Are Sandals Resorts Safe?

Sandals resorts are luxurious adults-only all-inclusive retreats, located on seven islands throughout the Caribbean. If you’re considering going to a Sandals resort for the first time, you might be wondering, are Sandals resorts safe?

The answer is yes, Sandals resorts are very safe. In fact, they are often safer than the surrounding area due to the presence of walls, gates, and security personnel. When you go to a Sandals resort, you can feel confident that your safety is being ensured around the clock.

And since each Sandals resort has numerous gourmet restaurants and fun bars, multiple pools, and tons of complimentary activities, you never need to leave the resort if you don’t want to. If you do want to, you can book excursions with trusted vendors through the Sandals staff to ensure your safety while you’re off the resort.

How are Sandals resorts safe?

Sandals resorts make every effort to keep guests safe while on their property. The resort properties have walls and gates to keep the grounds private, with security guards posted at all entrances and exits. Security staff also patrol the resort grounds day and night, and there is state-of-the-art 24-hour video surveillance of public areas.

Sandals staff undergo thorough background checks before they are hired, including criminal checks. They receive ongoing training from the security staff, and must follow strict rules regarding behavior towards guests. Sandals has a zero tolerance policy for any rule infractions such as misconduct whether on or off the resort, or fraternization with guests.

Sandals also works closely with local law enforcement and continuously monitors local situations for any security issues. Local authorities visit Sandals resorts to make sure security measures are up to date, and Sandals often works with outside security experts as well.

According to a Sandals representative’s comments on TripAdvisor, “Sandals Resorts is committed to the safety, security, and satisfaction of our guests. We consider the safety and security of our guests and staff to be of the highest importance. We go to great lengths to ensure that our guests have a terrific experience and that starts and ends with safety.

“Our best-in-class approach ensures that our resort is equipped with comprehensive 24-hour onsite security as well as extensive CCTV that is monitored around the clock. We are among the safest resorts in the Caribbean and you can feel confident that when you vacation with us, your stay will be safe, effortless, and carefree. The team regularly evaluates these safety measures to ensure our approach always remains best in class. We accomplish this through our robust safety policies, employee training, and security and technology infrastructure.

“We have had the great pleasure of welcoming through our doors, millions of guests, who often return again and again. Our hope is that we can also welcome you to our beautiful resort very soon.”

And after three guests died accidentally from carbon monoxide poisoning at a Sandals in 2022, carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in all the rooms to prevent any further tragedies.

Plus, the Sandals Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness helps make sure you stay healthy during your stay through the use of online check-in, thorough room and public area cleaning procedures, and plenty of open-air options for dining and entertainment.

Which Sandals resort is the safest?

There’s actually no clear answer as to the safest Sandals resort, because all of the Sandals resorts throughout the Caribbean follow the same safety procedures. Each Sandals resort is equally safe.

However, they are not all rated the same. The top rated Sandals resorts are Sandals Grenada, Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay, and Sandals Negril, all in Jamaica.

How can I stay safe on a Sandals vacation?

While some Caribbean islands have more crime than others, you can stay safe by following some basic guidelines. These tips will help ensure a safe trip no matter where you go in the Caribbean.

First, research the area where you’ll be staying and anywhere you want to visit. If you’re not sure about the safety of a particular place, it’s always best to ask someone who knows the area well. Locals are usually the best people to ask about safety tips and which areas to avoid.

Crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen, especially at beaches, hotel lobbies, or cars. Keep your valuables out of sight and in a safe place, such as a hotel safe or locked suitcase. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Don’t carry a lot of cash on you, and keep what money you do have (along with credit cards and passport) in a zipped purse or travel pouch concealed under your clothes. Make sure you have a copy of your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards in a safe location in case any of these are stolen.

Car theft can also occur, so if you’ve rented a car, make sure not to leave any valuables in view and lock the doors whenever you leave it. Choose parking lots that have security features like gates or attendants.

Be careful when visiting more isolated areas of the island, such as nature areas, remote beaches, and small or informal parking areas used by divers. Pay attention, and if you feel uncomfortable, leave.

A good way to stay safe while on vacation is to travel in groups. There’s strength in numbers, so if you can travel with a group of friends or family members, you’ll be a much less likely target for crime. If you aren’t traveling with a group, go places with at least one other person.

If you go out to bars or nightclubs, take the usual precautions: don’t go alone—always in pairs or groups; stick to main streets and brightly lit areas, and always keep your eyes on your drink. If you consume alcohol, do so responsibly so you can stay alert. 

Most islands have some form of insect-borne illness. To protect yourself from insect bites, use repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants plus closed-toe shoes at dawn, dusk, or near stagnant water.