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Sandals FAQ: All Your Sandals Resorts Questions, Answered!

Which Sandals Resort Is the Best?

If we have to choose one overall, Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa is the best Sandals Resort based on our personal experience. Sandals Dunns River is a very close second.

It depends on your preferences since each Sandals resort is unique with different price points, suites, activities, and vibes. We have gone into more depth in our article about the best Sandals Resort.

Are Sandals Resorts safe?

Yes, Sandals resorts are 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. For more details on this, check out our full article “Are Sandals Resorts Safe?”

Do Sandals resorts have WiFi?

Yes, Sandals resorts have WiFi. Complimentary WiFi is included in your rate at Sandals resorts and is available in your room and throughout the resort. Insider tip: for fast WiFi, try the free WiFi in the lobby of the resort.

Are Sandals resorts adult only?

Yes, Sandals resorts are adult only, with a minimum guest age of 18.

Are Sandals resorts for couples only?

No, Sandals is not for couples only. According to the Sandals website, “Because we wanted to make your vacation as romantic and relaxing as possible, only couples may stay at Sandals. But we open our arms to welcome singles, friends, and families to our fabulous Beaches Resorts. Beaches, created by Sandals, includes all the fun, adventure, and luxury that families want most, elevating the family vacation to world–class standards.”

However, if you want to go to a Sandals resort with a friend, that’s perfectly fine. The only catch is that you’ll have to stay in the same room, as the Sandals reservation system requires you to enter a second person when you book. All rooms have king beds so you will need to request a rollaway bed which is not guaranteed.

Sandals Halcyon Beach boat

Do Sandals resorts offer military discounts?

Yes, Sandals resorts offer military discounts. The Sandals Service Personnel Discount gives 10% off rates (even promotional rates and other discounts) to all members of the U.S. and Canadian military, firefighters, police, and active FEMA staff.

In order to get the discount, you will fill out a form after booking your vacation, and once details are verified they will issue a credit to your reservation.

Do Sandals Resorts provide shampoo and conditioner?

Yes, Sandals Resorts provide shampoo and conditioner in the complimentary bath toiletries, which also include soap, body wash, and body lotion. And since these items are the same brand used in the Sandals Red Lane Spas, they are high quality.

Caribbean destination wedding Sandals South Coast

Do Sandals resorts allow families?

Yes, Sandals Resorts allow families, but only if all members are 18 and over. No children under the age of 18 are allowed at Sandals resorts.

However, Sandals also owns Beaches resorts, which are family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that welcome children.

Do Sandals resorts have casinos?

No Sandals resort has casinos, but several Sandals resorts have casinos nearby. These include Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas; Sandals Grande Antigua; and Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, and Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia.

Do Sandals resorts allow gay couples?

Yes, Sandals resorts allow gay couples. Also, one of the newest Sandals resorts is located on Curacao, which is considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly islands in the Caribbean. The country’s motto is “biba i laga biba” in its local language, Papaimento; this means “live and let live.”

Sandals Curacao couples chairs

However, guests should be aware that some Caribbean islands are not LGBTQ-friendly. This includes Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, which have laws against same-sex relations. When on resort, you can expect to be treated as any other couple, but no guarantees off resort.

Do Sandals resorts have payment plans?

Yes, Sandals resorts have payment plans. You can pay for your Sandals vacation in 3- to 24-month installments under the Layaway and Playaway program.

What Sandals resorts are kid-friendly?

No Sandals resorts are kid-friendly because Sandals resorts are for adults only. No guests under the age of 18 are allowed at Sandals resorts.

However, Sandals also owns Beaches resorts, which are kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

What Sandals resorts have golf?

There are multiple Sandals resorts that have golf. The Sandals resorts that have golf are Sandals Emerald Bay in The Bahamas; Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Dunn’s River in, Jamaica; and Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia

Sandals have some of the best all-inclusive golf resorts in the Caribbean, and they offer complimentary greens fees as well as complimentary transfers to the courses if they are not onsite. For more details, read our article “Best Sandals Resorts for Golf.”

What Sandals resorts are in Jamaica?

The Sandals resorts in Jamaica are Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Negril, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Dunn’s River.

For details on each, check out “Which Sandals Resort in Jamaica Should You Go To?”

What Sandals resorts are closest to the airport?

The Sandals resorts that are closest to the airport are Sandals Grenada (5 minutes); Sandals Montego Bay (15 minutes) and Sandals Royal Caribbean (20 minutes) in Jamaica; Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas (15 minutes); Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados (15 minutes); and Sandals Grande Antigua (20 minutes).

When are Sandals resorts the cheapest?

Sandals resorts are the cheapest during the shoulder season, which tends to be late April to mid-June and late August to early November. The peak season for Sandals resorts is mid-December to mid-April.

