Island-hopping luxury: An escape to Sandals Grenada and the new Saint Vincent outpost

Sandals resorts have created a name for themselves, and it's not hard to see why.

Rating: 5/5

Sandals Grenada is a long-standing favourite for a reason. Nestled on Pink Gin Beach, just minutes from the airport, it's the kind of place that doesn't seem to have a fault. Lush landscaping, swimming pools galore and an undeniably friendly atmosphere; this resort is a welcoming base to disover the Spice Isle.

It is known for its unique sky-pool suites - complete with private infinity pools on the balcony overlooking the ocean - and stunning tropical grounds dotted with plunge pools, fire pits and hammocks for two.

Although not the most expensive option, though certainly close, My South Seas One Bedroom Butler Villa with Infinity Edge Pool was an absolute show-stopper. It featured a fully stocked bar (included in the price, of course), a stunning soaking tub carved out of solid stone, and a private terrace with a jacuzzi and a private infinity pool overlooking the lush Grenadian hills and nearby local homes.

There are 10 restaurants comprised in the all-inclusive rate - from the pan-Asian flavours of Kimono's to the elegant steakhouse Butch's Chophouse. My favourite was Soy, an unassuming sushi bar serving unlimited sushi and small Japanese plates, all made with fresh fish and ingredients of the highest quality.

For a truly Grenadian experience, I recommend trying the nutmeg gelato from Café de Paris, which you can even have as an indulgent affogato if you need a caffeine kick in between your copious meals. This is the only resort that stocks this peculiar flavour year-round, and trying it during your stay is highly recommended.

Cocktails at the Lovers Lane bar add a fun twist to the evening, especially when paired with live music and karaoke nights.

Grenada's vibrant culture and beauty is woven into every excursion. A snorkelling tour to the island's reefs provided a surreal underwater experience, with local wildlife and small jellyfish surrounding our group as we paddled into the open sea.

I left the resort to explore the majestic Fort Frederick, which has some of the most impressive views on the island and is a good starting point for learning about the island's intricate history and the power struggles between the English and the French.

Built by the French in 1779 and completed by the British in 1783, it's 800 feet above sea level and provides panoramic views of St. George's and the mountains surrounding it.

As part of the local activities, guests can book a Reading Road Trip through Island Routes and read to primary schoolchildren during their stay at Sandals Grenada. Proceeds from this excursion go back to The Sandals Foundation, the operator's philanthropic arm.

Rating: 5/5

If Grenada combines luxury and fun in equal amounts, then Sandals Saint Vincent is a peaceful retreat for couples and honeymooners to find serenity. Tucked between rainforest-clad cliffs and a choppy Caribbean Sea, this brand-new resort delivers hyper-personalised service in a setting that feels like a private island hideaway.

Sandals Saint Vincent prides itself on being chosen time and time again as a wedding destination, so the imposing overwater chapel is front and centre-and very much incorporated into the resort's daily operations, serving as a meeting point for tours and as a sunset watching spot.

When is comes to the rooms, the most luxurious option is the Vincy Overwater Two-Story Villa, which boasts glass floors, a tranquillity soaking tub, and a ladder descending straight into the crystal-clear sea. However, if what you're seeking is privacy, the Garden Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub is ideal for those looking to bask in the sunshine or relax in the outdoor soaking tub behind the hedgerows.

Here, dining is an art form. For Caribbean flair, the Jerk Shack offers refined takes on regional fast-food staples, with a selection of spiced butters and perfectly grilled jerk chicken that are not to be missed.

BLUM cafe is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and pastry lovers, as it's stocked with local and international treats, and the best-quality coffee from Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

For some evening fun, the centrally-located Three Jewels rum bar offers a meeting point for guests staying in the 301 rooms scattered across the 50-acre site, with late night entertainment, music and board games until 2am.

In total, there are nine bars to explore on this sprawling property, including a swim-up bar by the main pool with live music and DJs to liven up the atmosphere.

Visiting Bequia is a non-negotiable for many holidaymakers coming to this destination, as it's considered to be one of the most charming Grenadine islands. The ferry ride can be daunting for those with sea sickness, but luckily, the journey takes only around one hour and can culminate in a rewading local meal followed by a swim in crystal clear waters.

Those not looking to venture outside the resort will likely pay a visit to the Red Lane Spa, a hidden gem to seek relaxation away from the crowds with its own swimming pool and cold plunge tub. It has open-air treatment rooms surrounded by tropical blooms that feel like a true return to nature, especially when accompanied by the relaxing sound of tropical rain. I visited the spa on my last day, to conclude a busy few days with a 90-minute Raindrop Dreams massage, which uses seven essential oils along the spine to relax the body. I found it unremarkable but revitalising nonetheless.

For butler level guests, there is a sunset boat cruise run by the butler team available twice per week. It includes a visit to the Pirates of the Caribbean set, free-flowing rum punch, and for lucky guests like me, an impromptu race against a playful pod of dolphins.

A four-night stay for two adults at Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa in a , followed by four-nights at Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines in costs from £3,379 per adult. Price includes a total of eight-nights all-inclusive accommodation, economy class flights from London to Grenada (and returning from Saint Vincent) with Virgin Atlantic, and interisland flights between Grenada and Saint Vincent with InterCaribbean Airways. Resort transfers are included in the Caribbean. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 9th September 2025.

To book through Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL), call 0800 597 0002 or for more information about Sandals Resorts visit .

Twin-centre trips are ideal for restless travellers who like the convenience of an all-inclusive but are too restless to stay in one place for too long.

When it comes to butler level rooms, Sandals really sets the standard, with friendly and attentive staff catering to their guests' needs with a smile and proactivity.

Sandals resorts feel like a sun-drenched adult playground with plenty of activities and resources to make the ideal Caribbean holiday happen, regardless of your personal preference.