Is Sandals Halcyon Right for You? My St. Lucia Trip Review & Insider Tips
If you’re dreaming about St. Lucia — lush mountains, soft beaches, and a luxurious adults-only vibe ...
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If you’re dreaming about St. Lucia — lush mountains, soft beaches, and a luxurious adults-only vibe — here’s my honest take from our recent getaway at Sandals Halcyon Beach.
We flew into UVF (Hewanorra International Airport), which is the main airport for international arrivals. If you’ve ever landed in St. Lucia, you know the airport lines can be LONG — and ours definitely were. It took us over an hour to get through immigration and customs because we didn’t do the Fast Track. Lesson learned! Next time, I’d absolutely pay extra for Fast Track — it’s worth it to get in a shorter line and start your vacation sooner.
Once we cleared customs, we made our way to the Sandals lounge, where you wait for your resort transfer. One tip: the lounge has snacks and beer, but no hot food or mixed drinks. As someone who only drinks mixed drinks, this was a letdown — so plan accordingly if you’re hoping for a cocktail while you wait.
We booked the helicopter transfer through Sandals for our group of six. I highly recommend this if you can swing it — the helicopter takes 10 minutes compared to the hour-and-a-half bus ride through the winding mountain roads. The guys in our group loved it.
I probably would have too, but it was raining, windy, and foggy when we flew — so it felt more roller-coaster than scenic tour! The pilot was fantastic, though, and take-off was the best part. We could only bring small carry-ons — no liquids — and the rest of our luggage came separately by Sandals bus and arrived at the resort later.
The helicopter lands at SLU (George F.L. Charles Airport) near Castries, and from there it’s just a quick 5-minute ride to Halcyon.
I’ll be honest: Sandals Halcyon wasn’t my perfect match, but it’s absolutely beautiful. The beach is soft and gorgeous, the food was delicious, and our butlers were amazing. We loved having coffee on our porch every morning and breakfast at the buffet — no complaints about the dining at all.
Why wasn’t it for me? I prefer bigger, livelier resorts with lots going on — music, games, a party vibe. Halcyon is not that. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for honeymooners or anyone wanting to lay on the beach and read a book all day. My mom would have adored it!
We took the free shuttle over to Sandals Grande St. Lucian for the day — that was more my speed. It’s lively, with music at the pool, games, and a fun atmosphere. The beach is rockier, but they have the yellow floating rings out in the ocean — one of our favorites!
Sadly, we didn’t get to visit La Toc, but it’s on my list for next time.
✅ If you want relaxed, romantic, and quiet, Halcyon is perfect — especially for honeymooners and couples who just want to chill.
✅ If you love energy, activities, and a livelier vibe, you may prefer the Grande.
✅ Do Fast Track — you’ll thank yourself later.
✅ Book the helicopter transfer if you can — but hope for clear skies!
Whether you’re a honeymooner, anniversary couple, or just looking for a luxury all-inclusive escape, I’d love to help you find your perfect Sandals fit — because the right resort makes all the difference.
Ready to plan? Let’s chat — I’ll help you find the Sandals that matches your vacation style! 🌴✨
Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm thrilled to introduce myself as your dedicated travel agent, Jennifer Letcher, with an insatiable love for all things travel! Exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable experiences for my clients are my passions, and I cannot wait to share my expertise with you. A Journey of Specializations: Over the years, I've honed my skills and focused on specific areas of expertise to ensure that every journey you embark on is seamless, enchanting, and tailor-made to suit your desires. As a travel specialist, I hold certifications in several incredible destin... Read More >>>
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Hi Jennifer! Just wanted you to know how much we appreciate you booking our Costa Rica trip. Everything from the airport pickups, flights and resort were spot on. We did alot of excursions like the catamaran where we got to go through some sea caves to a jungle river boat trip where we got to see monkeys in trees, toucan birds, momma crocodile and her babies. The food was amazing but the hospitality was even more amazing. I gave you a shout out on facebook and posted each day our activities. Now we gotta get home to make some more travel money…lol..Thank you so so much and look forward to booking our next trip! Nicholas and Tammy
-Tammy
Jennifer Letcher set us up for the perfect get away to celebrate my birthday. All we did was say we wanted a beach resort, all inclusive and I wanted to get a stamp on my passport. She threw out some suggestions, we gave her some suggested dates, and away she worked. Put 3 destination packages together from leaving our local airport to our return home. Even hooking us up with a person to help get us through customs and get my passport stamped. She made it so easy! Thanks Jennifer!
