Sandals Royal Caribbean Honest Review & 2024 Update

If you’re trying to choose which Sandals Resort in Jamaica are best for your upcoming vacation, take a look at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

We visited the resort on a trip where we visited all the Sandals Resorts in Jamaica and enjoyed our time there.

What we loved most about Sandals Royal Caribbean is the private offshore island with its beach, really great restaurants with a lot of variety, Over-the-Water bungalows and the exchange privileges with Sandals Montego Bay.

The only cons we heard from other guests were that it is too small and too quiet. Those were some of the things we liked about the resort, but if you are looking for a more lively resorts check out Sandals Montego Bay.

Additionally, there are currently a lot of new rooms under construction so by the end of 2024 you can expect to see those rooms available and for construction to wrap up.

Here is a video of our visit to Sandals Royal Caribbean if you prefer…

Arriving at Sandals Royal Caribbean

One thing we love about Sandals Royal Caribbean is that it is located very close to the Montego Bay airport, making it very easy to get to.

After arriving at the airport we made our way to the Sandals lounge before getting on a shuttle to the resort. I do recommend you look at how many arrivals will be coming to the airport around the same time as your flight. If you are arriving in the middle of the day, consider purchasing access to Club Mobay which gets you through customs quickly.

They have added new kiosks that have sped things up drastically but they still are not always working.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Rooms & Suites

After arriving at the resort we were checked into our room. If you have butler service your butler will escort you to our room when pointing out a few things about the resort as you make your way to our room.

Sandals Royal Caribbean has various rooms and for this stay, we were in one of the more affordable rooms, a Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Jr. Suite w/Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub.

Choosing a Room at Sandals Royal Caribbean

There are several things to take into account when choosing a room. We looked at the map and saw the crystal lagoon was somewhat tucked away meaning it was quiet, but also further from the beach, which is more affordable.

We also liked that the room was newer as opposed to the holder more outdated rooms on the resort. I think the most outdated rooms have since been demolished and new buildings are being built in their place.

For this trip, we ended up in a Luxury level room which meant no room service or robes. Additionally, we had to go to the culinary desk to make dinner reservations. We were surprised that such a nice, modern room was not a higher level.

Club-level rooms get room service and have more alcohol at the in-room bar. They also have access to the club concierge room that has snacks and drinks, but we rarely use this when we are there.

Butler-level rooms mean you have a butler to take care of anything you need.

Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow

Of course, we can’t talk about rooms at Sandals Royal Caribbean without mentioning the Over-the-Water Bungalows

These romantic hideaways are located on the private offshore island, set around a heart-shaped walkway, and perched over the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

While we did not stay in the suites, we can see why some people splurge to enjoy them.

When you stay at an overwater bungalow at a Sandals resort, it includes personalized butler service. Your butler will greet you with lemongrass-scented hand towels to refresh you from your flight, cocktails, and culinary treats before escorting you to your suite. Check-in is completed at your villa where the butler can even unpack your luggage for you.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Food & Drinks Review

While at Sandals Royal Caribbean we were able to dine at 9 restaurants offering a range of world-class dining options and additional options at Sandals Montego Bay.

As soon as we were checked in we made dinner reservations for the rest of our time at the resort. Our preference is to get reservations for the earliest time to get the quickest service.

For breakfast, we preferred the buffet at Spices which has plenty to choose from including an omelet station, smoothie station, and fresh pancakes and french toast. We switched between going to the a la carte breakfast at the Bombay Club or the buffet, but by the end of the trip we liked the speed of eating at Spices instead of being waited on.

For lunch, we loved eating at the Jerk Shack on the private island, freshly made brick oven pizza at Bella Napoli, or going to the Mariner for quesadillas and great service.

Sandals Royal Caribbean is one of the best Sandals Resorts for food because our two favorite restaurants are there.

Royal Thai, located on a private island, features authentic Thai food. Unless you are staying in the overwater bungalows, you will be taking a Thai-inspired boat to dinner and can enjoy a signature cocktail and all the delicious appetizers and entrees you would like.

Not only was the food delicious, but we appreciated the server encouraging us to try more food than we had planned. Once we placed our order for food, it started coming out for us to enjoy.

The experience at Bombay House was similar. The food was delicious and the server gave us a gentle push to try a few more dishes than we had planned. My mouth still waters thinking about the Goan Shrimp Curry.

Beyond our favorites, Le Jardinier offers French haute cuisine, Spices serves Caribbean cuisine, La Tavola offers Italian cuisine, and The Cricketers Pub offers English pub-style food.

You also have access to all the dining options at Sandals Montego Bay (and easy transportation back and forth via free shuttle), which includes 12 restaurants, many of which overlook the beautiful beach.

At Sandals Montego Bay the best restaurant in our opinion is Oleanders. They recently reworked the menu and it is now family-style Caribbean food. The Jerk Lobster Kebabs were amazing and we loved ordering several different dishes to try for one meal. The Highgate Chocolate Marquise for dessert was a perfect way to end our meal.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Beach & Pools

You’ll have a few different beach options at Sandals Royal Caribbean. The main resort is on a gorgeous sugar-white stretch of sand along Montego Bay, and the private island that lies just offshore has 2 white sand beaches. Both offer shaded loungers and private spots to hang out, including overwater hammocks, and firepits for romantic evenings.

