Sandals & Beaches Jamaica Blog By Amy

I have just returned from the most amazing week in Jamaica. I was very grateful to have been on such a great trip hosted by the Caribbean’s leading hotel chain, Sandals & Beaches.

Just a little insight into the difference between these hotels and why they are the favourites in the Caribbean.

Sandals is adults-only; no one under 18 is permitted to stay in the hotel, with the exception of weddings, where a child may attend solely to witness the service. So, if you want to escape kids’ entertainment and clubs, these are the hotels for you.

Beaches, on the other hand, is all about the children, and the crèche even accepts newborn babies should you want a sitter. Think pirate waterparks, frozen yoghurt topped with red velvet cake, carnival parades on resort—your kids will be entertained day and night, and Beaches has you covered.

Sandals & Beaches as a brand offer so much more. And do you know what sold the brand to me the most? No tipping – this is big in the Caribbean, and off-site I saw it heavily expected. On-site, unless it’s a personal butler or a spa therapist providing a treatment, tipping is not permitted. Staff can be dismissed if caught accepting unauthorised tips. The staff at all resorts were so friendly – they never walked past without acknowledging you. I noticed this everywhere around the resort, not just because I was an agent.

The gym is available 24 hours a day in all resorts. Land sports such as tennis, pickleball, basketball, and giant-sized chess are all available, with equipment provided free of charge.

At breakfast, you can dine at the buffet or à la carte. Lunch is buffet-style, and for evening meals, you can choose from a variety of speciality restaurants depending on the resort. In my week, I enjoyed Italian, Asian, Thai, French, Greek, and Southern American cuisine. Some restaurants require reservations, while others allow walk-ins at your preferred time – always check this on arrival or book via the app two weeks before travel.

Drinks include all premium brands, except rosé wine, which can be difficult to import into the Caribbean. The watersports available depend on your resort. Due to coral reefs, some beaches cannot offer motorised watersports. In general, though, activities like glass-bottom boat rides, kayaking, paddle boarding, water tubing, Hobie Cats, snorkelling, and diving are included in your all-inclusive package.

For diving, you need a valid, in-date PADI certificate to go out to sea. You cannot dive on the day of arrival or departure. If you are not certified, you can take a course there, though it won’t qualify you as a PADI diver. You can also take lessons to drive a Hobie Cat, either solo or with a driver. Some water activities need to be pre-booked, while others allow walk-ins.

Some hotels are close enough to each other to allow a “stay at 1, play at 2” experience – more pools, beaches, restaurants, and entertainment. A shuttle bus runs daily and in the evening so you can enjoy both resorts. There's also a golf course in Jamaica and St Lucia, where staying at certain resorts grants access to transport and green fees.

You can take your own golf clubs, or hire them along with golf shoes and buggies.

All rooms at Sandals & Beaches fall into three categories: Luxury Level, Club Level, and Butler Suites. Definitely check the price difference between Luxury and Club, as upgrades can be as little as £35 per person and come with added benefits.

All rooms include a stocked minibar (refilled during your stay), daily housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and room service during specific hours. Club Level upgrades include a robe (children’s robes for Beaches guests too), a separate check-in desk, and more. Note: Robes are hotel property and can be purchased at the Red Lane Spa if you want to take one home.

Butler Suites include a personal butler who can reserve your sunbeds, unpack and repack your case, do your ironing, escort you to dining reservations, run a bath – they do everything (as long as it’s legal and professional!). You’ll have a phone to reach them anytime.

Weddings

All Sandals resorts and the golf course accept wedding bookings. There are various wedding packages, and every little detail is taken care of. Whether you want a chapel, garden, beach, over-the-water, or sunset wedding, you won’t be disappointed.

Resort Highlights

Sandals South CoastI stayed 3 nights at this beautiful, modern resort, about 1.5 hours from Montego Bay airport. It’s beachfront and offers both motorised and non-motorised watersports. One of only two Caribbean resorts with overwater bungalows, the views are everything. Every room faces the ocean, a great bonus. It has 9 speciality restaurants and 7 bars. I stayed in a Club Level room – the huge shower and balcony bath (with curtains for privacy) were great touches.

Sandals Negril Set on the famous 7-Mile Beach, this smaller resort has 8 restaurants, 5 bars, 4 pools, and 3 whirlpools. While the pool area is smaller, it’s full of life with music and dancing. A lovely barefoot bar & restaurant is right on the beach. Transfers from Montego Bay take 75–90 minutes.

Sandals Montego BayThe original Sandals hotel is my favourite. Just 5 minutes from the airport. Though you see and hear planes, it didn’t bother me. The views when you walk in are breathtaking. It has 12 restaurants, 6 bars, 7 pools, and 3 whirlpools. You can also use facilities at nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Only 15 minutes from the airport. Perfect if you prefer pools to beaches and don’t want a long transfer. Overwater bungalows (some with private pools) and a private island accessible by boat. The beach is more of a cove— small but lovely. 9 restaurants, 5 bars (including an English pub), 8 pools, and 6 whirlpools. I stayed in a swim-up Club Level room right by the bar – perfect!

Sandals Ochi The biggest Sandals resort in Jamaica, set across three areas. Whether you want to relax or party, you’ll find the right vibe. Some rooms look like detached houses! It has 16 restaurants, 11 bars, 5 pools, 22 Whirlpools, and golf transfers. UK’s most popular Sandals resort. About 90 minutes from Montego Bay and close to many attractions.

Sandals Royal Plantation The smallest Sandals resort, luxurious and cosy. Every room includes a butler suite. It has 2 private cove beaches, 5 restaurants, 2 bars, 2 pools, and 1 whirlpool. Guests have access to Sandals Ochi (excluding rooms). Transport is provided to the golf course.

Sandals Dunn’s RiverI spent 3 nights here. Everything is conveniently located—the beach and pool are steps apart. Dunn’s River Falls runs into the hotel and is just 6 minutes away. Climb the 180ft high, 600ft wide waterfall if you’re feeling adventurous! The resort has 12 restaurants, 9 bars, 5 pools, and 2 river pools. Free golf transfers. If you love rum, check out the on-site rum club!

Sandals Golf – Upton Estate Golf & Country Club Located in Ocho Rios. Transfers from Sandals Ochi, Royal Plantation, and Dunn’s River. Green fees included. 18-hole course with 3 tee sets. Private lessons are available at extra cost. You can hire everything or bring your own.

Beaches Negril The ultimate family resort in the Caribbean. Meet Sesame Street characters, enjoy story time with Elmo, cook with Cookie Monster, join beach parties, and indulge in frozen yoghurt and takeaway pizza. Located on the 7-Mile Beach with 11 restaurants, 5 bars, 3 pools, and 3 whirlpools. The spa offers mummy-daughter “Queen Bee” packages and dad-and-son “Dude” packages. About 90 minutes from Montego Bay airport—a luxury family paradise.

For more information please head over to my Facebook page:

Facebook

or send me an email: Amym@allabouttravel.co.uk