-Paula Menefee
Our trip was perfect! Jenny did a wonderful job planning our trip from booking our flight, our private taxi to and from airport, and the resort was beautiful. Thank you Jenny! Look forward to working with you on our future adventures.
-Julie Swinford
7/23If you’re dreaming about St. Lucia — lush mountains, soft beaches, and a luxurious adults-only vibe ...
If you’re dreaming about St. Lucia — lush mountains, soft beaches, and a luxurious adults-only vibe — here’s my honest take from our recent getaway at Sandals Halcyon Beach.
We flew into UVF (Hewanorra International Airport), which is the main airport for international arrivals. If you’ve ever landed in St. Lucia, you know the airport lines can be LONG — and ours definitely were. It took us over an hour to get through immigration and customs because we didn’t do the Fast Track. Lesson learned! Next time, I’d absolutely pay extra for Fast Track — it’s worth it to get in a shorter line and start your vacation sooner.
Once we cleared customs, we made our way to the Sandals lounge, where you wait for your resort transfer. One tip: the lounge has snacks and beer, but no hot food or mixed drinks. As someone who only drinks mixed drinks, this was a letdown — so plan accordingly if you’re hoping for a cocktail while you wait.
We booked the helicopter transfer through Sandals for our group of six. I highly recommend this if you can swing it — the helicopter takes 10 minutes compared to the hour-and-a-half bus ride through the winding mountain roads. The guys in our group loved it.
I probably would have too, but it was raining, windy, and foggy when we flew — so it felt more roller-coaster than scenic tour! The pilot was fantastic, though, and take-off was the best part. We could only bring small carry-ons — no liquids — and the rest of our luggage came separately by Sandals bus and arrived at the resort later.
The helicopter lands at SLU (George F.L. Charles Airport) near Castries, and from there it’s just a quick 5-minute ride to Halcyon.
I’ll be honest: Sandals Halcyon wasn’t my perfect match, but it’s absolutely beautiful. The beach is soft and gorgeous, the food was delicious, and our butlers were amazing. We loved having coffee on our porch every morning and breakfast at the buffet — no complaints about the dining at all.
Why wasn’t it for me? I prefer bigger, livelier resorts with lots going on — music, games, a party vibe. Halcyon is not that. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for honeymooners or anyone wanting to lay on the beach and read a book all day. My mom would have adored it!
We took the free shuttle over to Sandals Grande St. Lucian for the day — that was more my speed. It’s lively, with music at the pool, games, and a fun atmosphere. The beach is rockier, but they have the yellow floating rings out in the ocean — one of our favorites!
Sadly, we didn’t get to visit La Toc, but it’s on my list for next time.
✅ If you want relaxed, romantic, and quiet, Halcyon is perfect — especially for honeymooners and couples who just want to chill.
✅ If you love energy, activities, and a livelier vibe, you may prefer the Grande.
✅ Do Fast Track — you’ll thank yourself later.
✅ Book the helicopter transfer if you can — but hope for clear skies!
Whether you’re a honeymooner, anniversary couple, or just looking for a luxury all-inclusive escape, I’d love to help you find your perfect Sandals fit — because the right resort makes all the difference.
Ready to plan? Let’s chat — I’ll help you find the Sandals that matches your vacation style! 🌴✨
✍️ Travel Blog: Caribbean Travel TipsPlanning a tropical escape to the Caribbean? You're in for sun-...
Travel Agent Tips for Stress-Free Packing: How to Pack Like a ProI've seen it all as a travel agent:...
Travel Agent Tips for Stress-Free Packing: How to Pack Like a Pro
I've seen it all as a travel agent: underpackers who forget the basics, overpackers with broken zippers, and people who discover too late that they forgot to pack a bottle of shampoo in their carry-on. However, packing need not be a dreaded task. You can travel with ease and pack like an expert if you follow a few clever tips.
1. Roll rather than fold
It's a huge game-changer to roll your clothes rather than fold them. It keeps your clothes wrinkle-free in addition to saving precious suitcase space. Light fabrics and vacation essentials like t-shirts, swimwear, and sundresses benefit greatly from it.
2. Perform 'Suitcase Sweep'
Examine your previous trip's suitcase before you begin packing. The number of people who forget things in zippered compartments, such as chargers, toiletries, or even snacks, may surprise you. I promise you that the TSA will not be pleased to discover a misplaced apple at security!
3. Verify the airline's rules again.
Before you zip that bag shut, make sure you are aware of the weight and size restrictions as different airlines have different baggage policies. Weigh your suitcase at home and verify its dimensions with a soft measuring tape to avoid fees (and frustration).
