Having explored every Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resort in the portfolio, I’m often asked how the newest resort in St. Vincent stacks up against the rest. I am thrilled to share that “Sandals 2.0” is a refreshing evolution of a beloved Caribbean brand. With the launch of Sandals Royal Curacao, Sandals Dunns River, and the most recent gem of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the excitement was palpable. After falling head over heels for Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, which dethroned my long-time favorite of Sandals South Coast, my expectations for this new resort were sky-high!
From the moment I arrived, the property itself captivated me. The breathtaking landscape is unlike anything else in the Sandals collection. I must have snapped over 200 photos of the stunning emerald mountains that cradle the resort alone! The way the sunlight danced across the scenery seemed to change by the minute, making it even more enchanting. Truly the grounds are immaculate. Imagine the lush beauty of Hawaii, but just a short flight away for East Coasters.
Now, let’s talk about the rooms: they were simply stunning! I stayed in a Luxury level room, and it was undeniably one of the best luxury rooms in the brand. With a rain shower, a deep soaking tub, and a tranquil soaking tub on the balcony, my room became a personal retreat. There were moments when I ordered room service and savored breakfast while gazing out at the ocean, or listened to the soothing sounds of tree frogs and fountains from the swim-up rooms below at night. I explored several other room categories, all impressive in their own right as well. The garden butler suites might not be my top choice here as some felt a little “off the beaten path”; however, that would be perfect for those who want complete privacy. A quick bike ride around the resort can easily solve the distance though, and it’s such a fun way to get around! As far as the ocean-view rooms, they were incredible and I absolutely loved the swim-up suite!
In any review, as you well know if you have followed me for long, the food is where I get truly excited. Sandals 2.0 seems to emphasize unique and high-quality offerings, which I genuinely appreciate. With 11 restaurants to choose from, I was thrilled to discover several new concepts. Buccan, for instance, offers a multi-course presentation of local dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I especially loved Imoro, which is an especially healthy option offering fresh custom bowls and salads. And Imoro shares a kitchen with Isola, a fantastic pizza joint, making the combo an enjoyable daily ritual to indulge in both. For fellow foodies, the fig, blue cheese, and prosciutto pizza was an absolute standout—a must-try!
While I compared everything to my favorites at Dunn’s River, I did notice some inconsistencies at Blum, the coffee shop, likely due to the resort’s newness. However, with actual espresso machines and freshly ground beans, this was a significant upgrade from the push-button coffee at Café de Paris at several other locations. A delightful bonus is that restaurants now feature espresso machines too, so there’s no need to bring your own drinks—a luxury my high-maintenance self truly appreciates. Sora, the Italian restaurant, was enjoyable, but I still dream of the authentic flavors from Dunn’s River’s Italian spot, helmed by a chef with his own restaurant in Italy.
Finally, the service deserves special mention. The staff at this resort are some of the finest I’ve encountered in the Caribbean. They are dedicated and genuinely go above and beyond to enhance your experience. From Ken, who found the perfect cut of meat for us, to Danielle, who procured specialty drinks to complement our meals, and Doralis, who took the time to chat with us—every interaction was outstanding!
I can’t recommend Sandals Resort at St. Vincent and the Grenadines highly enough. It’s a paradise where every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create unforgettable memories. It’s undoubtedly one of my top choices for the brand. However, each resort caters to different types of travelers for various reasons. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about which one might best fulfill your wish list!