One of the beaches on the private island is clothing optional if that is something you are interested in.

The beach area closest to the water sports area was the most active with a volleyball net and floating rings that made for a great gathering place. This is where the entertainment team would organize activities and bring the music.

Along the beach are smaller beach areas that are quieter and more relaxed.

There are 7 pools at Sandals Royal Caribbean, two with swim-up bars, and multiple whirlpools.

The pool on the private island was our favorite. It was smaller and usually quiet with a swim-up bar.

The resort has a main pool overlooking the beach with a whirlpool. This is the most lively with trivia, music, and other activities throughout the day. Even with this being the busiest pool it still tends to be a very relaxed environment.

There are 5 other freshwater pools located throughout the property at the different villages, including a long lagoon pool in Crystal Lagoon Village (with swim-up rooms along it).

Overall the pools are smaller than at most other Sandals Resort properties, but there are a lot of them so you don’t have to worry about not having a fun place to splash around.

Things to do at Sandals Royal Caribbean

Besides the obvious relaxing and fun you can have around the beach at Sandals Royal Caribbean there is so much more to do if you want something more active. Most obvious is going to Sandals Montego Bay for the day for more variety.

You can also do some shopping nearby where there is a Harley Davidson and other souvenir shops.

Included Activities

At Sandals you have access to unlimited water sports, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing.

Scuba diving is also included! For certified divers, you can dive up to twice a day with two tanks a day! Scuba courses are not included but start at $120 and are more affordable than most places in the US.

There are several other unlimited on-site activities, including my favorite beach volleyball, bocce ball, pool tables, croquet, and more. If you are looking for a workout, there’s a fitness center and complimentary exercise classes.

The private offshore island at Sandals Royal Caribbean is a unique amenity that is available for all guests, even if you’re not staying in one of the overwater bungalows. Just a few minutes by boat from the main resort, the island features a beautiful beach lined with thatch-roofed cabanas, a pool with a swim-up bar, a Jacuzzi, and two dining experiences including an authentic Thai restaurant.

Along with these amazing activities, there’s an onsite piano bar, chocolate buffet, talent night, Caribbean night, live bands, karaoke, dancing on the sand, and even bonfires and a beach party with fire dancers on the private island. Sandals Royal Caribbean has 6 bars, and you also have access to the 6 bars at Sandals Montego Bay.

Is Sandals Royal Caribbean a couples-only resort?

Yes, Sandals Royal Caribbean is a couples-only resort, as are all Sandals all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. In their own words, Sandals states, “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.”

Is Sandals Royal Caribbean a party resort?

There are a lot of entertainment options at Royal Caribbean, but I wouldn’t consider it a party resort.

Sandals Royal Caribbean offers daily and nightly entertainment including live shows, beach parties, talent nights, live bands, and chocolate buffets.

The nighttime beach bonfires and entertainment on the private island are pretty spectacular. There are 6 bars at Sandals Royal Caribbean, including a piano bar and an English pub, as well.

You can also head to Sandals Montego Bay for more entertainment options. Plus, Sandals Royal Caribbean is close to the active nightlife scene in Montego Bay, if you want to go out to local clubs.

How far is Sandals Royal Caribbean from the airport?

Since it’s in Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean is located very close to the airport there. Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your stay, and it takes about 10 minutes to get to the resort from Sangster International Airport. Just go to the Sandals lounge at the airport when you arrive.

Does Sandals all-inclusive include alcohol?

All drinks are included and unlimited at Sandals Resorts. This includes premium spirits and top-rated Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines.

What is included at Sandals Royal Caribbean?

At Sandals resorts, when they say all-inclusive, they really mean you can arrive at the resort without having to worry about what is included and what is not.

Sandals Royal Caribbean offers 9 restaurants that cover all sorts of cuisines, from Caribbean favorites to Italian, French, Thai, and seafood. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks are all included in your stay. You also have access to the 12 restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay.

Unlimited All-Inclusive Drinks

For drinks, Sandals only serves premium brand liquors that are always included and unlimited. As part of the 5-Star Luxury Included® experience, Sandals only serves premium brand liquors that are always included and unlimited. You can order whatever you would like, including specialties you would expect at a tropical resort, like a Pina Colada, Margarita, Blue Lagoon, or a Bahama Mama.

In all rooms, there is a mini-fridge stocked with water, juice, soda, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks Wine, and local beer.

Additionally, every room includes a coffeemaker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee.

What is not included at Sandals Royal Caribbean?

You can come to Sandals without spending an additional penny, but there are a few opportunities to spend a little bit more.

Spa treatments at the Red Lane Spa are available at an additional cost. Could you imagine how many therapists and spa rooms they would need if they were included in the price?

Additionally, the spa staff are some of the few employees that can accept tips, along with butlers, the staff from off-property tours, and the transfer drivers, since they are not employed by Sandals.

Around the pool, you can rent private cabanas at an additional cost. There are also over 30 tours available to book through Sandals including a Jamaica swamp safari village tour, ziplines, snorkeling cruises, dolphin encounters, deep-sea fishing, and ATV adventures.

The most popular excursion is about 90 minutes away at Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios.

Need more honeymoon inspiration? Here are a few recommended articles:

• Sandals South Coast vs Sandals Royal Caribbean
• Best Honeymoon All-Inclusive Packages
• Best Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica
• Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World