Did you know there are 7 Sandals Resorts in Jamaica? You’ll first need to compare them and see which is the best Sandals Resort that suits you.
If you love beach vacations, you have probably heard of Sandals Resort. The name has come to be associated with tropical getaways, white sand beaches, honeymoons, and the height of luxury.
Between private beaches, gourmet dining, unlimited libations, a private golf course, private watersport lessons, their own private islands, and personal butler service, all included at a single price.
If you can’t pick just one, consider splitting your vacation between two resorts. Spend a few nights at one and check into another. We’ve stayed at all the properties, and this is what we typically have done.
We’ve put together an overview of the highlights for each location to help you decide which is the best Sandals in Jamaica for you.
Sandals Resorts Current Sales & An Additional 7% Off Current Specials
Best Sandals Resorts in Jamaica by Category
- Our Favorite – Sandals Negril
- Best Beach – Sandals Negril on the famous Seven Mile Beach
- Best Pools – Sandals Ochi
- Best Food – Sandals Royal Caribbean
- Best Overwater Bungalows in Jamaica – Sandals South Coast
- Closest to the Airport – Sandals Royal Caribbean
- Newest Sandals Resort – Sandals Dunn’s River
- Cheapest & Best Deals – Sandals Ochi & Sandals Negril
Which Sandals in Jamaica is the newest? Sandals Dunn’s River is the newest in Jamaica, as it recently had some additions and large renovations. The newest Sandals Resort is Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, which is still under construction.
Which Sandals is the biggest in Jamaica? The biggest Sandals in Jamaica is Sandals South Coast. It also has the largest swimming pool in Jamaica. Being that Sandals South Coast is one of the biggest Sandals properties, please note that it is very spread out. If you are looking for privacy and little hidden corners, this would be the place.
How many Sandals Resorts are in Jamaica? There are seven Sandals Resorts in Jamaica. Click here to learn more about each.
Are Sandals Resorts adults only? Yes, Sandals is an adults-only all-inclusive resort. All guests must be 18+ years old.
1. Sandals Negril
If you consider yourself a beach bum and you can’t get enough of the ocean, you’d probably love Sandals Negril Resort. Not only is it the closest resort to the water’s edge, but this location has been awarded an EarthCheck eco-certification thanks to its firm commitment to sustainability and preservation.
The first thing to love about Negril is that It’s located along a seven-mile-long stretch of powder-soft white sand, just literal steps away from the main building. So, when you decide to trade in the swimming pool for the calm, crystal water of the Caribbean Sea, you won’t have to go very far.
The beach is also a great spot for water sports, and this location is one of only three that offers waterskiing, snorkeling, and diving.
Because the resort is smaller, it has only four pools and fewer amenities, but with fewer hotel guests, it evens out. It has a more laid-back, bohemian feel, so you might enjoy Negril if you are a bit older and find that the raucous, lively party scene isn’t for you.
Negril also has something no other Sandals Resorts in Jamaica has: their newly unveiled two-story private villas. These come with private balconies, ground-level patios, and an outdoor soaker tub for two. There is also butler service and an ocean view from every suite, two things that take it to the next level.
Other lavish amenities at Negril include unlimited dining & drinks at any of their seven restaurants and five bars (one of which is a swim-up bar). If you’re curious about the menu, their various dining options include Asian fusion, Italian, seafood, and traditional Caribbean cuisine.
Sandals Negril is the first Sandals resort we have ever visited. We love Negril and Seven Mile Beach. We got married on Seven Mile Beach. We love the beach, the town. There are so many things to do in Negril we have been back six times.
A few things to note are that the main pool at Sandals Negril is very small compared to other Jamaica Sandals Resorts, and overall the property is smaller. Smaller is good in some ways, but your dining and some other amenities are limited. But if you want to stay at the best beach in Jamaica with great ocean views, Sandals Negril is the place.
