This review encompasses two experiences at Halcyon in under a year. The first review is from two weeks ago.

This was our third visit to this resort as it is a natural ‘go-to’ for us; it is aesthetically perfect. We were run down from a recent holiday so knew where to go for that special Sandals ‘thing’. The transfer was perfect, with the driver taking time to give us a tour as we creeped towards Castries. The welcome on arrival was genuine and warm and the GM, Ms Sharon Fagan, was part of the welcoming chorus! Check-in was super smooth and we were quickly in the room, a walk out/ Swim up Club room. Our third visit to these rooms as it is second to none for room to pool in the morning, plus they are near the gym. The first problem we encountered was a combative attitude by one of the Club staff. Our room fridge was completely empty except for a half empty bottle of water (someone else’s). We called house keeping who passed it to Club, and within 10 minutes the guy arrived asking what we wanted. I explained everything, seeing as the fridge was empty. A smirk and an ‘I’ll look for you’ rapidly became a series of apologies as it was then obvious that Club had dropped the ball; the half bottle of water was binned and then the fridge stocked. The white wine and fizzy wine never did arrive, though the next issue saw the fizzy wine arrive. About 5 days in we were out of Rum, so I called Club to ask why it hadn’t been replaced by the cleaner. A snotty ‘we will only replace empty bottles’ was rebuked with ‘it was empty yesterday and now one of the other bottles is nearly empty’. Attitude arrived with the two bottles and the fizzy wine I had had to remind them of. It’s 2026 and them seem to have no stock management. So, the holiday… The grounds are luscious and perfectly kept, they work incredibly hard 7 days a week to keep the place immaculate and wow, they do it so well. It is the wet season and they even sprayed bug spray, as they were biting during our stay. The food is all excellent. We didn’t bother at all with Bayside at lunch or at night, nor did we visit Soy. All the other eateries were welcoming and boy did we indulge! Absolutely all of the staff in the restaurants were genuinely happy and they worked tirelessly. The ents team is still run by Captain Neil, and he is developing his staff into being exceptional entertainers. He has a passion and a life-coaching ‘thing’ that easily puts our gripes and moans into perspective. He has an eye for detail and spots things whilst he’s busy doing other things. All of the bars are well run and efficient, I don’t think we waited more than 5 minutes for a drink, and that was mainly after the pool bars had just opened and the ensuing rush by thirsty guests. One room issue we had in 603 was a stench that came and went. I noticed it in the shower one morning, which I ended up masking when I applied deodorant. It was gone by the time I came back from breakfast so thought no more of it. It was however rank on our last morning as I shaved, it was a strong urine smell coming from the sink as I shaved. It was strong. Again it had gone by the time we were back from breakfast; on both occasions it was preceded by seriously heavy rain, so perhaps a drain issue. Friends that we met there were moved from 605 for a foul smell. In all this was a great holiday, with some minor issues which lead to Club. The last day is where Sandals completely fail and hence the overall score is weighted to help people see that the attention should be there until you are onboard the transfer-out bus. I checked out in person, asked to extend a few hours and they let us have the room until 1300. Transfer time was 1600; 3 hours. So to keep the room I was sent to the main lobby to have the key updated, they wouldn’t do it in Club and there was an attitude of ‘you are done’. This was unexpected and not what you expect to take away as the final impression. Anyway, at the main lobby I asked about getting hold of a shower room, to which the answer was there isn’t one available but keep coming back to check. It was 0900 and he was in the process of updating my key til 1300; I was not trying to get the room at that moment!
At 1300 you are out the room, Gina doesn’t work (even though it says 1500) and I still wanted to use the pool. I knew about the gym showers as we went daily, but nowhere tells you this. You can shower in the gym and get ready there or pay the $100 to maybe hold your room; they show zero good will when you are leaving, and I know for a fact our room was not booked that night. Some were offered 1400 free of charge, but not us. I don’t think it was because Sandals Club were fell out with me, as our only interaction had been with the guys that sorted the mini bar and bar mistakes. The sad part is, from the departure letter posted under your door, is it says in black and white that a hospitality room is available after 1630. This only affects British Airways passengers that take the later flights, and at best you would get one couple through before the 1700 transfer to the airport. Sandals Halcyon is inconsistent on the last day full stop. This was all discussed with Sharon the GM and also the Club manager at the time of departure, as whilst we probably won’t go back I still love the place and it’s just a couple of rogue staff members. We were treated respectfully by Sharon and the Club manager, and they placated us somewhat saying they’d be in touch about our issues by last Monday. We never heard, of course, but they are seriously busy people at that resort.

Review on the resort last September… An amazing place, amazing quiet resort with some amazing rooms. Sometime stay. Same room type, just different room. We spent mornings at the main pool and afternoons at the lagoon. Eating at the main we never had any issues with lunch. We loved all the restaurants and Bombay over at the Grande. Halcyon is an adult and quiet resort, no frat nonsense and some amazing staff. Captain Neil runs a team of extremely motivated ents staff, and leadership and dedication to the team markedly stands out.

We had an amazing honeymoon at Sandals Halcyon! Beyond the amenities (BEAUTIFUL beach, food (go get the crab cakes and Kelly’s), drinks, excursions) it was the staff that made the trip even more incredible. We had the butler service with Sylvie, Learie, and Shawn. We ended up getting sick on our trip and they took excellent care of us providing us Gatorade, medication, and checking into make sure we were doing okay. We were in great hands all week with these 3 making sure that our honeymoon was still the best, and it was! Additionally, “Sassy Sam,” Jean Eve, Dyllan, and Cuthbert all made us feel like we were family at the resort. Sam brought the energy each day and made all of the games and dances so fun! I loved getting to talk with her and she made me feel included. Cuthbert, Jean Eve, and Dyllan were extremely kind and caring and took the time to get to know us and tell us more about St. Lucia and the culture. Everyone made sure we were having a great time, and we were, thanks to them. The World Cup really brought us all together too! We would see all of these beautiful humans each day and they would take time for us amongst their work day. 10/10 staff members at this location, which is why I would definitely return to here again.