Now with 17 resorts on 8 different islands, it is harder than ever to choose which is the best Sandals Resort.

The good news is we can help. We have been to every Sandals Resort, some multiple times and were named a “Best of the Best” Travel by Sandals for 2024 and we are going to break down our picks of the best Sandals Resorts to help you narrow down your list before booking.

We’re going to start off by talking about our best of the best Sandals Resorts, and then we’re going to go into details about different things that certain people might prefer about each resort. 

If you are looking for a quick answer, we love Sandals Saint Vincent, Sandals Dunn’s River, and Sandals Grenada, but each resort has reasons to visit that may make them the best for you. For example, Sandals Royal Bahamian is not our favorite Sandals Resort, but it is the best for someone looking for a party vibe close to the US with only a 30-minute flight.

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.

Explore Special Offers

Sandals Saint Vincent

We just arrived home from the best Sandals Resort! Sandal Saint Vincent has elevated the entire brand with this resort. First, the island is one of the least discovered islands in the Caribbean and you feel that on resort. Surrounded by mountains and a beach, the scenery is beautiful everywhere you look.

This is a Sandals 2.0 resorts and is clearly to us the best Sandals resort overall. The only con to the resort is there are limited options for flights.

“Saint Vincent exceeded our expectations as a newer resort and is our new favorite Sandals Resort. The natural beauty of the island is unmatched, with vibrant greenery and stunning ocean views everywhere you look. The resort seamlessly blends luxury with nature—you can enjoy a five-star meal while surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. We spent an afternoon hiking in the nearby forest, which was an adventure we’ll never forget. If you’re into eco-luxury, this is the perfect Sandals for you.”

Our Recommended Suite

The Beachfront One-Bedroom Butler Villa Suite with Private Pool provides 1,723 sq. ft. including a private pool and the convenience of direct beach access. With a well-stocked in-room bar, luxurious amenities, and lush tropical gardens, you’ll easily leave the world behind.

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Sandals Dunn’s River

For the best Sandals Resort that is more accessible, we pick Sandals Dunn’s River. The resort has amazing food, a beautiful beach, and several pools perfect for relaxing and it is easier to get to since it is in Ocho Rios Jamaica.

“Sandals Dunn’s River is the best Sandals Resort for couples who want a mix of adventure and luxury. The location near Dunn’s River Falls means you can easily explore one of Jamaica’s most iconic attractions. The resort itself is gorgeous, with modern, stylish rooms and plenty of great dining options. We loved the rum bar—it was such a fun way to try different local drinks. After a day of exploring, it was so nice to come back to a relaxing swim in the pool or a romantic dinner by the beach.”

Our Recommended Suite

Perched atop the lavish Tufa Terrace building, the Tufa Terrace One Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite offers an unparalleled luxury experience. From your balcony, take in breathtaking views of the endless shore while enjoying a dip in your private SkyPool or unwinding in the outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. The spa-inspired bathroom defines opulence with a second Tranquility Soaking Tub, a walk-in shower, and a double vanity.

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Sandals Grand St. Lucian

Sandals Grand St. Lucian is on the island of St. Lucia, which is stunning and one of our favorite islands in the Caribbean. It’s a modern and beautiful resort with a lot of really good food options. The beach at the resort are great; there is one long beach. With that, you can either stay near the pool, where you’ll hear the DJ and the activities going on, or you can be on the other end where it’s much quieter. The water is very clear and a beautiful color blue, so you can go snorkeling right there. There are a lot of water sports, including water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and things like that. You can take off to go scuba diving or snorkeling right there at the dock.

We found that there were a lot of groups at this resort and a lot of weddings, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this is a great resort for that. But also, we had fun just the two of us not getting married. We also enjoyed the excursions from this place. 

One thing to note, though, is that all of the Sandals Resorts on St. Lucia are on the opposite side of the island from the airport. It’s about an hour and a half windy, long drive, and we’ve heard a lot of people complain about motion sickness getting from the airport to the resort. There are two ways that we circumvent this, and we recommend both. Number one, we took a boat ride from the airport to the resort, and that was stunning and fabulous. We were escorted by a group of dolphins. And we got to see beautiful landscapes around St. Lucia, and we had a really good time. That also took about an hour and a half but was fun. 

On the way home, we took a helicopter ride which took 12 minutes, so it was super fast, and you get to see the landscape of St. Lucia. So, you do have options if you are concerned about motion sickness.

In our opinion, Sandals Grande Saint Lucian is the best Sandals Resort for visiting Saint Lucia and one of the best for groups and scuba diving.

“If you’re into scuba diving, Sandals St. Lucia (any of the three) is where it’s at. The dive sites were incredible, and you can resort-hop between the the other 2 Sandals Resorts, which was a nice bonus. We had a rough time on the drive to the resort and booked the water transfer on the way back and it was definately worth the extra cost. Next time we will try the helicopter.”

Our Recommended Suite

The Caribbean Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Tranquility Soaking Tub offers a private balcony with sweeping views of Rodney Bay, the resort’s lush tropical gardens, and the tranquil Sunset Pool. The master bedroom features refined décor, a king-size bed, HD smart TV, and iPod docking station.

The spacious spa-style bathroom includes a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, a separate walk-in shower, and a double vanity.

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Sandals Regency La Toc

Sandals Regency La Toc is the largest Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia that is split up between an area up on a hill, and a part of it that’s down towards the beach. We stayed up on a hill, where you get these gorgeous Sunset Bluff views.

