Sandals Resorts are known for having the most inclusions of any all-inclusive brand. These include a full range of watersports—even scuba diving for certified divers—which can save couples who like to snorkel and dive quite a lot of money.
Rates at Sandals also cover all food and drink at all restaurants and bars, including premium spirits and Robert Mondavi wines. Room amenities include minibars that are refreshed daily (with full bars in the higher-level suites), toiletries from the spa, and Wifi.
If you choose a club or butler level room, in-room dining is also included.
You also get roundtrip airport transfers plus taxes and tips.
Here is a full overview of what’s included in a Sandals vacation.
Luxurious Accommodations
Every level of accommodation at Sandals resorts comes with all the inclusions we’re discussing in this article. The only extras are room service, which comes with club and butler level rooms; concierge service, which comes with club level rooms; and personal butler service, which comes with butler rooms.
Accommodations at Sandals include:
- Comfortable king-size beds
- In-room minibars with water, juice, soda, Robert Mondavi wine, and local beer that are refreshed daily; top tier rooms have full bars that also include premium spirits
- Spa-like bathrooms with walk-in showers and/or soaking tubs
- Toiletries from the Red Lane Spa
- In-room dining for club and butler level rooms and suites
Pretty much every room will have a private balcony or patio.
The nicer rooms will have plenty of extras, like outdoor soaking tubs, private plunge pools, separate living rooms, full kitchens, rooftop terraces, swim-up pool access, and more. There are some truly amazing and luxurious suites at Sandals resorts, including overwater bungalows, Rondoval suites with private pool sanctuaries, beachfront villas with private pools, and Skypool suites with elevated infinity pools.
All Meals and Snacks
Every meal and every snack at every dining venue is included at all Sandals resorts. There are no restaurants that cost extra, and no special menu items that you have to pay for.
Best of all, it’s all unlimited. You can order as many dishes as you like, so sample away!
Every Sandals resort offers a range of dining options including gourmet restaurants, casual cafes, coffee shops, beach bar and grills, and fun food trucks. You can also get in-room dining in club and butler level suites.
All Drinks
All nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks are also included at Sandals resorts—and they are also unlimited. This covers water, sodas, juices, coffee, beer, Robert Mondavi wines, and premium liquor.
The only exception is specialty coffees and wines other than the Robert Mondavi brand.
Each Sandals resort features a variety of onsite bars including swim-up bars, pool bars, beach bars, piano lounges, rooftop bars, rum bars, speakeasies, and more.
Each room also has a minibar (or full bar in certain categories) that is restocked daily.
Onsite Activities and Amenities
A wide range of onsite activities and amenities are included at Sandals, such as watersports, land sports, a fitness center, and daily and nightly entertainment.
Every Sandals is also located on a beautiful beach for relaxing and strolling.
Watersports
Enjoy unlimited nonmotorized watersports at every Sandals resort, and motorized watersports at some locations. Options include:
- Snorkeling
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Hobie Cat sailing
- Windsurfing
- Aqua trikes
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
- Kneeboarding
- Glass bottom boat rides
- Scuba diving is included for certified divers (two tanks a day)
Professional instruction is included for everything except scuba diving; if you want to get certified to dive, you will need to pay for a course.
Land Activities
Included sports vary depending on the resort; here is a full list of what could be included:
- Day and night tennis
- Pickleball
- Beach volleyball
- Basketball
- Croquet
- Bocce Ball
- Shuffleboard
- Land chess
- Pool tables
- Table tennis
- Board games
- Darts
- Golf is also included at Sandals Ochi, Dunn’s River, Royal Plantation in Jamaica; Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Halcyon Beach, and Regency La Toc in St. Lucia; and Sandals Royal Curacao
Entertainment
While entertainment varies depending on the resort, you’ll always find plenty of fun happening. Daily activities include music and games, usually around the main pool.
Evening entertainment includes theme parties, chocolate buffets, live music, talent shows, beach parties, piano bars, cocktail parties, lounges, and more. Some resorts are livelier than others. These include Sandals Ochi, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Bahamian, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals Barbados and Royal Barbados.
Amenities
Every Sandals resort features a state-of-the-art fitness center that is completely complimentary to use.
You also get free Wifi throughout the resort and in your room.
Taxes and Tips
Sandals resorts are unique among most all-inclusive brands because all taxes and tips are included in your rate.
In fact, tipping isn’t allowed when you’re at the resort. The only exceptions are spa staff if you get a spa service, airport and excursions transportation drivers, and butlers if you stay in a butler level suite.
It’s truly relaxing to be able to leave your wallet in your room and not have to figure out tips for bartenders, waitpeople, and other staff.
Roundtrip Airport Transportation
At most resorts, you have to arrange and pay for your own transportation to and from the airport.
Not so at Sandals Resorts, which include roundtrip airport transfers in your rate. There are even Sandals lounges at certain airports where you can wait for your ride in comfort.
If you stay in a butler level suite, you will enjoy a private transfer in a luxury car. Otherwise, you’ll join other guests in a shuttle.
Weddings
Yes, some weddings are also included at Sandals! If you stay at least 7 nights in a club or butler level room, you can get the free wedding package.
The Sandals free wedding includes:
- Wedding planning team
- A lovely location
- Flowers for the bride and groom
- Pre-recorded music for the ceremony
- 5×7 wedding photo
- Marriage paperwork
- A one-hour cocktail reception for up to 10 guests with hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail plus sparkling wine toast
- A wedding cake
- Dinner with white-glove service and sparkling wine
- Chilled sparkling wine and a sweet treat in your room
- Turndown service with flower petals on the first night of your honeymoon
- Breakfast in bed one morning
- Credits toward photo and video packages
- 15% off spa services
- $100 credit towards a pool or beach cabana or private candlelight dinner
What is not included at Sandals Resorts?
While practically everything is included at Sandals, there are some exceptions.
Scuba Diving Courses
If you’re not certified, you can take a course at Sandals to get certified during your stay so you can take advantage of the complimentary diving. However, the certification course isn’t free. It costs about $120.
Excursions
Every Sandals resort offers a variety of offsite excursions so you can explore the surrounding island. These excursions are not included. You may want to tip your excursion guide or driver, as well.
Tips for Butlers and Airport Drivers
If you stay in a butler level suite, it is customary to tip your butlers. Recommendations range between $25-$50 per butler per day. You can also tip a percentage of your stay.
It is nice to tip the drivers who take you to and from the airport.
Spa Services
Every Sandals resort has a luxurious Red Lane Spa, which offers a full range of services such as massages, facials, and more. These services cost extra. Tips for spa staff are also not included.
Private Cabanas
There are private cabanas available on the beach and poolside; these cost extra. However, if you’re staying in a butler level suite, they are included.
Candlelight Dinners
You can arrange for a private candlelight dinner on the beach or in another romantic location at the resort, but these will not be included.
Photo Packages
There will be photographers at the resort who will capture memorable moments. If you want to order any of these photos, you will need to pay extra.
Golf Caddies and Carts
While green fees and transportation to and from the course are included at Sandals resorts with golf, caddy services and cart rentals are not included. If you need to rent clubs or shoes, or if you want to take lessons, those are also extra.
Cheapest Sandals Resort
To get the most for your money, you can choose a more affordable Sandals resort. The cheapest Sandals is Sandals Ochi, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
