If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort that feels spicy and exotic, you will definitely want to consider Sandals Grenada! Located on Pink Gin Beach, St. George’s Parish on the southern tip of Grenada, Sandals Grenada does not disappoint! From the laid back vibe to the breathtaking views of surrounding cliffs, it is hard to imagine a more relaxing vacation than Sandals Grenada! I vacationed during the first week in January and the weather was in the mid 80s! What a nice change from the cold weather back home!
My trip was a seamless one start to finish. Signage at the Maurice Bishop International airport was great and the guest transfer (included) to the resort was just 5 minutes away! The transfer delivers guests to a beautiful chic lobby situated between two main fountain areas leading to the east pool and the west pool. Since this resort is laid out in a favorable easy- to- navigate vertical set-up (great signage too), Sandals Grenada guests are placed immediately in the center of the action with this strategically located, open-air lobby upon arrival. Butler level guests enjoy being greeted with the traditional Butler served champagne and towel to refresh! Before you head to your room, make sure you have a copy of the “Weekly Breeze” so you can plan your stay complete with tours, excursions, spa appointments, scheduled entertainment, water sports, romantic experiences, dining and photo sessions. As far as scheduled entertainment, I noticed pool volleyball was especially popular during my stay!
I stayed in a South Seas One Bedroom Butler Suite with an Infinity Edge Pool. Boy did I feel spoiled. I arrived at night so I wasn’t able to take in the wow factor of my accommodations until I awoke the next morning. Here was the view I woke up to!
Features of this category included a king-sized bed with awesome luxurious sheets and pillows, “Smart” televisions in both the bedroom and living room, outdoor shower, eating area on the private veranda, two chaise lounge chairs waiting to spoil the next couple arriving and whirlpool and private pool displaying various colors with a flip of a switch.
The living room included a fully stocked wet bar and fridge with juices and sodas. The living room itself had plenty of room to host new friends. In addition to the rooms bring air-conditioned, there are ceiling fans in the rooms for extra comfort.
An oversized bathroom with soaking tub, his/her marble vanities, full-length mirrors and Zen-inspired shower (standard and rain showerheads), all awaited me around the corner. The hallway behind the bedroom featured lighted artwork and his/ her closets (hairdryer, robes, iron/ironing board, safe, complimentary usage of couples sized umbrella). A favorite feature of mine was the lighted vanity in the hallway area. I was able to sit on the cozy, upholstered stool in a separate vanity area to do hair and make-up complete with two American standard outlets. I recommend bringing an adapter however as most outlets in the room were Type G 230 volts. I needed plugs for my laptop, DSLR camera, phone, mobile phone charger, hair straightener, you get the idea! Of course, my bed greeted me with petals and flower-shaped towels, of course, it did!
I loved that the rooms could be as dark or bright as I wished! I did take notice at the thickness of the curtains and the rugs! Little details really added to the luxurious feel and overall stay! I really felt pampered.
Living Room Peek
Bedroom Comfort
Bathroom Pampering
Outdoor Oasis
Service
Housekeeping comes twice a day, once for daily upkeep and again for turndown service. My housekeeper, Angela, inquired one day when I would be returning. I learned later upon my return why. She wanted to leave me a surprise! No Sandals review would be complete without mentioning the famous Butler services included at Butler level accommodations. Sandals Butlers stand ready to wow you at every turn. If you can think it, they can likely handle it. A favorite story a Butler shared with us included a helicopter. Oh my! At a minimum, Butler level guests receive services such as reservations for excursions and meals, tending to wardrobes, escorts to dinner and the complimentary cell to ring your specific Butler. What I love about the Butler service most is that your experience is customized. If you prefer not to have them pack for you, no worries. The Butler staff communicate well to ensure they are as involved as much or as little as you desire to make your stay ideal. You may also request a male or female should you have a preference. Thank you, Angela, for my flower petal enchanted bubble bath!
