Both Sandals and Beaches are all-inclusive resorts that are owned by the same company and have many similarities. However, there are several differences. The main difference between Sandals vs. Beaches is that Sandals resorts are adult-only, while Beaches resorts are family-friendly.
So if you are planning a family vacation, you’ll need to choose a Beaches resort. Sandals resorts are perfect for romantic couples’ vacations, honeymoons, and destination weddings, although plenty of couples also enjoy going to Beaches resorts as well.
Current Deals at Sandals
Before we get started on our list of best Sandals Resorts, we know price makes a difference for everyone. We recommend checking for the latest deals and specials when considering which resort you will book. For example, there may be a better deal at Sandals Royal Barbados with Sandals Barbados right next door or there might be a 777 deal available.
The Sandals Resort Difference
Sandals Resorts is the leading luxury all-inclusive brand designed exclusively for couples, offering a romantic, adults-only escape in the Caribbean. With 18 resorts spread across Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao, and soon Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Sandals is known for providing a high-end, stress-free vacation experience where nearly everything is included.
Sandals is specifically designed for couples, making it the ideal destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. Unlike family resorts, there are no children, creating a peaceful and intimate environment. Sandals takes the all-inclusive concept seriously, covering not only gourmet dining and premium drinks but also activities like scuba diving (including PADI-certified dives), water sports, golf (at select resorts), and entertainment—all without additional fees.
Each Sandals resort features multiple world-class restaurants offering global cuisine, from fine French dining to fresh Caribbean seafood and authentic Italian trattorias. Top-shelf liquor, Robert Mondavi wines, and craft cocktails are all included, with no upcharges. Sandals is famous for its opulent suites, including Overwater Bungalows, Swim-Up Suites, and Skypool Suites, offering breathtaking views and private luxury. Many rooms come with butler service, ensuring personalized and seamless service.
Every Sandals resort is set on a prime beachfront, featuring some of the Caribbean’s best white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
The Beaches Resort Difference
Beaches Resorts is the family-friendly sister brand of Sandals, offering a luxury all-inclusive experience tailored to families, multi-generational travelers, and groups. With three resorts in Jamaica (Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios) and Turks & Caicos (Beaches Turks & Caicos), Beaches provides a high-end vacation with activities, dining, and amenities designed for guests of all ages.
Unlike Sandals, which is exclusively for couples, Beaches welcomes families, groups, and even solo travelers. It’s ideal for multi-generational vacations, family reunions, and weddings with children in attendance. Like Sandals, Beaches include all meals, premium drinks, activities, entertainment, and gratuities in one upfront price. There are no hidden fees, even for scuba diving, water sports, and kids’ programs.
Beaches offer some of the best children’s programming in the all-inclusive space, including Kids Camps, Certified nannies available for younger children, Sesame Street programing, teen-friendly zones, and water parks.
Beaches offers multi-bedroom suites, villas, and family-friendly concierge and butler-level rooms that can accommodate larger parties. Some suites include separate kids’ rooms, and bunk beds. Beaches feature gourmet restaurants catering to both adults and kids, with dedicated menus and allergy-friendly options. From hibachi grills to wood-fired pizzerias and gourmet French bistros, there’s something for everyone.
| Feature | Sandals Resorts | Beaches Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Couples only | Families, groups, solo travelers |
| Atmosphere | Romantic, quiet, intimate | Family-friendly, energetic, lively |
| Resorts | 18 locations across the Caribbean | 3 resorts in Jamaica & Turks & Caicos |
| Water Parks | No | Yes (Pirates Island) |
| Kids & Teens Programs | No | Yes (Sesame Street, Xbox Lounge, teen clubs) |
| Room Types | Luxury suites, butler suites, overwater bungalows | Family suites, multi-bedroom villas, kids’ rooms |
| Golf Included | At select resorts | Only at Beaches Ocho Rios |
| Scuba & Water Sports | Included | Included |
| Weddings | Couples-only destination weddings | Family-friendly weddings with kid-inclusive options |
Sandals vs. Beaches Locations
All Sandals and Beaches resorts are located in the Caribbean, on beautiful beaches. However, the only island they have in common is Jamaica.
There are currently 17 Sandals resorts on 7 islands, and 3 Beaches resorts on two islands.
Amenities and Activities
Every Sandals and Beaches resort is set on a stunning beach and offers a wide variety of inclusions including watersports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and scuba diving (for certified divers). Instruction is included for all watersports except scuba diving, but you can pay a fee to get certified onsite. Some locations also offer motorized watersports like waterskiing.
Activities at Sandals and Beaches resorts also include land sports such as day and night tennis, beach volleyball, and golf at some locations; daily and nightly entertainment; and optional area excursions (which cost extra).
Every Sandals and Beaches resort has a free fitness center and a Red Lane Spa (services not included). There are also multiple pools at each resort, including kiddie pools at Beaches resorts and unique designs like two-level infinity pools at Sandals resorts.
