Everything about our experience was fantastic. Dawar, our butler, assisted us with ensuring we had reservations for dinner and that we had opportunity to do social activities around the resort should we like; Laury the concierge was extremely helpful in orienting us to the property and taking care of any small needs we had (i.e. a fan for nighttime). Additionally, the Entertainment staff were fantastic - Cappuchino kept us laughing and engaged around the pool. At the buffet - the main dining area where we ate breakfast every day and lunch most days, Yaniris, Ginetto, and Maria were most hospitable and always remembered the small details - like that I work with hospitalized children. And those are just the names I remember! Overall, aside from the views, the staff was the highlight for me. 10/10 would recommend, and would definitely return!

We stayed at the Sanctuary from the 6th to the 12th of January. First impressions: this is a very pretty resort (and I'm an architectural historian). Much attention was paid to the architecture and the design. The feel is of a small historical village, but all new and fashionable. It is also very clean and the grounds are well kept. It packs a lot of variety onto a small site. The welcome at the desk included the predictable sales pitch for upgrades but we eventually received a complimentary upgrade to a Luxury Junior Suite with ocean view. Our porter gave us a quick but thorough tour of the suite which included a walk-in closet, a large bathroom with a walk-in shower with electronic controls, a nicely appointed bedroom (the linen were also nice) and sitting room and a private balcony with a jet tub (you cannot see from one balcony to another ;) ). I particularly appreciated the fine materials used throughout. Food was fine at all the facilities but is more 4 stars than 5 (then again, you get what you pay for). Our preferred locations were the Casabella (the breakfast and lunch buffet, which offered a fine selection on every occasion), the Wok (with some good Asian food), the Capriccio (decent Italian fare) and the Steakhouse (pretty good steak frites). All of the menus were fine even if some individual items could use a little work (sauces tended to be very salty, breads are not their strong suit, the markup on the wine list is excessive but their house wines are not bad, etc.) Our only disappointment was the Marlin, where the food and the service were just ok (we expected more based on other reviews). Some reviewers have complained about the lack of sporting activities and equipment on site or the lack of loud and constant animation at the pools. We thought that absence was a plus for this resort. We chose the Sanctuary as a more mature and relaxed resort, based on the reviews, and we were very pleased with the level of activity and noise. We managed to read and even nap by the pools. We also were among the few visitors to enjoy their nice small beach every day. Some reviewers have strangely complained about seaweed when all we experienced was a little innocuous (and non-smelly) sea grass that the resort cleaned up every day. It's the ocean folks, there is stuff in it! We did not try their spa services as the prices seemed a little high to us. Service went from good to excellent during our whole stay and some of the employees were particularly impressive. I'll only mention Valentina (our daily ray of sunshine), Little Cairo (such a lovely person), (Carlos) Santana at the pool bar, Tatiana at the Jewellery store (who was patient and funny). I even enjoyed the musicians at the Steakhouse (quite top notch)! And, please tip people! To summarize, this is a fine resort if your intention is to relax. If you are looking to jet ski or party day and night, you might want to look elsewhere. Personally, we are looking forward to going back.

My recent stay at Sanctuary was spectacular! This was my first visit but definitely will not be my last! From the moment I stepped out from my transfer vehicle I felt that the staff was taking every precaution to ensure that guests stay healthy during their stay. At check in I was impressed that they even sanitize the papers they hand you along with the pen under this special light. All of the staff wear a mask. The guests are not required to wear a mask but are asked to consider doing so when in close quarters with others such as the elevator. When I arrived at my room the door was "sealed" with a Safe Stay sticker indicating that it had been cleaned, sanitized and vacant for at least 24 hours. The property is absolutely beautiful! I really enjoyed my time in the infinity pool looking out over the main pool and the beach beyond. I was by myself on this trip so time in this pool really allowed for some Zen time. One evening I enjoyed a soak in the Jacuzzi tub out on my balcony with the full moon. The spa provided another Zen opportunity. I took advantage of the 80 minute massage and it was without a doubt the best massage I've ever had. I had no idea that even my hands were so stressed. lol. The restaurants are beautifully decorated and every staff member goes out of their way to make sure you are well taken care of. The menus for each restaurant are available through a QR code. The evening shows were really enjoyable. This property is not one that I would recommend if you are looking for a rowdy party crowd. Yes, the main pool can be quite lively at time but the other two pools allow for quiet. For me this property is better suited for couples or for a spa getaway trip. It was exactly what I needed at the end of a work trip and allowed me to come home a little more refreshed. I look forward to returning to Sanctuary next year with my husband to celebrate our anniversary.