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Which Sandals Resort in Jamaica is Best?

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In our opinion, the best Sandals in Jamaica overall is Sandals Dunn’s River, but we know that every traveler is different and may prefer something different. With 7 Sandals resorts in Jamaica, there are plenty of choices for your adults-only all-inclusive vacation.

We end up recommending all of the resorts to different clients depending on their preferences.

Our Ranking of Sandals Resorts in Jamaica

While each Sandals resort is designed for luxurious romance and has similar inclusions, they do vary a bit from location to location. Here are the highlights of the different Sandals resorts in Jamaica, ranked in order of our favorites, so you can find the best one for you.

  1. Sandals Dunn’s River – Best overall
  2. Sandals Royal Plantation – Best for quiet and service
  3. Sandals Negril – Best sunsets and Jamaican vibes
  4. Sandals Royal Caribbean – Laid back near airport
  5. Sandals Montego Bay – The original Sandals Resort near the airport
  6. Sandals Ochi – Largest resort and best for groups
  7. Sandals South Coast – Best pools and secluded feel

Sandals Dunn’s River, Ocho Rios

The best sandals in Jamaica are for food and luxury.

We have visited Sandals Dunn’s River twice already and it is our favorite, without a doubt. The “Sandals 2.0” design of Sandals Dunn’s River elevates the entire experience, making this one of the best Sandals resorts overall. It features lush landscaping, a beautiful setting, and the best of the brand in every area.

Not only does the resort provide an amazing experience, but it is more affordable than other new or recently renovated Sandals Resorts making it the best value at a Sandals Resort.

A highlight for us was the new restaurant concepts and innovative dishes. We were also impressed by the new bars and handcrafted cocktails. Each night we would go to the Rum Club for a drink and small bites, but there are several other unique bars and lounges.

There are new suites here as well, including the unique Coyaba Sky Rondovals and Jamaica’s first SkyPool suites. We have stayed in a swim-up suite and a sky pool suite and both were enhanced our stay.

Another reason people love Sandals Dunn’s River as the best Sandals in Jamaica is because of the location, close to many of the main attractions in Jamaica like Dunn’s River, the Blue Hole and River Tubing.

We always get feedback from our clients to understand why some people do not enjoy Sandals Dunn’s River and the main complaints are that it is too quiet for some people and the beach can be rocky in some areas.

Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios

Best Sandals in Jamaica for the small size, romantic vibes and excellent service, all oceanfront butler suites

This was the first Sandals Resort we ever visited. This peaceful resort has just 74 suites that all include butler service for a truly indulgent experience, making it a popular choice for honeymoons.

Not only does each room have a butler, but the beach also has servers from the bar that provide amazing service throughout the day. This created one of the most enjoyable and relazing experiences at a Sandals Resort.

Sandals Royal Plantation is also located in Ocho Rios and has access to Sandals Ochi which is perfect to get more variety out of your vacation.

The suites at Sandals Royal Plantation are all oceanview rooms with the main difference being how high the room is, so upgrading for a room on a higher floor is worth the extra cost.

While there’s a full range of complimentary onsite activities here, if you want more to do, you also have access to all the amenities at Sandals Ochi via a free shuttle. Golf is also included at a nearby 18-hole championship course.

Sandals Negril, Negril

Best Sandals in Jamaica for the sunsets and long beach.

Set on famous Seven Mile Beach and facing west for prime sunset viewing, Sandals Negril is one of the best Sandals in Jamaica for beach lovers. The entire resort is on the beach, so all the rooms are located close to the water.

We recently visited the resort to see the new updates. They have updated two restaurants including a Spanish tapas restaurant for dinner and a Latin fusion spot for lunch. New rooms have been added over the years including the newer Skypool suites which we stayed in during our last visit. These are some of the best suites of any Sandals in Jamaica. They also have a new coffee shop, Crema, where I had the best cup of coffee of any Sandals Resort.

Sandals Negril offers good snorkeling right from the beach plus a selection of complimentary motorized watersports including waterskiing and kneeboarding in addition to the usual nonmotorized activities. You also have access to the amenities at Beaches Negril.

Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay

Best for proximity to airport with a laid back vibe.

Located just about 15 minutes from Montego Bay’s airport, Sandals Royal Caribbean also features a private offshore island with beach, pool and swim-up bar, hot tub, and restaurant. While some people complain about the plane noise at Sandals Montego Bay, it isnt as loud at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

You’ll also find the luxurious overwater bungalows here, which are set over the water and feature large decks with oversized soaking tubs and hammocks plus personal butler service. In addition, you have access to all the amenities at Sandals Montego Bay via a free shuttle.

Overall, the resort is on the quieter side, making it perfect if you want a relaxing environment. We loved the variety of food available. Not only do you have Indian and Thai food on site, but you can always go to Sandals Montego Bay to experience the other restaurants available.

The resort has built or rebuilt a lot of rooms in the last few years so today you’ll find new suites with private pools, swim-up suites and of course the iconic overwater bungalows.

Sandals Montego Bay, Montego Bay

Very close to airport, lots of activities, great for destination weddings

The first Sandals resort every built, Sandals Montego Bay has been renovated and offers new beachfront swim-up suites with butler service, an overwater bar, and an overwater wedding chapel, making it popular for destination weddings.

You’ll also find plenty of onsite activities including motorized watersports and a large private white-sand beach. Guests here have access to all the amenities at Sandals Royal Caribbean as well.

We found a lot of guest find Sandals Montego Bay as the best resort for being close to the airport and having a lively atmosphere. Some people have been returning for decades at this point.

Sandals Ochi, Ocho Rios

Best Sandals in Jamaica for variety and most affordable.

The largest of all the Sandals resorts in Jamaica, Sandals Ochi is also the most affordable. While some people find the size overwhelming, others love the lively atmosphere.

Sandals Ochi has the most restaurants of any Sandals—16—as well as great pools. In addition to a huge assortment of onsite activities, golf is also included. This resort is conveniently located for area excursions as well.

Personally, I really enjoy Sandals Ochi. I love that there are so many different areas to enjoy. You can spend some time on the beach near the waterports or on the other side at the Beach Club. There are so many pool options to choose. The largest pool is more lively with entertainment throughout the day, but there are several smaller pools throughout the resort and many rooms with semi private pools. In the last few years many of the rooms have been renovated, especially the ones in the Butler Villiage. As with the other resorts in the Ocho Rios area it is surrounded by options for excursions.

Sandals South Coast, Whitehouse

Secluded, pristine beach, overwater bungalows          

One of the most popular Sandals in Jamaica for honeymoons, Sandals South Coast has a secluded location in a peaceful nature preserve, with a two-mile stretch of unspoiled white sand. What makes Sandals South Coast the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica is the seclusion, multiple huge pools, a long stretch of beach where you can always find seclusion.

It also features overwater bungalows with personal butler service, the Caribbean’s longest river pool, and renovated suites including swim-up Rondovals with private pools and butler service. Note that the drive to this resort is long and on winding roads, so be prepared if you get motion sick.

What is the Best Sandals in Jamaica for the Beach?

You really can’t go wrong, but I would say Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Negril, and Sandals Montego Bay are all great beaches. At Sandals Negril, the sand can be a bit mushy after you get waste deep. The beach at South Coast can have sea urchins in it, but there are plenty of areas that do not.

What is the Best Sandals in Jamaica for the price?

If you are looking for the cheapest Sandals Resort, Sandals Ochi is the best for you. For an butler experience, Sandals Royal Plantation will be the most affordable. If you are looking for best experience for the price, our pick is Sandals Dunn’s River.

What is the Best Sandals in Jamaica for the Nightlife?

You’ll like the speakease at Sandals Ochi or the Rum Club at Sandals Dunn’s River. If you stay at Sandals Dunn’s River you can also go to Ochi for the evening and check out the speakeasy.

What is the best Sandals Resorts for Foodies?

For now, Sandals Dunn’s River is the place to be, but in the near future the other resorts will have upgraded food options too.

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