Best Sandals Resorts; We Visited All 16 Sandals Resorts So You Don’t Have To

1. Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa

St. Georges, Grenada

Google Rating: 4.6

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #2

Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2021, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021, “World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort”, 4 years in a row, “Grenada’s Leading Resort”, 8 years in a row.

Resort Highlights: Just looking at all the awards Sandals Grenada has won, it seems pretty clear that is the best Sandals Resort overall.

Located in the heart of Grenada’s exclusive Pink Gin Beach, here you can enjoy a truly romantic and exotic Caribbean experience. Personalized butler service is available in 69 suites, which will include Swim Up Pool Suites, Rondovals, and Skypool Suites.

Romantic Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two are found in all suites in the Italian Village and in the Lover’s Hideaway Village.

There are 12 dining options to choose from, including a world-class award-winning steakhouse, Butch’s Chophouse.

The Island itself provides the opportunity to explore the rainforest, black sand beaches, and a vibrant nightlife, on a safe island in the Caribbean.

3. Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia

Google Rating: 4.6

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #3

Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2021, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021, TripAdvisor Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts – Caribbean 2021,

Resort Highlights: If you’re dreaming of over-the-water bungalows, Sandals Grande St. Lucian has your name on it. This resort is clearly one of the best Sandals Resorts often described as “the closest vacation to a picture-perfect postcard.” With 12 restaurants at this resort and 15 at a nearby Sandals resort, you’ll never run out of dishes to try. You also have access to 2 golf courses, The Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Club and Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate, with complimentary transfer and green fees included. You can extend your diving experiences to exotic underwater playgrounds at both Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach.

4. Sandals Montego Bay

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Google Rating: 4.5

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #6

Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2021, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021

Resort Highlights: Sandals Montego Bay, the very first Sandals resort, remains one of the best Sandals Resorts with many fans. It has been totally modernized to include a fabulous over-the-water bar and an over-the-water chapel for an unbelievable experience. Here you’ll find 12 on-site restaurants, with access to 9 more at nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean. There are four swimming pools and a private beach so you can make the most of your time in and out of the water.

Sandals Montego Bay recently opened the new Palms Suites which over-sized terraces and balconies with private Tranquility Soaking Tubs overlooking serene reef-protected waters create a world centered on true romance.

We loved how to spread out the resort is and how you can find party vibes at some pools and more relaxed areas on the same property. The only complaint we hear is how loud the airplanes can be, but they are mostly from 11 am to 4 pm so they are not a problem all day.

This is the best Sandals Resort for someone who wants variety close to an airport.

5. Sandals Negril Beach Resort

Negril, Jamaica

Google Rating: 4.5

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #7

Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2021, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021

Resort Highlights: We found Sandals Negril to be one of the best well-rounded Sandals Resorts. You can easily find a room that walks out onto the beach or you can stay in one of the signature swim-up suites that put you directly at the pool and steps from the beach.

Our favorite breakfast experience is at Sandals Negril. While many people choose the buffet, you can go to Barefoot be the Sea, a restaurant directly in the sand. Since so few people go here, the servers recognized us and memorized our orders after a couple of days.

There are a total of 6 other restaurants and if you would like more variety you can go to Beaches Negril by taxi or a 30-minute walk down the beach.

Sandals Negril is one of the best resorts for watersports as there is wakeboarding, kneeboarding, water skiing, and tubing as well as sports found at all resorts like kayaks and paddleboarding.

This beautiful resort is Sandals’ most green, having been awarded an EarthCheck Double Platinum Certification for an unwavering commitment to environmental excellence for over a decade.

The new loft suites are the best for someone looking for a modern, spacious suite.

6. Sandals South Coast

White House, Jamaica

Google Rating: 4.5

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #9

Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2021

Resort Highlights: Sandals South Coast resort is Jamaica’s #1 all-beachfront, all-oceanview resort. The over-the-water bungalows are gorgeous, and the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. At night, you can enjoy bonfire areas and fire pits for even more memorable experiences. Along with all the water and land activities available at Sandals Resorts, you can dine at 9 on-site restaurants, from Italian cuisine, to Asian and Mediterranean, to Caribbean, Jamaican, and more.

We really found Sandals South Coast to be an amazing resort that is away from the other busier areas in Jamaica. It really has it all and is spread out with a lot of variety.

