Every Sandals Resort has an idyllic beach, amazing restaurants, lively bars, pools, spas, and even included scuba diving – so how do you pick the Best Sandals Resort?
Well, the good news is you really can’t go wrong if you’re going to any of the 18 Sandals Resorts locations. However, some all inclusive resorts are just a little better than others, and small differences can make a big difference in your Sandals vacation.
When researching Caribbean vacation destinations for honeymoons, you will find all inclusive Sandals Resorts are often at the top of the list, with gorgeous resorts throughout the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts aren’t just for honeymoons. They are perfect for couples of all ages!
We have personally visited just about every Sandals Resort and stayed in most room types. With close to 100 nights of experience at Sandals locations, we will help you pick the best Sandals Resort for your next vacation!
Here is our shortlist of highest-rated Sandals Resorts that consists of the Sandals properties that tick the most boxes and are just a cut above, in our opinion.
These three top Sandals Resorts are the ones that we send our friends when they ask us which Sandals to visit. Each Sandals is guaranteed to be a magical vacation for honeymooners or those couples looking for a Caribbean vacation.
This Sandals Resort has it all! Beautiful beaches, secluded location, great restaurants, lively atmosphere, high-end room types, and stunning views of Pigeon Island Natl’ Park!
Perfect location right on Dickenson Bay Beach with calm turquoise waters, 6 pools, 11 great restaurants with warm & friendly staff!
Two resorts in one – With the best restaurants and entertainment in the Sandals Resort brand, plus an infinity pool overlooking a powder white sand beach!
Current Sandals Resorts Sale
Book now to take advantage of the current Sandals Resorts specials. These are some of the best rates for the year with some amazing freebies. You can combine it with current resort promotions. Resort specials vary by location and travel dates. Here are some of the current specials at Sandals Resorts:
- 1 Free night in select room categories
- Get up to $1,000 in booking credit
- Get a $400 resort credit to be used at the resort (spa, candlelight dinners, laundry, cabana, etc.)
- Get up to 65% off rack rates
- Plus, save an extra 7% off on top of all promotion
Click here to check rates for your preferred dates & Sandals Resort vacation packages.
What is the newest Sandals Resort?
Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened in March 2024, it is the newest Sandals Resort.
The other new properties to consider are Sandals Dunn’s River, opened in May 2023, and Sandals Royal Curacao, opened in June 2022.
Best Sandals Resorts Ranked
1. Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is set on its own peninsula, and there is always something going on. The resort is located in Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, with its stunning views of mountains, ocean, and the far-flung shores of Martinique – a picturesque setting.
We think Sandals Grande St Lucian is the best Sandals Resort because of the overall vibe and atmosphere at the resort. They have one of the best swim-up bars, and tons of other guests are there to have a good time and make new friends. This resort is one of the liveliest and has a fun party scene.
There is a nice beach, great views of Pigeon Island and Saint Lucia, and tons of great restaurant options. All of this and more is what keeps Sandals Grande St. Lucian at the top of our best Sandals Resort list.
If you are stuck on which of the three Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia. to stay it is good to know about the “Stay at One, Play at Three.” which means you can stay at any of the Sandals in St. Lucia and visit any of the other properties. Guests have full exchange privileges, meaning you can eat at the restaurants (a total of 27 dining options in St. Lucia), play golf at Sandals La Toc, check out the other pools and bars, etc. It is a good way to check out the other Saint Lucia properties, so you’ll know if you want to stay at a different property on your next trip.
If you like to get as close to the ocean as possible, stay in one of the overwater bungalows perched above the water. Make sure to watch our YouTube video from our stay in the overwater bungalows.
- 311 rooms on a 17-acre resort
- 12 restaurants & 6 bars
- 5 pools & 4 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Resorts Current Sales & An Additional 7% Off Current Specials
2. Sandals Grande Antigua – Best for Honeymooners
Sandals Grande Antigua is the best Sandals Resort for a honeymoon and one of our favorites for many reasons, but mostly for the beach and pools. If you are looking for a luxury romantic Caribbean, this is the best resort for you.
Sandals Antigua is in St John’s Antigua, right on Dickenson Bay, one of the best beaches in Antigua.