We had a stunning view of the sunset, and we liked the service here as well. We felt like the Butler Service specifically went above and beyond, and they helped us get from the top of the hill to the bottom with their golf carts. But if you don’t get Butler’s service, there is a shuttle that can take you up and down, unless you want to walk. It is walkable as well.

This resort also has an amazing beach but it is different. Instead of the calm waters, it has a lot of movement, sometimes fairly tough waves for people with mobility issues. They put out different flags based on the current of the day, it could be green, yellow, or red. So here, there are a lot of yellow and red days. That doesn’t mean you can’t swim because we swam, and we had a lot of fun. It just means that you can’t go kayaking and use the water sports equipment on those red days. 

So, that is something some people prefer Grand St. Lucian for if they want calm water all the time. But the nice thing about all of the resorts in St. Lucia is that you have transfer service to all of them. So, if you want to stay at one and visit the others, you could do that.

“We stayed at Sandals Regency La Toc for our anniversary, and it was absolutely magical. The resort has a beautiful blend of lush greenery and stunning ocean views—it’s like staying in the heart of paradise. We upgraded to a Sunset Bluff suite, and the private pool was worth every penny; it felt like our own little slice of heaven and loved the sunset view. The golf course was a fun bonus for my husband, while I loved relaxing at the spa. Whether you’re into adventure or just want to unwind, this resort has something for everyone.”
— Lauren and Michael B.

Sandals Grenada

Next up is Sandals Grenada, and this is a perfect resort for an all-around experience. There’s great service all around, it is fairly flat, and you can walk from one end to the other easily. It has a wonderful beach that I love and I cant wait to get back to it. 

I think my favorite beach of them all because there was a little movement, but it’s protected by rocks, and so that has created a great place to go snorkeling. I like to swim laps and that was a great place for me to do that. So overall, really great resort. 

Another thing I liked about this resort is Dan and I are more on your chill, quiet, keep-to-ourselves side of things, but a lot of people like a party. They like the music, they like the performances, and on this resort, where the party was happening, was at this beautiful pool near this beautiful landscape area. 

It was kind of in that one area, I mean it’s a large main part of the resort, but it was separated by a lot of stuff, and then there was the quiet pool and the beach. So, there being a lot of music or movement happening at one pool didn’t impact us at all at the quiet pool. I felt like we were able to choose what kind of day we wanted to have, if we wanted to go to the party, or if we wanted to just relax by the pool or by the beach. 

I liked that all of the restaurants were in a more central area, so it wasn’t like we had to go on an adventure to go find lunch or dinner. They also had buffets which we enjoy because it made the dining experience very fast because it’s reliant on how fast you want to eat, but there was really good variety, and you could see it all. So that was a good change of pace for us as well. The breakfast and lunch cook got to know us at Spices which made those meals even more enjoyable.

One other good thing we loved about Sandals Grenada is the beach chairs were available all the time, so it wasn’t like a race to get your chair in the morning. Any time of day, you could go find an empty chair on the beach.

“I’ve been to a few Sandals resorts, and honestly, my personal favorite is Sandals Grenada—it’s got the most amazing pools and a really chill vibe. If you’re more into nightlife and a party scene, maybe check out Sandals Montego Bay.”

“Sandals Grenada is hands down one of the best resorts in the Sandals portfolio. The SkyPool suites were a bucket-list item for us, and they did not disappoint—waking up to a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean was surreal. The variety of pools around the property means there’s always something to suit your mood, whether it’s a lively swim-up bar or a quiet, secluded spot. The dining options were exceptional; we especially loved Butch’s Chophouse for steak night. Grenada as an island also offers great excursions, like the spice plantations and waterfalls, so you can balance relaxation with adventure.”

Our Recommended Suite

Nestled on the hillside, the South Seas One Bedroom Butler Villa with Infinity Edge Pool offers the perfect blend of privacy and luxury. The romantic bedroom features a private infinity-edge plunge pool with a whirlpool and outdoor shower. The elegant living room opens to a trellised veranda with chaise lounges, a fully stocked wet bar, and an outdoor dining area. The spa-like bathroom includes a stone soaking tub, frosted-glass shower, and dual marble vanities, leading to a secluded terrace carved into the mountainside.

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Sandals Royal Curacao

Next up is Sandals Royal Curacao. Now, this is one of the newest Sandals resort to have opened, and for me, it is one of the top three Sandals Resorts with the best food of all the Sandals Resorts. So, because this is the latest Sandals Resort, it’s actually what they are calling Sandals 2.0. 

They have a lot of new concepts that they’re just trying out on this resort, and I think they’re doing a great job. The biggest thing for us was the food. Now, a lot of the Sandals Resorts have similar food concepts, but this resort took it all to the next level. There were food trucks that we enjoyed, as well as really interesting dining experiences, beautifully decorated, which created an intimate romantic experience for us, and the food was good, and we enjoyed it. 

Another feature of this resort that is iconic is the double-decker infinity pool overlooking the ocean. If you’ve seen any photos of this resort, I’m sure this is what you’ve seen, and it is super cool. It’s beautiful, and you can see people swimming in there, and it’s just a really good vibe, a good place to hang out.

Now, they do have a ton of entertainment there all day long, so if you’re looking for that, that’s great, or if you’re looking for something more quiet, you know we enjoyed our swim-up suite and there are two other pools to choose from. 

