A Corner of Paradise in St. Lucia Is Open for Travel
Sandals Resorts has three properties on St. Lucia and is welcoming guests to the sun-kissed lush Caribbean island. The Grande St. Lucian opened its doors in July due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was one of the few on the island that was certified to open. Sandals has two other resorts on St. Lucia, La Toc and Halcyon Beach. The former reopened on August 31st, while the latter will reopen on November 1.
Winston Anderson, general manager of Sandals Grande St. Lucian, is thrilled that the resort is open. “The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority and has been for nearly 40 years,” he said. “We have our industry-leading Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, at all of our 18 Sandals and Beaches resorts.” These updated protocols include everything from mandatory employee temperature checks to a new resort check in process. “Our at-home to in-room check in allows guests to check in online, skip the front desk and go straight to their rooms upon arrival,” said Anderson. Visitors are greeted with a welcome cocktail, anti-bacterial hand towel and in-room sanitizer to further enhance their visit.
St. Lucia has the distinction, per the CDC, as one of only eight countries in the world with a Level One rating, meaning it has among the lowest rates of COVID-19 compared to other Caribbean islands. “Because of this, visitors are now able to stay in up to two COVID-certified properties and can participate in water activities in accordance with the protocols set in place by hotels,” said Anderson. “Guests do not have to quarantine upon arrival; however, St. Lucia does require that all travelers present a negative COVID-19 test no older than seven days from the arrival date upon entering the country, in addition to a health screening upon arrival and completion of a pre-arrival registration form online.”
Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers guests a wide variety of excursions and resort activities to enjoy. The hotel has partnered with Island Routes Caribbean to help guests soak in the true island experience. “There’s an activity available for everyone, whether that’s a St. Lucia luxury sunset cruise, deep sea sport fishing charter, or even a dolphin and whale watching experience,” said Anderson.
The resort also boasts aquatic activities such as diving for those certified, snorkeling trips, and, for those who prefer to stay on the links, rounds of golf at Sandals St. Lucia Golf and Country Club. And foodies take note. Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s first class dining is in full swing. “All of our 12 restaurants are open and boast only the best in 5-star Global Gourmet dining, including the same, fan-favorite menu items and some great new additions.” The menus include everything from fresh seafood, fresh meat dishes to authentic Caribbean jerk recipes and much in between.
The dining establishments adhere to strict cleanliness protocols as well. “Menus are cleaned and sanitized after each guest use; all tables, chairs and service stations are cleaned with a detergent solution and sanitized after each use, and social distancing practices are adhered to and monitored in all dining outlets at all times,” added Anderson.
What would an island resort be without some pampering and quality beach time? Sandals Grande St. Lucian does not disappoint. Its award-winning, Red Lane® Spa has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of spa goers and staff. “These include guest temperature checks prior to treatments, cleaned and sanitized treatment rooms and surrounding areas, hand sanitization stations and so much more,” said Anderson. Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s beach, situated on its own peninsula, offers comfort and privacy as well. “Our sprawling beach surpasses social distancing guidelines so guests can have peace of mind as they reignite their romance amidst a picture-perfect Caribbean backdrop.”
The signature, luxury Sandals experience is a welcome retreat for guests. “I know we are coining this time period ‘our new normal’,” said Anderson. “But I can say with absolute certainty that the Luxury Included® vacation experience we are providing is still the same getaway our loyal guests come back for again and again. Just with enhanced health and safety measures in place, or course. Visit sandals.com/grand-reopening/ for more information.