The resort Sandals Antigua is often referred to as the best Sandals Resort by repeat Sandals Resort guests. The resort has not only an epic beach but great restaurants, pools, and staff just round out the resort. We love to spend the morning walking the beach, then hitting up a few of the six pools, snorkeling, followed by eating at least three different restaurants a day. There is so much to choose from at Sandals Antigua.
- 373 rooms on a 27-acre resort
- 11 restaurants & 7 bars
- 6 pools & 6 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Grande Antigua
3. Sandals Barbados & Sandals Royal Barbados Best Luxury
When you stay at Sandals Royal Barbados or Sandals Barbados, you can experience both Sandals properties in one vacation. As both properties are literally combined, you will find yourself walking between both properties all the time.
They both are awesome, and it doesn’t matter which Sandals Resort in Barbados you stay at. We love them both and consider them one property. If you like newer suites with all the latest amenities and designs, choose Sandals Royal Barbados.
Exclusivity oozes from the pores of Royal Barbados, based in St Lawrence, Barbados. This resort will enchant you and keep you busy in equal measure. White sands framed by sparkling seas, subterranean caverns, and forests — this is a pretty special place to take a vacation.
The property grounds & dining options are what puts Sandals Barbados at the top of the best Sandals Resorts list. The resort has a rooftop pool for you to enjoy (which was usually empty), but if you’re feeling a little more active (and competitive), make your way to the bowling alley. Yes, there is a bowling alley and an ice bar. No other Sandals Resort has this!
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. Get out in teh Caribbean and go snorkeling or try scuba diving!
Are you a foodie? This is one of the best Sandals Resorts for those who enjoy gourmet cuisine. There are eleven restaurants to choose from, including an Indian restaurant. This was our personal favorite restaurant and one of the best meals we’ve ever had at an all inclusive resort. We’ve been to India, and the garlic naan and butter chicken tasted straight out of India.
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. Our favorite bar was the Merry Monkey. They have a great beer selection.
If you would like to get off the resort for a day or two, we suggest renting a car and exploring the island on your vacation. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Barbados.
Sandals Royal Barbados Facts
- 338 rooms on an 18-acre resort
- 9 restaurants & 6 bars
- 6 pools & 6 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Barbados Facts
- 280 rooms
- 11 restaurants & 8 bars
- 8 pools & 4 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Barbados
Related Article: Best Beaches Turks & Caicos Restaurants
4. Sandals Grenada
Grenada is known as “the island of spice,” and that it is. This exotic island paradise has it all—gorgeous beaches, perfect turquoise waters, good scuba diving, snorkeling, amazing views, and more. Most people think Grenada is harder to get to, but there are daily direct flights from Miami, NYC, Atlanta, and Toronto. So sooner than you know it, you’ll be in paradise on vacation.
Stay in one of the Skypool suites (our favorite room at Sandals Grenada) or the Rondoval suites with a private pool. There isn’t a bad room at the Sandals Grenada resort. It is small, but not too small where it is missing out amenities. Sandals Grenada has it all and is one of the highest rated Sandals Resorts for a honeymoon.
If you are looking to be pampered on an island getaway, Sandals Grenada will be a great pick. Recline on the sands of the exclusive Pink Gin Beach and let your troubles drift away.
- 257 rooms on a 17-acre resort
- 12 restaurants & 6 bars
- 3 pools & 2 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Grande Grenada
5. Sandals South Coast – Whitehouse, Jamaica
Sandals South Coast is located in Whitehouse, Jamaica, and was previously called Sandals Whitehouse. If you adore the sea and surf, this resort is your place. Sleep in one of the overwater bungalows perched above the water and look out across the waves — all accommodation here overlooks the beach and sea.
We stayed in an overwater bungalow at Sandals South Coast, and they are the best overwater bungalows in Jamaica. Sandals is the only resorts in Jamaica that offers overwater suites. Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean also offer overwater bungalows in Jamaica.
You can sip a cocktail in the bar that also overlooks the water, and you can even get married in the overwater wedding chapel that sits over the waves! Did we mention that the resort has the biggest pool in Jamaica? The South Seas Village has the longest swim-up pool in the Western Hemisphere at 1,000 ft long.
If you are on your honeymoon and looking for a quiet Caribbean resort with lots of areas where you can be alone and not on top of other people, this romantic resort is for you. If you love lively resorts, loud swim-up bar scenes, and like to make friends on vacation, your best Sandals vacation would be Sandals Ochi or Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
It’s also super close to the famous Pelican Bar, 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.