One thing to mention is the beach. It is not your typical Sandals beach. It’s actually on an inlet that is separated by a dock, so a lot of people still liked it, and you know, there are beach chairs available all day, which is great, but some people are looking more for that typical Sandals Caribbean beach, and this won’t quite give that to you. 

The other thing is with the partying that’s available at that main pool, you do hear a lot of the entertainment throughout the resort, so some areas are much further away. We didn’t stay in those areas, you know, there was that area by the back hill, I don’t know what it’s called, but there are some rooms that are further away from where the party is happening. But this is going to be a great resort if you love the party, and if you’re looking for quiet, you might want to make sure to reserve a room that’s on the far end of the resort, so you’re not as impacted by all the singers and dancers and things that are happening throughout the day.

In the evening, one last thing that we do want to note is that something else that makes this resort unique is that it is on a Dutch island. Curacao is a Dutch island, and that sets it apart from other Sandals resorts because other Sandals resorts are on islands that are used to catering to American and British audiences. 

We felt that the service, especially with people native to Curacao, definitely was different, and I think it’s going to take them a little while to adjust a little bit further towards the American and British audience. It wasn’t like it was bad service; we got prompt service. It just was a marked difference, and so something to note if you do book there is that that might be why you might be experiencing some of the difference.

“Sandals Royal Curaçao has such a unique vibe compared to the other resorts. It combines a modern, sleek design with Curaçao’s colorful, historic charm. The staff also arranged a tour of Willemstad for us, and we loved walking through the colorful streets and learning about the island’s history. Back at the resort, the infinity pool overlooking the ocean became our favorite spot to unwind.”

Our Recommended Suite

The Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow is a first for Sandals and have a similar layout as overwater bungalows in Saint Lucia and Jamaica, but instead with private pools. Located just steps from the water, they have incredible ocean and sunset views, patios with extended sun decks and Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two, vaulted ceilings, separate seating areas and dining tables, and walk-in rain showers.

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Sandals Royal Barbados

This resort is connected directly to Sandals Barbados, which means you get two resorts in one. The difference with this one is that it’s a little bit more modern and a little bit more updated, so we felt like the accommodations were a little bit nicer than Sandals Barbados. 

The beach here is my personal favorite. I thought it was stunning, the water is gorgeous and warm, and pretty calm, and there are a lot of pools in a lot of different areas, so there’s something for everyone. There’s also what they call, a sun, a sky view pool that overlooks the sunset and the sunrise with a really cool bar up there, so a lot of really cool things going on at this resort. Yeah, they have even a bowling alley and a ton of dining options since you have the dining options of both resorts, and they recently opened up a new area that has a farm-to-table concept, which is where probably my favorite meal at any Sandals resort that we’ve stayed at. So really love having that great variety to choose from.

The other thing that I will say about Barbados is I felt like the staff was so much fun. We had the best time with them. So yeah, that’s contributed to why we put this one in our top five. 

Now, we have our overall top five Sandals Resorts, but we also know that everyone is looking for something a little bit different in their vacation. So we’re going to go by category, things that question people have asked us or things we know people are looking for, to help you pick and choose which resort might be right for you. 

“Sandals Royal Barbados was everything we dreamed of and more. The butler service was exceptional—they took care of every little detail, from reserving the best beach chairs and having our favorite drinks waiting for us before dinner. The rooftop pool and bar were absolutely stunning—it’s such a unique feature and quickly became our favorite spot to hang out. We stayed in one of the swim-up suites, which made it so easy to jump straight into the pool whenever we wanted. The food options were incredible, especially the sushi at Soy and the desserts at the Sweet n’ Salty’s donut shop. If you’re looking for modern luxury with a vibrant atmosphere, this is the perfect resort.”
— Nicole and Tyler S.

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Our Recommended Suite

The Beachfront Prime Minister One Bedroom Butler Suite is an amazing suite features incredible ocean views, a private plunge pool, a large patio with a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, a separate living area with dining table and full wet bar, a free-standing tub and separate showers, and 24-hour inroom dining and personal butler service.

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Sandals Barbados

Located right next door to Sandals Royal Barbados, Sandals Barbados offers you two resorts in one. They are both set along a beautiful beach for the perfect tropical feel. We really loved this beach; with its beautiful clear water with soft white sand.

Sandals Barbados is one of the more affordable Sandals resorts, and it’s also quite close to the airport so you can get your vacation started quickly.

There are 11 restaurants at Sandals Barbados; including the restaurants at Sandals Royal Barbados, you have access to 20 options. There are also 8 bars including a swim-up bar, and more at SRB including a rooftop bar with a glass infinity pool.

A unique amenity here is the bowling alley, the only one at a Sandals resort. You also have a full range of complimentary watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving, plus land activities like tennis and beach volleyball. There are multiple pools including beachfront, quiet, and rooftop to choose from as well.

Recently there have been complaints about the state of some of the rooms at Sandals Barbados, but we were happy to hear the resort will be renovating rooms over the next year or so. Unfortunately, this also means the price of rooms will be going up as they are renovated.

Our Recommended Suite

Set along the largest river pool in Barbados, the Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up Butler Suite offers direct zero-entry pool access from a private patio that also features a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. Enjoy a separate living room, full bar, spa-like bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding tub, 24-hour inroom dining, and personal butler service.

