Savor the Uncharted: An Escape to St. Vincent’s Emerald Isle

Sailing away from the bustle of the airport, past yachts and sailboats, it’s hard not to feel an immediate sense of calm. Traveling along a coastline dominated by the lush green peaks of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, libation in hand, all the worries back home quickly vanish. Soon, the sprawling Sandals resort materializes between the gentle folds of the mountains. Stepping onto the private dock, it feels like you’re entering a world of your own, a realm with expansive pools, delectable gourmet meals, luxurious spa treatments, and butler-serviced accommodations steps from a white-sand beach. This is Caribbean escapism at its best.

Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened in 2024 and is the first high-end, internationally branded all-inclusive resort on St. Vincent. It boasts 301 rooms with several options, from spacious and stylish beachfront and two-story overwater villas to swim-up and club-level rooms and suites. Overwater villas are true havens offering sweeping, unobstructed sea views, with some featuring glass floor panels to admire the marine life below. The sprawling property also emphasizes a connection to nature, with a free-flowing design centered around its expansive pools and gardens blooming with hibiscus and bougainvillea. The interior spaces’ natural wood and stone aesthetic blends seamlessly with the private outdoor terraces, welcoming the cool island breeze and stunning mountain and sea views.

The highlight of the all-inclusive model is a devotion to quality and your choice of food and drink, with 12 distinct dining concepts and nine stylish bars. Days begin with fresh coffee at Blum before a lavish breakfast buffet at Sora, featuring perfectly prepared eggs, fresh-baked pastries, and the local Salt Fish Bake. For lunch, the vibe is open-air and casual. The poolside Parasol restaurant offers a view of Buccament Bay to enjoy delicious light fare, including Doubles, a popular street food of fried bread filled with curried chickpeas. The smoky, sweet scent from the Jerk Shack is irresistible, where offerings are slow-smoked over pimento wood. From custom-made salads at Imoro to personally designed pizzas pulled from a fiery brick oven at Isola, the daytime options are as varied as they are vibrant.

Evenings are for refinement, from the interactive sushi counter at Gatsu Gatsu to classic surf and turf at the sophisticated Scrimshaw. At Butch’s Island Chop House, premium cuts can be paired with Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines. The true jewel is Buccan—Sandals’ first communal dining experience—centered around an open-fire grill where chefs prepare family-style platters of locally inspired and sourced seafood, vegetables, and meats. The shared, lively atmosphere allows for mingling with fellow travelers, connecting over family-style platters of confit mahi mahi and flavorful yabba pot rice. The Three Jewels Rum Bar, offering 32 regional rums, accompanied by live music, is ideal for capping a memorable day.

As days pass, this bliss becomes a relaxed routine, upheld by world-class butler service. Whether it’s a perfectly timed breakfast in bed, a favorite cocktail that magically appears by the pool, or a carefully planned outing or sunset cruise, experienced butlers ensure the stay is as carefree as possible.

The 300-foot linear pool, a glistening corridor fringed by palm trees, stretches all the way from the hotel lobby to the Caribbean horizon. The buzzy Beach Club bar, swim-up bar, and hot tubs create a social hub for gathering and savoring the sunset. An infinity beachside pool, a heart-shaped pool in a secluded corner, and a crescent pool offer places for quiet reflection. The Red Lane Spa provides a range of restorative services, including treatments like the Night Blooming Jasmine Massage and Tropical Glow Facial that use locally sourced oils for an aromatic and relaxing experience and are performed in gazebos or secluded garden sanctuaries to connect guests with the island’s flora.

The resort’s perfect location on Buccament Bay allows for kayaking and snorkeling excursions, oftentimes alongside sea turtles. Daily PADI-certified scuba excursions to nearby wrecks and wall dives provide for a deeper exploration. On land, St. Vincent’s volcanic interior beckons one to explore its rainforests and waterfalls on guided hikes. For an immersion in the Grenadines, catamaran cruises sail to islands like Bequia to explore the charming waterfront along Admiralty Bay and the exclusive private island of Mustique, historically a secluded retreat for celebrities and royalty. Island-hopping day trips include lunch, swimming stops in clandestine coves, cocktails at the legendary Basil’s Bar, and shopping at upscale boutiques.

Empowering the community is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about an all-inclusive resort, but the presence of Sandals, known as the “Sandals Effect,” has made a significant difference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The resort has boosted the local economy by creating numerous jobs and generating over 100,000 visitors in its inaugural year. Through the Sandals Foundation, the international brand supports the local Vetiver Project, which helps rehabilitate prisoners. The project brings meaning and purpose to their lives by teaching them the valuable trade of turning the long-lasting vetiver grass that grows on the islands into beautiful crafts and rugs. Their motto, “Grow in Time,” reflects our journey to be better for ourselves and our planet.

With a plethora of resort properties in the Caribbean, Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines stands miles apart in its exclusivity, privacy, and purpose.