The adults-only all-inclusive Sandals resorts are perfect for any couple, and you will usually find a range of age groups at each resort. However, there are some Sandals locations that attract couples of particular age groups, depending on the time of year. If you’re an older couple—or if you just prefer a more relaxed and private atmosphere—you may be wondering, which is the best Sandals resort for older couples?
The best Sandals resorts for older couples are Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica, Sandals Grande Antigua, and Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia. Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Ochi in Jamaica, and Sandals Royal Bahamian tend to attract younger guests.
However, most Sandals resorts will have guests who are in their 50s, 60s, and older at any given time, so if a particular resort appeals to you but isn’t on this list, don’t be concerned about going!
Read on to learn more about the top Sandals resorts for older couples and choose which one is best for your romantic vacation. All Sandals resorts include a wide range of complimentary watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving; unlimited land activities; all meals and snacks; all nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages including premium liquors and Robert Mondavi wines; WiFi; airport transfers; and tips and taxes. Each resort also features optional services at the Red Lane Spa as well as area excursions.
Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
One of the top-rated Sandals resorts, Sandals Royal Plantation is popular with older couples because it’s smaller and quieter than many of the other Sandals resorts.
Also, each of the 74 rooms at Sandals Royal Plantation is a butler suite, ensuring that you will have the best possible accommodations. All of these luxurious suites overlook the ocean and come with the 24-hour services of a personal butler.
Keep in mind that the resort is on a hill, so if you have mobility issues this is not the best Sandals resort for you.
There are two beaches on private coves of white sand with beach service, plus two pools and a whirlpool.
What makes a stay at Sandals Royal Plantation extra special is that you get to stay at a more intimate, boutique resort. Still, you also have access to all the facilities and activities—and 16 restaurants—of nearby Sandals Ochi. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Other unique aspects of Sandals Royal Plantation are the English afternoon tea served on the terrace and the champagne and caviar bar. There are 5 gourmet restaurants to choose from, including fine French dining, Caribbean, seafood, and international.
Sandals Royal Plantation is also one of the best Sandals resorts for golf, so if you’re a couple who enjoy golfing, put this at the top of your list. Guests here get complimentary greens fees to Sandals Golf & Country Club located in Ocho Rios, with a stunning 18-hole golf course that is 700 feet above sea level and offers incredible views of the mountains and ocean. It takes about 15 minutes to get there from the resort, and transportation is complimentary.
Sandals Grande Antigua, St. John’s, Antigua
This beachfront adults-only all-inclusive resort in Antigua offers European elegance combined with barefoot luxury. Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted “world’s most romantic resort” and it delivers on that promise.
The beautiful resort is nestled amidst 27 acres of lush tropical landscaping on the most famous and the best beach in Antigua, a long stretch of white sand along gorgeous Dickenson Bay,
Lounge by one of 6 pools or 4 whirlpools, indulge at the spa or wander the lovely grounds, which are dotted with romantic secluded spots. There are 11 restaurants to enjoy (with several on the beach) and 7 bars, including a swim-up bar and a tiki bar.
The water here is calm and perfect for watersports. There’s live entertainment nightly, as well as stunning sunsets over the water. Additionally, Sandals Grande Antigua is one of the best Sandals resorts for seniors with mobility issues (see more below).
Sandals Halcyon Beach, Castries, St. Lucia
St. Lucia is often called “little Hawaii” due to its spectacular scenery including the Piton Mountains, a rainforest interior, and pristine beaches meeting a clear turquoise sea. Sandals Halcyon Beach, set in Castries on the northern part of the island, is a smaller Sandals resort so it tends to be the most peaceful of the three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. Recently renovated, it has an intimate feel and lush tropical landscaping. This is truly a romantic sanctuary with plenty of places to snuggle tucked away on the gorgeous grounds.
There are 6 restaurants and 7 bars to choose from at Sandals Halcyon Beach. What’s great is that you get access to the other resorts as well, so you can head to Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc via complimentary transport for additional activities and dining options. This means you can access 3 beaches, 2 golf courses, 11 pools, 27 restaurants, and 21 bars!
The beach at Sandals Halcyon Beach is beautiful, but the water can get too rough for water sports. When that happens, guests can just take the free shuttle over to Sandals Grande St. Lucian or enjoy one of 3 pools and 3 whirlpools, like the new 600-foot Crystal Lagoon Pool that winds through the resort.
Sandals Halcyon Beach is also a great resort for golfers; you’ll have complimentary transportation and green fees at both the 9-hole executive course at Sandals La Toc Golf Club and the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship course at Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club.
Additionally, Sandals Halcyon Beach is one of the best Sandals resorts for seniors with mobility issues (see more below).
Best Sandals resorts for seniors with mobility issues
If you have some mobility issues or are in a wheelchair, can you still visit a Sandals resort? Absolutely. Sandals resorts have accessible rooms and make every effort to accommodate guests with mobility issues.
However, some Sandals resorts are better for this than others, and some resorts have a lot of steps and elevation changes or are spread out, requiring a lot of walking. You’ll want to check with the Sandals resort you’re interested to make sure they meet your requirements.
Some of the best Sandals resorts for seniors with mobility issues are Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia; Sandals Grande Antigua; Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Negril in Jamaica; Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados; and Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Royal Bahamian in The Bahamas.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.