Recently MMV was invited to take part in the 2024 Sandals STAR Awards, as well as get a first-hand look at Sandals' new resort Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. For 4 days, we were given an amazing opportunity to see the sights, eat the food, and see everything this lush resort has to offer.
During those 4 days, we fell in love with both the resort and an island that typically is a road less traveled. So, let's take a look at the resort and why this adult-only escape could be your future favorite vacation destination.
First Thoughts
Leaving the newly constructed Argyle International Airport, if you keep your eyes fixed to the shoreline, you will know you've landed somewhere special. This small but mighty island is a true tropical paradise. ...So much so that Disney filmed portions of multiple Pirates of the Caribbean movies here!
Pulling into the resort, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality from the resort hosts. In fact, that warmth and hospitality would stretch to every Vincy (local) that we would come into contact with over the next 4 days. But, once into the lobby, our eyes were not prepared for the eye candy we were about to experience. It was truly moment after moment of "WOW!"
The Resort
As we said above this resort is LUSH! It's situated on 50 acres, "hugged by the Caribbean Sea and nestled within a mountain range and neighboring rainforest." If you find yourself spinning in circles trying to nail down the best view, we don't blame you. Every turn offered a new look, just waiting to be explored.
Sandals said it best... "From the moment you step foot on Saint Vincent’s enchanting shores, you’ll discover a truly unique place. With a stunning backdrop, captivating community, and charming locals, Saint Vincent promises a unique and unforgettable experience. The resort location was carefully chosen with guest's needs in mind. Immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere and discover why this hidden gem is the perfect destination for your next getaway."
All Checked In... A Look Into Sandals Brand-New Category Room
During our stay we were able to experience a new category of suite. Say hello to the Lady Palm Club Suite with Fitness Room and Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. Featuring TechnoGym bikes, dumbbells, and a workout bench. In this suite, you have everything you need to keep fit while living your best Caribbean lives.
While Sandals isn't known for short room category titles, they are known for offering rooms that will have you wanting to come back again and again. Look at the view!
Not into fitness while on vacation? Not a problem! This layout of suite is also offered with a Media Room instead. Featuring an oversized couch, the Lady Palm Partial Oceanview Club Suite with Media Room and Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub allows you to snuggle up to your someone special and take in a movie.
Looking for something more luxurious? Sandals Saint Vincent has that covered too!
Here's a look at a Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Villa Suite with Media Room and Private Pool! Offering mesmerizing views of the horizon, this spectacular Butler Villa is one of a kind. With direct access to the beach, your own private pool, and a dedicated media room complete with a 75” HD TV and sound bar, you have the perfect set up for a movie night. Take a dip in your private pool or saunter over to the beach.
From categories lower, higher, and everywhere in between, this resort has a room category that is perfect for you!
Around The Resort Grounds
This resort features a handful of amazing offerings like:
4 pools, 2 whirlpools, 1 SCUBA pool
Tennis and land sports
State-of-the-art fitness center
PADI-Certified SCUBA diving and equipment
Snorkeling and equipment
Day and night entertainment and live shows
Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks
DID WE MENTION THE CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATER?!?
Dining
During your stay at Sandals Saint Vincent, you will have access to a wide variety of food that suits every palette.
"Embark on a culinary journey around the world savoring international cuisines at 11 specialty restaurants, including local dishes that showcase the island’s natural bounty. Our award-winning chefs are as authentic as the cuisines they serve, which are perfectly paired with Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines." Check out the descriptions below:
Scrimshaw
Chefs designed Scrimshaw to incorporate international flavors with sustainable and locally-fished seafood. St. Vincent is known for its bountiful options. With access to deep waters of the sea, you'll find some menu items cooked or raw. Conch is fished year-round on the island and chefs have created a section on the menu. Standouts are chowder and fritters. Local lobsters are fished eight months out of the year and our first live lobster tanks are presented. A full bar will accompany the clean seafood flavors. Try the Cointreau Ricky, the perfect pairing with a conch salad. Service is unintrusive and elegant.
