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

Star rating: 5/5

Highlights

• Personalised butler service
• Fabulous landscaping full of tropical greenery
• Extra large, comfortable beds with a choice of pillows
• Friendly and attentive staff
• Each resort reflects and highlights the local culture

Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa review

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

The resort 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.

Dining and drinking

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.

Activities:

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

Fort Frederick 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.

Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines review

Rating: 5/5

If Grenada is family-friendly luxury, then Sandals Saint Vincent is cutting-edge serenity for honeymooners. 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 is incorporated into the resort's daily operations.

When is comes to the rooms, the most luxurious option is the Overwater Villa, which boasts glass floors, a tranquillity soaking tub, and a ladder descending straight into the aquamarine shallows.

For the ultimate indulgence, you can opt for the Vincy Overwater Two-Story Villas, which offer the space and feel of a designer residence with full butler service and cinematic sunset views.

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.

Dining and drinking

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.

The Blue Mountains cafe is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and pastry lovers alike, as it's stocked with local and international treats, and the best-quality local coffee. In fact, its name alludes to the mountain where the beans were grown, harvested, and roasted exclusively for the resort.

For some evening fun, there is an overwater rum bar that boasts a curated selection of Caribbean spirits and rum-forward cocktails, and the centrally-located Three Jewels rum bar offers 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 or DJs to liven up the atmosphere.

Activities:

Visiting Bequia is a non-negotiable for many holidaymakers, 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.

For those not looking to venture outside the resort, there is a sunset boat cruise run by the butler team. It includes a visit to the Pirates of the Caribbean set, free-flowing rum, and for some lucky guests, a race against a playful pod of dolphins.

Also inside the resort, the Red Lane Spa is a hidden gem to seek relaxation away from the crowds. It has open-air treatment rooms surrounded by tropical blooms that feel like a true return to nature. The 90-minute massage I booked here was not entirely remarkable, but revitalising nonetheless.