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The Best Sandals Resorts For Every Traveler


Choosing the best Sandals Resorts is an almost impossible task – all 15 have so much going for them: idyllic beaches, where you can stroll along the picture-perfect sands and dip your toes in the crystal blue sea, amazing restaurants, bars serving premium brand drinks, pools, whirlpools, spas, golfing greens — the list goes on!


We just can’t choose an overall winner from the best Sandals resorts on offer – but we can tell you what makes each Sandals Resort special. That way you can pick which resort fits the vacation you’re looking for.


Are Sandals Resorts open with COVID-19?

Yes, but not all Sandals Resorts are currently open due to COVID-19. See opening dates below by resort.


Free COVID-19 Testing:

Now that the US requires a negative test to fly back, Sandals Resorts will be providing all guests free COVID-19 tests on the property prior to your departure. Please make sure to check the latest COVID-19 travel guidelines for the country you are traveling to and the current requirements to enter back into your home country.


There are 15 different Sandals Resort properties, with 3 new Sandals Resorts in progress.

  1. Sandals Montego Bay – Montego Bay, Jamaica

  2. Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay, Jamaica

  3. Sandals Negril – Negril, Jamaica

  4. Sandals Ochi -Ocho Rios, Jamaica

  5. Sandals Royal Plantation – Ocho Rios, Jamaica

  6. Sandals South Coast – Whitehouse, Jamaica

  7. Sandals Grande St. Lucian – Gros-Islet, St Lucia

  8. Sandals Halcyon Beach – Castries, St Lucia

  9. Sandals Regency La Toc – Castries, St Lucia

  10. Sandals Grande Antigua – St. John’s, Antigua

  11. Sandals Emerald Bay – Great Exuma, Bahamas

  12. Sandals Royal Bahamian – Nassau, Bahamas - Re-opening November 4, 2021

  13. Sandals Barbados – St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados

  14. Sandals Royal Barbados – St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados

  15. Sandals Grenada – St. George’s, Grenada

  16. Sandals Curacao – RENOVATION IN PROGRESS, OPENING DATE NOT SET

  17. Sandals Dunn’s River – RENOVATION IN PROGRESS, OPENING DATE NOT SET

  18. Sandals Royal Dunns’ River – RENOVATION IN PROGRESS, OPENING DATE NOT SET

What was the first Sandals Location?

Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica was the first-ever Sandals Resort in 1981.


Are Sandals Resorts Adults Only?

Yes, Sandals Resorts are 18+ only. If you are hoping to bring the kids check out Beaches Resorts which is part of the Sandals family of resorts.


What Countries are Sandals Resorts Located In?

Sandals is a Jamaican company that initially just had properties in Jamaica but in 1991 it opened up Sandals Antigua its first property outside of Jamaica. They have been expanding ever since and now are in six countries.

  1. Jamaica

  2. Antigua

  3. Bahamas

  4. Barbados

  5. Saint Lucia

  6. Grenada

What is the newest Sandals Resort?

Sandals Royal Barbados is the newest property opened in 2017 which is an all-suite property with only concierge and butler suites.

When you stay at Sandals Royal Barbados you can experience two Sandals properties as Sandals Barbados is just next door and you will find yourself walking between both properties all the time. If you like newer rooms with all the latest amenities and design then choose Sandals Royal Barbados.


Where are the over the water bungalows located?

If staying in an overwater bungalow in the Caribbean is on your bucket list don’t worry Sandals has three properties with overwater bungalows. The first overwater bungalows were at Sandals Royal Caribbean located on their own private island. Sandals have since added overwater bungalows to Sandals St. Grande St Lucian and Sandals South Coast.


Best Beach

Sandals Negril – This is the perfect place for beach lovers, with a prime spot on the seven-mile-long sands. In an exotic setting in Negril, Jamaica, this resort has a chilled-out ambiance and, without a doubt, it’s one of the best Sandals resorts in the Caribbean. It also has impressive eco-friendly credentials, winning a Green Global Award for its efforts. The building has been created to fit in with the glorious setting; it sits below the swaying palms rather than towering above.


There are four pools to choose from or take time out in one of three whirlpools. You will also find five bars and seven restaurants, each offering delightful fare. If you love long walks on the beach Sandals Negril is for you, it’s located at the end of Seven Mile Beach where you could spend the entire day walking the beach or checking out some of the fun things to do in Negril.


Best Scenic Views

Sandals Grande St Lucian – The resort is located in Gros-Islet, St Lucia, and with its stunning views — mountains, ocean, and the far-flung shores of Martinique — it’s a picturesque setting.


The resort is set on its own peninsula and there’s plenty going on, with six bars on offer (one of which is a British pub), twelve restaurants, and five pools. You can also try out one of the whirlpools; there are four dotted around the resort. If you like to get as close to the ocean as possible, stay in one of the bungalows perched above the water.


Best for Party People

Sandals Montego Bay – Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this was the original Sandals resort and it’s perfect for those that like to party. It’s had a bit of a makeover in recent times, and now you will find a great choice of accommodation, suites you can swim-up to, romantic rooms, and suites that have butler service included! All very stylish and guaranteed to make your holiday special.