I would avoid the French Village rooms, which may be renovated soon. The biggest downside for us is the drive from the airport which will be hard for anyone with motion sickness, so pack your dramamine!

7. Sandals Ochi Beach Resort

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Google Rating: 4.4

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #10

Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2021

Resort Highlights: Sandals Ochi is the largest Sandals Resort and one of the most affordable. There are 11 bars (including the Caribbean’s first speakeasy), a hot new beach club, and 16 restaurants to enjoy. If you’re looking to enjoy a good time, this is the resort for you.

One reason fans of Sandals Ochi keep going back is the variety. You can enjoy the party atmosphere of the main pool or the beach club or the opposite by relaxing in a semi-private pool. There are so many things to do and green fees are included at Sandals Golf & Country Club, plus unlimited land and sea activities.

Some people do not see Sandals Ochi as the best Sandals Resort because of the size, requiring a shuttle ride, or because some of the rooms are outdated.

We really enjoyed Sandals Ochi, the only negative we found was less personalized service. Since the resort is so large it is less likely you will receive the same level of service you might find at the other Sandals Resorts.

8. Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Google Rating: 4.4

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #13

Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2021, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021

Resort Highlights: At the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, the Gregorian-style Great House displays the decidedly British heritage, which is also noted in unique traditions you’ll find here such as afternoon tea and a rousing game of croquette. Just a few minutes away on a private off-shore island, you’ll find luxurious over-the-water bungalows.

Enjoy global gourmet at one of nine on-site restaurants, or explore one of the 12 restaurants you will also have access to at a nearby Sandals resort. One experience you won’t want to miss is riding to one of the offshore restaurants called Royal Thai by hopping aboard an authentic dragon boat.

I really do not know why Sandals Royal Caribbean isn’t rated higher by reviews online. We think it is the best Sandals in Jamaica for the food because of the variety and quality of the food and the ability to go to Sandals Montego Bay for even more variety.

9. Sandals Halcyon Beach

Castries, St. Lucia

Google Rating: 4.4

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: #17

Awards: TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021

Resort Highlights: Sandals Halcyon Beach is described as a true Garden of Eden due to the lush, majestic islands, the pristine beach, the turquoise sea, and the majestic mountain view. Enjoy dining at one of six on-site restaurants, or one of the other 21 restaurants available to you at nearby Sandals resorts. Plus, if golf is your game, you’ll have complimentary transportation and green fees at both The Sandals La Toc Golf Club and Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate.

10. Sandals Barbados

St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados

Google Rating: 4.4

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

US News Travel Ranking: 11

Awards: Fodor’s Choice, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021

Resort Highlights: Sandals Barbados touts world-class cuisine at its 11 on-site restaurants (including Sandal’s first Indian restaurant), plus 9 additional restaurants at the nearby Sandals resort you’ll also have full access to. Take a dip in one of two beautiful beaches or five pools. When you want some more private relaxation time, most patios and terraces have private Tranquility Soaking Tubs.

11. Sandals Emerald Bay

Grand Exumas, Bahamas

Google Rating: 4.2

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Awards: Bahamas Leading All Inclusive Resort 2021, Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice

Resort Highlights: Sandals Emerald Bay is a unique property within the Sandals Resort portfolio. It was actually built as a Four Seasons Resort and converted into a Sandals Reosrt after a few years. The lightlight of Sandals Emerald Bay is the beach. The one mile stretech of one of Exuma’s best powdery white sand beaches with a panoramic view of Emerald Bay is just a few yards from the resort swimming pool.

Additinoally, it is the only Sandals resort where you can take an excursions to swim with the famous pigs in the Bahamas. This was the highligh of our trip.

This is one of the best Sandals Resorts for golf lovers with an 18-hole, 7001-yard, par 72 Greg Norman Designed Golf Course featuring six breath-taking Oceanfront holes on a
peninsula. This is the home of the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, a PGA TOUR- sanctioned Korn Ferry Tour event.

When we visited Sandals Emerald Bay we had a great time. I think it should be higher on the list. Some guest we spoke to come back year after year. The only complaints we heard were that service was sometimes slow and some rooms are showing their age.

12. Sandals Grande Antigua

St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda

Google Rating: 4.3

TripAdvisor Rating: 4

US News Travel Ranking: #17

Awards: TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2021, “Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort”

Resort Highlights: Sandals Grande Antigua is situated on the most beautiful and longest white-sand beach in Antigua – Dickenson Bay. The resort is located only fifteen (15) minutes away from the V.C. Bird International Airport.