Another perk is Sandals guests can walk to Beaches Negril. They have full exchange privileges there and can dine at any of the restaurants at Beaches Negril and use their large pool. We did this on our last visit; we had two of our meals over at Beaches Negril, and when we walked down Seven Mile Beach, we stopped in for a few drinks.
We recently traveled to Jamaica with our kids and stayed at the Beaches Negril Resort. It was amazing, as expected. Our kids loved it!
We think Sandals Negril is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica, but that is partially due to our love for Negril.
Click here for current Sandals Negril specials and the best rates.
2. Sandals Ochi
Take the day to relax at the spa or by your private pool and let loose at night. The Ochi location is the chameleon of the bunch, and at this location, you get the best of both worlds when it comes to quiet and excitement.
At over 100 acres in size, Sandals Ochi is the largest Sandals Resort, and it’s got tons of space to escape. It’s a leading example of a truly private and serene environment. Meanwhile, the other side of the resort is full of activity.
This truly is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica for those who would consider themselves the life of the party but need a quiet moment here and there. If you have been to Sandals Grande St. Lucian and love it there, then Sandals Ochi is for you.
With over 100 pools, 22 hot tubs, and even a separate pool for scuba diving instruction. There are 16 trendy restaurants and 11 bars, all of which are included. Bonus: if you can locate the secret door and give the password, you’ll get to experience The Rabbit Hole, a ’20s-themed speakeasy and the first in the Caribbean. It is our favorite bar in the entire Sandals brand. If you are a golfer, make sure to check out the nearby Sandals golf course, which is included.
If you were hoping to check out Dunn’s River Falls, it is super easy to visit from Sandals Ochi. If you want to visit some of the other waterfalls in Jamaica, you’ll have to venture out further.
Another perk is the Ochi Beach Club, an exclusive club right on the sand where you can relax in the sun during the day and let loose in the evening with a couple of drinks. There’s a beachside pool, a swim-up bar, and even a mechanical bull. The club does dance parties, has a live DJ, and even does its own version of the traditional J’ouvert festival, a carnival-style party exploding with color.
You’ve got options for your room style. For ultimate tranquility, choose one of the 98 hillside villas, each with a personal butler and private pools. If you want to socialize and take advantage of the proximity to two large pools and five restaurants, there are plenty of equally luxurious rooms in the 18th-century-style Great House.
Ocho Rios was the second property we ever visited. We love the vibe here; there is always something going on, and they have some amazing restaurants.
We enjoy having sushi at Soy, sitting at the swim-up bar at the main pool, drinks at the Rabbit Hole, and 24-hour room service for lazy mornings. My husband likes to join the scuba divers for at least one day.
Click here for the current Sandals Ochi specials and rates.
3. Sandals South Coast
The Sandals South Coast branch is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica when it comes to sports and activities. There’s more to do here than at any other location, and you still get all the same resort perks, like unlimited dining and drinks. Plus, unique, once-in-a-lifetime accommodations you will never forget.
The resort is located within a 500-acre nature reserve and perfectly situated along a two-mile stretch of unspoiled white sand beach. Find your ultimate zen basking on the warm sand, taking a dip in the ocean (or one of the resort’s three pools), or reading a book under the swaying leaves of an almond tree.
There’s a pretty long list of things to do at the South Coast Sandals, and if you’re into watersports, this is a great place for you. Learn to scuba dive from PADI-certified instructors, grab a racket for a game of tennis (day or night), go waterskiing or snorkeling, or borrow paddleboards and kayaks to get out and explore the calm surrounding coastline waters.
South Coast has nine award-winning restaurants to choose from. Fresh seafood leads the pack, with Neptune’s and Schooners serving up Mediterranean-style seafood, while Sushi on the Sand offers up mouthwatering, freshly prepared sashimi and rolls right on the sand. They also have a Parisian-style café and two restaurants serving Caribbean cuisine.
If you are planning a wedding in Jamaica, there is an over-water chapel too. If you aren’t getting married, make sure to pack some fun dresses for some great photo ops. One of our favorite spots was Latitudes overwater bar. They have hammocks over the water you can lounge in. It is a great spot to watch the sunset in Jamaica.