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Sandals Halcyon Beach

Recently renovated, Sandals Halcyon Beach is the quietest of the three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. However, you’ll have access to all the activities and restaurants of the other two resorts, via a free shuttle, so you’ll have plenty to do. One of the best things about the resort is its proximity to the other 2 Sandals Resort. You can make it to either one in about 20 minutes.

Sandals Halcyon Beach has the Caribbean’s longest lagoon pool, a beautiful long beach, 6 restaurants including an overwater seafood restaurant, and 7 bars including two swim-up bars. At the other two resorts, you can go to an additional 21 restaurants and 14 bars. The main pool is pretty small, but that makes it a perfect to relax and make friends.

There are tons of complimentary activities available, including nonmotorized and motorized watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, waterskiing, kneeboarding, and windsurfing. Sometimes the water can be a bit murky; if it is you can just head over to Sandals Grande St. Lucian.

Golf is also included, with complimentary green fees and transportation to the 18-hole Sandals St. Lucia Golf Club.

Our Recommended Suite

The Halcyon Shore House Butler Suites with Private Pool are new to the resort and feature walkout beach access from a private patio, fabulous ocean views, a private pool, walk-in showers, an oversized soaking tub, and 24-hour in-room dining and personal butler service.

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Sandals Royal Plantation

One of the best-rated Sandals resorts, Sandals Royal Plantation is peaceful and intimate, only offering oceanview suites with private butler service for a truly luxurious experience.

There are just 74 suites, and guests rave about the level of service they receive here. We absolutely loved it. When you’re at the beach or by the pool, for example, they will make sure your drinks are fresh and bring you food whenever you desire.

One of the most popular Sandals resorts for smaller weddings and elopements, Royal Plantation is located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and also gives you access to all the restaurants and amenities at nearby Sandals Ochi via a free shuttle. (Ochi is the largest Sandals resort, so it has quite a lot to offer.)

In addition to the usual non-motorized watersports and scuba diving, you can also enjoy complimentary green fees and transfers to a nearby golf course. The pools are small but nice and there are always chairs available, and the private beaches are amazing with clear, calm water and plenty of spots to relax. There are 5 restaurants and 2 bars onsite, and you can even take part in afternoon tea each day.

Some people don’t like Sandals Royal Plantation because it is small and quiet, and also because the rooms are more traditional in design and haven’t been updated (due to repeat guest preference).

“Royal Plantation is such a unique Sandals experience. It’s smaller and quieter than the other resorts, which made it feel super exclusive. Every room comes with butler service, and the staff genuinely goes above and beyond to make you feel like royalty. The resort doesn’t have as many restaurants as the bigger properties, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it. We loved chilling on the beach and not needing to think about service since they regularly checked in on us.”

Our Recommended Suite

The luxurious Imperial Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suite has two spacious furnished balconies, gorgeous ocean views, a separate living room with dining area and full bar, a master bedroom with plush king bed, and a spa-like bathroom with a Roman tub and walk-in shower. It comes with 24-hour in-room dining and personal butler service.

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Sandals Royal Caribbean

Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sandals Royal Caribbean is a top-rated resort that offers the romantic overwater bungalows and a peaceful private island. We loved the island, the quiet atmosphere, and the 9 excellent restaurants here.

The private island is located just offshore and accessed by a fun boat ride. It features a lovely and peaceful beach with cabanas, a pool with a jacuzzi and a swim-up bar, and a great Thai restaurant. This is also where you’ll find the overwater bungalows, set around a heart-shaped walkway.

These are some of the most popular honeymoon suites at Sandals resorts, perched over the Caribbean with direct water access from the spacious deck that also features a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. They also include personal butler service.

While some guests have found Sandals Royal Caribbean to be too small, you also get access to all the amenities and restaurants at nearby Sandals Montego Bay via a free shuttle, so we feel like it’s the best of both worlds. Both of these resorts are very close to the Montego Bay airport, so you can start your vacation right away, but Sandals Montego Bay has airport noise whereas Royal Caribbean does not.

All of the beaches are beautiful, there are plenty of complimentary activities including watersports and land sports, and there are multiple nice pools including an incredible double-decker infinity pool that’s really large and has two sections so it never feels crowded. There are 6 bars here, and 6 bars at Sandals Montego Bay.

“Sandals Royal Caribbean was a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for us. The private offshore island was a huge highlight—we loved taking the boat over to enjoy the secluded beach and the overwater cabanas. The Thai restaurant on the island was a unique and delicious experience we’ll never forget. If you’re looking for a resort with charm, luxury, and a touch of adventure, this is the one.”
— Emily and Ryan T.

Our Recommended Suite

Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Bungalow offer pure luxury and romance, these bungalows are set above the stunning Caribbean and offer direct water access from a large sun deck with loungers, overwater hammocks, and outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for Two. There’s also a glass floor panel inside so you can see the marine life below. Set on the private island, these include 24-hour inroom dining, personal butler service, and private water taxi service to the main resort.

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Sandals Montego Bay

The original Sandals resort, Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica has been totally renovated and offers a sleek and modern feel that makes the most of its waterfront location along a large, private white-sand beach.

One thing to know about Sandals Montego Bay is that it is very close to the airport, which makes it very convenient but does mean you can hear noise from the planes. This does not bother most guests and happens mainly between 11 am and 4 pm. But if this does bother you, Sandals Royal Caribbean is a close option that doesn’t have as much noise.