The resort is voted the “Caribbean’s most Romantic Resort” 7 years in a row making it perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries and destination weddings.

Sandals Grande Antigua features the original rondoval suites that have been so popular they have been recreated in other Sandals Resorts.

13. Sandals Royal Barbados

St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados

Google Rating: 4.2

TripAdvisor Rating: 4

Resort Highlights: Sandals Royal Barbados is located next door to Sandals Barbados and it actually feels like the same resort. You have access to all the same restaurants, bars, pools and activities. The only difference is the location of the rooms and the accommodations you choose.

The resort is situated on the Maxwell Beach where there is natural shade to relax in and clear blue waters to enjoy. Sandals Royal Barbados has the largest Glass-fronted Infinity Pool in the Eastern Caribbean.

All rooms are either club or butler level suites which means they all have room service. This may be the best Sandals resort for health and wellness since it has the first health and wellness inspired restaurant concepts. It also has the first roof top restaurant, roof top bar and roof top pool.

14. Sandals Regency La Toc

Castries, St. Lucia

Google Rating: 4.2

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Resort Highlights: Sandals Regency La Toc covers 210 hillside acres overlooking the sea at La Toc on the southern shore of Castries Bay. The resort has its own 9-hole golf course down the hillside to a magnificent golden beach.

The resort has 3 magnificent Freshwater pools, 3 Whirlpools and 1 Dive Pool.

As with other Sandals Resorts in St Lucia you can take advantage of the “Stay at One, Play at Three” program. There is a complimentary shuttle and exchange privileges with Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Halcyon, offering a total of 27 restaurant options.

I expect the ratings for Sandals Regency La Toc to improve as the Rondoval village is added to the resort.

15. Sandals Royal Bahamian

Nassau, Bahamas

Google Rating: 4.1

TripAdvisor Rating: 4

Resort Highlights: Sandals Royal Bahamian is located on the famous Cable Beach in Nassau, the main island in the Bahamas. Recently renovated, this glamorous resort now offers beachfront swim-up suites with butler service, 2 huge pools and 6 whirlpools, 10 restaurants, and 8 bars. The resort also has a British influence, with billiard rooms and daily high tea.

The resort was recently renovated adding the Island Village with stand alone villas. The Coconut Grove is a new addition to the resort which is a beachfront area with food trucks and a lounge that includes live music and entertainment into the late evening hours.

One of the highlights of the resort is the resort’s private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, where you can have a more secluded feel to your vacation and go snorkeling.

This is the best Sandals Resort if you are looking for a short distance from the US. It is also great if you want a lively vacation or want to go to a casino since there is one nearby. If you want a secluded laid back environment you can find that at the private island, but you may not enjoy the rest of your time at the resort.

16. Sandals Royal Curacao

Nieuwpoort, Curacao

Google Rating: 3.9

TripAdvisor Rating: 4

Resort Highlights: Sandals Royal Curacao is the newest Sandals Resort. To be honest, it has not had the most smooth opening which has contributed to the low reviews. As time goes on the kinks will be ironed out and we will see where the resort lands on our list of best Sandals Resorts.

Sandals Royal Curacao is a luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resort and the newest Sandals property. The resort is set on the southernmost tip of Curacao, on 44 acres nestled into the exclusive 3,000-acre private preserve of Santa Barbara estate.

This setting gives guests incredible opportunities to explore the natural wonders surrounding Sandals Curacao, including the mountainous range behind the resort. Guests will also enjoy the white-sand beach, which stretches for 1500 feet along a calm, protected lagoon.

1. Sandals Royal Plantation

Ochos Rios, Jamaica

Across the board, Sandals Royal Plantation has received the highest customer ratings, which is why we consider it one of the best Sandals resorts. Fans love its relatively small number of rooms for a more intimate setting, with full butler service so you don’t have to lift a finger. Here you’ll have exchange privileges to all Sandals resorts (from this resort only, not from the other resorts to Sandals Royal Plantation).

This includes complimentary transfers to Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, where you’ll find 16 resort options, in addition to the five you’ll find here. Sandals Royal Plantation also features the Caribbean’s only champagne and caviar bar. Transportation and green fees are included to Sandals Golf & County Club.

Located 90 minutes from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and 15 minutes from the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel.