Entertainment
A frequent question I receive about Sandals vacations is, “Do the guests on property really look like they do in the commercials? If so, I am intimidated!” I am happy to report that at all of the Sandals properties I have visited, guests of all ages and sizes are found dining, dancing, sunbathing and participating in water sports too. I noticed that guests really enjoy meeting each other at every property and even leave their vacation with new friends, regardless of any age or nationality differences. I loved this! With that said, look to find everyone enjoying all forms of entertainment hosted by the Entertainment Committee. My stay included Reggae Fest Night, Foam Party, Festival of the Arts, All White Night with Chocolate Buffet (pack your best looking “white” outfit!), Discover Grenada Day, Carnival Beach Party, Caribbean Night and even Couples Game Show/ Martini & Jazz Night!
“The Living Room”: The Heart of The Resort
“The Living Room” is an open-air, approximately 1200 sq feet community area centrally located at Sandals Grenada. Much of the entertainment takes place here. Here you will find a bar, pool, swings and more. It was endearing to watch guests of all ages hang out together and enjoy relaxing conversation amongst each other. “The Living Room” really fosters a sense of community during your stay.
All-Inclusive Food & Alcohol
Sandals Grenada provides a variety of restaurants and cuisines on resort in which to dine. Restaurants include Spices (Caribbean), Cucina Romana, Le Jardinier (French), Neptunes (Mediterranean), Dinos (Italian Pizzeria), Butch’s Chophouse, Kimonos (Asian), Soy (Sushi Bar), Tipsy Turtle Pub and Cafe de Paris. Don’t forget to try the nutmeg ice cream at Cafe de Paris. So good! Unlimited premium spirits are also included during your visit!
At Butch’s Chophouse, I dined on the Dungeness Crab Cake, Wagyu Boston Cut Striploin Steak, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and the oh so delicious Jim Beam Creme Brulee. The mood is quiet and elegant.
Aesthetics
Probably one of the features I love most about Sandals Resorts is how beautiful they are. It is true that photos just don’t do the properties justice. I am such a visual person that I literally need to be surrounded by beautiful things to relax. As for the evening, no one masters dramatic lighting quite like Sandals. Having traveled to nearly all of the Sandals resorts throughout the Caribbean, I can confidently say that I adore how the brand is consistent, but the personality of each resort shines on its’ own. You will find Sandals Grenada to be lit in greens, blues, and purples in the evenings. This maintains its’ spicey & exotic feel well into the evening when the moonlight has settled down on nearby cliffs. So fun!
Landscaping
Sandals’ continuous efforts to keep landscaping areas looking sharp and pristine is evident. In addition, a closer glance reveals how meticulously Sandals works to conceal maintenance items such as air units and fences. Landscaping is also used to create privacy and carve out individual spaces. It is subtle creativeness at its’ best!
Take time to unwind how you see “Fit!”
Make sure to schedule time for Spa treatments (reservations needed) and time at the fitness center if you like to exercise while away from home. I was enchanted by my Raindrop Essential Oils Full Body Massage at Sandals Grande Antigua. (For my review of Sandals Grande Antigua, click here! https://memoriesawait.com/2019/01/03/review-of-sandals-grande-antigua/ ). You can even book your appointments online.
My favorite relaxation experience at Sandals Grenada was simply hanging out on the beach. While the beach is public, I had no issues with anyone intruding on my “Me” time. I witnessed Sunrise Yoga classes, couples massages on the pier’s gazebo and excited guests suiting up for all the water excursions that are included at the dive shop nearby. I even had my own beach chair during my stay. I really liked this because it made my stay feel even longer, returning to the same spot day after day. Somehow the hours spent in that chair all week soaking in views of cliffs and the gorgeous aquamarine water refreshed my spirit from the vigorous daily grind back home. The pink and black sand was the softest I have ever felt and I was continuously stuffing my shoes in my backpack so I could indulge in the sand cradling my feet once more! The colors of the sand almost imitate a liquid granite!
Sandals Grenada is an enjoyable mix of natural local beauty and intentional Sandals pampering. By the time you realize you are feeling a little thirsty on the beach, a staff member is walking past asking if they can assist you with a drink order (gratuities included in your reservation). Wish I could remember the name of the drink I enjoyed over and over, “Passion” something! First tasted at Spices restaurant and I was hooked! Upon inquiring why staff members were raking the sand in the early morning hours before guests arrived on the beach, I was informed raking ensures any cigarette butts, trash, etc are removed before guests make their way down maintaing an attractive look.
