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Our Sandals Halcyon Beach Review

Sandals Halcyon Beach is an adults-only all-inclusive resort located in St Lucia. It is the smallest of the three Sandals resorts and also the quietest, making it the choice for couples looking for a relaxing time away from crowds.

We recently visited all the Sandals Resorts in St Lucia to create this detailed review.

Sandals Halcyon Deals

Sandals has regular discounts on some rooms and resorts. It is best to check their website before booking or to work with a travel agent who can find you the best deal for you. I have seen great last-minute deals and they have an ongoing 777 deals that change each week.

Check Out Our Video Review!

Sandals Halcyon Overview

The first thing to know about Sandals Halcyon is it is located on the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, St Lucia which we were very excited to visit.

Nestled between the South Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucia is often referred to as “little Hawaii,” with the towering twin peaks of the Piton mountains and a rainforest interior ringed by beautiful white sand beaches.

Sandals Halcyon Beach is located on 22 acres near the capital city of Castries and was recently renovated, now featuring new and updated rooms as well as the Caribbean’s longest lagoon pool, which meanders for 600 feet throughout the Honeymoon Hideaway Village.

Sandals Halycon is also the cheapest Sandals Resort in St Lucia, providing the biggest bang for your bunk on the island this is a great option. Additionally, by staying at one of the Sandals resorts in St Lucia you can visit the others within 20 minutes so we could enjoy what the other resorts have to offer while still paying less.

By staying at Sandals Halycon Beach we enjoyed a resort with fewer people and a relaxed vibe.

This also made it easier for us to socialize with other people on the resort because we would see the same faces around the pool each day. Everyone seems more friendly and quick to invite others to participate in activities and sports.

The beach at Sandals Halcyon is very long, the sand is nice, and it’s easy to find a chair somewhere on the beach. The water isn’t as clear as Sandals Grande St Lucian, so make sure you take advantage of the shuttle to go there for a day.

Read on for our full Sandals Halcyon Beach review.

This luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia features 3 pools and whirlpools, including the 600-foot Crystal Lagoon Pool. It also has 6 restaurants, including an overwater seafood restaurant, and 7 bars, including 2 swim-up bars. Plus, guests here have access to all of the facilities at Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Regency La Toc.

Getting to Sandals Halcyon

One of the disadvantages of the Sandals Resorts in St Lucia is the distance from the airports.

We learned in Jamaica that we do not do well on winding roads so instead of dealing with the 90-minute road trip, we went with the other options.

On the way to the resort, we chose to take the ferry. It was a 90-minute fun boat ride and an amazing way to start a vacation.

We saw the Pitons, were escorted by dolphins, danced, and enjoyed music, drinks, and some snacks. Once arriving at the dock near the resort it took about a 10-minute drive to make it the rest of the way.

On the way from the resort to the airport, we took a helicopter. After a shuttle to the small regional airport, we boarded the helicopter. The flight was only 12 minutes and gave a great view of the Island. I will say this is not a luxurious experience, but a very straightforward mode of transportation.

Sandals Halcyon Beach Rooms and Suites

After arriving we were shown our room by someone from the spa who also shared with us information about the services provided there.

We stayed in a Grand Luxe Club Level Walkout Room w/ Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub. This seemed to be the most common room layout at the resort.

The room is comfortable and we liked the patio area where there is a soaking tub. The room is right next to a path so there are curtains to give yourself privacy.

You can also choose a room that is beachfront or that has a private pool for a bit of an upgrade.

New to the resort are the Joli Beachfront Walkout Butler Suite w/ Private Pool and the Koko Rondoval Butler Villa w/Private Pool.

When we were visiting these were still under construction but finishing up, but they should be open by now.

Each has its own private pool and butler service.

Every room includes plush beds, fully stocked minibars, smart TVs, spa-like bathrooms with robes and toiletries; coffee and tea makers, in-room safe, and free WiFi.

Sandals Halcyon Beach Food & Drink Review

Sandals Halcyon Beach has 6 restaurants to choose from, each offering different cuisine and ambiance, and most with gorgeous water views. Cuisine choices include Italian, French, and international dishes, Caribbean, Asian, sushi, and seafood.