3. Sandals Montego Bay

Montego Bay, Jamaica

The beauty of the water is front and center at Sandals Montego Bay, with a long private white sand beach, a nearby coral reef allowing for calmer waters and leisurely swims, a new over-the-water bar, and an over-the-water chapel. Enjoy full exchange privileges with Sandals Royal Caribbean, so you can have the best of both experiences.

Located in Jamaica’s main tourism hub, five minutes away from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and 10 minutes away from the town center. Sandals Montego Bay is the most popular Sandals Resort for good reason.

4. Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa

Negril, Jamaica

Sandals Negril is the perfect destination if you’re looking to lay back, relax and enjoy nature. In fact, this resort was awarded an EarthCheck Double Platinum Certification for an unwavering commitment to environmental excellence for over a decade. There are seven delicious restaurants for you to enjoy. We love the swim-up crystal lagoon beachfront one-bedroom butler suite, perfect for pampering and relaxation.

Located 75 minutes away from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

5. Sandals Ochi Beach Resort

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Sandals Ochi is great if you love a good time but also want some private relaxation because it can offer both! There’s a hot new beach club, 11 bars – including the Caribbean’s first speakeasy – and 16 restaurants. Plus, transfer fees and green fees are included at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club. You can also enjoy the Caribbean’s largest rock climbing wall. This resort is built on over 100 acres of a lush hillside, so there’s plenty of room for privacy.

Located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

6. Sandals South Coast

White House, Jamaica

Sandals South Coast is Jamaica’s #1 all-beachfront, all-ocean-view resort. There’s not a bad seat in the house! You’ll be closer to the water than ever, between the over-the-water bungalows, an overwater bar, and a romantic over-the-water chapel. Plus, 20 rooms feature swim-up suites. Relax by one of the three pools, or enjoy one of nine global gourmet restaurants.

Sandals South Coast is located 75 minutes from Sangster International Airport and 60 minutes from Negril, one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.

We put Sandals South Coast at the bottom of the list because of the drive, which makes a lot of people motion sick.

Best Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia

There are three Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia and all of them are wonderful resorts. But we know that you came here to know which one is best. Here is how we would rank them.

1. Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is one of the best Sandals Resorts overall, and the 2nd most booked through our partnership with Sandals. You’ll love the exquisite over-the-water honeymoon butler bungalows, lagoon swim-up rooms with direct access from the patio, or one of the 311 suites offering ocean views on both sides of the resort. Here, you’ll have exchange privileges with Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, and Sandals Halcyon Beach.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located about 90 minutes away from Hewanorra International Airport and 20 minutes from George F.L. Charles Airport.

2. Sandals Halcyon Beach

Castries, St. Lucia

Sandals Halcyon Beach is a beautiful place for serenity and relaxation. This resort is reported to be “entirely friendly” to the physically challenged due to its low-rise architecture. Here, you’ll have exchange privileges with Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian.

Located five minutes from George F. L. Charles Airport and 75 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport.

3. Sandals Regency La Toc

Castries, St. Lucia

The most glamorous of the three resorts in St. Lucia, Sandals Regency La Toc is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. If golfing is your passion, there’s a nine-hole course on-site that you’ll have full access to. But you’ll also have access exchange privileges with the other two St. Lucian Sandals resorts, Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Halcyon Beach, which means you can enjoy all 27 restaurants.

Located 10 minutes from George F.L. Airport and one hour from Hewanorra International Airport.

Best Sandals Resorts in Barbados

There are two Sandals Resorts in Barbados. Here is how we would compare the two.

Sandals Barbados

St Lawrence Gap, Barbados

Sandals Barbados is a newly renovated resort spanning three unique villages. You can 11 on-site restaurants, including the fan-favorite on-site Indian restaurant. Or, venture to the nine restaurants available at Sandals Royal Barbados. Relax in one of 280 suites with beach and garden views, or splurge on a swim-up suite.

Located 15 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport.

Sandals Royal Barbados

St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados

At Sandals Royal Barbados, you’ll find the largest glass-fronted infinity pool in the Eastern Caribbean, Sandals’ first rooftop pool and bar, the first bowling alley, and the first gourmet donut shop (yes please!). There are nine on-site restaurants, including Sandal’s first health and wellness-inspired restaurant concept, and you’ll have full exchange benefits with Sandals Barbados so you can try the 11 restaurants you’ll find there.

