Hotel Review: Sandals Grenada

When Sandals Resorts entered the Grenada market in 2013, it took the all-inclusive resort experience to a whole new level. This was largely due to Sandals Grenada’s SkyPool suites, which feature a stunning infinity in-room plunge pool, even for guestrooms set on the upper floors of the resort.

Previously named Sandals La Source Grenada, Sandals Grenada (rebranded in 2018) is even more posh than when it first opened.

“Return guests will notice additions to the property,” said Jeremy Chetram, guest experience manager for Sandals Grenada. “These include the Lover’s Lagoon and Hideaway Suites room categories.”

During my stay, I was booked into one of the Love Nest Oceanview Butler Suites on the resort’s fifth floor. The suite felt more like a villa; its standout feature was the private cantilevered, solar-heated plunge pool with infinity edge. While the pool’s vistas are spectacular — overlooking the resort and sea — shades bordering the pool can be drawn for privacy. Additionally, the television in the suite’s bedroom can even be swiveled so it can be viewed from the pool. There also is a large balcony with ample space for a soaking tub for two. Throughout the suite, the decor has a subdued color palette of browns and grays, with marine-themed decorative accents.

Other aspects of the resort are equally romantic. The South Seas Village resembles a botanical garden, and its South Seas Grande Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary likely bests the SkyPool suites when it comes to romance. The Rondoval Suites category features a 20-foot conical ceiling, a zero-entry plunge pool and lots of lush foliage, all contributing to a cozy ambiance.

During my visit, the resort was at 80% occupancy, yet Sandals Grenada still had a laid-back and uncrowded atmosphere.

One of the positives of the resort is its proximity to Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport, which is only a five-minute drive. An aspect I personally enjoyed was the panorama of neighboring homes dotting the hill adjacent to the resort, which includes the home of the former owner of La Source Resort. These homes added an everyday touch to the resort experience.

“It’s a very compact resort,” said Peter Fraser, general manager of Sandals Grenada. “This gives the resort a sense of intimacy.”

The resort’s Red Lane Spa is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; its signature treatment is the 90-minute Raindrop Dreams massage that utilizes aromatherapy, essential oils, and a full body and foot massage.

There are 10 specialty restaurants, enough to provide lots of variety even during longer stays. The dining establishments range from a sushi restaurant to venues serving French and Italian cuisine. Of note are the Jamaican patties (golden pastries filled with beef or other ingredients) served poolside, and the goodies at Cafe de Paris, where an excellent cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream or a selection of tiny pastries can be ordered in minutes. Only two of the venues require reservations, which are recommended: Kimonos Oriental Cuisine, a teppanyaki-style eatery; and the very popular Butch’s Chophouse.

There’s a full range of water and on-land activities. Scuba diving is included in the all-inclusive rate. The resort also offers a twice-daily snorkeling excursion to a new site each day; a night snorkeling excursion is offered at an additional cost.

Island Routes Caribbean Adventures handles tour operations at the resort, including ATV adventures, snorkeling excursions and waterfall hikes. I highly recommend the Reading Road Trip, which takes guests to a local school supported by the Sandals Foundation. The heartwarming excursion allows guests to interact with local schoolchildren, who enthusiastically welcome visitors. 

The Details
Sandals Resorts International
www.sandals.com