- 392 rooms on a 50-acre resort
- 9 restaurants & 7 bars
- 3 pools & 4 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals South Coast
6. Sandals Emerald Bay – Great Exuma Bahamas – CLOSED AUGUST 2025
There were two Sandals Bahamas properties, Sandals Emerald Bay, located in the Exumas and Sandals Royal Bahamian. Sandals Emerald Bay closed in August 2024 and is currently being renovating and will reopen as Beaches Exuma a all-inclusive family resort in the Bahamas.
A tour to visit the swimming bigs in the Bahamas is a must! Don’t forget to bring these guys some snacks. When we went, I didn’t bring enough food for the swimming pigs.
7. Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sandals Royal Caribbean is often referred to as the best Sandals Resort by guests because it is super easy to get to from the airport but beware, you will hear/see airplanes. Honestly, it won’t bother you and is still one of our top 10 Sandals Resorts. We stayed in one overwater bungalow. It never bothered us.
Peacocks meander around the landscaped grounds as you sit back and sip your cup of expertly poured Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee in the morning.
What about the secret surprise? Sandals Royal Caribbean has its very own private island. There’s an idyllic hidden beach, a swim-up bar, a Thai restaurant, and a deck leading out to the famous Sandals overwater bungalow rooms that form a heart. We stayed in them and loved everything about our stay. Our travel style while on vacation is never to leave our room if we don’t have to. The Sandals butlers make that possible!
- 232 rooms on a 15-acre resort
- 9 restaurants & 5 bars
- 7 pools & 5 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Royal Caribbean
The world’s best honeymoon resorts. Book now for an amazing 65% off at Sandals Resorts.
8. Sandals Negril – Negril, Jamaica
Sandals Negril is the perfect place for beach lovers, with a prime spot on the seven-mile-long beach. If you love long walks on the beach, Sandals Negril Resort is for you. It’s located at the end of Seven Mile Beach, where you could spend the entire day walking the beach.
This is the first Sandals Resort we visited. Part of the reason we love this resort so much is that Seven Mile Beach is one of our favorite beaches in the world and where we got married! It is one of the smaller properties and doesn’t have a ton of restaurants and pools, but we don’t care. The beach more than makes up for it, oh and the sunsets in this part of the Caribbean are amazing!
Guests have full exchange privileges with Beaches Negril, which is part of the Sandals brand. You can easily walk to Beaches Negril from Sandals Negril. Guests can eat at any 11 restaurants at Beaches Negril, check out the other pools and bars, watch the entertainment, go down the slides at the waterpark, etc. It is a good way to check out Beaches Negril and see if you’d like to return on a Jamaica family vacation with the kids next time.
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 for a honeymoon. 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.
- 226 rooms on a 12-acre resort
- 7 restaurants & 5 bars
- 3 pools & 3 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Negril
Related Article: Things to do in Jamaica
9. Sandals Royal Bahamian – Nassau, Bahamas
Sandals Bahamian was completely renovated, and it reopened in 2022. This renovated Sandals now offers new beachfront swim-up butler suites and club-level suites. This resort is on our bucket list, and we hope our next vacation is to Royal Bahamian.
Sandals Royal Bahamian has history, culture, and a hint of the exotic. You’ll find it all here at this resort in Nassau, Bahamas. You’ll love spending the day on Sandals Private Island, which is a half-mile away and just a quick water taxi ride away. If you are planning a destination wedding in the Bahamas, this would be the perfect spot!
Sandals Royal Bahamian 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.
- 404 rooms on a 15-acre resort
- 10 restaurants & 8 bars
- 7 pools & 6 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Royal Bahamian
10. Sandals Ochi – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
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. Every time we stay at Sandals Ochi, we meet a great group of people there to have a good time. The vibe is what keeps us coming back. It’s got a hip, on-trend vibe and sits on just over 100 acres of lush vegetation.
Accommodation-wise, you have a hard choice. Will it be the vibrant beach club that looks out over a half-mile stretch of white sands or the hideaway villas and estate perched on the hill? We have always stayed in the hideaway villas, but you should know you’ll have to take a shuttle down to the beach and another part of the property. Wherever you decide to rest your head, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to facilities.
