversary trip of my husband and I in Oct. 07 and am overwhelmed trying to piece together information. If you could share that'd be great. Thanks!
RE: RE: Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia
by fzssyv
We are going to the Regency in March. We have been to Sandals Montego Bay 10 years ago for our honeymoon and loved it! Since then, we have been to Beaches Turks and Beaches Negril 6 times with the children. We love Sandals and Beaches.
From what I understand, Sandals Halcyon is quieter (and usually cheaper). It's in the middle of the other 2 resorts which are 15 minutes away in each direction. The Regency is 210 acres and is very large but the beach tends to have more waves. The Grande is newer with a calmer beach but not as many gardens and vegetation. Again, this is what I have heard, not actually experienced yet. With the free shuttles between resorts, it's hard to go wrong!
bldionne
by bldionne
My husband and I are traveling to St.Lucia this August for our 25 Wedding Anniversary....Can anyone tell me if they have stayed at the Sandals Halcyon??? And if you did what was it like.?...Also what are some fun things to do on the island.
Thank YOu
Re: bldionne
by bajantraveler
Have not stayed at the Halcyon, but there's loads to do on St Lucia. Great restaurants - check out Buzz in Rodney Bay and the Charthouse and the Coalpot. www.destinationcaribbean.net will give you an idea of what you can do when you get there. Great island.
Re: bldionne
by maxger
We stayed at the Halcyon about 5 years ago for our honeymoon. It was great! All you can eat and drink. At the resort you can pretty much do any type of water sport...pools...beach. Plus you can go to any of the other Sandals on the island (i believe there are 3 more?...they will take you there) On the island we did some sightseeing, snorkeling, and shopping. The service at the resort was great- no complaints. Let me know if you have any specific questions or want to know more...
Re: bldionne
by proudstlucian
there are alot of fun things to do on the island..if you want to go sight seeing, there is sthe sulphur springs, which is the walk in volcano located in soufriere where you can bathe in the soothing and healing hot springs, there is the rain forest which you can go quading through or go on a skyride through, or even walk through, there is the diamond falls, the beautiful beaches with beach parties going on, gros islet street parties every saturday i think too...i hope you have lots of fun..:)
