We are Sandals resort island hoppers. Chose Halcyon because of a cpl reason...1) IT'S QUIET 2) CHEAPER. We are divers so I will review this in a bit.
Upon arrival, customs was seamless and quick. We were then taken to the Sandals lounge which was standing room only due to the amount of ppl. They did have refreshment but all of other Sandals lounges have at least beer/wine but St. Lucia Sandals lounge did not. They will tag your luggage by color as to what resort you will be staying. From the airport, Regency La Toc was about 1 hr 15 min, Halcyon is 1 1/2 hr and the Grande is the furthest but the nicest. Remember, whatever resort you decide, you can use the other 2 as well. Day or night. Shuttle service provided from 6am-11pm.
When arrived to Halcyon, we were greeted by hotel staff and handed a cool towel and then took us to a waiting area. I booked a Club level Honeymoon poolside walkout room. They didn't take us to the club lounge. I questioned and showed them my paperwork. Then they took us to the Club Lounge and were given all club level perks. We were told that they didn't have anymore club level room we had paid for but could place us closer to the ocean. We viewed the room 411, and loved it except no alcohol in the room or robes ( not...We are Sandals resort island hoppers. Chose Halcyon because of a cpl reason...1) IT'S QUIET 2) CHEAPER. We are divers so I will review this in a bit.
Upon arrival, customs was seamless and quick. We were then taken to the Sandals lounge which was standing room only due to the amount of ppl. They did have refreshment but all of other Sandals lounges have at least beer/wine but St. Lucia Sandals lounge did not. They will tag your luggage by color as to what resort you will be staying. From the airport, Regency La Toc was about 1 hr 15 min, Halcyon is 1 1/2 hr and the Grande is the furthest but the nicest. Remember, whatever resort you decide, you can use the other 2 as well. Day or night. Shuttle service provided from 6am-11pm.
When arrived to Halcyon, we were greeted by hotel staff and handed a cool towel and then took us to a waiting area. I booked a Club level Honeymoon poolside walkout room. They didn't take us to the club lounge. I questioned and showed them my paperwork. Then they took us to the Club Lounge and were given all club level perks. We were told that they didn't have anymore club level room we had paid for but could place us closer to the ocean. We viewed the room 411, and loved it except no alcohol in the room or robes ( not that it was a big deal). We had the choice to stay in the room instead of moving. The rooms are all great except some bigger (my thought is we aren't in the room that much so a big deal) We did express a little disappointment and had to deal with this for 2 days. I'm a travel consultant and express that we should be credited for difference which they did and my husband asked for a cpl massages and they granted it. Hey if you don't ask for it, then you don't get it. :) Thanks Ruth for that lovely surprise.
We stated in Building 4 and that's the closest build to the ocean. Building 3, 2 are also in the garden. They have bulter OF cottages. Other cottages are facing the beach but were in the garden. Lovely and rustic feeling. The honeymoon poolside club rooms are behind Building 2,3,4. They also get more of the highway traffic. Halcyon is the smallest of the 3 and the most quint resort I have been too. We do like a little nightlife (a pub feel) but they don't have one. If you want dancing etc...you may want to go to the Grande.
Beach was very nice. First day we arrived there was a ton of seaweed but the following 12 days we had, NOTHING! Very clean beach. The anchored floating disk in the ocean really need cleaning but nice to sit in and relax. They need to spend the money for updated beach lounge chairs and the pool lounge chair cushions. Really disgusting and stained.
We were there for reunion week so the food that night and the return quest dinner was exceptionally great. The other restaurants were nice but they all had there charm. Bayside Breakfast, lunch and dinner but we never had dinner there. Too many other options. Kelly's is nice but SLOW SLOW SLOW. There's a dress code for many area's all resorts restaurants but please make sure you take long pant, collared shirts and nice shoes. Beach bistro was also VERY SLOW. I know we are on island time but watching the natives work, they are so laid back. Soy for sushi was fabulous as always. We went for appetizers a cpl nights.
Drinks are great and if you want more alcohol in your drinks, tell them.
My husband and I are scuba divers. We love the Sandals offers it at no charge. Halcyon and Regency La Toc share a dive boat at the marina. Grande has their own boat. At Halcyon, they pick you up at 8am and the shuttle take 10 min ride to the marina. The dive team is professional, knowledgeable and a love of fun...shout out to Micheium, Nelson, Beep Beep, BARNEY the purple dinosaur, ACE and last but not a great boat capt Jon. We dove 19 times on our 11 night trip. Yes we dove everyday but that's what we love to do. Sunday is more of the inexperience divers but we never had a problem having a great dive. The resort dives (shallow dives) are in the afternoon. You don't really see the big marine life but I felt like I was swimming in an aquarium. Beautiful fish, plants and we did see a turtle.
Internet is included for all room categories
Monday is beach party. Food is amazing. We liked the Grande's beach party better. It was actually on the beach
Halcyon didn't a coffee shop, pizza parlor or crepe area. You need to go to the Grande or LaTok
Differences in resorts....
Grande is the party resort. It's bigger and the newest. Beautiful grounds and a lot of dining choices. Younger crowd
LaToc also lovely and had dinner in the French restaurant which was great. They get younger to midage crowd
Halcyon is quiet but still lively. Kelly's and Mario's are the best there. They get all ages but mainly over 40 I would say but we became friend with all ages.
Departure...you need to have the luggage ready around 10am and check out is 11am. If you flight leaves around 3-5 you will be picked up for the airport at 11:30. If your leaving between 6-8, I believe the shuttle is at 3;45.
We loved the rustic feel that the Halcyon offers and would return. I would like to make a suggestion to management, train your staff in customer service. Hand full were very rude or just plain nasty.
Over all, nice tripMore
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