My husband and I spent four days at the Sandcastle as part of our honeymoon (we spent the first four days on Tortola). We had a wonderful experience. The highlights were:

1) The beach itself. White sand, warm, clear water, and with the snorkeling gear that you can borrow for free, you can swim all around the fantastic reef that's about a hundred yards down from the Sandcastle. We snorkeled by ourselves every afternoon, and it was amazing.

2) The dinners. Absolutely delicious, and the open-air dining was a lot of fun. The resort is very small, so each night the entire "restaurant" (more of a patio with a roof) had maybe 8 people in it. Very intimate and romantic.

3) The bar. It's true--the Painkillers are tasty.

4) The atmosphere. I don't think I wore shoes the entire time I was there. The outdoor showers are also a lot of fun.

The only downside for me was that the beach did get very crowded and loud between 11 and 3. I'd read about that in advance, but didn't expect quite so much of a party scene. Some folks might really love that--people were certainly having fun, and everyone was friendly. It's true that you can find quiet just a little ways down the beach, but some of the bars, etc., further down don't want you using their chairs for lounging. It wasn't a big thing, but it was a downside for me. That said, by 3 everyone has left, and you have an almost entirely private beach for the rest of the night, which can't be beat.

Go! As other reviewers have said, it's not fancy, but if you're looking for total relaxation and are happy being low-maintenance, you'll love it.

My wife and I just got back from staying at the sandcastle for three nights (August 20-23) and it was as good as we could have ever wanted. Such a beautiful place and very relaxing. We arrived at around 11 on Monday and met both Sandy and Tina (both bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and give us the low down on the island). Our room wasn't quite ready so we headed out to the beach for the first of many shade tree reading sessions. Sandy noted that due to Hurricane Dean the beach was very quiet. Thanks Dean. The offseason is definitely the time to visit if you are looking for a mellow time. I was told during the peak season the beach is very crowded and the Soggy Dollar is loaded with people. During the middle of the day (11-4) the boats did show up and the place got a little busier, but never more than 50-75 people on the beach. During the mornings and evenings you had the place to yourself. FYI the cottages don't have AC, but while a little stuffy during the day it was very comfortable with a sheet during the evenings. Loved the outdoor shower.

Definitely recommend renting a jeep for a day ($65) and checking out bubbly pool and going on the ridge road for beautiful views and getting a dinghy (ask for Keyshawn at Foxy's at Grand Harbor). I paid $50 but I think you could get it for as little as $40 for the day. When I asked when he wanted it back he said "whenever you want". He also ran us back to White Bay to avoid the cab fare. Can't say enough about the staff at the sandcastle and the dinner that is available every night. Also, talk to Roger (Sandy's hubby) he is a wealth of information and can tell a great story. Thanks for everything you guys.

Just got back from a week at Sand Castle. Great time!! We stayed in the AC room. Room was what we expected, clean and functional. It is not a 5 star resort, but we neither paid for one or expectedd it on a little laid back island. Water pressure was better than expected for an island without a real water system!!

I have to say that the meals and service were 5 star!! I dealt with Tina most of the time, Sandy was off island getting supplies but met her my last two days. Tina helped me at every turn. Set up reservations at Harris's for a lobster dinner along with the cab. I just had to tell her what I wanted and go lay on the beach, she took care of it all. She was very helpful in making calls for some other business I had to deal with.

The staff was very freindly from bartenders (hats off to them!!!) to house keeping. Special thanks to Blossom who was a sweetheart and Simone who always made sure we had what we needed.

The meals were the best on the island. They seemed expensive until you go out and see what your tab is for the night elsewhere. Elsewhere was not a four course gormet meal either. Everyone raves about Oliver and he is good but I have to admit, there is another chef there (female, and I can't remember her name right now for the life of me) that will rival Oliver. Sorry man she is good!!! I stuck with the seafood dishes each night and they were excelent. My wife had the filet mignon one night and it was tender perfect beef, a big cut to boot!

The only thing I was dissapointed with was the crowd on the beach. The whole harbor filled with boats every day and the beach was no longer sleepy and quiet. I have had quieter days at Megan's Bay and that is tourist central. I countered this by getting up at around 6 and making the coffee. Then I could swim and have the water all to myself other than the few overnight boats.

Thanks to all for a good time.

Ok, after reading the other reviews I felt compelled to write a review. I was on the Island, Oct 9-11th. I loved it so much I booked it agian for this October and plan on many returns to Jost Van Dyke and Sandcastles.

I found SandCastles after being one of those many day-excursion visitors that was complained about in another review. The beach is beautiful and breathtaking. Yes, it can get crowded, but no more crowded than any other beach in the Caribbean.

Mic, the Bartender is wonderful and always ready with a smile and a drink. If you haven't had a "Painkiller", there is no other like the original found at the "Soggy Dollar Bar".

Tina and other Mangement staff were wonderful. We had one maintenance
problem with our room. Electrical outlet blew a fuse or something and caused our Ceiling Fan to stop. Roger was quick on it and we didn't have any problems after that. We stayed in Cottage Three. Not on the beach, but only a quick (short walk). Short being about 30 yards.

Yes, there are sandflies. I learned long ago that you need spray. Sray was available at the bar and in the rooms. We ate out one night and won't make that mistake again. Although the food was good, we could have saved the taxi fare and ate in the resturant at the hotel. The food was average, but good. The breakfast was filling and lunch is just that....ala carte from the menu. We got busy on the beach, we almost missed it one day.

So, if you are looking the Westin or Ritz Carlton. This isn't it. If you are looking to make new friends and enjoy yourself on the beach this is the place. I too didn't notice any of the Honeymooners complaining about their stay. Even when one couples luggage didn't even make it for the first 3 days they were there. What more do you need other than some sunblocker and bathing suit?

When you are ready for a slice of Heaven make the trip and try to make a reservation. This place is so popular, that if you are priviledged enough to get to stay you better make your return reservation before you leave. I actually took a friend who lives on St Thomas and they thought this was Heaven.