Our favorite restaurants were Bayside and Soy.

Bayside has a buffet breakfast every day with tons of variety and made-to-order omelets and eggs.

For lunch, it is one of the few buffets at any Sandals resort and we loved the variety that was there, especially on the days when it was local cuisine.

For dinner, Soy was our favorite. We had quick service every time we went and they had some of our favorites like the Crispy Philly, Rainbow roll, Seared Tuna Tataki, crispy spicy tune, and to finish the meal off, banana tempura with ice cream.

If you are at the main pool and would like something quick to eat, the bar has a food menu you can order off of that a lot of people do not realize.

Kelly’s Dockside restaurant is set completely over the water for incredible views.

There are 7 bars including two swim-up bars. You also have access to 21 other restaurants and 14 bars via the complimentary shuttle to Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Regency La Toc.

As at every Sandals resort, all of your meals, snacks, and beverages are included in your stay, so you can feast to your heart’s content!

Room service is also included, and some suite levels have 24-hour room service. You can also book a private candlelight dinner on the beach for an extra fee.

The Beach at Sandals Halcyon

Sandals Halcyon Beach has a lovely pristine beach fringed by palm trees, perfect for lounging or leisurely strolls. One of the benefits of Sandals Halcyon is there are always chairs available.

There were vendors on the beach offering excursions. Let them know if you are interested or not the first time you see them and they likely will not ask you again.

Sandals Halcyon Pool Review

Sandals Halcyon is a perfect resort for pool time. We really enjoyed the main pool where there are activities throughout the day, a swim-up bar, and servers checking in on you.

The pool area was very inviting and we got to know more people here than at other Sandals resorts. We made friends and had fun playing volleyball in the pool, doing water aerobics one morning, and playing trivia.

I think this is why some people choose Sandals Halcyon as the best Sandals Resort, the staff, and other guests seem more friendly.

The longest pool in the Caribbean is the crystal lagoon. Since it is so spread out it is easy to find a quiet area.

Excursions From Sandals Halcyon

You can also choose to add on area excursions during your vacation at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. St. Lucia is full of wonderful natural attractions.

There are several excursions available from Island Routes. The main attractions are boat rides to see the Titons, a waterfall, and bathing in the volcanic mud pits.

You can either go on a speed boat or on a more relaxed catamaran.

You can explore the Pitons or Pigeon Island National Park, or book an excursion such as a sunset snorkeling cruise, the Pigeon Island Undersea Trek, a historical sightseeing tour, a rum and chocolate experience, a dune buggy and ziplining rainforest tour, horseback riding on the beach, a catamaran cruise, and more.

You can sign up for the spa or excursions in the lobby.

Sandals Halcyon Activities

Like all Sandals resorts, Sandals Halcyon Beach offers a wide assortment of complimentary activities, both in the water and on land.

A variety of complimentary water sports is available at Sandals Halcyon Beach including snorkeling, windsurfing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, and Hobie Cat sailing.

Professional instruction in watersports is even included (except for scuba diving).

You can play beach volleyball, pool, shuffleboard, lawn chess, croquet, table tennis, or day and night tennis; take a yoga class; work out at the state-of-the-art fitness center; or indulge at the full-service spa.

If you like to golf you can play at the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship course at the Sandals St. Lucia Golf Club, which is located near the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. There is also a golf course at Sandals La Toc, but at the time of writing this, it is closed for renovations. It is 9 holes, which is more my style.

Sandals Halcyon Beach has daily and nightly entertainment, including a nightclub, live shows, karaoke, live music, and events like talent night, charity casino night, fashion shows, and lover’s night.

You can also get out and see St. Lucia. Visit nearby Castries, explore the Pitons or Pigeon Island National Park, or book an excursion such as a sunset snorkeling cruise, the Pigeon Island Undersea Trek, a historical sightseeing tour, a rum and chocolate experience, a dune buggy, and ziplining rainforest tour, horseback riding on the beach, a catamaran cruise, and more.