Sandals Montego Bay has 12 restaurants—many of which overlook the water—and 6 bars including swim-up bars, a piano bar, and a really cool overwater bar with hammocks. There is plenty to do here and 7 great pools. You also get complete access to all the amenities and restaurants of the nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean (easily reached via a free shuttle service).

We felt like the staff was particularly special; they really knew how to help everyone have the best time. This is also one of the best Sandals resorts for weddings, with a stunning overwater chapel and a traditional Catholic chapel.

Our Recommended Suite

The Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire Butler Suites overlook the ocean and have a retractable glass wall that slides open so you can step right into the lagoon-style pool. They feature private in-pool loungers, Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two, and walkout beach access in addition to 24-hour inroom dining and personal butler service.

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Sandals Negril

The laidback Sandals Negril is on a beautiful long beach (the famous Seven Mile Beach) and faces west, for the most gorgeous sunsets. We feel like this was one of the most romantic resorts due to this and the spread-out design which offers plenty of secluded areas. This is the perfect Sandals for that romantic beachfront sunset dinner.

Sandals Negril was our favorite Sandals in Jamaica until Dunn’s River opened. It is overall a really good experience, especially if you’re into water sports. It’s one of the best Sandals for scuba diving; it’s close to a bunch of different dive sites, and they pick you up right from the beach, so you get there very quickly. You can also snorkel right off the beach.

There are several pools including the long lagoon-style pool. Almost all the rooms here are beachfront, and there are some wonderful options like new Skypool suites.

Sandals Negril has 8 restaurants and 5 bars including swim-up bars and a piano bar. We loved having breakfast by the ocean at the open-air Barefoot by the Sea. There’s also a great new Spanish tapas restaurant. You can go to the nearby Beaches Negril for more dining options (or to play at the waterpark!).

Our Recommended Suite

The Bamboo Grove One-Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite is very large and features a huge private balcony with a daybed, a swing, and an elevated infinity pool overlooking the beach. There’s a separate living room, and an oversized soaking tub in the posh bathroom. It comes with 24-hour inroom dining and personal butler service.

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Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast is one of the more affordable Sandals resorts and one of the best Sandals for honeymoons and weddings, with overwater bungalows, an overwater chapel, and a variety of price points for rooms. 

A lot of people like this resort because of its secluded location within a nature reserve on the southern coast of Jamaica, which gives it a more peaceful and romantic atmosphere. The beach is amazing—two miles of private and pristine white sand. Also, when you go on excursions from here, it’s not going to be as crowded.

This is one of our favorite Sandals resorts for pools, with a huge main pool and two other very large pools as well, so there’s plenty of room for everybody. Many of the rooms have been renovated, and there are 9 great restaurants and 7 bars including an overwater bar and swim-up bars.

The main negative to Sandals South Coast is how spread out it is. Depending on where your room is, you might end up walking a lot. Additionally, it is far from the airport, requiring a long drive on winding roads (we recommend taking motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to that).

“Sandals South Coast was perfect for our honeymoon. It exceeded all our expectations with its stunning layout and serene vibe. The variety of pools was one of the highlights—each one felt like its own little oasis. We spent mornings at the lively swim-up bar, afternoons at the quiet Long Beach pool, and evenings relaxing by the central pool under the stars. The beachfront is expansive and perfect for long walks or just lounging with a cocktail in hand. The service was outstanding, and the food at Schooner’s and Guiseppe’s was some of the best we’ve had at any resort. This is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway where you can balance relaxation and fun.”
— Jessica and Alex L.

Our Recommended Suite

The Rondoval Swim-up Butler Villa are unique round thatched-roof suites that feature a private patio with zero-entry access to the river pool, a private plunge pool, spa-style bathrooms, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, plus personal butler service and 24-hour inroom dining.

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Sandals Ochi

The most affordable Sandals resort as well as the largest, Sandals Ochi has a ton of things to do and something for everyone. We loved that there is so much to do, with different vibes throughout whether it’s relaxing on the beach or partying by the pool.

Located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, this resort is divided into a hillside area, which is quieter, and the beachside area, which is more lively. There are 16 restaurants (the most of any Sandals) and 11 bars.

The beach is one long stretch divided into three sections; it’s very nice with white sand and plenty of seating. There are five main pools, ranging from a large and exciting one with DJs and activities throughout the day to the Hidden Pool, which doesn’t have any music at all, and everything in between.

In addition to a wide range of watersports and land activities, golf is included here as well. You get green fees and complimentary transportation to the Sandals Golf & Country Club.

Sandals Ochi is one of the best Sandals resorts for nightlife; they have plenty of entertainment and a lot of different bars to choose from including a cool hidden speakeasy with music and fun drinks. 

Our Recommended Suite

Set in a quiet area, the Butler Village Honeymoon One Bedroom Villa Suites with Private Pool Sanctuary have walled courtyards with a private pool, hot tub, loungers, and a rain shower. Enjoy a separate bedroom and living area with a kitchenette, a bathroom with large soaking tub, and personal butler service.

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Sandals Grande Antigua

Sandals Grande Antigua is another of the more affordable Sandals resorts, although they are starting to update it so prices may rise soon. Nestled on 27 acres of lush landscaping along the country’s best beach, it has been voted “the world’s most romantic resort.”

