We would like to extend our gratitude to every shareholder, as well as to South Africa as a nation, for heeding the call of President Cyril Ramaphosa on the eve of the nation address in relation to the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions. We, as the Managing Agent of your preferred holiday destination, would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to navigate this pandemic.

A message from Marjorie Forssman, Managing Director of Vacation Recreational Services:

“Our commitment to providing an environment to create everlasting memories for all our shareholders and guests remains at the forefront of our mission. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, VRS is implementing viable management solutions for your home-away-from-home to ensure the health and safety of you and your families for when you can enjoy your holidays once more. The VRS Team extends their heartfelt empathy for all who have been affected, direct- or indirectly, by this outbreak. Our faith lies firmly that South Africa will emerge from this situation stronger than before and with a heightened appreciation for this beautiful country; let us remain united as a nation.”

Kindly note, in compliance with government regulations and our own policies and procedures that Sandy Place will remain closed to the public until it is deemed appropriate, by government, to return to normal operations. That being said, we want you to know that we are missing the sight of all your lovely families arriving in Reception and the happy sounds of your holidays unfolding! We are eagerly awaiting, and we know you are too, the day when we are able to open our gates once more; returning to a time where you may relish every moment at your ‘home-away-from-home’ in a safe and relaxing environment.

As our further commitment to you during these trying times as we are sure you are looking forward
to being able to visit your home-away-from-home:

Our thoughts and prayers are with each shareholder, as you manoeuvre through these trying times. Please do not hesitate to reach out to VRS Property Admin, should you require further information.

All emails can be directed to propertyadmin@vrs.co.za

We thank all shareholders for your continued support in ensuring the upkeep of the Resort at this time.

In order to receive RCI Silver Crown Resort status, established standards have to be met and maintained, based on Comment Card scores from guests. Comment Cards are questionnaires sent out to each guest following their Exchange Holiday, designed to rate their experience in a variety of hospitality-related categories, which make a significant contribution towards recognising the Resort’s quality.

This excellent result speaks to the amazing calibre and dedication of the Sandy Place Team and their commitment to ensuring your little St. Lucia gem continues to shine and that they are “Creating the Environment for Everlasting Holiday Memories”.

We all know the age-old question relating to why the chicken crossed the road. Well, in St. Lucia, it is a tad different: “Why did the Hippo cross the road?” A Hippo, who is now something of an internet sensation, went viral on social media due to his antics in the streets of St. Lucia at the start of 2020. The now-famous Hippo even made the evening news! Hippo sightings in town are plentiful, and visitors are encouraged to do a Hippo Boat Cruise. Take a look here.

Sandy Place is in close proximity to Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park and Isimangaliso Wetland Park, which offer entrance to both the Eastern and Western shores. Wildlife and birdlife are in abundance, with regular sightings of Elephants and the occasional Leopard. Birdlife flourishes in the wetlands, with an array of species to be seen. The flamboyant Flamingos on the beaches and along the estuary are certainly a crowd-pleaser.

Fishermen: Mike Hagan and Friends

One of our regular visitors, Mike Hagan, caught the catch of a lifetime during his recent stay at the Resort. Mr Hagan and company have been fishing the shores of St. Lucia annually and are renowned for their large catches at First Rocks.

On the last morning of their most recent Sandy Place holiday, the group decided to head out to First Rocks one last time before heading home. When the time came to leave, Mr Hagan decided to stay behind and spend some time just relaxing. As the peaceful time passed, suddenly Mike had the urge to cast one more line. So, he headed to Main Beach to do just that and boy, did he land a catch worth waiting for! After some tussling with the streamline swimmer, he landed a Pompano, weighing in at approximately 15kg. Well done, Mike, definitely 'the one that didn't get away'!

Meet some local heros - NSRI, Station 40

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), a voluntary, non-profit organization, was founded in 1967. Station 40, the St. Lucia chapter, was launched in 2018 after the NSRI chose St. Lucia as the base for this new station.

The construction of the base is ongoing, but the Station is fully operational, with several training camps, fun runs and events having been held to date to raise funding for the Station. The NSRI Station 40 teams are volunteers from within the St. Lucia community and have already been on call and saved numerous lives at our respective beaches.

NSRI is a South African charity staffed by volunteers who are on call, day and night, throughout the year. With rescue bases along the coast and on inland dams, their goal is to prevent drowning through education, preventative measures and rescue.

Over the years the beautiful wall murals, made of shells from the surrounding beaches, have deteriorated as a result of the effects of the climate and weather. The Sandy Place Team decided to use the opportunity to modernise the walls and have since replaced those weary murals with stunning artwork depicting the surrounding nature, parks and coastline.

Are you ready to take your Sandy Place picture-taking to the next level?! Well, the Resort’s much-anticipated fabulously fun photo-cut-out-board is complete! Now you and your family can snap your annual family pic at this quirky photo stand. Choose your character and step right up: ‘cover girl’, ‘aspiring angler’, ‘surfer dude’ or ‘pigtailed toddler’. Please share, we cannot wait to see your photos: resortstories@sandyplace.co.za

One of the ways we welcome our guests and shareholders home is by celebrating fun days, special occasions and annual holidays!