4. Create a packing list and follow it.
Make a checklist according to your itinerary, activities, and length of stay. By doing this, you can avoid adding last-minute extras 'just in case.' Bonus tip: To ensure you don't forget anything when you repack for home, place a copy in your bag!
5. Essentials to Bring with You
Travel documents, prescription drugs, a change of clothes, and a toothbrush should always be in your carry-on. Although lost luggage is uncommon, it's better to be safe (and fresh) than sorry.
When you know what you're doing, packing can be easy and even enjoyable. You'll be prepared to take off without any problems if you heed these tips. Where are you going next?
Sandals “Sexy” South Coast Should you enjoy a five or seven day vacation at South Coast? That is the question I recently asked myself. My husband and I, along with two other couples, just returned from the wonderful Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. I wish to share our recent enjoyable experience with you. The weather: Overall the weather in Jamaica is near perfect the year around. Typically, the daily temperatures fall between 73 and 89 degrees F. While we were there in March of 2022, we had temperatures between 82 and 90 degrees F. We only received one day of Liquid Sunshine! Jamaica is known to experience quick pop up rain showers during the day that are short in duration. One occurrence we encountered on this trip were abnormally high winds during the last two days of our trip. We had never witnessed such uncommon winds during our previous vacations, so we opted to spend the days at our pool to escape the uncomfortable 30 - 40 mile per hour seaside gales. What to do? Sandal resorts are all-inclusive. This includes all drinks, snacks, and food, in addition to all of the water sports offered at the Aqua Center*. In 2013 my husband and I spent our honeymoon at Sandals Royal Caribbean, but for some reason we never got to enjoy paddle boarding, and since 2013 my husband has never allowed me to forget it! So, this year he had this leisure activity at the top of our “to do” list. It was our first time and we had so much fun! I fell more times than I stood up, but the laughs we shared were worth our feeble attempts to learn. Again, this entertaining activity, and a guided snorkeling adventure we thoroughly enjoyed are part of the all-inclusive Sandals experience. My husband and I are already planning our next return getaway excursion to Sandals. Other included water activities: Scuba diving and all equipment (If Padi-Certified) (If not, for an extra fee you can get certified on property.) Hobie Cats, Paddle boards, kayaks, water skiing, glass bottom boats, tubing, windsurfing The best entertainment: At Sandals South Coast one gets to experience day and night entertainment shows. We attended the Caribbean Carnival Beach Party where one of the members of our traveling group was “volunteered” to come on stage to compete in a fun competition. We were delighted by fire blowers, tropical dancers and an amazing balancing act! For our second night we watched the Reggae Live Show. We began in the amphitheater where we heard and saw very talented singers and dancers. Then our party was escorted outside to enjoy a circus themed show. Throughout the resort, there are monitor screens advising you of upcoming nightly activities, and around the numerous pools there are constant activities to keep you entertained. Places to eat: The food is always outstanding at Sandals. South Coast has nine dining places to enjoy, ranging from very casual to resort evening attire. Our absolute favorite was Schooners! During the day we dined on Jamaican Beef Patties, a must try for all, and at night we were served surf and turf, paired with Prince Edwards Mussels, which were delicious. I highly recommend that upon arrival you make reservations for dinner at Schooners. Even though reservations are not required, due to its popularity all available tables will be taken, so it is better to have a reservation. The beach: South Coast is a protected area, and you want to remember the rule to not remove anything from the ocean. With that being said they have a great stretch of a 2-mile beach that is separated in two different parts. One is close to the front of the resort, while the other is near the Over the Water Bungalows. In my opinion you want your seat to be on the second part of the beach. Is the drive worth it: So, I started out by asking do you wish to enjoy five or seven days at South Coast? Well, it all comes down to the extended drive from the airport. The distance from Montego Bay to South Coast is 90 minutes of navigating small, rough roads, accompanied by exhilarating driving. So, if you are only staying five days, one full day is taken for transfers, thus your last (fifth) day is gone. Furthermore, since you must be at the airport three hours before your flight departs and it takes 90 minutes to get to the airport (without traffic), then that last fifth day is lost. If you arrive in the morning, you can still enjoy at least half a day. So, with a five-day trip you are only getting three full days to enjoy South Coast. So, in my opinion for a South Coast vacation, I recommend the seven day trip. But, please contact me and we can discuss the particulars, then allow you to decide the length of your amazing trip. If you are ready to book your next vacation to Sandals South Coast, the best time to plan is now; rooms are booking up fast. I am a Jamaican Travel Specialist and I would love to help you plan your next holiday excursion.