Overall, we really enjoyed Sandals Grande Antigua and would go back. We think the staff is very attentive, the food and restaurant service are high quality, and the beach and pools are wonderful.

The water at Sandals Antigua is calm and perfect for watersports; complimentary water sports available include snorkeling, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing, and Hobie Cat sailing. Professional instruction in watersports is even included (except for scuba diving).

There are 11 restaurants and 7 bars including swim-up and tiki bars. Each night there is entertainment with different themes. During our stay there, we had the chance to get off the resort twice; we highly recommend doing some excursions as well.

“Sandals Grande Antigua was the best Sandals Resort for us. The beach is absolutely breathtaking—white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of space to relax or stroll hand in hand. The pools were incredible, especially the one in the Mediterranean Village with the swim-up bar. The staff were so welcoming, and the private candlelit dinner on the beach was a memory we’ll cherish forever. If you want a resort that offers the best of everything, this is it.”
— Rachel and Brandon K.

Our Recommended Suite

The Mediterranean Villa with Private Pool Sanctuary offers water views from the private patio with a pool and whirlpool, as well as a separate living room and a bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and Roman whirlpool tub. This villa comes with personal butler service.

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Sandals Royal Bahamian

The closest Sandals to the U.S., Sandals Royal Bahamian is located in Nassau, just a 30-minute flight from Miami. It has a lively atmosphere and is popular with younger guests. It’s also great for shorter getaways.

Set on gorgeous Cable Beach, Sandals Royal Bahamian was recently renovated and now offers beachfront swim-up suites with butler service. There are 2 huge pools and 6 whirlpools plus an incredible private island with a beach, a pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant.

In addition to all the complimentary onsite activities, this is the only Sandals that’s near a casino. There’s also a big waterpark at Baha Mar nearby. There are 10 restaurants, 2 fun food trucks, and 8 bars including swim-up bars.

And while every Sandals resort has a fitness center, the one here is located in a penthouse for amazing views.

Our Recommended Suite

The West Bay One Bedroom Oceanview Swim-up Butler Suite features a walk-out patio with zero-entry access to the swim-up pool, fabulous ocean views, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. There’s also a separate living room with full bar and 24-hour inroom dining and butler service.

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Easiest Sandals Resort to get to

So, the first category we are going to talk about is which Sandals Resort is the easiest to get to. We know that a lot of people want to get from their stressful jobs and their stressful times at home straight into the pool as quickly as possible.

So, from our top five, we have Sandals Grenada, which is only five minutes from the airport. 

There’s also Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean, which are close to the airport. You’re going to hear the jet noise at those two resorts, which some people mention about Sandals Montego Bay, you’re going to hear it regularly, but it is only during the middle of the day. 

The closest to the US is Sandals Royal Bahamian, and that is about a 10-minute drive from the airport. Then also, from our top five, is Sandals Royal Barbados, which is about a 15-minute drive from the airport. Additionally, Sandals Antigua is also 15 minutes from the airport.

Most Affordable Sandals Resorts 

Next are the resorts for people looking for the most affordable Sandals Resort. In general, the most affordable Sandals resorts are in Jamaica. We have an entire video comparing all the resorts in Jamaica, but we will give you our top picks for the most budget-friendly resorts in Jamaica right now.

The first of those is Sandals Negril. Sandals Negril is on this beautiful long beach and has the most gorgeous sunsets. We felt like this was one of the most romantic resorts you could go to, and overall a really good experience, especially if you’re into water sports. 

Next up is the most affordable Sandals Resort overall and also the largest Sandals Resort, and that’s Sandals Ochi. Because it’s so large, there is a ton of things to do there. We enjoyed actually splitting up for some time. So Dan went scuba diving while he was there, and I sat by the pool and ate pizza. There were a lot of pools, so definitely some more party pools, some medium party pools, that’s where I sat at, where there was music but it wasn’t bumping, and then there are also like quiet pools where noise is not allowed. 

So I think there’s a little bit of something for everyone here. 

Sandals South Coast is also very affordable. A lot of people like Sandals South Coast because it’s a bit far away from any towns or cities, so it feels a little bit more secluded. When you go on excursions from South Coast, it’s not going to be as crowded. There are several large pools there. 

Now, if you want to go outside of Jamaica we recommend Sandals Antigua for a solid Sandals experience. We felt like it was super well-staffed and enjoyed our time at the pool. The beach was good. Overall, we enjoyed this resort, and it is on the more affordable end. Now, they are starting to update Sandals Antigua, so we don’t know how much longer it will be on the list of most affordable, so book it soon.

Best Sandals Resort for the Beach

This next category is something we know is super important for a lot of people who want a great beach, and that is which Sandals Resorts are the best for beaches. 

Starting with my favorite, we’re going to go with Sandals Royal Barbados, which also is Sandals Barbados because they’re connected. I mentioned this before, the beach here was my favorite. It was calm and warm and beautiful, and we, I think, spent the most time in the water at the beach at this resort. 

Now, one possible downside of this is that everyone wants a beach chair, and if you are not up by six or seven in the morning to claim your beach chair, you might be out of luck and might need to go find a chair elsewhere around the resort by a pool. There are tons of chairs all over the resort, so it’s not like you won’t have one, it’s just those beachfront chairs might be a little bit more difficult to come by. 

One other way of getting around that is if you do reserve a room that comes with a butler, your butler can take care of this for you, so just something to note about how popular that beach is there. 