Excursions & Included Water Sports
All-inclusive means water sports are included at Sandals! Divers flock to Sandals Resorts because of the PADI certified scuba program and variety of things to see underwater at the resorts. At Grenada, divers are offered dives at the novice, advanced and master levels. Dives include diving to shipwreck sites, a plethora of stunning reefs and one dive even includes a visit to an underwater volcano! Sandals properties were voted “Top 5 Dive Operations in the Western Hemisphere!”
As for myself, snorkeling off the coast of Grenada, check! I must admit I am pretty intimidated by all water activities since I am not the most proficient swimmer! However, all the water excursions I have participated at any Sandals resort have been exciting and worthwhile. The lifeguards gave me all the one-on-one attention I needed to ensure I had an amazing time. Holding a moving sea urchin that we scooped up ourselves? Memories made! Another noteworthy excursion that can be booked at the dive shop is a visit by boat, snorkel or dive to the world’s 1st underwater sculpture park! Located off the coast of Moliniere Point, Grenada’s underwater sculpture park was created by British sculptor Jason DeCaires Taylor. The man-made reef was created to counter the adverse effects of 2004’s Hurricane Ivan. Please note that snorkeling & diving excursions should be booked at least 24 hours in advance so the team can make sure there is room for you.
If you decide to go snorkeling, don’t forget to stop in the Resort gift shop and pick up a “Seawag” pouch to protect your phone so you can take pics and video while underwater. I was able to film lobsters, coral and all kinds of fun things to show the kids when I got home! Snuba is also a fun option at Grenada.
Sandals’ partnership with Island Resorts
If you’re still looking for more to do, rest assured Sandals Grenada still has you covered. Sandals partners with Island Routes at all Sandals properties to bring guests even more bonus experiences. Island Routes Caribbean Adventures is backed by many prestigious awards, including being named the only company to receive a Six-Star Diamond Award from the Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Know that you are good hands should you decided to book any additional excursions with Island Routes during your stay. Excursions at Grenada specifically, range from waterfall hikes, deep sea fishing, dune buggy tours, local culinary tours, river cruising, and sunset cruises. The excursion I heard guests raving about the most was the topless Jeep double rider Grenada tour. Guests really could not quit talking about this one in particular!
Room Categories
Regardless of which room category you wish to book, you will find beautiful decor across the board. The property includes four villages: Pink Gin, Italian, South Seas and Lover’s Hideaway. This property is actually a little sloping in just a few areas so keep this in mind in deciding which village to stay if you have difficulty walking. Besides boasting 10 restaurants, Sandals Grenada also is home to 6 bars and 5 pools conveniently located amongst all of the villages. Overall, the resort is small as I was able to walk from one end to other in about 12 minutes.
Grenada: “The Spice Isle”
As Grenada is known as the “Spice Island” I was delighted to find much in the way of local spices and chocolate in the Resort gift shop. I was able to shop for souvenirs such as cigars, chocolate, nutmeg syrup (a big hit with my kiddos back home), and even locally made essential oil bug spray (worked like a charm!).
Local sought after spices include turmeric, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, pimento, mace, and bay leaf. On my last day, local vendors set up shop in the Living Room for “Grenada Day.” This was a great way to meet some locals and learn more about the island.
Parting shots
If you’re looking for different scenery and foliage, water in aquamarine colors the Caribbean is known for, velvet sand and a treasure trove of spices for your next getaway, Grenada is for you! I will definitely be vacationing at this resort again! After all, a piece of me stayed behind in Grenada, and a piece of her came home with me! If I can be of any assistance to you in booking your dream escape, do not hesitate to reach out! Until next time, Grenada!
~Clarissa, Your Cruise Planners ® Travel Advisor
205-873-8621
c.winchester@cruiseplanners.com
Enjoyed review it as very informative and makes me wanna go…. like tomorrow!
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Michelle, I have been very busy traveling and photographing, so make sure to keep an eye on the blog for many more resort reviews!
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Nice resort! Love that view!
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