The Best Sandals Resort: How to Choose Which Sandals is Right for me?
Looking for a romantic, luxury vacation? Have you heard of Sandals Resorts, but don’t know which one you should visit first? The Sandals Resorts are pure LUXURY, and EVERYTHING is included, including drinks, watersports and golf fees! When we visited a few of the resorts in Jamaica last year, we were completely wowed with the service and luxury that Sandals Resorts provide. All of the resorts are set on some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts are the perfect spot for a wedding on the beach, or to celebrate your honeymoon with the person you love. There are 18 lovely resorts on 8 different Caribbean islands. No resort is right for everyone, so we’ve made sure to highlight what makes each resort unique. All resorts are incredibly gorgeous and are ALL-INCLUSIVE and ADULTS ONLY so it can be hard to pick the best one. Here’s the breakdown of which Sandals Resort is best for you and the best amenties at each resort.
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Which is the best Sandals Resorts?
Jamaica
Sandals Montego Bay
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
This is the resort where Sandals started. Even though it’s older, they do a great job with updates, and you would never know it was the first Sandals resort. Located on Jamaica’s best private beach, Montego Bay is long and expansive, feeling very spacious. The resort is super close to the airport (you will hear the airplanes taking off, but it goes by quickly) and to downtown Montego Bay, with gorgeous clear water.
Book Sandals Montego Bay if: you want to be close to the airport, want a private beach with gorgeous water, or you want to be close to other Sandals resorts
Favorite Amenities: on a private cove, lush tropical gardens, tranquility tubs
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
A fusion of Britian and Bali decor, with manicured grounds, afternoon tea and a game of croquet. The Royal Caribbean has a private offshore island with an asian theme, including a Thai restaurant. With a number of small beaches and the offshore island, the resort feels intimate and secluded, all while being only a short drive from Montego Bay airport.
Book Royal Caribbean if: you want a quiet resort, or want a more intimate feel
Favorite Amenities: on a private cove, offshore island, overwater villas, tranquility tubs
Sandals Negril
Location: Negril, Jamaica
Located on the longest and best stretch of beach in Jamaica, this resort is the epitome of Negril. A laid-back and carefree vibe surrounds the resort, as you are surrounded by gorgeous beach and lush gardens. Sandals Negril was awarded an EarthCheck Double Platinum Certificate for their commitment to environmental excellence. A little bit of a drive from the airport and a bit removed from the hotels and attractions in Negril, but the resort is spacious and luxurious.
Favorite Amenities: swim-up suites, tranquility tubs, laid-back resort on Jamaica’s most famous beach
Book Sandals Negril if: you want to be on the best beach in Jamaica, want a smaller resort, or want a laidback vacation.
Sandals Royal Plantation
Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Sandals only all-butler boutique resort makes this resort completely intimate and elegant. This historic resort has been a long time favorite hideaway, with the ocean views tucked along the manicured grounds. At Royal Plantation, every suite overlooks the Caribbean sea, so there’s never a bad view. The resort is a quick drive to downtown Ocho Rios, if you want to enjoy the neighboring area.
Favorite Amenities: all beachfront suites, on a private cove, all butler rooms, set on own golf course
Book Royal Plantation if: you want a quiet, private resort, want clear blue water, or want a butler
Sandals Ochi
Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Pick what type of vacation you want at Sandals Ochi, with two sides to the resort; one with a beach club, including a speakeasy, and the other side quiet and secluded gardens. Located on a private cove near downtown Ocho Rios, there are plenty of pools to lounge at, and lots of activites to keep you busy.
Book Sandals Ochi if: you want a secluded vacation, want to be near a busy city, want to be on the trendiest beach club, or want to choose both lively entertainment and quiet time
Favorite Amenities: private cove, set on own golf course, lush gardens, scuba diving
Sandals South Coast
Location: White House, Jamaica
Formerly Sandals Whitehouse, this south coast resort has all beachfront rooms and an European feel, with 3 different European villages throughout the resort. They’ve added beautiful overwater bungalows, an overwater bar, and an overwater chapel. Set on 2 miles of gorgeous beach, the resort is quiet and relaxing, with a gorgeous view of the sunset. Can be a long drive from the airport, and nothing else to do around the resort, but the resort is laidback and secluded, perfect for your private getaway.
Book Sandals South Coast if: you want a large resort, want a gorgeous beach, want to be secluded
Favorite amenities: overwater bungalows, all beachfront rooms, overwater wedding chapel, set on 500 acres, secluded
Sandals Inn
A small 52 room boutique resort is close to the airport. Located on gorgeous trpical gardens, across the street from the white sand beach. While Sandals Inn is quieter with not as much as the other Sandals resorts, you can use all the facilities at the neighboring (Montego Bay and Royal Caribbean) resorts.
**Unfortunately, after 38 years, Sandals Inn is no longer accepting reservations.**
St. Lucia
Sandals Regency La Toc
Location: Castries, St Lucia
One of St. Lucia’s most glamorous resorts, located on a magnificent 210 acre estate with a half-mile beach, this resort is gorgeous! With gorgeous grounds and dramatic cliffs overlooking the beach, this resort is catered to honeymooners and couples. Sandals Regency La Toc is located right on La Toc beach, it’s no wonder it’s one of St. Lucia’s top resorts.
