When speaking with our clients about the three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia, we’re often asked to compare them. Today, we’re going to share our extensive knowledge and experience about these resorts and help answer that for you.
In short, if we were to bring it all together into a single sentence, Sandals Grande St. Lucian wins for beach lovers and the social vibes; Sandals Regency La Toc offers more privacy, with those epic hillside bluff views.
“Sandals Grande St. Lucian wins for beach lovers and the social vibes”
As for the locations, they’re both only 20 minutes away from each other.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is one of our top-rated honeymoon resorts and sits on a peninsula in Gros Islet, separated by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The views are ALL on the Caribbean side, so always make sure to book a stay on that side of the resort. Over at Sandals LaToc, this resort is all about the hillside bluff views overlooking the Caribbean.
If you’re stuck between Sandals La Toc and Sandals Grande St. Lucian, here’s our personal insight: both resorts are amazing, but they do offer different experiences.
Hi! We’re Jonathan and Angela. As one of the few award-winning Sandals Royal Chairman’s Club Diamond Elite travel experts and Top 1% of all US-based Travel Agents, we’ve personally stayed at both resorts multiple times and have booked over 500 clients here.
Want an active beach scene with calm water, amazing food, and easy walkability? Go with Sandals Grande St. Lucian. This resort sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in St. Lucia. With soft sand, you won’t find too many shells, and it is protected by rolling hills from large waves.
Looking for secluded romance with those panoramic cliffside views? You’ll love Sandals Regency La Toc for a quiet, scenic getaway.
Steep terrain a concern, or do you have mobility constraints? Sandals Grande St. Lucian is flatter and easier to navigate.
Planning a honeymoon or splurge-worthy anniversary trip? Sandals Grande St. Lucian has overwater bungalows; Sandals Regency La Toc has bluff-top Millionaire Suites and a brand new Rondoval village for 2025.
If golf is important, all Sandals St. Lucia resorts include golf, with complimentary green fees, but Sandals Grande St. Lucian is closer to the newly redesigned Greg Norman Cap Estate Country Club.
Looking to scuba dive or snorkel? Sandals Grande St. Lucian has its own dock, so the dive and snorkel boats leave directly from the resort, vs. taking a shuttle to the nearby marina at Sandals LaToc or Sandals Halcyon Beach.
Like the idea of experiencing both? You can visit both resorts with Sandals’ free “Stay at 1, Play at 3” program.
👉 Book a free consultation with our Sandals Royal Chairman’s Club Diamond Elite travel team. We’ve been to every Sandals resort and help match couples to the perfect one, all – without charging a planning fee. Want to know the full story behind these two properties?
Keep reading, we’re breaking it all down in detail.
Feature | Sandals Regency La Toc | Sandals Grande St. Lucian |
Location | Castries (northwest coast) | Pigeon Island (northwest coast) |
Beach | Secluded, scenic, but rougher waters | Long, calm, swimmable beach with super soft sand, protected from large waves |
Vibe | Romantic, quiet, hillside setting | Social, lively, polished |
Terrain | Hilly, expansive; golf cart recommended | Flat, compact, walkable |
Dining Options | 9 restaurants (French & Buccan standout) | 12 on-site restaurants offering international cuisines (Jerk Shack, Gordon’s Pier) |
Best For | Seclusion, dramatic views, cliffside privacy | Beach lovers, foodies, watersports access |
Top Room Type | Millionaire Butler Suite & Rondovals | Overwater Honeymoon Bungalows and penthouse beachfront rooms |
Watersports Access | Shuttle required | Launch right from the beach on their private dock |
Starting Price | ~$255 per person/night | ~$332 per person/night |
Before we go deeper into what sets them apart, here’s what both resorts share:
Both Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Regency LaToc are adult-only, all-inclusive Sandals properties in St. Lucia.
You’ll get full access to the “Stay at 1, Play at 3” exchange program, meaning you can dine, visit, and enjoy entertainment at all three Sandals resorts on the island, with access to amenities at all three properties provided by an inter-resort shuttle.
Every stay includes unlimited scuba diving (certified divers), PADI scuba diving programs, water sports, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and green fees at a nearby Cap Estates golf course at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Note: Scuba and snorkeling activities launch from the nearby marina at Sandals LaToc.
