Two dedicated visitors to Sandals Resorts have shared their heartfelt appreciation for the experiences and hospitality they have received.
On the surface, Saint Lucia is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations. For many guests returning year after year, however, the island has evolved into more than just a vacation spot; it has become a home away from home, with the local people feeling like family.
Mr. and Mrs. Doran are prime examples of this sentiment. For the past two decades, this Canadian couple has made Sandals Grande Saint Lucian an annual tradition. Their experiences in Saint Lucia have brought them immense joy, and like many of Sandals’ loyal guests, they feel compelled to give back to the island and its communities.
The Dorans first discovered Saint Lucia in 1997, during a pivotal time when the island’s tourism industry began to flourish. Initially, they chose Sandals Halcyon as their resort.
However, it wasn’t until 2002 that they returned. The magic of their previous visit quickly captured them once again, leading them to make Sandals Grande Saint Lucian their regular retreat.
According to the Dorans, they first experienced authentic Saint Lucian hospitality from the resort’s staff. Over the years, they forged strong connections with many team members, and the generous treatment they received ignited a desire to give back to the community. The team at Sandals welcomed their initiative.
Over time, the Dorans have generously donated school supplies to students throughout the island, reaching schools from Castries to the Roblot Combined School in the south.
In 2012, the Dorans’ retirement allowed them to extend their winter stays at their beloved destination. Their vacations grew from just a few nights to up to 12 or even 18 weeks, making Saint Lucia truly their home away from home. The only interruption to their routine came during the COVID pandemic, which put a halt to global travel.
However, once restrictions were lifted, the Dorans were on the first available flight, eager to reconnect with the island and its people. Throughout their years of travel to Saint Lucia and the Caribbean, the Dorans have become some of Sandals’ most loyal guests, racking up over 1000 nights.
Despite exploring other winter destinations, they find the tranquility of hibernating on the beach at Sandals Grande to be the most fulfilling and satisfying. When not exploring the island, they relish the security and peace of mind that comes with a visit to Sandals, enjoying the warm weather, sandy beaches, and, most importantly, the care provided by their Sandals family.
Their love for the experience has been so profound that they’ve invited other family members to share in the joy of escaping long winters.