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Another one of the selling points of the South Coast Sandals is definitely the luxurious overwater bungalows in Jamaica. There are 12 total Tahiti-style bungalows, making for a very exclusive experience, perfectly positioned above the clear blue water below.
They come with partial glass floors, private patios with a soaker tub for two, and over-water hammocks to relax above the clear blue waters without getting wet. Combined with the spa-grade bathroom, the overwater bungalows are the best Jamaican resort experience you could possibly ask for.
If you are planning a Jamaica honeymoon and are looking for an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica that has all the amenities and gives you privacy, Sandals South Coast is perfect.
We stayed in the overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast when they first opened up. We have stayed in all the Sandals overwater bungalows, and the overwater bungalows at South Coast are the most private.
There isn’t much boat traffic, and it is further from the rest of the main property, so if you are looking for an intimate experience, you would want to do these overwater bungalows in Jamaica.
Click here for current Sandals South Coast specials and the best rates.
4. Sandals Royal Caribbean
The Sandals Royal Caribbean location is definitely a visually stunning resort. With a wide variety of cultures reflected in its design, from Balinese to colonial-style to oriental, this location knows a thing or two about relaxation but has its fair share of exciting nightlife.
British cultural classics like afternoon tea and croquet meet exotic touches like peacocks and blooming wildflowers in the most beautiful gardens. Here, two different kinds of vacations — peaceful and a little wild — come together for an unforgettable stay.
Lots of repeat guests say Sandals Royal Caribbean is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica because of this.
For dining, you have a ton of options. Choose between a staggering 21 different restaurants and 6 bars (including two British-style pubs), all with unlimited dining and drinks. Or, grab a drink at the swim-up pool bar located in one of the resort’s seven main pools.
Without a doubt, the best thing about the Royal Caribbean is the off-shore private island, available for the exclusive use of Sandals guests.
It’s more than just a tropical island and feels like having two resorts in one. It’s just a two-minute ride away via a complimentary dragon boat and has a few notable highlights: a freshwater pool with a swim-up bar, a delectable Thai restaurant, private cabana massages by the Red Lane Spa, and the Sandals in-house spa service.
The island also has a riveting nightlife that includes tropical cocktail parties, live performances including fire dancers, and reggae music in the afternoons while you stroll along the beach with a glass of Jamaican rum in hand.
Another perk of staying at the Royal Caribbean is that you get to enjoy all the amenities not just here but at the nearby Montego Bay resort as well, with all transport included. There’s double the amount of amenities to explore when you stay at the Royal Caribbean.
We have stayed at this resort, too, and the only downfall is that it is rather close to Sangster International Airport, so you do see and hear the airplanes. To some, this is no big deal. Some people love this because the free shuttle ride is quick and easy, as opposed to going to Negril/Ochi, which is over an hour.
We stayed in an overwater bungalow (OWB), not the one with the infinity private plunge pools, which again makes for an amazing experience. To get these overwater bungalows in Jamaica, you have to take a private water taxi for OWB guests.
Click here for current Sandals Royal Caribbean specials and the best rates.
5. Sandals Montego Bay
The Montego Bay location is the Sandals that started it all. The very first Sandals Resort property in the chain, it has only gotten better with time and is still considered one of the best Sandals Resorts. And there are more than a few reasons to choose this location for your romantic getaway.
The white sand beach, one of Jamaica’s most exclusive and private beaches, is definitely one of the selling points. The soft white sand meets the bluest water you’ve ever seen, and the surf remains calm thanks to a reef that keeps strong waves at bay. It feels as gentle as a swimming pool, but with the refreshing salt and spray you can only get from the ocean.
Enjoy unlimited exquisite cuisine from 12 restaurants, including spicy wok-style Asian fusion, perfectly seared steak and seafood, and flavorful Italian dishes. There are also six bars, including a swim-up bar for those moments when you don’t want to let your daily swim get in the way of a refreshing drink.