There are an astounding 105 swimming pools and 22 whirlpools! Add to this the 16 restaurants waiting to dish up appetizing cuisine and 11 bars –including a speakeasy. We love the Rabbit Hole speakeasy at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. This is where you will find us most nights. The Rabbit Hole and the best swim-up bar are located up at the top by the hideaway villas, so if you plan on visiting those the most, staying in a suite up there might be the best.
If you like to get off the resort and explore, make sure to check out Dunn’s River Falls, which is 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, which is included and free.
If you are looking for a more affordable Sandals Resort, often it will be here at Sandals Ochi. This resort is often one of the cheapest Sandals Resorts in Jamaica due to the fact that there are over 500 rooms available. The resort was last updated in 2016, so if your travel style is more modern, this might not be the right resort for you.
- 519 rooms on a 100-acre resort
- 16 restaurants & 11 bars
- 105 pools & 6 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Ochi
11. Sandals Regency La Toc – Castries, St. Lucia
Sandals Regency La Toc is located in Castries, St Lucia. Sandals Regency La Toc is opulent and chic, complete with a top-of-the-range golf course and gourmet cuisine. Golf lovers will love spending the morning golfing on the 9-hole Sandals La Toc golf course.
There’s a beautiful beach with stunning coral, and the backdrop is just as pretty – green and lush. Stay in a villa facing out to the ocean or one located in a picturesque village. Swim in the three pools or laze in a whirlpool (there are four in total).
Don’t forget about the “Stay at One, Play at Three.” This basically means you can stay at any of the Sandals in St. Lucia and visit any of the other properties. Guests have full exchange privileges, meaning that you can eat at the restaurants (a total of 27 restaurants in St. Lucia), play golf at Sandals La Toc, check out the other pools and bars, etc. It is a good way to check out the other properties, so you’ll know if you want to stay at a different property on your next trip.
- 323 rooms on a 220-acre resort
- 9 restaurants & 8 bars
- 3 pools & 4 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Regency La Toc
12. Sandals Montego Bay – Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sandals Montego Bay was the original Sandals resort in 1983. Don’t worry; even though it is the first Sandals Resort, 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 with butler service included! All are very stylish and guaranteed to make your holiday special.
For those not up for a long ride from the airport to the resort, you’re in luck. The Sandals Montego Bay is five minutes away. Also nearby is Sandals Royal Caribbean. Guests have exchange privileges, so they can spend the day over at that all inclusive resort for lunch/dinner or whenever they choose to visit.
- 272 rooms on a 26-acre resort
- 12 restaurants & 6 bars
- 7 pools & 3 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Montego Bay
Related Article: Best Beaches in Jamaica
13. Sandals Halcyon – Castries, St. Lucia
Sandals Halcyon Beach is located in Castries in St Lucia. 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!
For those travelers who use a wheelchair or walker or are physically challenged, this is one of the best Sandals Resorts for you. The entire Sandals Halcyon property has low-rise architecture and is easy to get around. When looking for the most affordable Sandals Resorts in Sant Lucia, Sandals Halcyon will often be the cheapest.
Sandals Halcyon is the second smallest Sandals Resort, so if you are looking for a smaller resort but still want a ton of restaurant and bar options, head here. Make sure to take advantage of the “Stay at One, Play at Three” and visit the other two Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia for amenities and dining options.
- 169 rooms on a 22-acre resort
- 6 restaurants & 7 bars
- 3 pools & 3 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Halcyon Beach
14. Sandals Royal Plantation – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Sitting adjacent to majestic mountains and tranquil waters in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Sandals Royal Plantation certainly makes the grade as one of the best Sandals resorts to visit. Seclusion is guaranteed, with two private cove beaches available for guests to lounge on.
Sandals Royal Plantation is the smallest Sandals Resort, but it is an all-butler resort. This means all guests have a butler, making it the best luxury all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios. It is the only resort in Jamaica with a caviar and Champagne bar too. If your travel style is luxury and you like privacy, this is the right resort for you. This is another great honeymoon resort option for our honeymooners.
There are also five restaurants to choose from, and the butler service makes this resort feel exceptionally special. If you are looking for more dining options, free round-trip transportation is available to go to Sandals Ochi. This means you have 21 restaurants, 13 bars, 8 pools, and 5 whirlpools to choose from.