Beaches resorts also have onsite waterparks with fun amenities like waterslides, water cannons, lazy rivers, and pools with swim-up soda bars. In addition, they have Kids’ Camps with certified nannies, Xbox Play Lounges, arcades, teen nightclubs, and daily parades and activities with Sesame Street™ characters.
Sandals resorts have romantic amenities like private beach cabanas, overwater bars with double hammocks, and intimate nooks scattered across the property where couples can enjoy alone time.
Accommodations
The main difference between Sandals vs Beaches accommodations is that all Sandals rooms and suites are for two people and only have one king-size bed. (There are, however, a few resorts that offer accommodations with more than one bedroom for small groups traveling together.)
Beaches resorts can generally accommodate 4 to 5 people per room, and you can choose between king beds and two double beds.
Rooms and suites at both resorts are spacious and upscale. At Beaches resorts, they are larger and come in family-friendly configurations like suites with a separate kid’s room and big living areas, private garden cottages, or multi-bedroom villas that house up to 14 people for groups (and come with private pools).
At Sandals resorts, you’ll find unique and romantic options such as overwater bungalows, round thatched-roof Rondoval suites with private pool sanctuaries, swim-up suites, and SkyPool suites with elevated infinity pools.
Both Beaches and Sandals resorts offer beachfront walkout rooms and penthouse suites. Also, both Beaches and Sandals offer butler suites, which come with personal butler service and added amenities like private airport transfers.
Restaurants and Bars
Both Sandals and Beaches resorts offer a variety of onsite dining options and bars, and all of your meals, snacks, and drinks (including premium spirits and Robert Mondavi wine) are included.
Choose from a range of cuisines including Caribbean, international, Italian, French, Asian, Indian, Mediterranean, steak, seafood, sushi, healthy options, and more.
Sandals resort restaurant options include gourmet a la carte, buffet-style, casual, and grab and go. Each location has a café serving coffee and pastries. Many restaurants at Sandals resorts are open-air, waterfront, or set over the water.
Beaches resorts have family-friendly casual spots like Bobby Dee’s diner, BarBQ Park, and food trucks. They also offer buffet-style and gourmet restaurants, including some that are adult-only for couples or for parents who want a dinner alone. Dessert options include a frozen yogurt stand. There are open-air and waterfront restaurants at Beaches resorts, also.
Both Sandals and Beaches resorts have multiple bars at each location, including swim-up bars, beach bars, poolside bars, and British pubs. Sandals also has overwater bars, rooftop bars, a speakeasy, a champagne and caviar bar, a rum bar, and other unique options.
Cost
Your cost at a Sandals or Beaches resort will depend on which resort you choose, what time of year you go, how long you stay, and what room level you pick. Also, costs at Sandals and Beaches are per person per night, so obviously a couple will usually pay less than a family of four.
The most affordable Sandals resort is usually Sandals Ochi in Jamaica.
Beaches resorts charge a per adult per night price and a per child per night price, which varies depending on the room, location, and time of year. The most affordable Beaches resort is generally Beaches Ocho Rios.
Keep in mind that these are all-inclusive resorts with some of the most inclusions of any brand. Rates at Sandals and Beaches include unlimited meals and snacks at all restaurants; all drinks including premium spirits and Robert Mondavi wines; inroom minibars that are refreshed daily; watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving; land activities including tennis (and golf at some locations); fitness centers; daily and nightly entertainment; roundtrip airport transfers; Wifi; and all taxes and tips.
Beaches resorts also include access to the waterpark and all the kid-friendly amenities like the Kids Club, Xbox Play Lounge, and arcade.
Is Sandals or Beaches better for weddings and honeymoons?
While the romantic adults-only Sandals resorts are very popular for weddings and honeymoons, Beaches resorts are popular as well. If you want to invite guests who have children to your destination wedding, then a Beaches resort is best for you.
If you prefer an adult-only atmosphere, then Sandals is your pick.
What is the difference between Beaches and Sandals?
The main difference between Beaches and Sandals is that Beaches resorts are family-friendly and open to all ages, while Sandals resorts are for adults only.
Also, there are only three Beaches resorts while there are 17 Sandals resorts. And, there are waterparks at Beaches resorts but not at Sandals.
Is Sandals or Beaches for kids?
Beaches resorts are aimed at families with kids, while Sandals resorts are only for guests ages 18 and older.
Is Sandals or Beaches better?
The answer to this depends on what you’re looking for in a resort. If you are over 18 and want an adult atmosphere with no children around, Sandals is better for you. If you are traveling with children, then Beaches is better for you.
If you love waterparks, then Beaches is better. If you want to stay in a unique suite like an overwater bungalow or SkyPool suite, then Sandals is better.
If you want to visit somewhere other than Jamaica or Turks & Caicos, you’ll need to choose a Sandals resort.
Either way, you will enjoy a luxurious all-inclusive vacation on a gorgeous Caribbean beach with plenty of options for activities, dining, and drinking.