Butch's Island Chop House *Note Dining Reservations Are Required
Ever since he opened the first Sandals resort, the name Gordon Butch Stewart has been synonymous with high-quality, luxury destinations. Butch's Island Chop House serves up only the highest quality grain-fed Midwestern beef together with the finest fish and seafood. Our hand-cut steaks, fish fillets and seafood are prepared your way, seasoned to perfection and accompanied by exquisite sides and flavorful sauces. Once you experience our unparalleled quality and luxury ambience you'll understand why we had to name it Butch's!
Parisol Beach Club
Nestled on our magnificent beach, Parisol encompasses sense of place, sophistication, and excitement. A mixture of experiences from al fresco dining at the restaurant to laying out in the sun by the pool or beach. Local ingredients and dishes inspire the bites such as Bakes, a local fried dough served with salt fish, and our Callaloo Florentine for breakfast. Entertainment throughout the week is organized to create a relaxed and fun time while sipping through a number of creative cocktails ,including a spritz menu. The view looking out over beautiful Buccament Bay, starring fishing boats and stunning sunsets alike.
Buccan *Note Dining Reservations Are Required
Feel a sense of wonder. Learn the history of 'Three Stone' cooking. Buccan is a solid fuel restaurant experience for sharing with old and new friends. The centerpiece of Buccan is our hearth and its fire. We will guide you through local 'Vincy' ingredients, from the sea and the local farms. The menu is set by the chefs, a table full of dishes and bites, all which have been roasted or grilled and all made with the intention to enjoy. Sip as the locals do different rums and mixes. There is no wrong way to go about this.
Gatsu Gatsu
The Japanese term gatsu gatsu loosely translates into the act of devouring food quickly. Skillfully prepared using only the freshest and most delectable fish and seafood, the exotic sushi creations made to order at Gatsu Gatsu surely won't linger on the plate.
Sora
Sora is a local bird found throughout the Caribbean. Offering two different dining experiences: during the morning our buffet, and in the evening, Italian-American comfort food. The open kitchen in the room acts as an action station for breakfast, eggs a la minute, local favorite 'Salt Fish Bake' and fresh fruits. A la carte Italian antipasti, pasta and mains are all skillfully made substituting and supplementing local, fresh ingredients. The result is a uniquely Roman menu with a 'Vincy' balance.
The Jerk Shack
Discover Authentic Jamaican Jerk. Believed to have originated with Jamaica's Arawak Indians, jerk cookery began as a preservation method. The Maroons of Jamaica, who once sought refuge in the island's Blue Mountains, eternalized the Arawak's ancient jerk technique by spicing or seasoning the meat, wrapping it in leaves, then placing it on hot rocks over a lattice of wood. This technique evolved with the use of different spices to the cooking style that we know today as Jerk. At the Jerk Shack, chefs apply the jerk cooking style using a marinade or paste that incorporates pimento (allspice) and scotch bonnet peppers.
Isola (Pizzeria)
Known as "island" in Italian, you can sink your teeth freshly baked pies the magnificent "isola" in the Caribbean. Made with the finest ingredients and custom made to your liking with succulent sauce, crispy crust and mouthwatering toppings come together for best tasting pizza you've ever had by the sea.
Imoro
We believe that eating healthy should be easy and enjoyable. That's why Imoro offers a variety of bowls and salads, made with locally sourced ingredients, prepared right in front of you. Choose from our menu of signature bowls, or create your own custom bowl, with over 30 ingredients to choose from. Whether you want a light and refreshing bowl, or a hearty and satisfying one, we have something for everyone. Imoro is the perfect place to eat healthy and feel good!
Crema
Crema, our coffee and ice cream shop, is inspired by Jamaica and its Blue Mountains, and offers only locally-grown, harvested, and roasted Jamaican coffee beans exclusively for our guests. Jamaica not only has, arguably, the best coffee in the world but also a tradition in making ice cream. Working with our local communities we have sourced Jamaicans' favorite flavors for Crema. Unique to Crema is the affogato, a combination of both coffee and ice cream - the perfect mid-day or late-night indulgence. There are no clear facts about where and when the affogato was created, but the espresso machine was invented in the 19th century in Italy. Affogato translates in English "drowned." The mixture of sweet cold cream with espresso is one experience not to miss!