Sandals “Sexy” South Coast Should you enjoy a five or seven day vacation at South Coast? That is the question I recently asked myself. My husband and I, along with two other couples, just returned from the wonderful Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. I wish to share our recent enjoyable experience with you. The weather: Overall the weather in Jamaica is near perfect the year around. Typically, the daily temperatures fall between 73 and 89 degrees F. While we were there in March of 2022, we had temperatures between 82 and 90 degrees F. We only received one day of Liquid Sunshine! Jamaica is known to experience quick pop up rain showers during the day that are short in duration. One occurrence we encountered on this trip were abnormally high winds during the last two days of our trip. We had never witnessed such uncommon winds during our previous vacations, so we opted to spend the days at our pool to escape the uncomfortable 30 - 40 mile per hour seaside gales. What to do? Sandal resorts are all-inclusive. This includes all drinks, snacks, and food, in addition to all of the water sports offered at the Aqua Center*. In 2013 my husband and I spent our honeymoon at Sandals Royal Caribbean, but for some reason we never got to enjoy paddle boarding, and since 2013 my husband has never allowed me to forget it! So, this year he had this leisure activity at the top of our “to do” list. It was our first time and we had so much fun! I fell more times than I stood up, but the laughs we shared were worth our feeble attempts to learn. Again, this entertaining activity, and a guided snorkeling adventure we thoroughly enjoyed are part of the all-inclusive Sandals experience. My husband and I are already planning our next return getaway excursion to Sandals. Other included water activities: Scuba diving and all equipment (If Padi-Certified) (If not, for an extra fee you can get certified on property.) Hobie Cats, Paddle boards, kayaks, water skiing, glass bottom boats, tubing, windsurfing The best entertainment: At Sandals South Coast one gets to experience day and night entertainment shows. We attended the Caribbean Carnival Beach Party where one of the members of our traveling group was “volunteered” to come on stage to compete in a fun competition. We were delighted by fire blowers, tropical dancers and an amazing balancing act! For our second night we watched the Reggae Live Show. We began in the amphitheater where we heard and saw very talented singers and dancers. Then our party was escorted outside to enjoy a circus themed show. Throughout the resort, there are monitor screens advising you of upcoming nightly activities, and around the numerous pools there are constant activities to keep you entertained. Places to eat: The food is always outstanding at Sandals. South Coast has nine dining places to enjoy, ranging from very casual to resort evening attire. Our absolute favorite was Schooners! During the day we dined on Jamaican Beef Patties, a must try for all, and at night we were served surf and turf, paired with Prince Edwards Mussels, which were delicious. I highly recommend that upon arrival you make reservations for dinner at Schooners. Even though reservations are not required, due to its popularity all available tables will be taken, so it is better to have a reservation. The beach: South Coast is a protected area, and you want to remember the rule to not remove anything from the ocean. With that being said they have a great stretch of a 2-mile beach that is separated in two different parts. One is close to the front of the resort, while the other is near the Over the Water Bungalows. In my opinion you want your seat to be on the second part of the beach. Is the drive worth it: So, I started out by asking do you wish to enjoy five or seven days at South Coast? Well, it all comes down to the extended drive from the airport. The distance from Montego Bay to South Coast is 90 minutes of navigating small, rough roads, accompanied by exhilarating driving. So, if you are only staying five days, one full day is taken for transfers, thus your last (fifth) day is gone. Furthermore, since you must be at the airport three hours before your flight departs and it takes 90 minutes to get to the airport (without traffic), then that last fifth day is lost. If you arrive in the morning, you can still enjoy at least half a day. So, with a five-day trip you are only getting three full days to enjoy South Coast. So, in my opinion for a South Coast vacation, I recommend the seven day trip. But, please contact me and we can discuss the particulars, then allow you to decide the length of your amazing trip. If you are ready to book your next vacation to Sandals South Coast, the best time to plan is now; rooms are booking up fast. I am a Jamaican Travel Specialist and I would love to help you plan your next holiday excursion.
Traveling during Covid-19 can be tricking. Does your location need a negative Covid test? Does it require Covid vaccinations? What happens if I test positive while away? These are all questions I can help answer when booking with me. I was able to travel to Jamaica November 2020 during Covid. We had such an amazing time and were still able to enjoy it all. I would love to help you plan your next vacation.
Traveling during Covid-19 can be tricking. Does your location need a negative Covid test? Does it require Covid vaccinations? What happens if I test positive while away? These are all questions I can help answer when booking with me. I was able to travel to Jamaica November 2020 during Covid. We had such an amazing time and were still able to enjoy it all. I would love to help you plan your next vacation.
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