Turquoise waves are splintering into ocean spray as we turn past a sheer rock face into the bay. There she is. The new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines seems to rise from the rainforest, surrounded by a mountainous backdrop.
Arriving by sea, our entrance feels as dramatic as the landscape of ravines, rainforested peaks and black-sand beaches. Having settled into the plush seating of the resort’s Jilly Bean boat, and duly accepted the offer of a cold beer – it’s five o’clock somewhere – I’d just started thinking of this airport transfer as a pleasure cruise.
Following three nights at Sandals Grenada, I’d boarded the 8.10am direct InterCaribbean Airlines flight from the island, for the 40-minute hop to St Vincent. And following a 20-minute road shuttle to the port, boarded our vessel for the final 20-minute cruise. By road, the journey takes about an hour. And now arriving at Sandal’s newest – and most differentiated – resort, it’s clear to see why this, its 17th hotel, marks a significant step-change for the 44 year-old Caribbean-owned all-inclusive hotel brand.
As we pull into the dock, between the over-water wedding chapel and a row of over-water villas, a line of waiting butlers burst into a welcome song. By the water, breezy beach bar Parisol is serving up vegan bites and smoothies made with sea moss to a noticeably 30 to 40-something crowd, under giant rattan lampshades and chic beachy decor.
Guests in the 10 two-storey overwater villas are swimming from their decks or lounging on giant day beds on their open-air top floors. And cruiser bikes are whizzing about, circumnavigating the 300-foot main pool that stretches from the main lobby, almost to the white-sand beach. Moving from the “traditional luxury” of Grenada, it’s clear we’re dealing with a different kettle of fish here.
Sandals 2.0
“Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines opened in March 2024 and is a perfect example of ‘Sandals 2.0’ – the new generation of Sandals resorts,” says Leah Marshall, director of sales at Unique Vacations UK Ltd, an affiliate of the exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.
The 301-suite hotel set in 50 acres – with Luxury, Club and Butler options – is a property of firsts. There are the brand’s first two-storey overwater villa suites, first suites with built-in fitness equipment, and its first two-bedroom suites – along with dropping the couples-only emphasis in favour of adults-only, these are an acknowledgement that groups of friends or family may desire something different from its double-bed suites.
The water transfer is also new; all Butler guests staying at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can choose a complimentary boat transfer to and from Argyle International Airport. There’s also an extensive riverside spa, and helpful Departure Lounge, with lockers and showers for checked-out guests.
Modern approach
Combined with revamped décor that drops the signature dark-wood aesthetic for light woods, rattan, and shades of sea foam, it’s clear that Sandals new “2.0” approach is set on keeping its loyal repeat customer base happy, while also targeting a younger demographic. And with local food options and a rum bar, Three Jewels, serving 32 rums (mostly Eastern Caribbean) inspired by the destination’s 32 islands within 32 miles, there’s a deliberate sense of place.
“The concept goes beyond what clients may think of as ‘traditional luxury’ with a modern and thoughtful approach to design, taking inspiration from the Caribbean island,” adds Leah. “There are new, locally-inspired dining concepts, Buccan and Parisol Beach Club, serving up Caribbean cuisine with a focus on seasonal produce.
“There are also new complimentary activities on resort including jewellery making classes, sunset paddle boarding and group kayaking tours to the nearby Buccament Bay bat cave. Butler-level guests can also take advantage of a free weekly sunset cruise which visits filming locations featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, and also the country’s active volcano, La Soufrière.”
My butler whisks me from the dock for an in-room check-in – another perk of this category. While lead-in rooms are in two towers, my Garden Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub is a bungalow in the gardens. There’s a separate kitchen/ dining area with bench seating, fully stocked with spirits and wine. I have a sofa and lounge area, outdoor soaking tub, and separate dressing room. My butler is on call for anything from cabana and restaurant reservations, to unpacking, to delivering afternoon snacks. But I’m first in line for the exclusive sunset cruise.
Step back in time
As I settle into plush recliner bench aboard the Jilly Bean, and am offered a rum punch, the call comes from the captain: “Dolphins ahead!” I look down to see 20 surfing the wake in front of our catamaran. Around us, the steep coastline is entirely forest. I’ve not seen a house for miles. This hotel is not just a game-changer for Sandals, it’s a game-changer for St Vincent.
“You asked what makes St Vincent different from the other Caribbean islands?” says Tamon Allen, the hotel’s general manager. “Saint Vincent now would be Jamaica back in the Seventies. So, 40 years behind. It would be maybe 30 years behind Barbados. St Lucia? About 20 years behind. St Vincent has been able to retain that natural beauty. It is breathtaking, the nature, the pureness of the simple lifestyle here.”
The Island Routes desk offers local tours, from island hopping to neighbouring Bequia and Mustique or volcano hikes. We head to capital Kingstown, where 18th century churches, ballast-built hotels, and arches dominate. Market day means a chance to buy fresh local juices and soaps made from volcanic ash. Opened in 1765, the botanical gardens is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. We finish with swims at quiet waterfalls, and a trip into the hills for vegan food at Zen’s Bush Bar. Having only opened an international airport in 2017, there really are no other major resorts here.
“Last year for the very first time, we had more than 100,000 stay-over visitors,” says Marlon Joseph, hospitality officer from St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority. “Before that, we averaged 80,000. We think Sandals obviously has something to do with that – it’s been a game-changer.
“Although we’re a multi-island destination, we don’t have a lot of rooms, there’s still under 4,000. People like to come to St Vincent, because we are still one of the less-travelled trails in the Caribbean. We don’t have high-rises on the beach. Our unique selling point is that we are natural.”