Sandals Royal Barbados is located 15 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport.

Best Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas

If you would like to do to a Sandals Resort in the Bahamas, here are your two options.

Sandals Emeralds Bay Resort

Great Exuma, Bahamas

If you love golf, you’ll love the 18-hole, 7001 yards, par 72 golf course designed by Greg Norman at Sandals Emerald Bay. It features six beautiful oceanfront holes on the peninsula. When you’re not golfing, you can take a dip in the Caribbean’s largest zero-entry pool, or relax at the Red Lane Spa. There are 12 five-star gourmet dining options, so you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy yourself.

Sandals Emerald Bay is located 15 minutes from the Georgetown International Airport

Sandals Royal Bahamian

Nassau, Bahamas

The Sandals Royal Bohemian resort also features an exotic offshore island adventure including a private beach, pool, Jacuzzi, seafood restaurant, entertainment, and more. There are two sky-sized pools, 10 gourmet restaurants, and like all Sandals resorts, unlimited land, and sea activities.

Located 15 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport, 20 minutes from Downtown Nassau and Bay Street, and 30 minutes from Paradise Island.

Best Sandals Resorts for Seclusion

Ochos Rio, Jamaica

1. Sandals Royal Plantation

We recommend Sandals Royal Plantation as the Sandals Resort, best for seclusion. It touts relatively few suites (72, to be exact) which means there just aren’t as many people around. Located between the beautiful mountains and tranquil waters of Jamaica, seclusion is guaranteed. Plus, there are two private beaches with personalized service, which you’ll be sure to enjoy. Visitor ratings put this resort at the top of our list overall, but you’ll also have full exchange privileges to all other Sandals resorts.

Best Sandals Resort for Foodies

Since the food is all-inclusive, you are going to be eating a lot of it. The great thing about Sandals Resorts is the food is great at all of the locations with amazing chefs. The difference really comes down to variety. While some of the restaurants will be similar at different locations there are also unique venues at each Sandals Resort worth trying. Here our the best Sandals Resorts for foodies based on the variety, uniqueness and reviews of the food.

Sandals Royal Plantation

It’s no wonder Sandals Royal Plantation received high highest reviews across the board – food is so important to your overall experience! When it comes specifically to the food, customers also rated this resort the highest across the board, with an 86% positive sentiment rating, per Google. Here, you’ll enjoy 5 onsite restaurants, along with 16 others you’ll have full access to at other nearby Sandals locations, bringing the total number of restaurants to 21. The standout feature is the champagne and caviar bar!

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Another great foodie option is the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, which touts 27 restaurants you’ll be able to try (12 onsite and 15 others at nearby resorts). Google reviews also show a high positive sentiment rate specifically for the food at this resort, with 81% of food-related reviews being positive. A restaurant highlight is The Jerk Shack, where you’ll get to try delicious, authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine.

Best Sandals Resort for Golf

Sandals Emeralds Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort

At Sandals Emeralds Bay you’ll find an 18-hole golf course, designed by Greg Norman with six beautiful oceanfront holes on a peninsula. It spans 7001 yards and has a 72 par. One reviewer said, “The bay has the prettiest blue water that we have ever seen. The Sandals employees are amazing. The food and atmosphere were awesome. The golf course is my all-time favorite with terrific greens and fairways. The views from the back 9 are just beautiful. This was our 4th vacation at the resort and will definitely not be our last.”

Note that green fees are included with your stay, but there are additional costs. For example, golf carts are mandatory but are not included. We recommend bringing your own equipment if you can, but you will be able to rent anything else you might need on-site.

Best Sandals Resort for Luxury

Sandals Royal Plantation

We consider Sandals Royal Plantation the most luxurious Sandals resort because it has it all: privacy, beauty, butlers, and great food. Any suite you choose will be serviced by butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers. There are two private beaches with personalized service and an English afternoon tea service on the terrace. Plus, the Caribbean’s only champagne and caviar bar. If that doesn’t say luxury I don’t know what does!

Best Sandals Resorts for Beaches

Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa

Located on Jamaica’s famous seven-mile beach, you’ll love the beautiful white sand and aquamarine water at Sandals Negril. Lounge under a palm tree, go scuba diving, snorkeling, sailboating, wakeboarding, or any of the other included water activities on site. Some suites include a private pool or a swim-up lagoon so you never have to get out of the water if you don’t want to.