Enjoy dinner in one of the nine restaurants or sip a cocktail or seven in one of the four bars (including a British pub). You can also swim in one of the six pools and relax in one of the three whirlpools.


Best Luxury Resort

Sandals Barbados – Irrefutable luxury greets you at Sandals Barbados, which can be found in St Lawrence Gap, Barbados. This is one of the best Sandals resorts for those who enjoy gourmet cuisine; there are eleven restaurants to choose from, including an Indian eatery.


This place has a romantic ambiance and lively nightlife. Stay in one of the swim-up suites and dip in and out of the largest lagoon pool in Barbados. There are three pools to swim in and there’s also a couple of whirlpools. Prefer the motion of the ocean? Then you’re in luck, as you are right on top of Dover Beach one of the best beaches in Barbados. End your day with a cool drink in one of the seven bars!


Best for Spa Lovers

Sandals Royal Bahamian – History, culture, and a hint of the exotic — you’ll find it all here at this resort in Nassau, Bahamas. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a regal retreat in a stylish setting. The resort is located on the best beach in Nassau, so if sun, sand, and surf are your things, this is one of the best Sandals resorts to visit.


When you’re not lounging on the picture-perfect sands, you can swim in one of seven pools (some are cleverly hidden away) or relax in one of six whirlpools. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa. If you’re feeling peckish take your pick from ten restaurants. There are also eight bars to choose from and one is a British pub!


Best Outdoor Spaces

Sandals South Coast – This wonderful resort is located in Whitehouse, Jamaica, and if you adore sea and surf, this is the place for you. Sleep in one of the bungalows perched above the water and look out across the waves — all accommodation here overlooks the beach and sea.

You can sip a cocktail in the bar that also overlooks the water, and you can even get married in a wedding chapel that sits over the waves! Oh, did we mention that the resort has the biggest pool in Jamaica? There are four pools in total and four whirlpools here too. Still, want more? Tuck into great grub at one of the eight restaurants, before heading for drinks; there are seven fully-stocked bars to choose from.


It’s also super close to the famous Pelican Bar which is a thatched roof bar in the middle of the ocean, it’s the coolest bar in the world! Sandals South Coast has catamaran trips out to the bar several times a week!


Most Romantic Getaway

Sandals Grande Antigua – If love is in the air, then this is one of the best Sandals resorts for you. Based in St John’s, Antigua (on Dickenson Bay — one of the best beaches in Antigua), it’s received accolades for being a fantastic resort for honeymooners.


Take a dip in one of the six pools or chill-out in one of the six whirlpools. You get to dine in style (there are eleven restaurants) and drink premium spirits (in one of the seven bars) to your heart’s content. There’s even a British Pub on site!


Best Nightlife

Sandals Ochi – If you are seeking energy and want to feel the pulse of Jamaica, this Sandals resort in Ocho Rios is a great place to stay. It’s got a hip, on-trend vibe and sits in just over 100 acres of lush vegetation.


Accommodation-wise, you have a hard choice; will it the vibrant beach club which looks out over a half-mile stretch of white sands or the hideaway villas and estate perched on the hill? Wherever you decide to rest your head, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to facilities.


There’s an astounding one hundred and five swimming pools and twenty-two whirlpools! Add to this the sixteen restaurants waiting to dish up appetizing cuisine and eleven bars – including a speakeasy. If you like to get off the resort and explore make sure to check out Dunn’s River Falls which is really close to the resort. If that’s not enough, how about the chance to play golf as often as you like? Guests at Sandals Ochi are invited to play at the nearby Sandals Golf and Country Club.


Best for Relaxation

Sandals Halcyon Beach – Head to Castries in St Lucia and enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful resort. There are lush tropical gardens and cute as a button cottages sitting below swaying palms; no high-rises to spoil the stunning vistas here!

Pull up a chair in one of six restaurants or order your tipple of choice at one of the seven bars — this place has a British pub too!


For the Honeymooners

Sandals Royal Caribbean – Head to Montego Bay in Jamaica and enjoy a stay here. The resort gives a nod to English pastimes of old when high tea was served and croquet enthusiastically played. Peacocks meander around the landscaped grounds as you sit back and sip your cup of expertly poured brew.


Old mixes with new here, in the shape of innovative suites that you can swim up to and suites that sit over the sea. You can dine in one of the eight restaurants or enjoy a drink in one of the five bars (including a British pub).


What about the secret surprise? The resort has its very own private island; it’s designed with romance in mind — there’s an idyllic hidden beach, a swim-up bar, and a Thai restaurant!



Sixteen beautiful Sandals resorts await you – the only question is, which one will you choose? Each and every one offers unparalleled luxury and a fully-inclusive experience. Just don’t ask us how you will decide on which one to visit – they are all amazing. Grab your flip-flops and your shades and head for some serious fun in the sun. Bon Voyage!


For a FREE quote, contact your previous Pixie Planner or click the link below:


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