My favorite resort for a beach is Sandals Grenada. I think we already mentioned this when we talked about the top five, but they have a little rock-enclosed area that still has a little bit of waves, the water’s clear, and it’s great for snorkeling. There’s a lot of fish there, so yeah, I really loved that, the beach at Sandals Grenada. 

Sandals Grand St. Lucian also has an amazing beach that is very calm, perfect for snorkeling, and very long, so there’s a lot of space for everyone. 

Best Sandals for Excursions

Some people like to just stay in a resort and relax their entire vacation, but there are also a lot of people who want to go out and do a lot of things during their trip. I think we’re kind of in between, but now we’re going to share with you the Sandals Resorts that have the best excursions. 

One great area is the Ocho Rios area of Jamaica, which has three Sandals Resorts. From there, there is Blue Hole, you can go to, there’s tubing, and there is, of course, the famous Dunn’s River Falls that you can visit. So there’s just a ton of variety, and they have a golf course that you can go to, which is included in your stay at Sandals Resorts. So, there are a ton of things to do if you stay at any of the resorts in the Ocho Rios area.

All three of the resorts in St. Lucia are also great for excursions. First, you have the coming and going from the resort, which can be an excursion on its own. We had a great time on the ferry from the airport to the resort and the helicopter rides back. But then, there are several other excursions that you can go to. We went to a volcanic mud bath situation, which was kind of fun, and then there were a lot of catamaran rides and things like that that could keep you busy.

And the other excursion that I think is a contender for one of our favorite things that we did was in Barbados. We did snorkeling around a shipwreck, and they had the most incredible sea life down there. Plus, the shipwreck was awesome, and the vibes on the boat were 10 out of 10. We mentioned that we really enjoyed the culture of the people of Barbados, and we just had the best time. This is an excursion that we know people book over and over again because it’s so fun, even if they’ve experienced it once before. So we recommend this excursion. And if you like jet skis, there are jet skis right on the beach that are an outside vendor, but you can just pay one of them to go on a fun jet ski ride.

Best Sandals Resorts for Romance

We know a lot of couples are going to a Sandals Resort for romance, so we want to talk about the top Sandals Resorts for romance. For me, one of the top resorts is Sandals Negril in Jamaica, partially because the sunsets are so stunning, and because the resort is very spread out. I felt like there was a lot of seclusion and privacy, and you could have that romantic beachfront dinner with the sunset if you wanted to. So we felt like that was a romantic resort.

Any of the resorts in St. Lucia are perfect for a romantic getaway. I think I would go towards La Toc as the most romantic because you have the sunset views from the cliffs and a quieter area in case you want that, while there’s also, you know, the beach area with the pools that are a bit more lively. But overall, all three resorts in St. Lucia are going to be quite romantic if that’s what you’re looking for. 

And last is Sandals Grenada. We just felt like this was a lush, beautifully gardened resort. The resort was new and modern, and I felt like the staff just really helped us to have a romantic experience. So this was a good solid overall romantic resort. They also have some nice piers where you can go and have a seat and just enjoy the sounds of the ocean together. Yeah, overall, Sandals Grenada is great, but as far as romance, Sandals is focused on couples, so you can have a great experience and have some romance at pretty much any Sandals Resort.

Best Sandals Resort for the Pools

For some people, the pools are equally or more important than the beach. So here are the top Sandals Resorts if you’re looking for the best pools. Now, the most iconic is the double-decker infinity pool at Sandals Royal Caribbean. This is stunning, and all of your pictures will look incredible. A lot of people were in this pool just having a great time. It was also really large and had two sections, so it never felt crowded. I never felt like we were spending that much time even bumping into other people. We loved that pool. Yeah, there’s also a swim-up bar, and there are two other pools to choose from as well. 

Next is Sandals Ochi, which has a ton of pools. There are actually over 100 pools because a lot of them are semi-private suites, but there are five main pools. So you have a lot to choose from. There’s the Great House Pool, which is the largest and kind of the most exciting with DJs and activities throughout the day. And then there are several other pools you can choose from, each with its different vibe, including some that are extremely quiet. There’s one called the Hidden Pool, which doesn’t have any music at all, and so everything in between. So if you’re looking for pools, you can choose from several at Sandals Ochi. I don’t know if this means anything, but I felt like we made the most friends at the pools in Ochi. I felt like especially in that main pool, we met a lot of really cool people.

Another great resort for pools is Sandals South Coast. There’s a huge main pool and then there are two other very large pools as well, so there’s plenty of room for everybody. And last, we recommend Sandals Antigua. This pool was just a good time. We, I think, spent the most time at the pool here. There was a lot of space around the pool to sit, and we felt like for us, the vibes were like the music was good, but it was not overbearing, so we could relax and enjoy ourselves. And yeah, I think we just had a really good time at this pool. Yeah, and then several other pools are quieter throughout the resort.

Best Sandals Resorts for a Party

Now, if you love a good party, there are several Sandals Resorts that are going to be awesome for you. First up, we recommend Sandals Ochi because there are a lot of different things happening not only during the pool time with music and games and fun but also they have this cool hidden bar, a speakeasy, so we enjoyed the nightlife atmosphere happening there. And because the resort is so large, there were just a lot of different options to choose from. 