Be sure to check the Sandal’s websites for special offers such as airfare credits, bonus booking offers, and free nights to make your stay at Sandals even cheaper.

Where is Sandals resort in the Bahamas?

There are two Sandals resorts in The Bahamas: Sandals Royal Bahamian, in Nassau, and Sandals Emerald Bay in the Exumas.

Where is Sandals resort in St. Lucia?

The three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia are Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Gros-Islet and Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Regency La Toc in Castries.

Where is Sandals resort in Grenada?

The Sandals resort in Grenada, Sandals Grenada, is in St. George’s.

Which Sandals resorts have private beaches?

The Sandals resorts that have private beaches are Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma, Bahamas; Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau (on an offshore island); Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ochi, and Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica; and Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica (on an offshore island).

While the beaches at Sandals resorts may be public or private depending on the resort, it is rare to see anyone on those beaches who is not a Sandals guest. Exceptions to this would be at Sandals Negril in Jamaica, Sandals Grande Antigua, and Sandals Barbados and Royal Barbados.

Which Sandals resorts have overwater bungalows?

Sandals resorts that have overwater bungalows are Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia.

Which Sandals resorts have swim-up rooms?

Sandals resorts that have swim-up rooms include Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Negril, and Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica; Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas; Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia; Sandals Grenada; Sandals Royal Curacao; and Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados.

Sandals Curacao swim up suites

Why are Sandals resorts so expensive?

The prices at Sandals resorts are expensive because of everything they offer—a completely all-inclusive vacation at a luxurious beachfront resort with tons of activities and gourmet dining options.

At first glance, a Sandals resort may seem to be more expensive than another all-inclusive resort, but if you carefully compare what’s actually included and add up the extra fees you’ll probably pay at the other resort, you’ll usually find that the Sandals resort is the best all-inclusive option.

Sandals resorts prices include unlimited meals and snacks; all beverages including unlimited premium liquors and unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines; a stocked minibar in your room; a coffee maker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee; water sports and equipment plus professional instruction; scuba diving; unlimited land sports; greens fees at resorts with golf courses; state-of-the-art fitness center; WiFi; daily and nightly entertainment; complimentary airport transfers; and all tips, taxes and gratuities.

Each Sandals resort offers multiple different gourmet restaurants to choose from; several fun bars including swim-up bars, beach bars, and piano bars; and a huge variety of onsite activities and amenities. Rooms are luxurious, with even the most affordable rooms offering luxe amenities and gorgeous décor.

There are plenty of ways to make your stay at a Sandals resort less expensive. Sandals resorts always offer great discounts and deals, including introductory discounts at new resorts, up to $1000 instant credit on certain bookings, up to 65% of the standard rate for stays of 3+ nights, airfare credits, and credits for booking online, service personnel discounts, and more. An example is the 7-7-7 deal, which offers 7% off 7 specific rooms and suites.

Do you need a passport to go to Sandals Resorts?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen you need a passport to go to Sandals Resorts since all of the Sandals Resort locations are on Caribbean islands that are foreign countries. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months until it expires, as some countries won’t accept one that expires sooner.

Which Sandals resort is the safest?

There’s actually no clear answer as to which Sandals resort is the safest 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, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay, and Sandals Negril, all in Jamaica.

Sandals St. Lucia

Another thing to consider is which Caribbean islands are the safest. The safest Caribbean islands with Sandals resorts are Antigua, Barbados, Curacao, Grenada, St. Lucia, and the Exumas in The Bahamas.

What are the best Sandals resorts for singles?

Officially, Sandals resorts are for couples only, so there are no best Sandals resorts for singles. According to the Sandals website, “Because we wanted to make your vacation as romantic and relaxing as possible, only couples may stay at Sandals. But we open our arms to welcome singles, friends, and families to our fabulous Beaches Resorts. Beaches, created by Sandals, includes all the fun, adventure, and luxury that families want most, elevating the family vacation to world–class standards.”

This means that Sandals resorts are not good for anyone looking to meet a romantic partner. However, if you and a friend want to go to a Sandals resort, you can do that if you share a room (the Sandals reservation system requires you to enter two names on the booking).

In this way, you can enjoy Sandals resorts without bringing a significant other. You can also do this with a group of friends, as long as the group has an even number.

If you are looking for the best Sandals resorts for nightlife and a “party” vibe, those are Sandals Ochi and Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica; Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas; and Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia.

What are the best Sandals resorts for seniors?

According to Sandals, the best Sandals resorts for older couples are Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica, Sandals Grande Antigua, and Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia. 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!

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.

What are the best Sandals resorts for young adults?