The Spa at Sandals Halcyon Beach

If you want the ultimate relaxation on your St. Lucia honeymoon or vacation, book a couples massage or other indulgent spa service. The Red Lane® Spa offers a full range of treatments (not included in your room rate) such as facials, massages, and body services. You can even get a massage by sea.

Honeymoon couples massage Sandals resort

What is included at Sandals Halcyon Beach?

At Sandals Resorts, when they say all-inclusive, they really mean it. You can arrive at the resort without having to worry about what is included and what is not. Here is what is included at Sandals Halcyon Beach:

Unlimited Fine Dining

You can feast at any of the restaurants or in your room; all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and beverages are included in your stay.

Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks

As part of the 5-Star Luxury Included® experience, Sandals only serves premium brand liquors. You can order whatever you would like, including specialties you would expect at a tropical resort, like a Pina Colada, Margarita, Blue Lagoon, or a Bahama Mama.

In all rooms, there is a mini-fridge stocked with water, juice, soda, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks Wine, and local beer. Additionally, every room includes a coffeemaker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee.

Tips

At Sandals resorts, even tips, taxes, and gratuities are included for most services you would usually tip for! There is no need to worry about tipping the bartender, the bellman, or your server at one of the specialty restaurants.

If you are staying in a butler-level suite, your butler can and will accept tips. We recommend tipping a butler $20 a day, depending on how much you use their services.

Spa therapists and airport transport drivers should also be tipped.

Roundtrip Airport Transfers

Sandals Halcyon Beach provides complimentary transportation to and from the airport.

Included Activities at Sandals Halcyon Beach

You have access to unlimited water sports, and scuba diving is included! For certified divers, you can dive up to twice a day with two tanks a day. Scuba courses are not included but start at $120. You can also enjoy plenty of land-based activities, as well as a full fitness center.

Entertainment

Along with these amazing activities, there are plenty of entertainment options including theme nights, live music, performances, and more.

A Free Wedding at Sandals

Stay 3 nights or longer at any Sandals resort and your wedding is free!

Room Service

If you book a room that includes butler service, room service is available 24 hours a day. For all other accommodations, room service is available between 7am-10pm.

WiFi

WiFi is included throughout the resort.

Honeymoon package at Sandals Halcyon Beach

If you get married and then honeymoon at Sandals Halcyon Beach, or if you come here within 30 days of your wedding date, you’ll get Sandals’ complimentary honeymoon package.

This includes a bottle of chilled sparkling wine, a special turndown service with flower petals on your bed the first evening of your honeymoon, fresh flowers, and a decadent breakfast in bed one morning of your choice.

Is Sandals Halcyon Beach for couples only?

Yes. Like all Sandals resorts, Sandals Halcyon Beach is an adults-only all-inclusive resort that is designed to provide a romantic atmosphere for couples.

How many Sandals resorts are in St. Lucia?

Sandals has three locations in St. Lucia: Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Regency La Toc, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian, all in the northern part of the island and close to plenty of activities and nightlife. Each resort is a luxurious, adults-only enclave set on a gorgeous beach, but there are some differences. Guests at each have access to all three resorts.

Sandals St. Lucia
Sandals Grande St. Lucian

How far is Sandals Halcyon Beach from the airport?

There are two airports in St. Lucia. Which airport is closest to Sandals Halcyon? Sandals Halcyon Beach is located about 5 minutes from George FL Charles (Vigie) Airport and around one and a half hours from Hewanorra International Airport.

It’s easy to get to Sandals Halcyon Beach from either place, as they offer complimentary transfers to and from both airports.

When was Sandals Halcyon Beach built?

Sandals Halcyon Beach was built in 1994 but has been renovated and enlarged recently.

What is the best time of year to go to St. Lucia?

The best time of year to go to St. Lucia depends on what you’re looking for. The weather is warm year-round, but there is a dry and wet season. If you want the sunniest weather, go from mid-December through mid-April.

This is also peak season, however, so you may have higher prices and more people.

The rainy season in St. Lucia is June through November, and prices tend to be lower at this time. Although this is also hurricane season, St. Lucia does not usually see many storms.

A great time to go to St. Lucia is in the spring from mid-April to June, which is shoulder season. You’ll get good weather and off-peak pricing.