Each has a full-service Red Lane Spa, nightly shows, premium alcohol (think Tito’s, Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker Black and Red, and more), gourmet food, all taxes, tips, and airport transfers included.
You’ll get epic scenery, Caribbean warmth, and Sandals signature service, whether you’re on the beach at Sandals Grande St. Lucian or the bluff at Sandals Regency La Toc.
In short, the experience is consistent across resorts while the views and beaches are different.
As an award-winning Sandals travel expert, I can tell you that when you’re visiting Saint Lucia and staying at any one of the three Sandals properties, you’re not just booking a room—you’re getting so much more!
No matter which resort you choose, you’ll find accommodations that have been thoughtfully designed to make your stay one for the books. Coupled with some of the nicest people working here, regardless of which Sandals resort you pick, you’re going to have a world-class experience.
Dining is a standout feature at every Sandals resort in Saint Lucia, and as someone who considers myself a bit of a foodie, I’ve become more than impressed. New for 2025, Buccan is located at Sandals Regency LaToc. This is one of two speciality dining options in the Sandals portfolio and is a family style restaurant that is a true dining experience. Cooked in an open kitchen on a wood fired grill, each course has an elaborate introduction with special spices and sauces to mix things up…
My top recommendation? Make dinner reservations through the Sandals app 14 days prior to arrival for one of the specialty restaurants – trust me on this one!
Of course, the Sandals experience goes far beyond food and drink, and there’s never a dull moment – unless you’re looking for one. 😊 What we love for golf enthusiasts is that green fees are included at the nearby Cap Estates country club, and when it’s time to unwind, the Red Lane Spa is there for couples massages, facials.
We call Sandals Grande St. Lucian “the Caribbean’s version of a beach lover’s playground.”
Here’s why…
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is an adults-only all-inclusive resort that sits on a mile-long stretch of beach on Rodney Bay. These Caribbean waters are calm, clear, and swimmable nearly every day of the year.
If you’re planning to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or scuba dive directly from the resort, this is the one. Scuba divers will get multiple dive sites across the island, but note that while this is recreational scuba diving, they don’t skimp on it. They will take you to the Pitons and some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. You can even snorkel right off the beach. Fun!
Sandals Overwater Bungalows with glass floors, soaking tubs, and direct access to the ocean.
12 restaurants, from steakhouse to sushi, plus Gordon’s on the Pier
Sunset Pool with a swim-up bar is one of the largest in the Sandals portfolio.
Quick walk to Pigeon Island National Park, which offers hiking trails and historical sites. Entry is cheap, too, at less than $5.00 USD per person.
Easy access to Rodney Bay nightlife, bars, and shopping. Do the Friday Night Jump Up Party in Gros Islet!
Because Sandals Grande St. Lucia is flatter, it’s a favorite among our clients who prefer minimal walking or have mobility constraints. That said, the trade-off is that it feels more active.
If you’re sensitive to noise, request a room farther from the main pool area (we’ll help with that), as some of our clients have mentioned to us that the music can carry into nearby suites during events.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian tends to book up faster, especially the butler-level beachfront and overwater suites, so plan early if you want those rooms.
The resort is located just 15 minutes from Castries airport, and airport transfers can be arranged, including options for a ferry or helicopter ride.
Sandals Regency La Toc is where we send couples who want privacy, views, and a slower pace. Located on 220 acres along a cliffside just outside Castries, this resort feels like a tucked-away Caribbean retreat, and while it’s a large property, it does feel that way.
You’ll notice right away: Sandals Regency La Toc is dramatic, in the best way…
The Sunset Bluff offers some of the best ocean views on the island, and the suites up there (especially the Millionaire Butler Villas) are definitely splurge-worthy with private pools, soaking tubs, and 180-degree unobstructed views.
Sandals Regency La Toc is made for honeymooners and romantics. The vibe is slower, quieter, and more intimate than Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Many of our guests who book these rooms often spend entire afternoons by the upper bluff pool, which is quiet part of the resort, even at full occupancy.
Something to consider… Dining is more limited than Sandals Grande St. Lucian, but what’s here is well curated. The French restaurant is a standout, and several menus can be customized for dietary needs (gluten-free and vegan travelers are well taken care of).
The hilly terrain requires golf carts or longer walks. If mobility is a concern, we usually recommend Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
While the beach is beautiful, it’s smaller and rougher. Red flags go up often, and most watersports are cancelled on those days.
