Sandals Resorts
Everything you need to know about Sandals - all 17 resorts across eight Caribbean islands, the room levels, what's actually included, and how to pick the right one. From Derek, your Sandals specialist.
Why Sandals?
Seventeen resorts across eight Caribbean islands. Adults-only, all-inclusive, and couples-focused. Sandals has spent 40 years perfecting the romantic Caribbean vacation, and it shows in the details: premium liquors at every bar, scuba diving included for certified divers, airport transfers handled, and dining that ranges from beachfront jerk shacks to white-tablecloth French restaurants. No wristbands.
No "premium tier" upcharges. No kids.
Find Your Island
Jamaica - The Heart of Sandals (7 Resorts)
The original and still the most versatile. Seven resorts covering every vibe from party (Ochi) to whisper (Royal Plantation). The "Stay at 1, Play at All" exchange program gives you access to every Sandals in Jamaica - 7 resorts, 50+ restaurants. Home to two of the three overwater bungalow locations. Best for couples who want variety, culture, and effortless Jamaican warmth.
Sandals Dunn's River - The comeback story. This Ocho Rios classic reopened in May 2023 after a full reimagination - 12 restaurants, 9 bars, and a chain of pools that flow down the property like its namesake falls. It's Jamaica's first home to SkyPool Suites, and the Coyaba Sky Rondoval Villas come with rooftop stargazing. Green fees at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club are included. Best for couples who want boutique energy with Ochi's full playground just down the road.
The Pitons. The rainforest. The overwater bungalows facing one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Caribbean. Three resorts with the "Stay at 1, Play at 3" exchange. Halcyon Beach is the garden hideaway, La Toc is the cliffside stunner, Grande St. Lucian is the peninsula paradise with Piton views. Best for couples who want scenery that stops conversations.
Saint Lucia - The Romantic Capital (3 Resorts)
Barbados - The Polished Choice (2 Resorts)
Two side-by-side resorts (stay at one, play at both) with 27 restaurants between them. Barbados brings a refined, British-influenced energy - the best dining in the Caribbean, world-class rum, and calm west-coast beaches. Sandals Royal Barbados has rooftop infinity pool suites. Best for couples who love food and appreciate polish.
Sandals Grande Antigua was voted "World's Most Romantic Resort." Three hundred and sixty-five beaches on one island. The water clarity here will recalibrate your standards. Best for couples whose #1 priority is sand quality and turquoise water.
Antigua - The Beach Lover's Paradise (1 Resort)
The Bahamas - The Quick Escape (1 Resort)
Sandals Royal Bahamian just got a major renovation. Private offshore island. Closest Caribbean destination to the East Coast - leave your house at 6am, on the beach by noon. Best for couples who want maximum beach time with minimal travel friction.
Opened in 2022 as Sandals' first Dutch Caribbean property. Modern, fresh design. A spectacular infinity pool. Willemstad - a UNESCO World Heritage city with pastel Dutch architecture - is nearby for exploring. Best for couples who want equal parts resort and real-world discovery.
Curaçao - The New Guard (1 Resort)
Grenada - The Hidden Gem (1 Resort)
The SkyPool Suites - private infinity pools cantilevered over the resort. Some of the most inventive architecture in the portfolio. Known as the "Spice Island" with incredible local food and a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path energy. Best for couples who want something different from the classic rotation.
Sandals' newest resort opened in 2026 at Buccament Bay on mainland St. Vincent - 301 rooms across 50 acres, with a laid-back energy and the friendliest local welcome in the eastern Caribbean. The volcano, La Soufrière, is the island's dramatic backdrop. A collection of 20 Rondoval Butler Villas with private pools arrives November 1, 2026 - three of them with private rooftop terraces. Best for couples who love being first.
St. Vincent - The Brand-New Kid
The Room Levels
Luxury Level
The foundation. Comfortable, well-appointed rooms starting around $250/person/night. Best for couples on a budget who'll spend most of their time outside the room.
Club Level
The sweet spot. Better views, upgraded mini-bar, Club Sandals concierge for reservations and excursions. Best for couples who want a step up without the butler premium.
Butler Level
The experience upgrade. A personal butler handles everything: dinner reservations, beach chairs, unpacking, surprise romantic gestures. Best for milestone trips where details matter.
Overwater Bungalows
The ultimate. At Royal Caribbean, South Coast, and Grande St. Lucian. Glass floor panels, soaking tubs, overwater hammocks, Butler Elite service.
What's Included (The Real Value)
I did the math for a typical 7-night stay. Here's what Sandals includes that other resorts charge for:
- Premium liquors & unlimited dining: $800–1,200
- Scuba diving (certified divers): $500–800
- Airport transfers: $150–300
- Water sports & activities: $200–400
- Golf (select resorts): $300–600
- Wi-Fi & tips: $200–300
Total included value: $2,150–3,600 per couple per week. When you factor that in, the nightly rate often beats à la carte alternatives.
Which Sandals Is Right for You?
| You Want… | Try… |
|---|---|
| Maximum variety, party + quiet | Sandals Ochi (Jamaica) |
| Intimate, all-butler, boutique | Sandals Royal Plantation (Jamaica) |
| Best beach in the portfolio | Sandals Negril or Grande Antigua |
| Overwater bungalow + Piton views | Sandals Grande St. Lucian |
| Rooftop infinity pool, modern luxury | Sandals Royal Barbados |
| Great golf included | Sandals La Toc (St. Lucia) |
| Something different | Sandals Royal Curaçao |
| The newest Sandals on the block | Sandals St. Vincent |
| Boutique vibe + golf + river pools | Sandals Dunn's River (Jamaica) |
Let's Find Your Sandals
The right Sandals isn't the one with the best marketing. It's the one that matches your version of romance - lazy or active, familiar or adventurous, barefoot or dressed for dinner. I'll help you sort through the options, the islands, and the rooms.