Is it safe to go to St. Lucia?

Yes, St. Lucia is a safe island. When you’re off the resort and exploring the island, just follow the usual safety precautions such as traveling in groups or with at least one other person; keeping your valuables out of sight and in a safe place, such as a hotel safe or locked suitcase; and staying aware of your surroundings.

Don’t carry a lot of cash on you, and keep what money you do have (along with credit cards and passports) in a zipped purse or travel pouch concealed under your clothes.

Make sure you have a copy of your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards in a safe location in case any of these are stolen.

If you go out to bars or nightclubs in St. Lucia, keep yourself safe just as you would at home.

Don’t go alone—always in pairs or groups; stick to main streets and brightly lit areas; and always keep your eyes on your drink. If you consume alcohol, do so responsibly so you can stay alert. 

What to pack for Sandals Halcyon Beach

You can pack light when you stay at a Sandals Resort since so much is provided for you. For example, you don’t need to pack a hairdryer. A gift shop is available onsite in case you forget any necessities.

In terms of clothes, the dress code is casual during the day and resort elegant at night, which means a mix of shorts, t-shirts and tanks, lightweight short sleeve shirts, sundresses, casual slacks, and swimsuits, plus dressier outfits (including shoes) for dining in the nicer restaurants.

If you’re planning on golfing, make sure to bring the appropriate clothing. Women may want to bring a scarf, shawl, or light jacket in case they get chilly in air-conditioned places.

Tip: It’s illegal in St. Lucia to wear or carry any sort of camouflage or military-style print, so don’t pack any items with that.

Bring several swimsuits since you’ll likely be wearing one every day. Women can bring a cute cover-up to throw on for walking around the resort, and may also want to pack some shorts to pull on over their swimsuit if doing any watersports. A rash guard will come in handy during watersports as well.

The type of shoes you bring will depend on what activities you want to do while in St. Lucia. You will probably want to bring water shoes, flip flops, and sandals; you may want to add tennis shoes if you’re going to do a lot of walking or playing sports.

You will of course need to bring your passport (make sure it’s more than 6 months away from expiring) and ID, including a valid driver’s license if you want to rent a car. (But remember that they drive on the left in St. Lucia!)

You will also want to bring a credit card (not that you’ll need it in the resort, since everything is covered, but in case you want to add extras like spa services or go exploring in St. Lucia) and some cash as well, for tips at the airport, taxis, and local shops that don’t take credit cards.

You may need to pay a departure tax in cash at the airport, if it’s not included in your plane ticket, so be sure to ask in advance.

Tip: Bring two cards and hide one in a safe place for emergency backup. Also, make sure you have a record of your credit card numbers, as well as the customer service contact information.

As with any trip, make sure you pack any medicine that you need. Put it in your carry-on bag so you don’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost.

In addition to any prescription medication, you can bring over-the-counter drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, stomach remedies, seasickness medicine, antihistamines) so you’ll have them on hand if you need them.

But in case you forget, these types of remedies will be available at the gift shop.

Tip: Keep all prescription medications in the original bottles when flying to avoid any issues.

Pack all the usual beach necessities including a bag to carry everything in (choose one that can get wet and sandy).

These include sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen—the higher the SPF, the better when you’re in the Caribbean! If you’re going to be diving or snorkeling, make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe. You won’t need to pack beach towels, however, as these are provided for free at every Sandals resort.

You may also want to bring a camera—especially a waterproof camera if you plan on watersports; a waterproof case for your phone, and your phone charger.

A few more items to consider: insect repellant and bite relief cream, bandaids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, prescription snorkeling goggles if you wear them, a backpack for day trips, and a waterproof bag if you’re going to go on a boat.

However, you don’t need to pack toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion unless you want to—these items are included in your room at Sandals, and they come from the onsite spa so they’re top quality!

Tip: Make sure all your luggage is labeled clearly with tags, and add something bright like a colorful ribbon to make your bags stand out at baggage claim.

Now that you’ve read our Sandals Halcyon Beach review, are you ready to plan your St. Lucia honeymoon or romantic escape today? Let us know what you think in the comments!

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Google Rating: 4.4