Sandals resorts are famous for being adults-only, romantic all-inclusive escapes in the Caribbean. But does “adults only” mean that there is nudity at Sandals Resorts? Are Sandal’s beach clothing optional?
The quick answer is that Sandals has a nude beach (clothing optional) at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica. This is the only Sandals resort with a nude beach.
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 policy is that if anyone complains about someone being topless, they will be asked to cover up, but otherwise, it is usually OK.
I have spent over 100 nights at a Sandals Resort and have only seen one person topless on the beach once.
If you’re interested in other Jamaica resorts with nude beaches, we have information on that below.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Clothing Optional Beach
Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on 745 acres, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Spa is an adults-only resort that sits high atop a ridge overlooking tranquil seas and picturesque white-sand coves. From its perch at the edge of a nature reserve and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the resort offers guests stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
The resort itself is expansive – guests have access to seven pools, six restaurants, five bars/lounges, four tennis courts, two full-service spas with massages overlooking the sea, two private white-sand beaches, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort features 12 bars, lounges, and nightclubs to enjoy – including two nightclubs with dance floors on the sand.
Sandals Royal Caribbean also has a private offshore island and this is where you will find the clothing-optional beach. The nude beach at Sandals Royal Caribbean is located on one side of the island, behind the restaurant.
Local vegetation and fencing separate the clothing-optional area from the rest of the island. (The island features a restaurant, pool with swim-up bar, and beach cabanas, as well as luxurious overwater bungalows; none of those areas are clothing optional.)
The clothing-optional section of Sandals Royal Caribbean has a clear sign saying it is clothing-optional. Sandals resorts are not known to be a nudist haven, so you will see a mix of fully clothed, topless, and fully nude guests here. Depending on when you go, it may be somewhat crowded, or you may have the beach to yourself.
Keep in mind that the clothing-optional beach is on the open sea, so be cautious. However, the entire island is exclusively for Sandals guests and uniformed security keeps others away and off the island for privacy.
Other Clothing Optional Choices in Jamaica
Some people prefer the entire resort to be clothing optional, or wonder, are there clothing optional beaches in Jamaica? There are actually several resorts that are either clothing optional resorts or have clothing optional beaches in Jamaica. Below are three of the top choices. For a full list, check out our article “Jamaica’s Best Nude Beaches and Clothing Optional Resorts.”
Hedonism II
Located in Negril along Jamaica’s famous Seven Mile Beach, this all-inclusive resort embraces nudism. The resort pool and beach areas are divided into a nude and a prude site. The nude side includes a beach and pool, where you are required to be nude.
If you are only looking to be topless or even wear a full bathing suit, you can go to the “Prude” pool and beaches where it is clothing optional.
The all-inclusive Hedonism II is a popular upper-middle-range nudist resort tucked in a peaceful, remote part of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica. This adults-only resort encourages guests to let their wild side out and indulges themselves with a wide range of activities and entertainment. You can expect a variety of theme parties, restaurants, and bars.
Tip: If you prefer to stay at a Sandals all-inclusive resort but want the option of visiting a nude pool and beach, consider staying at Sandals Negril and getting a day pass to Hedonism II, which is located right next door.
Couples Negril
The Couples Negril all-inclusive couples-only resort is considered one of the most luxurious resorts in all of Jamaica. The clothing-optional section has a private beach and a bar where you can swim, tan, drink, and socialize without clothes on.
The clothing-optional area is located at the far southern end of the beach on the last 40 yards. It’s separated from the rest of the beach on three sides by a hedgerow. You wouldn’t even know it was there unless you were told ahead of time.
Couples Negril has been a favorite honeymoon and romantic trip destination since its opening in 1982. The resort has been completely renovated from the rooms to the lobby and entertainment areas while maintaining its classic Jamaican charm.
Couples Negril is truly a vacation for couples who enjoy watching romantic sunsets on the world-famous Seven Mile beach, dancing under star-filled Jamaican skies, sipping cocktails with their toes in the sand, and enjoying the close-by attractions of Negril.
Couples Tower Isle
Couples Tower Isle is an intimate couples-only all-inclusive resort with only 24 rooms; it can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests. The resort is the only all-inclusive to have been built on its own private island and has a port for cruise ships to dock at as well as its very own marina.
The nude beach is on a separate island accessible by boat. It includes a tower you can climb, plus a small pool and sun lounges. The nude beach is not clothing optional. You must be nude to be on the beach unless you go in the early morning before the nude hours begin. The rest of the resort is not clothing optional.
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.