And don’t miss Latitudes, Montego Bay’s newest addition to the dining scene: an over-water gazebo bar perched over the Caribbean Sea and connected to the island via boardwalk. This is the place to get an amazing rum cocktail or try a cold bottle of Jamaica’s best-selling beer, Red Stripe.
You get quite the choice of suites, too. Pick between swim-up suites connected via a huge pool, exclusive beachfront suites in the Palms building (just steps from the sand), or private beachfront villas with butler service included.
If you want to explore the island, it’s easier than ever to book tours and excursions since Island Routes has an office right in the main lobby. Not only can you experience all these spots, but guests at Montego Bay also get free access to all the amenities at the nearby Royal Caribbean Sandals.
On our last visit to Jamaica, we stayed here in one of the new Millionaire Butler Suites at the end of the property. It was the perfect place for our stay. It was nice and quiet on that end. Try to book the candle-lit dinner on the beach for an additional cost. We have done this many times and enjoyed it every time.
Click here for current Sandals Montego Bay specials and the best rates.
Related Article: Sandals Royal Barbados Everything you NEED to Know
6. Sandals Royal Plantation
Last but never least is the Sandals Royal Plantation resort. This is probably the most intimate and tranquil of them all, with just 74 oceanfront suites, each with butler service. This location is known for its elevated, retro-chic vibe that once hosted literary icons like Ian Fleming, and it has retained the air of exclusivity.
Each room has an oversized private balcony, a personal butler, and a unique interior design that gives fresh elegance to the classic island style. Being perched on a coral bluff gives all rooms unmatched views of the white sand beach and crystal blue waters.
Can you imagine a better way to wake up than with this view? The butler service also extends beyond the room — imagine being handed an ice-cold cocktail on the private cove beach or on the deck of the resort’s two pools.
The Royal Plantation is also one of the best Jamaican resorts for golf, and guests here have included access to the Sandals Golf & Country Club. The full 18-hole course sits high above sea level right on the coast, with stunning views and fresh sea air.
Like every Sandals resort, award-winning dining takes the experience to the next level. There are five restaurants at Royal Plantation, and guests can enjoy exquisite French delicacies, casual cafés, and a laid-back gastropub. And you can’t miss one of Royal Plantation’s top-selling features: the C-Bar, Jamaica’s only champagne and caviar bar that employs a full-time sommelier to take you through exclusive tastings.
Each property is different and has its own resort experiences. It’s hard to pick which is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica for you, and honestly, they are all great. No matter where you end up, we know you’ll have a great time. Safe travels!
Click here for current Sandals Royal Plantation specials and the best rates.
7. Sandals Dunn’s River – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Sandals Dunn’s River opened in 2023, and we can’t wait to check into the brand-new Coyaba Sky Rondovalsm pictured above. These rooms look GORGEOUS.
If you are a foodie, this may be the resort for you. There are 12 restaurants at Sandals Dunn’s River, many of which are new to the brand, including international cuisines like Greek, Asian fusion, French, Jamaican, Central & South American dishes, and more.
What Makes Sandals Resort Different?
Sandals Resorts are designed to cater to your every need and desire. It’s also an adults-only, couples-only hotel chain, meaning your stay will be blissful and romantic. Traveling as a family is nice, but something must be said for a couples-only escape.
There are 17 Sandals Resorts across the Caribbean islands, but the chain is originally based in Jamaica and still operates seven Sandals Resorts in Jamaica across the island.
They might be a chain, but they are all different and unique in their own way! Some are smaller and quieter, perfect for a low-key vacation, while others are lively and great for those who love a party. It’s up to you which kind of vacation you’re looking for!
Because of this, you might have a hard time deciding which is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica to choose from. With each resort having its own highlights that make it stand out from the others, it can be tough to decide which beach resort to go for.
Book now as the Save Big Sale is going on! Click here to take advantage of the rates.
Do you love Sandals Resorts like we do? If so, which resort is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica?
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