Is it worth it? Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalow (OWB)
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Our All-Inclusive Expert Carol G. was recently a guest at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and today she’s walking you through one of the resort’s most romantic rooms, the Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalow. Watch her walkthrough video here, then read Carol’s full honest review below.
The Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalow (room code OWB) is one of just nine bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, one of the few resorts with overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, set out over the turquoise water at the northwest end of the resort, reached by a greenery-lined walkway that ends at the resort’s overwater chapel. Inside, lit glass floor panels let you look straight down into the water and see marine life below, set off by hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings. Out on the private patio you’ll find a sun deck, sun loungers, an outdoor shower, a bistro set, a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, and an over-water hammock. Butler Elite service, 24-hour room service, and private airport transfers are all included.
With so few overwater bungalows in the Caribbean to begin with, and only nine of them here, couples wanting to experience the vacation of a lifetime will want to plan ahead, because they book up quickly, especially for honeymoons, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations. Some of our clients book these 1-2 years in advance! There’s no fee to work with our all-inclusive experts. You pay the same price as booking direct with the resort, but you also get a dedicated Travel Advisor who knows Sandals Grande St. Lucian and can request butlers we’ve personally had before, watch for openings and promotions, and help with payment plans or any special requests along the way.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalow: At a Glance
- Resort: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia
- Room Code: OWB
- Location: Northwest end of the resort, out over the Caribbean, reached by a greenery-lined walkway that ends at the overwater chapel
- View: Beachfront, Oceanview, Overwater!
- Number of Bungalows: Nine, one of the few overwater bungalow categories in the Caribbean
- Service Level: Butler Elite
- Room Service: 24 hours
- Standout Features: Glass floor panels lit for viewing the marine life below, a private outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, an over-water hammock, and a private patio with an extended sun deck, sun loungers, an outdoor shower, and a bistro set for two
- Resort Access: “Stay at One, Play at Three,” with shuttle service and exchange privileges at Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia, for a total of 28 dining options across the three resorts
- Bonus Inclusions: Complimentary private airport transfers, plus included green fees at the 18-hole Cap Estate Golf & Country Club with transfers to the course
- Deposit: This overwater bungalow category requires a non-refundable deposit, usually $2,500. Reach out to us for current deposit terms.
- Price: $4,086 to $4,825 per night, per couple. $4,086/nt is the lowest published rate for the upcoming year at time of publication,* with most dates falling between $4,120 and $4,370/nt.
- Room Price Promotions: Sandals runs promotions from time to time, but overwater bungalows rarely go on promotion. If you book with us, we can find the absolute cheapest dates for you if you have flexibility. We can also watch for price decreases, or promotions for you. Check current promotions here.
- Best For: Couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone who want a once in a lifetime experience in a private, romantic overwater escape
- Accessibility: Reach out to us if mobility is a consideration and we can help find the right fit
*Lowest available rate at time of publication, based on a 3-night stay, per couple. Rates and availability are subject to change until a deposit is placed.
Our Firsthand Review of the Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalow at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
All-Inclusive Expert Carol Garton has spent extensive time at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. The tour video above is from her most recent stay. Feel free to ask her any questions directly using the form below!
Let’s start with getting there. How do people usually get to Sandals Grande St. Lucian?
Carol G: Most people fly into Hewanorra International Airport, which is about 40 miles north of the resort, roughly an hour and a half drive on a curvy road. The airport is pretty easy to get through, and there’s a Sandals lounge right there. Once you get through customs, you just ask where the Sandals lounge is, and we’ve always found them very helpful. They have your name, because your Travel Advisor has given them your flight information ahead of time, and they get your ride for you and you’re on your way. With the overwater bungalow, it’s a free private transfer, which is wonderful.
The road up is beautiful, but it is curvy, and some people find that bothers them. If you get motion sick, there are a couple of other options. You can take a helicopter to and from the resort, which is costly, about $240 per person each way, but a really good option if you’re prone to motion sickness. There’s also an airport ferry, a water transfer, that takes about two hours, at about $160 per person each way. It takes a little longer, but if you don’t mind a water ride, it’s a beautiful trip too. There’s also a smaller airport, George F.L. Charles, only about 30 minutes away. We’ve had folks do their international roundtrip to Barbados or somewhere else, then take a quick flight into the closer airport to avoid the drive. We can help you with the logistics of that, it’s actually pretty easy.
One nice thing about Sandals Grande St. Lucian is you’re not stuck at just this one resort, right?
Carol G: That’s right, it’s a “stay at one, play at three.” You have privileges to visit Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach as well, and there’s a shuttle that runs back and forth between the resorts. There’s usually a sign, or you can just ask in the lobby, and the shuttles are scheduled, so you jump on and off as you wish. You can eat at their restaurants, lie on their beaches, use their pools, whatever you want to do at any of the three. It’s a really fun perk.