There’s something for golfers, too. Head over to Sandals Golf & Country Club 18 Hole par 71 courses. Remember, golfing is included in your stay, as is free scuba diving.
- 74 rooms on a 10-acre resort
- 5 restaurants & 2 bars
- 2 pools & 1 whirlpools
- Learn more about Sandals Royal Plantation
15. Sandals Royal Curacao – Opened in 2022
The second newest Sandals resort, Sandals Royal Curacao, opened in the summer of 2022. Make sure to read our Sandals Curacao to learn more about what we can expect at the resort. We can’t wait to visit and spend a week exploring the gorgeous beaches of Curacao.
- 260 rooms on a 25-acre resort
- 11 restaurants & 13 bars
- 3 pools & 1 whirlpool
- Learn more about Sandals Royal Curacao
Book right now as the Save Big Sale is going on! Click here to take advantage of the rates.
16. Sandals Dunn’s River – The Newest Sandals Resort
The brand new Sandals Dunn’s River opened in May 2023, making it the newest Sandals Resort. With 12 restaurants and 9 bars to choose from, we know we’ll never go hungry or thirsty!
We can’t wait to travel to Jamaica again and check out Sandals Dunn’s River.
- 350 rooms on a 44-acre resort
- 12 restaurants & 9 bars
- 3 pools & 2 whirlpools
- Learn More
Where are the Sandals Overwater bungalows?
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 Grande St Lucian and Sandals South Coast. We personally have spent four nights in each of the overwater bungalows at St Lucia, Royal Caribbean, and South Coast.
Brand New Over-The-Water Villas include a private infinity pool, hammock over the water, and so much MORE. Book now for 65% off and much MORE.
What is the best time of year to travel to the Caribbean?
All of the Sandals Resort locations are located in the Caribbean. Certain islands are more prone to be affected by hurricane season than others. You never know what the weather will do, so it’s hard to say exactly.
The safest bet would be to avoid traveling during hurricane season, which typically is May-October. If you travel during the low season, you’ll be treated with lower occupancy rates and attractive prices.
But with that being said, some of our best trips to Jamaica have been during September and October. We typically travel to the Caribbean January-March not only because the weather in the Caribbean is at its best, but we are escaping the brutal winters back home.
Regarding the weather, the Caribbean is renowned for having a wonderful climate, with a temperature of around 75-85 degrees year-round. December to April is generally considered the ideal time to visit, as it’s lovely and warm — but not baking hot — dry and less humid. If you travel between May and November, the resorts will be quieter, but you do run the risk of showers.
List of All Sandals Resorts Locations
How Many Sandals Resorts are there?
There are 18 different Sandals Resort properties, with two new Sandals Resorts in progress.
- Sandals Montego Bay – Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Sandals Negril – Negril, Jamaica
- Sandals Ochi -Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Sandals Royal Plantation – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Sandals South Coast – Whitehouse, Jamaica
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian – Gros-Islet, St Lucia
- Sandals Halcyon Beach – Castries, St Lucia
- Sandals Regency La Toc – Castries, St Lucia
- Sandals Grande Antigua – St. John’s, Antigua
- Sandals Emerald Bay – Great Exuma, Bahamas – Closing August 2024 Becoming Beaches Exuma Family Resort
- Sandals Royal Bahamian – Nassau, Bahamas
- Sandals Barbados – St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados
- Sandals Royal Barbados – St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados
- Sandals Grenada – St. George’s, Grenada
- Sandals Curacao – Willemstad, Curacao
- Sandals Dunn’s River – Ocho Rios, Jamaica OPENED IN MAY 2023
- Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines – March Opened 2024
Sandals Resorts FAQ:
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.
Sandals Resorts are a super popular all inclusive resort to take a honeymoon. Yes, you will meet several honeymooners, but you will meet more repeat customers than anything. The Sandals brand has such great resorts guests keep coming back or checking out other locations.
We personally love chatting with other couples and hearing about other properties they have been to and what they think is the best Sandals Resort. It is here you will learn where the best restaurants are, what to order, who makes the best drinks, and more!
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 are now in seven countries: Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Curacao.
Book Your Sandals Resorts Vacation Now and Get up to a $1000 Instant Booking Bonus.
The Best Sandals Resorts are waiting for you!
18 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 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.
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