According to Sandals, Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia, Sandals Ochi in Jamaica, and Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas tend to attract younger guests. However, all Sandals resorts usually have a mix of ages, including young adult guests.

I agree that Sandals Ochi and Bahamian have a more party vibe if you are looking for it. Sandals Montego Bay is another great option.

The Sandals resorts with the liveliest atmosphere and most active nightlife are Sandals Ochi and Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica; Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas; and Sandal Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia.

What are the Sandals resorts with pickleball?

All Sandals resorts have pickleball included in their complimentary activities.

Are any Sandals Resorts clothing optional?

No Sandals resorts are clothing optional, but Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica has a clothing-optional beach in Jamaica. This is the only Sandals resort with a nude beach. The clothing-optional beach at Sandals Royal Caribbean is located on the resort’s private offshore island.

While some people report that the offshore island at Sandals Royal Bahamian also has a clothing-optional beach, public nudity is against the law in The Bahamas (plus the island is very small and is shared with a cruise line).

However, many guests report that going topless on the beach at most Sandals resorts is becoming more popular and accepted. The management’s official policy is that if anyone complains about someone being topless, they will be asked to cover up, but otherwise, it is usually OK.

What are the Sandals resorts cancellation policy?

For bookings made on or after December 1, 2022, the Sandals resorts cancellation policy is that final payment is due 60 days before the trip and it is fully refundable up to 45 days before the trip. If you cancel within 31-45 days before the trip, there is a 50% penalty on the land portion (meaning, the room rate and not any airfare), and if you cancel 30 days or less from the trip, the penalty is 100% of the land portion.

For any trips that were booked before December 1, 2022, the policy is that payment is fully refundable up to 30 days before travel, a 50% penalty is assessed if the trip is cancelled between 15-30 days beforehand, and a 100% penalty is assessed if the trip is cancelled 14 or fewer days before arrival.

You can avoid cancellation penalties by purchasing Sandals travel insurance for about $100 per adult. This insurance allows you to change your trip for any reason and get a certificate good for another time. Also, if you cancel your trip for a covered reason, you get 100% refund on the unused portion of your stay and any flights that are covered. Additionally, it provides trip interruption, baggage, emergency evacuation, and medical expense coverage.

What is the Sandals Resort dress code?

The general Sandals resorts dress code is pretty casual during the day—you can wear your swimsuit with a coverup (or shirt for guys), or shorts and a top, plus flip flops—while at night you will want to dress more nicely.

The Sandals resorts dress code for restaurants is either resort casual or resort evening depending on the restaurant. Resort casual means that coverups are needed for swimsuits and shirts and shoes are required. Shorts, jeans, t-shirts, and polo shirts are OK for men, while shorts, jeans, tops, and sundresses are OK for women.

Resort evening means that men should wear dress pants or nice jeans with long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar), plus dress shoes or sandals. Women should wear sundresses or nicer dresses, or dress pants and tops, plus dress shoes or sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, tennis shoes, flip flops, slippers, or hats are allowed.

Enforcement of the dress code varies by resort and restaurant.

What are the best Sandals resorts for diving?

While scuba diving is included at all Sandals resorts, the best Sandals resorts for diving are Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas; Sandals Grenada; Sandals Royal Curacao; Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados; and Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Halcyon Beach, and Sandals Regency La Toc in St. Lucia.

What are the best Sandals resorts drinks?

Some of the best Sandals resorts drinks are the specialty drinks like the Purple Rain (vodka, blue Curacao liqueur, strawberry, and pineapple juice), the Dirty Banana (dark rum, crème de cacao dark, banana, and milk),  the Hummingbird (rum cream, crème de cacao white, grenadine, banana), the Blue Hawaiian (coconut rum, blue Curacao liqueur, lime juice, and pineapple juice), the Bob Marley (strawberry daiquiri, mango daiquiri, Appleton Gold rum, and blue Curacao liqueur), and the Miami Vice (half strawberry daiquiri, half pina colada).

And of course, the usual tropical favorites like Pina Coladas, daiquiris, Mai Tais, Bahama Mamas, and rum runners are popular at Sandals resorts as well. For more details on the drinks at Sandals Resorts, check out our article “What Drinks to Order at Sandals Resorts.”

What is the Sandals Resorts hurricane guarantee?

The Sandals Resort hurricane guarantee is no longer available. Instead, Sandals Resorts encourages guests to get their Trip Cancellation Insurance, which covers trip interruptions and cancellations due to hurricanes.

Steve Woods

Monday 3rd of July 2023

my wife and I are staying at the Sandals Negril in October. Can registered guests use any of the pools on the property or are we limited to a certain pool near our suite?

Dan and Michelle

Monday 3rd of July 2023

You can use all the pools.