Something else worth mentioning is that you can golf at the Cap Estate Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole course. The green fees are included, and they’ll transfer you back and forth to the course as well.
So how big is Sandals Grande St. Lucian, actually?
Carol G: It’s a pretty good-sized resort, with about 300 rooms, but it sits on only 17 acres. It feels bigger than that, though, I think because it’s up against what’s essentially a national park, so you have a lot of space and beautiful surroundings. It’s perched on Rodney Bay, right at the start of a peninsula, so you’ve got the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean on the other. It’s a beautiful resort.
This is a butler bungalow. What does the butler actually do for you, starting from when you arrive?
Carol G: When you first get there, your butler meets you, takes your luggage, and gets it to your room, so you don’t have to worry about it. They check you in, and then they walk you through the resort on the way to your bungalow, pointing out the restaurants, the beach, the pools, and all the high points, so you get a feel for where everything is. When you reach your room, they show you all through it and give you a phone so you can call them or they can call you.
They’ll tell you about the restaurants, and any that need reservations, they’ll take care of that for you. They’ll ask what kind of drinks you’d like in your room, because you have top-shelf liquor and whatever you want stocked in the refrigerator. They’ll reserve a spot at the pool or the beach for you with chairs and a cooler of your favorite drinks, and they’ll check in to see if you’d like a special drink, an appetizer, snacks, or lunch. They’re always around to help, but they’re not hanging around you, which is what a lot of people worry about. They just try to pamper you any way they can and make everything comfortable, giving you as much or as little attention as you want.
So what was the overwater bungalow itself like, and what all does it include?
Carol G: They’re absolutely beautiful. What I love is that the nine bungalows are set on a walkway out into the Caribbean, with lots of greenery, flowers, trees, and bushes along the way, and at the end of that walkway is the overwater chapel. It just feels really unique and quaint, a wonderful, very private getaway. The bungalow itself sits out over the Caribbean, where the water is turquoise and full of tropical fish and other stuff, and it has glass floor panels. It’s an interesting feeling to walk across an open panel and look down at the ocean underneath you, it’s easy to walk around it though and stay on the hardwoods if it makes you uncomfortable, haha. And it’s lit day and night, so you can turn on the light whenever you want and see a lot of marine life.
Each bungalow has a private outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, surrounded by curtains so it’s very private, and an over-water hammock. Inside there are hardwood floors, a vaulted ceiling, and a custom-crafted king-size bed that’s very comfortable. There’s a Smart TV with a sitting area beside it where you can relax and look outside, and, like I said, a stocked bar with whatever drinks you want. There’s also a ceiling fan, and it all opens up so you get that Caribbean breeze coming through. The bathroom is beautiful, with his and hers sinks, a backlit mirror, mosaic tile, and a walk-in rain shower. I love the wood counters and the modern oblong standing sinks, very classy.
Outside, the private patio has a large sun deck, an outdoor shower, loungers, and a bistro set for two, so if you want your butler to bring dinner, snacks, or just a drink at sunset, it’s a great place to relax. You can have full on meals out there from any of the restaurants if you want, the butler will take care of everything. There are stairs going right down into the Caribbean, so you can go swimming or snorkeling, then come back up onto your sun deck. The doors open onto the deck too, so the whole thing feels wide open. The room is stocked with juices, soda, water, sparkling wine, Robert Mondavi wine, local beer, and premium liquor, and the butler will put whatever you like in the refrigerator. The hardwood floors and the glass walkway make it feel really rich, and it all just feels like you’re being completely pampered. It’s an amazing experience.
Are all nine bungalows the same, or does the view depend on which one you get?
Carol G: It does depend on which one you get. You won’t have quite the same experience in each. As you walk out on the jetty, the bungalows closer in don’t have as deep of water, which some people love because they can just walk down and swim, while others want to be at the very end where they can dive right in. There are nine in all, six on one side and three on the other. The ones on the end have more of a wide-open view, straight out to the ocean and the ships, while the ones closer to the beach have a bit more view of the resort and its lights at night. We can help you pick and get that request to the right people if you book with us.
The side you’re on matters too. On the north side, you’ll see more of the resort, the beautiful beach, and all the activity in the distance. On the south side, the views are spectacular at night, because you can see the lights up in the hills from all the homes and villas. Either way, because the bungalows are at the very end of the resort, even if you’re facing toward the resort, your bungalow still feels very private. But we can always request a certain bungalow for you. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get it, but Sandals does a pretty good job of honoring our requests since we book so many clients with them.
What about the restaurants? How far are they from the overwater bungalows, and what are the options like?