Book Sandals La Toc if: you want luxurious accomodations or a gorgeous beach
Favorite amenities: set on private cove, cliff-side suites, own garden, lush garden, complimentary green fees at 2 golf courses
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Location: Gros Islet, St Lucia
This is the newest Sandals resort to come to St. Lucia. It’s located on its own peninsula and the resort looks like its right out of a postcard. The resort has amazing panoramic views of the water and the volcanic mountains. Set on a mile long beach, with some of the calmest waters in the Caribbean. This resort can’t be missed with new overwater bungalows and an over-the-water chapel. There are a total of 5 pools and 4 whirlpools on the resort.
View this post on InstagramIf only every day could be this beautiful ☀️ #SandalsGrandeStLucian #SandalsResorts
Book Sandals Grande St Lucian if: you want to stay in an overwater bungalow, want gorgeous 360 degree views, or want to be on a gorgeous beach
Favorite amenities: overwater bungalows, private cove, own golf course, swim up suites, overwater wedding chapel
Sandals Halcyon Beach
Location: Castries, St. Lucia
The true meaning of picturesque: the white beach is lined with palm trees, as the mountains rise from the sea. Halcyon Beach is full of lush gardens with a feeling of total tranquility and zen. The property is very intimate with a french-caribbean style. The smallest and least expensive resort in St Lucia, and also the quieter one. Halcyon Beach has a brand new crystal lagoon pool, the longest pool in the Caribbean.
Book Sandals Halycon Beach if: you want to be on a private, white sand beach, want a quiet vacation, or want a panoramic view
Favorite amenities: crystal lagoon pool, own golf course, lush gardens, secluded
Bahamas
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Location: Nassau, Bahamas
The newest and most elegant resort in the Bahamas. A blend of European sophistication with an off-shore island. The Royal Bahamian has 2 sky-sized pools overlooking the sea, 2 gorgeous white-sand beaches, and new river pool swim-up suites. Lots of nightlife on the resort, with fire-pits, a piano bar, and a late night pub.
Book Royal Bahamian if: you want new and luxurious, want an exclusive off-shore island, or lots of entertainment at the resort,
Favorite amenities: all beachfront rooms, off-shore island, private cove, bowling alley, rooftop pool, skypool suites
Sandals Emerald Bay
Location: Great Exuma, Bahamas
Located right in the Exumas, Emerald Bay is a privileged enclave for an intimate and private vacation. The villas and suites are designed with Bahamian style architecture. Secluded within 500 tropical acres along a beautiful mile-long beach. There are 3 pools, including a half-acre pool with a fire-pit in the middle.
Book Emerald Bay if: you want an intimate vacation, are looking for a beautiful beach, or want to choose from 3 fresh-water pools
Favorite amenities: own golf course, seclusion of the Exumas, secluded
Barbados
Sandals Barbados
Location: Oistins, Barbados
Sandals Barbados has 280 spacious suites with a fantastic beach and garden views. Sandals Barbados is all about romance and relaxation. World class cuisine with international appeal, inclind a festive Indian restaurant. Private tranquility soaking tubs on most pations and terraces, and Barbados largest and longest lagoon pool. Sandals Barbados is rated the Caribbean’s leading resort, and is right next door to the newer Sandals Royal Barbados.
Book Sandals Barbados if: you want luxurious rooms right along the beach, the option to visit both Sandals in Barbados,
Favorite amenities: swim-up suites, tranquility tubs
Sandals Royal Barbados
Location: Oistins, Barbados
The newest Sandals resort to come to Barbados, and located right next to Sandals Barbados. At the Royal Barbados, experience ultimate luxury at the new resort with all suites. The first rooftop pool and bar at any of the Sandals resorts. This resort also includes a 4-lane bowling alley, and the first men’s only barbershop. The rooftop pool is a glass infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Royal Barbados also has the first craft beer bar at any of the Sandals, serving 19 different beers from around the world.
Book Sandals Royal Barbados if: you want a big resort with lots to do, want a suite, or are looking for fancy, luxurious vacation
Favorite amenties: swim-up suites, tranquility tubs, bowling alley, rooftop pool
Grenada
Sandals Grenada
Location: St. Georges, Grenada
The most innovative resort of the Sandals resorts. In the heart of Grenada, right on the exclusive Pink Gin Beach. With suites featuring pools in the sky and rondoval suites, Sandals Grenada’s room choices are unlike any other Sandals. Grenada is known for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and blue seas, and this resort does not disappoint. Romantic touches are located around the property, including fire pits, gazebos, and swinging chairs.