Also in Jamaica is Sandals Montego Bay, and this resort is the original Sandals and is spread across a very large beach. We found a couple of different areas that were full of people looking to party. We felt like the staff was particularly special at this resort. Like, we had the best time, they were getting everybody, even when it was pouring down rain, out to dance and just let loose. Honestly, that’s not usually our vibe, but we had the best time.

Another resort that is getting known for its party vibe is Sandals Royal Curacao. What they are going for here is that live performance element. In that stunning double-decker infinity pool overlooking the beach during the day, they have singers dancers, and live performances coming to you in the pool. They also had fire dancers in the evening and a lot of things going on. So, they’re really, even though they’re a newer resort, really amping up their reputation for a party.

Quietest Sandals Resort

If you’re looking for the opposite of that, which is quiet, then we have a couple of resorts for you. First, we recommend Sandals Royal Plantation. There are a couple of reasons why this resort is a little bit quieter. It’s right next to Sandals Ochi, so you can hop over at any time and have that party over at Ochi. But Sandals Royal Plantation is a butler suite exclusive resort, and so it’s also a lot smaller and more intimate. 

We had a good relaxation experience here. We felt taken care of. The butlers were always coming and making sure we had everything that we needed, and the vibe was just a little bit more of a homey, family vibe. We talked about this in our Jamaica overall Sandals review video, that when someone goes to get married at Sandals Royal Plantation, everyone at the resort kind of stops and claps and cheers for them and kind of sings along with the song that they’re playing. It’s a nice, more intimate resort, and we had some great conversations with people at this resort. So, I felt like it was great for that more intimate, quiet vibe.

The other one is Sandals Halcyon, located in St. Lucia. This resort is also on the smaller end of things, so there are just fewer people, and it has the longest pool in the Caribbean, so there are plenty of places along the way where you can just have your quiet little area all to yourself. I just think the demographic here is a little bit older and quieter. You know, we even had fun there; I remember one morning, we did water aerobics in the pool and had a great time. So, anyway, fun resort, but it is definitely on the quieter end. One other benefit is that you can still go 20 minutes in either direction to get to one of the other Sandals resorts to give a little variety to your stay.

Best Sandals Resort for Scuba

One amazing benefit of staying at a Sandals Resort is the scuba opportunities that they have. I didn’t do any of that; Dan did all that, so I’m going to let him talk about which resorts are best for scuba. 

Alright, so first, I’ll start with Jamaica, which is where I learned to do scuba diving, and the best resort there for scuba is Negril because it is the closest to a bunch of different dive sites, and they pick you up right from the beach, so you get there very quickly. Next is probably my favorite overall scuba, and that’s because I saw a shark, and that is at Sandals Grenada. Another place where I saw a ton of coral and fish like I was in an aquarium, was in Sandals Barbados. And then Sandals Grande St. Lucian as well was great. The one thing I would say about St. Lucia is only the Grand St. Lucian picks you up from the resort; for the other ones you have to take a shuttle to get to a dock to get picked up to go scuba diving. It was only 10 minutes, not a big deal, but just something to keep in mind.

Best Sandals Resort for Weddings

Okay, now let’s talk about the best resort for weddings. Sandals Montego Bay, is the OG Sandals Resort, and they have two beautiful options for your wedding. One, they have an over-the-water chapel, which truly is stunning. But they also have a more traditional Catholic chapel, which is unique to this resort. So, regardless of whether you are looking for that over-the-water experience or if you want a more traditional vibe, you have both of them there at Sandals Montego Bay. 

Sandals South Coast is another great option. They do have the over-water chapel there as well, and there’s a variety of price points at this resort. So, if you’re having a lot of people come with you, it will allow them to get something within their budget instead of like some of the other resorts where they don’t have that kind of lower end for the budget. So, I think that works great, and we just saw a lot of groups there having a lot of fun. There were a lot of options beyond the over-water chapel, like on the beach that people were taking advantage of.

And last, we have Sandals Grand St. Lucian. We saw a lot of groups here and some really beautiful weddings, so we know that this is popular for a lot of people. Plus, it is in stunning St. Lucia. Those Tetons are just iconic. So, if you’re going to choose a destination wedding with those beautiful iconic backgrounds, it’s a great spot.

Our Personal Favorite Sandals Resorts

So we kind of covered this in our overall most favorite Sandals Resorts, the ones that we recommend the most, but we did want to talk about our specific favorites because our favorites are different, and we thought that might be helpful to you. 

So, my (Michelle) favorite Sandal resort were Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia and Sandals Royal Barbados. Sandals La Toc is stunning. We had great service, and I was charmed and dazzled by the landscape of St. Lucia, so I enjoyed this resort. 

Sandals Royal Barbados, I enjoyed the food concepts there. I had my favorite beach, the pools were great, and it was so big that I felt like there was a lot for us to discover and explore. You know, we spent an evening bowling, which is not a thing that we usually do at all, but because it was available to us, we got to do it together. So, I enjoyed Sandals Royal Barbados.

My favorite Sandals Resort is Sandals Grenada. I just think it was the best overall, and it was my personal favorite for the beach. I felt like it had a really beautiful combination of landscaping and greenery and privacy, as well as a nice modern resort and a nice beach. So, overall, it’s just a really solid choice. And second would be Sandals Royal Curacao, and that just proves how important food is to me because that is where they shine.

Sandals Dunn’s River 

Prefer Video? Our YouTube video goes though our list of best Sandals Resorts.