Sandals Halcyon Beach

Hotel Information: Because it's on flat ground and comprises only 22 acres and 170 guestrooms in low-rise buildings, this resort attracts more middle-age couples than most Sandals resorts. (Couples must be at least 18 years of age.) Coziness prevails from flower-painted beams, to garden botanical signs, to hammocks/hammock chairs, to bright banquettes and overstuffed chairs in an open-air lobby.

Amenity highlights: A 1,000-foot beach with thatch shades runs along calm-water Choc Bay and features a view of Martinique. Set adjacent to a boardwalk above the beach, one large freeform pool serves as an activity center and is paired with a 10-person spa tub. A second pool meanders under bridges through an expansive terracotta tile sundeck and is paired with a 12-person spa tub. A third spa tub--lined in pink marble--accommodates 20 and offers a sunset view.

Insider tip: As part of Sandals Halcyon Beach's All-Inclusive Plan, guests are entitled to dine and use facilities at Sandals' other St. Lucia resorts, Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort (seven miles away) and Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort & Spa (four miles). Complimentary shuttle service connects the resorts.

Sandals Halcyon Beach All Inclusive offers 170 guestrooms in one- and two-story pastel buildings (no elevators) with wood-shingle roofs draped with thick mats of flowering plants spaced among trim lawns, palm trees, and tropical gardens. Large patios and balconies with fieldstone walls include two-chair dining sets. Windows between patios and balconies open, combining with ceiling fans to provide a cooling alternative to room air conditioning.

Decor features bleached-wood ceilings, terrazzo-tile floors with Oriental area rugs, pastel walls, cappuccino-colored furniture including four-poster king beds, and floral bedspreads. Tile bath suites include shower/tub combinations and vanity alcoves.

The majority of meals and activities at this resort are included in the room rate; guests will not be charged extra for most meals and activities (scroll up to the All-Inclusive Details section for more information).