Carol G: Nothing is very far away at this resort, it’s very walkable and easy to get around. Most of the restaurants are just a short walk down the beach from the overwater bungalows. A few are tucked back into the resort, like the sushi bar or the Bombay Club, but even those are only a two or three minute walk. From the bungalow you just walk off the jetty, onto the beach or the walkway, and you can get to a bar or restaurant very quickly. And the food is five-star, we absolutely loved it, Sandals does a great job.
Barefoot by the Sea is outdoor dining, seafood, and it’s resort casual so you don’t have to dress up. The Bombay Club is Indian and the food is excellent, though you do need reservations, which is another reason a butler is so handy, you just ask them to book it. It’s very classy and beautiful at night, with lights all around and outdoor seating. Dino’s is pizza, and you can grab a slice at lunch or early dinner in your shorts or swimsuit. The Bayside Restaurant is indoor and outdoor and really beautiful. We went there for breakfast every day, and they do a lovely dinner too, where you can sit outside by the ocean.
My very favorite is Gordon’s on the Pier. It’s grilled food and seafood, reservations required, and I’d ask my butler to book it right away. You’re sitting out over the Caribbean with lights around you, watching boats come in and out and the sun set, it’s the perfect place to eat. The Jerk Shack is worth a try if you’ve never had Caribbean jerk, it can be spicy but it’s delicious. Josephine’s Creperie is where we’d go for coffee or crepes, and we loved it. Kimonos is the kind of place where they cook right at your table, reservations required, and it’s really fun and a great way to meet people because it’s group seating.
There’s also The Mariner, a bar and grill, a British pub where you can get fish and chips, Soy for sushi, which isn’t my favorite but a lot of people love it and it’s always busy, and Toscanini’s for Italian, which is resort evening, so you dress up a little, a collared shirt and slacks for men, a sundress or nice outfit for women.
What’s the entertainment like? Plenty of bars around?
Carol G: There are bars and swim-up bars throughout the entire resort, so you never have to go far if you want a pina colada, a strawberry daiquiri, or whatever. And there’s lots of entertainment all week long. Depending on the day you arrive, they might have a manager’s cocktail party, a reggae night, a burlesque show, a country night, or a chocolate gala, there’s always something going on. You’re really never without entertainment, it’s wonderful. I also like that the entertainment options move around the resort, each night is different. Some resorts you end up in the same area every single night for whatever show.
What about land and water sports?
Carol G: There’s plenty to do. For land sports there’s bocce ball, table tennis, horseshoes, croquet, and cornhole. If you’re a golfer, you get complimentary green fees at the Cap Estate Golf & Country Club. The watersports are great fun too. If you’re a certified scuba diver, you get two free dives per day, which is really amazing. You can also snorkel, wakeboard, kayak, water ski, kneeboard, paddleboard, and windsurf. There’s so much to do on the water, and off it. You can be busy all day long, or you can just lie by one of the pools and relax. Not many resorts have waterskiing and wakeboarding and such.
I think they have pickleball there now too?
Carol G: Oh yeah. They do have pickleball, and it’s at the back end of the resort, overlooking the water. It’s a beautiful location.
And how are the pools? Any other amenities on the resort?
Carol G: There are five very large freshwater pools, plus three whirlpools and a scuba dive pool. The main pools are in the center of the resort along the beachfront, with the heart-shaped pool and the lagoon pool located behind the overwater bungalows, so they’re very close to your room. There’s a pool close no matter where you are on the resort. If you want an active pool with entertainment, you can do that, or you can go to a quiet pool and just relax.
There’s also the Red Lane Fitness Center, where you can work out 24 hours a day, and the Red Lane Spa, which is fabulous. I go there for massages every time I visit.
This sounds like a great spot for a special occasion. What can Sandals Grande St. Lucian do for weddings?
Carol G: It’s a perfect place for that. There’s the overwater chapel if you want to get married there, right at the end of the bungalow walkway, and they have everything from garden reception areas to large banquet facilities. They can accommodate up to 400 guests for a standing reception, or 280 for a sit-down banquet. So if you’re there for a special occasion and want to invite a lot of people, a wedding, a renewal of vows, a special birthday, whatever it is, it’s a perfect place to go for that.
What’s there to do off the resort? Any excursions you’d recommend?
Carol G: There are lots of things you can do off the resort, and Island Routes does a great job with all of the excursions. We took a Piton Snorkel Sunset Cruise, and it was just phenomenal. The views of the Piton mountains were gorgeous, the water was calm, and we stopped to snorkel and returned in the early evening. It was a full day, but a wonderful trip. They also have things like the Soufriere Adventure Cruise, where you visit the quaint fishing villages, plus lots of snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, dolphin and whale watching, Jeep safaris, and buggy adventures.
One thing we did that was really very cool, and is only a five minute walk from the resort, is Pigeon Island National Park. There’s a fort you can visit, and some steep areas you can hike, so I’d definitely tell you to wear tennis shoes, not flip-flops or sandals, because you have to hike up a hill. From the top you can see quite far, and you’re on the Atlantic side there, so you leave the calm Caribbean for the wild, crazy Atlantic, which is beautiful. You can even see Martinique from the top of the fort.