Sandals Regency La Toc used to have a golf course, but it’s now home to the Rondoval Butler Village, a new addition we’re super excited about.
Some Sunset Bluff suites were recently renovated, so if you’re going, request one of those (we’ll help you with that)!
For guests prone to motion sickness, the drive from the airport can be winding, this is where a helicopter transfer or water ferry is totally worth it. We’ve booked it for many clients and have heard nothing but positive reviews. The cost for each is on average $375 per couple, one way.
You don’t hear as much about Halcyon, but it’s a gem in the right context.
Sandals Halcyon Beach is located between Sandals Grande St. Lucia and Sandals Regency La Toc and is the quietest and smallest of the three. It’s perfect for couples who want something low-key, garden-filled, and refreshingly simple.
While there are some beautiful club and recently updated Butler level rooms, we often recommend Halcyon for budget-minded honeymoons or return guests who’ve already done the “big resort” experience. The beach is peaceful, the dining solid, and the grounds lush with greenery.
It’s not ideal if you want lots of nightlife, multiple pools, or variety in restaurants, but it’s a fantastic supplement to your St. Lucia experience, or a quieter home base for those who want something simple.
We’ve worked with hundreds of travelers choosing between these resorts, and we hear some of the same hesitations. Here’s our take:
It’s true, the terrain is steep and spread out. Guests with limited mobility or those who dislike waiting for golf carts may feel restricted. If that’s you, Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s flat layout will be more comfortable.
Not easily. Sandals La Toc’s rougher waters make beach snorkeling more challenging. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is much better. You can snorkel directly from the beach or take short boat rides to nearby reefs, near The Body Holiday resort.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s Sunset Pool is active, spacious, and has the infamous swim-up bar. Sandals Regency La Toc’s Bluff Pool is a retreat, and often empty.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s beach layout includes more umbrellas and natural palm shade, which makes it easier to find a good spot. At Sandals Regency La Toc, seating fills up quickly, especially during high season. If you do not have a butler, plan to get there by 8 or 9am to get a good seat.
We’ve helped guests plan stays at both resorts in a single trip. You can split your time: start at Sandals Regency La Toc, then easily move to Sandals Grande St. Lucian for its beach and nightlife. The good is that Sandals makes transferring easy, and it gives you the best of both worlds.
Here’s how we help couples decide….
All three Sandals St. Lucia resorts are located in the northern part of the island, near Castries, and are all-inclusive and adults-only.
Traveler Type | Best Resort Pick |
Luxury Seekers | Sandals Grande St. Lucian (Overwater Bungalows) |
Privacy Lovers | Sandals Regency La Toc (Sunset Bluff Villas) |
Beach Enthusiasts | Sandals Grande St. Lucian (Long, swimmable beach) |
Budget-Minded Couples | Sandals Regency La Toc or Sandals Halcyon Beach |
Mobility-Conscious Travelers | Sandals Grande St. Lucian (flat, walkable layout) |
Foodies | Sandals Grande St. Lucian (More restaurants & options) |
Honeymooners | Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc (based on preferred vibe) |
With the Stay at 1, Play at 3 program, you can enjoy all of the resort amenities, beaches, and dining options in the area, making it easy to experience the best of each property.
When in doubt, start with what you want the most, privacy, price, ease of access, or energy.
If you’re still unsure, we’ll help guide you through the decision.
We get it, when both resorts look this beautiful, choosing can feel overwhelming. As Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite advisors, we’ve visited all of the Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia and will help you get the best option – all at no cost to you.
We don’t just recommend based on photos, we match you based on your priorities, personality, and needs.
Here’s what we offer:
One-on-one resort matchmaking to find the perfect fit
Room category guidance (because not all Club Level rooms are created equal!)
Sandals promos and perks, we’ll make sure you’re getting every free night, spa credit, or upgrade available
And we never charge a planning fee. Why? Because we believe your trust is worth more than a service charge, and once you travel with us, we know you’ll come back.
Let’s make your vacation come true. 👉 Schedule your free consultation today.
At Best Caribbean Resorts, we’re more than travel advisors. What began as a simple love for travel has evolved into a dedication to creating journeys throughout the Caribbean that are both personal and unforgettable. With over 15 years of firsthand experience at every Sandals resort, we know the insider tips, the best suites, and the little touches that change your vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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