Thank you for your comment and for watching our Saint Lucia video! We had a fantastic time at Sandals Grande, and regarding your question about the all-inclusive resort experience, we definitely found it to be worth it. Going an entire week without paying for anything is one of the most relaxing features. As for choosing the hotel room over the bungalow that sits above water, it primarily came down to budget considerations. The bungalows at Sandals Grande start at around $4000 US per night, which obviously exceeded our budget for this particular trip. While we would have loved the unique experience of staying in a water bungalow, we opted for a hotel room that still provided us with a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The view is pretty good as well. It's important to note that Sandals Grande offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the resort room, which allowed us to access all the incredible amenities and activities offered by the resort. From the beautiful beaches to the vast dining options, we had the complete Sandals experience. Ultimately, the decision to choose a hotel room over the water bungalow was based on our budget "constraints". However, we can understand the appeal and allure of the bungalows, and we hope to have the opportunity to experience them in the future.
The resort offers free snorkeling and scuba gear when you participate in their organized excursions to the reefs and other snorkeling spots. However, they do not allow guests to use the equipment to snorkel on their own right off the beach. If you're interested in snorkeling right off the beach independently, I recommend purchasing a snorkel set from the resort's gift shop. They typically offer snorkel sets for around $25. By purchasing your own set, you'll have the freedom to snorkel whenever you want and explore the underwater sights at your own pace. Snorkeling right off the beach can be a fantastic experience. The sights are often beautiful, and you'll have the opportunity to observe an abundance of fish and other marine life. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy snorkeling during your stay at the resort.
The beach is top tier. The sand is perfect, and just 10-15 feet into the water is a beautiful reef for snorkeling. We went in March and the water temp was great. It wasn't very busy, so we had no problem getting whatever private seats we wanted.
The cost of the helicopter ride to the resort, Sandals Grande St. Lucia, from the airport is US $120 per person each way. However it does vary by company and time of year.
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