We stayed in a South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Club Level Suite With Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub - in the St Lawrence building for 10 nights. I’m 40 and my boyfriend is 36. Here’s some of our feedback:
Room
Absolutely amazing! Needs a little touching up but they’re in the process of renovating (absolute NO disruption you hardly notice they’re doing it!) but absolutely massive with everything you need! We were in the quieter part of the resort which suited us perfectly. Air con was great no problems there, even got a little too cold! We had a few problems with our key cards stopping working a few times and the trek back to reception to get them reset was a bit of a pain, but quickly and professionally sorted each time! Pillows a little too soft, would be good to have a pillow menu to find one that suits you. Fridge restocked with whatever your preference and they learn what you like very quickly!
Housekeeping
Wanted to particularly shout out Tyra, our housekeeper, who was absolutely amazing - she quickly learned our routine and cleaned around us with impeccable attention to detail and even helped us to find the monkeys! So friendly and helpful, a true asset to sandals!
Grounds and Pools
The grounds are simply stunning, I loved all the wildlife including the birds, frogs, lizards, cats, chickens (and chicks!) and the most stunning butterflies! You could happily just walk around all day and take it all in! The groundskeepers are very passionate about their work and so friendly, always taking the time to say hi! Pools are plentiful and have something for everyone, all very nicely heated too - we preferred the quieter pool near our building, but if you wanted something livelier there was plenty of choice between the hotels! We never had any problems getting a sun lounger well past 10am! I’d say the ‘best’ ones probably get taken early (butter rooms I assume reserving them), but all round there were always plenty to choose from!
Disappointed there isn’t pool side waiter service and you have to clear your own glasses, but I guess that’s to help upsell butler service. I would expect this at this standard of hotel though, so that could be improved. I took my own water bottle to keep my water cold and they always filled it up for me no problem (lots of people did this) the tap water is amazing, no need for bottled water unless you want it extra cold, but the ice and normal water in an insulated water bottle worked perfectly for me!
Staff and service
After reading some reviews I was a bit dubious but I have to say the service of most staff was what made the holiday for us! Yes there are a few that are there for the paycheck, but will still be perfectly courteous and efficient - however, the vast majority you can tell truly love their job and there are so many personalities that will go above and beyond to help you! Especially if you’re looking a little lost (it’s a big resort!) multiple staff stopped what they were doing to help us find our way (Ronald was the only name I remember!) and give tips along the way! We found the barbadians the most friendly people, both on and off resort!
Food and drink
My favourite part of any holiday! Soooo much choice! I would say book the 4 restaurants that need a reservation (both Butch’s, La Parisienne and kimono’s) in advance to make sure you don’t miss out as they are great! But the rest are plentiful and you’ll always find something! Soy was my favourite, greenhouse was my boyfriend’s favourite - we have very different tastes (he’s very health conscious, I am not!) and being able to eat at multiple places in the same day was so hopeful to cater to both our tastes! We managed 3 restaurants one night (starters, mains, desserts!) Equally he doesn’t drink and I do and we both always found plenty of choices! The bartenders are great and consistent in making a great cocktail!
We ordered room service breakfast one day and it was delivered quickly and was hot and super tasty!!
Excursions
We did Harrison’s cave (paid for), which although very impressive did feel a tad rushed as most of it is spent travelling. However it was really cool and the aviary at the end was great to see parrots up close and personal!
The snorkeling (included) was absolutely amazing - we didn’t see any sea turtles unfortunately (we were since told the morning session gives you more chance as they’ve overfed by afternoon!) but the fish and the shipwrecks still made it all worthwhile! Would definitely recommend!
Amenities
My boyfriend used the gym regularly and said it was well provisioned and nice and cool with the air con! On the flip side I had a lovely massage in the spa, yes it’s pricey but it’s standard for this level of resort and my word was it worth it! The spa environment was lovely and my massage left me a new woman! Highly recommend if budget allows. The on site shop has lots to choose from but again is on the pricey side - that said, we did go off site to a local supermarket and that was just as expensive! I assume they have to import a lot, so that’s reflected in the price. Great for gifts and memorabilia though!
Beach and weather
Sooooo many people have complained about the sargassum and I really don’t see the problem - it’s literally a few inches of seaweed with gorgeous white sand one side and beautiful turquoise sea the other! Just… step over it?! Not a problem for us at all and we enjoyed lots of lovely walks down the beach. We were concerned about the weather as we did go in rainy season and the weather apps said rain every day… we had 2 ten minute showers in 10 days and the rest of beautiful sunny blue skies!! Don’t worry at all, the rain is still warm rain and few and far between. You’re actually glad of it after baking in the heat!
Overall
A few areas for improvement and I do feel having the butler service does take away from the club level service that should be standard instead of just elevating it (e.g no pool side service) BUT I would return in a heartbeat. Food, location, grounds, service - all exceptional and well worth the money! This was our first sandal’s experience and hopefully won’t be the last!
