Weekend Getaway to Saint Lucia

Back in July, the FamTrav husband and I whisked away to Saint Lucia for a long weekend. I adore this little slice of paradise. From the moment you approach, The Pitons set the stage for adventure and inspiration.

We stayed at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, which is one of three Sandals properties on the island. There’s also Sandals Halcyon and Sandals Regency La Toc. We choose Sandals Grande because it has the best beach, and is the liveliest of the three. But since the resorts share exchange privileges, we were able to stay at one, play at three. This is often a big selling feature for my young honeymooners.

Sandals Grande is just that…grand. It’s lush, meticulously landscaped, and just so stunning.

Though we did spend a little time resort hopping, our priority was rest and relaxation. Like many of you I’m sure, the FamTrav husband and I work long hours every week, and value any time we can get away just the two of us and recharge.

We stayed in a Caribbean Honeymoon Walkout, which had a tropical view, and opened up to a quiet pool and jacuzzi. As most guests congregated at the main pool, this was a sublime retreat.

You’ll note that the decor is very much old West Indies with dark furniture. The Grande is not updated like some of the newer Sandals properties that boast a modern, light and airy feel. This is not so important for me, but I know some clients prefer more updated rooms.

Here’s a video tour of our room. It would mean so much to me if you’d like this and other videos and subscribe to my channel, which I’m working diligently to grow.

We managed to sneak in one excursion during our visit. The St. Lucia Speedboat & Power Snorkel was such fun! Our group consisted of three couples. Each piloting our own speedboats, our guides led us along the picturesque west coast of the island to the Pitons, then to a protected area where we were able to power snorkel. Let me tell, you, using a power snorkel is so much easier! My only regret is that we did not have an underwater camera to capture the abundance of sea creates we saw, including an octopus, eel, and hundreds of colorful fish.

Despite the next photo, we did have snorkel gear in addition to the power snorkel. One we were back on the boat, I realized neither of us thought to collect a little black sand to take back. The FamTrav husband kindly agreed to jump back in and head to shore. I snapped this photo while he made his way back.

As well as this one of him and another husband on their quest for sand. Ha!

Friends, find yourself a partner who will jump back in the water, swim to shore, collect sand for you, and still have a smile when they get back.

Naturally it wouldn’t be a FamTrav adventure without some unwanted excitement. On the way back, we were caught in a major squall. The rain was so intense, we felt like we were being pelted by hail. The waves were incredibly rough, and the sky continued to grow more ominous. The one hour boat ride back felt like it took hours. More than once I thought I might bounce right out of the speedboat.

Once we were back at the resort, the sky began to clear. We took advantage of the hot tub and cabanas outside our room. So peaceful. And quite the contrast from just a few hours before.

Then before we knew it, it was time to head back home.

Or so we thought.

Our flight from St. Lucia to Atlanta was diverted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, after a bird or birds flew into the engine. Shortly after takeoff, there was a brief disturbance that felt like driving over a speedbump mid air. The Delta crew kept us well informed, and the captain insisted he would not keep us waiting on the airplane longer than absolutely necessary. When maintenance determined we could not proceed, a replacement plane and flight crew were called in, and it seemed our weekend getaway would last a few hours longer.

It’s a good thing we started the journey home completely stress free. 😉

I don’t yet know where we’re headed for next summer’s romantic getaway, but I’m already looking forward to it. Surprises and all!

As a Certified Sandal Specialist, I’d love to help you book a romantic getaway of your own. With 18 award-winning beach resorts, I help you hone in on the destination and room category perfect for you. Let’s chat!