Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Stepping into the reception area of the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort is like entering the Great Room of a large plantation. The tropical/colonial ambience of the 17-acre property located on St. Lucia's north shore is reflected in the architecture and design: Butter-yellow buildings are accented with bright green and blue trim, and there is a fortress-like watchtower in the main pool area. Yet there are also European touches, such as Greek statues that stand guard around the main pool.

The property has five freshwater pools, including a main pool with a swim-up bar and waterfall, a scuba dive certification pool and a heart-shaped pool on the beach. Four whirlpools also are available. For those who prefer the ocean, the resort's 350,000 square-foot, white sand beach is dotted with palm-frond umbrellas.

The resort offers a fully equipped fitness center with an aerobics room. Guests can also enjoy a full-service Red Lane Spa, offering treatments such as massages, body peels, scrubs and herbal wraps at additional charges. Use of the sauna, whirlpool and steam bath are complimentary and a salon is available.

Accommodations: The couples-only Sandals Grande St. Lucian property offers 384 guestrooms and suites, which feature brightly colored furnishings, crown molding and granite bathroom counters. Among them are first-floor Honeymoon Lagoon Swim-up Concierge Rooms with verandah steps leading into a lagoon-style pool.

Even more upscale are the Ultra Luxury Beach Rondoval Suites, which feature living areas with flat-screen TVs and with oversized bathrooms featuring Roman tubs and separate showers. The showers have direct access to private pool decks with outdoor showers, private whirlpools or plunge pools and hammocks.

Suites, penthouse rooms and Honeymoon Lagoon Swim-up Rooms also feature minibars stocked with premium-brand spirits (included in room rates). Suite Concierge Service, which includes perks such as a dedicated concierge, is available for guests staying in certain suite and room categories. Butler service also is available to guests booking certain categories.