Book Grenada if: you want a new resort with beautiful grounds, you want to be close to the airport, want a small private beach, looking for an exotic island experience
Favorite amenities: on a private cove, skypool suites, swim-up suites, tranquility tubs
Antigua
Sandals Grande Antigua
Location: St. Johns, Antigua
Continually voted the “Worlds most romantic resort”, Grande Antigua is located on Antigua’s best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. With two different villages on the resort, you get to pick what you want. The Caribbean beachfront village is a true tropical oasis made for nature lovers, with palm trees and seaside garden pathways. The Mediterranean oceanview village is more chic sophisticated with grand scale amenties such as beachfront villas, poolside piazza, and ultimate luxury.
Book Sandals Antigua if: you want two different experiences on one resort, want a romantic experience, or want lush gardens right next to the beach
Favorite amenities: 2 distinct resort experiences, lush tropical gardens
If you’re looking for a great all inclusive resort for the family, the Beaches resorts are a great option! With unlimited luxury and romance, but lots of kids activities as well.
If you’re visiting Antigua and Barbuda, here’s how much to budget
Curacao
Sandals Royal Curacao
Location: Santa Barbara, Curacao
In the Southern Caribbean, set on over 44 acres, Royal Curacao opened in June of 2022. Curacao has a little over everything – beach, mountains, desert. Not only are there the typical Sandals resorts room categories, there are two new signature suite categories – the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows and Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows. This resort is complete romance, but theres also plenty to do for the adventurous. It also includes the first Sandals Dos Awa infinity pool, overlooking the water. This resort is one of a kind!
Book your Sandals vacation now!
St. Vincent
Sandals St. Vincent
Opening March 2024, Sandals St. Vincent will be the 18th Sandals resort. The resort is tucked away on its own private cove and bordered by a lush forest and gently flowing river. Sandals St Vincent will have stunning two-story Overwater Villas and Beachfront Butler Villas, and in-suite fitness rooms. A beautiful resort to explore the laid-back Caribbean island with lagoons, rainforests and stunning white sand beaches.
A guide to the best Sandals Resorts
Sandals with the best beach: Grande Antigua, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Grande St Lucian
Sandals with overwater bungalows: South Coast, Grande St Lucian, Royal Carribean
Best resorts for active vacations: Grande Antigua, Montego Bay, Negril, and Ochi.
Best Sandals resorts for relaxing: Emerald Bay, Negril, Grenada, Royal Caribbean, South Coast, Halycon Beach, and Royal Plantation
Sandals resorts with access to golf course: Ochi, Royal Plantation, Emerald Bay, Grande St Lucian, Halcyon Beach, and Regency La Toc
Sandals resorts with over-the-water wedding chapel: Sandals Ochi, Sandals Grande St Lucian, Sandals Montego Bay, and Sandals South Coast
FAQs about Sandals Resorts
Are Sandals Resorts for adults only?
Sandals resorts are for adults 18+ and over. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly resort, check out the Beaches resorts. There are Beaches resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos.
Where are the Sandals resorts with overwater bungalows?
If you love gorgeous overwater bungalows, you’re in luck with Sandals Resorts. Sandals has 3 different resorts with overwater bungalows. There are 2 in Jamaica, at the Royal Caribbean and South Coast, and one in St Lucia at the Sandals St. Grande St. Lucian.
Can I have my wedding at a Sandals resort?
Absolutely! The Sandals resorts are the Caribbean’s leader in destination weddings and honeymoons. In fact, you are eligible for a free wedding with a minimum stay of 3 nights at any of the Sandals resorts.
Which Sandals Resorts have golf?
There are 3 resorts that include free golf during your stay. The resorts in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and St. Lucia all include complimentary green fees.
Which Sandals resort has the best beach?
Sandals Negril is right on Seven Mile Beach, Sandals South Coast has 2 miles of private beach, Sandals Emerald Bay has gorgeous white sand and crystal clear water.
Which is the best Sandals resort for older couples?
Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Halycon Beach, and Sandals Royal Caribbean, are all smaller, quieter, and more intimate resorts, better suited for older couples.
Which is the best Sandals resort for younger couples?
While all the Sandals Resorts have a good mix of entertainment, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Negril, Sandals Royal Bahamian, Sandals Grenada, and Sandals Barbados have active nightlife nearby, which is great for younger couples.
Which is the best Sandals resort for your honeymoon?
While all the Sandals Resorts are perfect for a honeymoon, because of the unlimited luxury, Sandals Grande St Lucian is rated the best Sandals resort for honeymooners.
**Get a free honeymoon package, if you travel within 30 days of your wedding**
Which is the best Sandals Resort for scuba diving?
Sandals Grade St Lucian, Sandals Grenada, Sandals Grande Antigua, Sandals Emerald Bay all are great locations if you like to scuba dive.
Which Sandals Resort has the best nightlife?
Sandals Royal Bahamian offers the best on and off resort nightlife with nearby casinos and big name entertainment. Sandals Ochi has the most entertainment on the property with a nightclub and the Caribbean’s only all-inclusive speakeasy bar.
Which Sandals resort is the best for you?
All the Sandals resorts offer unlimted luxury and in amazing locations, but deciding which Sandals resort is the best for you depends on what you’re looking for while on vacation, your travel dates, and your budget. There are 15 amazing resorts to choose from, and we promise you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
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