There’s so much history there, going back to the British and the French, and the Caribs and the Arawaks, and pirates as well. Pigeon Island was once disconnected, and then a man-made causeway put in back in 1971 connected it to the northern coast, so now you can walk right over. We spent a good half a day there walking around and going through the ruins, and it was great fun. It’s only $10 to get in for adults, so it’s totally worth it. A lot of people don’t know about it, so if you’re staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, you should definitely walk over. I’d recommend it to anyone who stays in St. Lucia.
Would you recommend visiting the other two Sandals St. Lucia resorts while you’re there?
Carol G: Absolutely, and it comes with your room. Sandals Halcyon Beach is super quiet, very quaint and intimate, with a beautiful beach. Sandals Regency La Toc has a European flair to it, very French, like you’re in a French village, with rooms and suites way up high on the cliffs as well as right on the beach. You can spend all day at either one, eat and play, which is pretty cool.
One thing I’d add is that there are volcanic mountains all over the island, but the two main Pitons everybody talks about aren’t really viewed straight on from these resorts. You have to stop on the way down or back, or take an excursion to go see them. You will see them as you fly in, though, assuming the weather is good.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is really one of my favorite places. We met lovely people there, sitting by one of the fire pits in the evening and visiting. It’s one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever been to. And it’s important to book ahead of time, because these bungalows do book out. If you really want one, you’ve got to get on it.
How does the overwater bungalow compare to the other suites here, like the Rondovals?
Carol G: The Rondovals are much bigger, and they have their own plunge pool, and they’re one of my favorite rooms to stay in as well. They cost a bit less, but you’re not over the ocean, you’re on the resort, and only a few are beachfront. So there’s a trade-off, and it depends on what you want. The cost is higher for an overwater bungalow, but you are over the Caribbean. It’s the ultimate suite. Your butler can bring your food out to you, so you can eat right in the bungalow. If you want a honeymoon, a special occasion, a special birthday, a renewal of vows, or you just want to do something special for your husband or wife, the overwater bungalows are absolutely the perfect place to be. We’ve had clients tell us they hardly left the bungalow, it was just too beautiful, and that’s exactly what they wanted, an escape. This is the perfect escape.
What makes it really unique are the big wide double doors that open up the floor-to-ceiling glass. It feels much bigger because it’s all open to the ocean. There aren’t many overwater bungalows and villas in the whole Caribbean, and this is the only place I’ve seen with beautiful landscaping hugging the front of each bungalow. It’s its own little ecosystem out there, and it’s extremely picturesque.
So, bottom line, is the overwater bungalow worth it?
Carol G: Honestly, yes, if you can make the price work, pretty much all of our clients who stay in them say it was definitely worth it. It’s not just a room, it’s an experience. Waking up over the water, watching the fish through the glass floor, the the deck right over the water… your butler setting up meals and snacks and drinks on your deck over the waves… none of that is something you get anywhere else at the resort. If it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary, or you just want to do something special, I think it’s absolutely worth it.
That said, it’s pricy! and it’s not for everyone. If the price tag is too high, the Rondovals are a great alternative. They’re bigger, they have their own plunge pool, so if you’re more of a pool person vs an ocean person, that might be a better fit. And they cost less, you just won’t be out over the water. It really comes down to what matters most to you. Most of our clients that book the Overwater Bungalows are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, they often book it way in advance and make payments toward it over time so it makes the price a little easier to handle. We can help you set that up.
Either way, reach out to us and we’ll help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your trip and your budget. And if you love the idea of an overwater bungalow but want to compare your options, we can help there too. We book overwater bungalows at other resorts as well, so we can do the shopping around for you and help you find availability (sometimes it’s very difficult), make sure you end up in the one that’s the best fit.
Questions? Ready to Book the Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalow?
This room is one of the rarest overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, with only nine of them set out over the water at this resort. Between the glass floor panels, the private soaking tub, and the over-water hammock, it’s the kind of room built for a honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone celebration, and it books up quickly.
If you’re considering this room or want to compare it to other options, reach out to us! There’s no cost to work with our all-inclusive experts, you get the same price as booking direct, and you get a personal expert who has actually stayed in this room and knows the resort inside and out. We can monitor prices and promotions before and after you book, we know the best butlers by name, we can help you book the best flights at the best rates, and if anything comes up before or during your stay we’re a phone call/email/text away. No waiting on hold with a call center, no AI chatbots, just experts who’ve actually stayed there.
Not sure if the OWB is the right fit? We’ve stayed at every Sandals resort and know every room category. Tell us your budget, your travel style, and what matters most to you, and we’ll help you make your trip perfect.
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