Our Sandals South Coast Review

We recently visited Sandals South Coast and wanted to share our review of the all-inclusive adult-only resort.

Overall, Sandals South Coast, was named “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort” in the 2019 World Travel Awards and is one of the most affordable Sandals Resorts. It also feels a bit more secluded than other Sandals Resorts in Jamaica since it is on the South Coast nestled along a 2-mile stretch of pristine white beach amid a 500-acre nature preserve. Many of the resort rooms have been refurbished and it is one of the few resorts in the Caribbean with overwater bungalows.

One of the reasons it’s such a honeymoon favorite is that it features uber-romantic accommodations like Over-the-Water Bungalows and Swim-Up Rondovals.

Location and Overview: Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast is located in White House, along the unspoiled southern coast of Jamaica. It’s about 30 miles from Montego Bay airport.

The drive to the resort is rough. Make sure you take Dramamine before you start the drive because there will be a lot of swerving to avoid potholes and lots of sharp turns. This is honestly the biggest complaint we had about the trip.

Three European Villages make up the resort: Italian, French, and the all-new, all-waterfront Dutch.

Daily rates here start at $239 per person per night and include complimentary airport transfers; all dining and 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; WiFi; daily and nightly entertainment; unlimited land sports; state-of-the-art fitness center; and all tips, taxes, and gratuities.

This is one of the least expensive Sandals Resorts.

Accommodations at Sandals South Coast

When it comes to choosing your room or suite, here are our recommendations based on your budget.

While the areas of the resort were once referred to as the Dutch, Italian, and French villages, they renamed them in Dec 2023.

The French village was completely renovated and is now called “Longbeach” and includes swim-up suites and rooms with balconies and tranquility tubs.

The former Italian village is not referred to as Silver Sun and the Dutch village is Starlight.

Next up are the Rondaval Suites, our preferred choice. These suites in Rondoval Village feature a private patio with zero-entry access to the river pool, a private plunge pool, spa-style bathrooms, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two. These romantic hideaways also come with butler service.

For the ultimate honeymoon luxury, choose an Over-the-Water Bungalow. These incredible suites are set around a heart-shaped walkway and perched over the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

The Over-the-Water Bungalows are the best accommodations at Sandals Resorts and give you direct access to those gorgeous waters from a large private deck that features a Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two, an overwater hammock, loungers, outdoor shower, and swim-up platform. The beautiful interior has a see-through glass floor insert, a custom king-size bed, and a spa-like bathroom with a rain shower.

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.

Throughout your stay, your butler can make all the reservations you need for dinner, activities, or spa treatments. They can bring you drinks or food on the beach or at the pool, or serve you a quiet candlelit dinner on your private deck.  

What Is Included in the Honeymoon Package at Sandals South Coast?

Another thing that makes Sandals South Coast an ideal place for a honeymoon is the Sandals honeymoon package. Beyond all the usual things included in a stay at a Sandals resort, if you make your trip within 30 days of your wedding date, you get these honeymoon extras:

• A bottle of chilled sparkling wine is elegantly arranged in your room to toast your future.
• A special turndown service that includes flower petals on your bed on the first evening of your honeymoon.
• Fresh flowers and a decadent breakfast in bed one morning of your choice.

Dining at Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast has 7 bars (including swim-up bars) and 9 “global gourmet” restaurants, many of which overlook the beautiful beach. These include Italian, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines; beachside Mediterranean and Jamaican seafood restaurants; Sushi on the Sand; the Jerk Shack; and a Parisian café.

You can also opt for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, in a garden, or on your private patio or balcony.

Amenities and Activities at Sandals South Coast

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Jamaica, check out the incredible over-the-water chapel, where you can walk down a glass floor aisle and say your vows with views of the stunning Caribbean on all sides.

If you’re not getting married on this trip, you can still enjoy an overwater experience at Sandals South Coast by visiting the Over-the-Water Bar for a refreshing drink surrounded by the Caribbean. You can even laze the day away with your sweetie in one of the overwater hammocks for two!

Sandals South Coast offers a full range of water sports including waterskiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, tubing, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing; equipment and instruction are included.

It has a wide variety of land sports available as well, including day and night tennis in addition to basketball, beach volleyball, pool tables, table tennis, squash, bocce ball, and a fitness center with exercise classes.

The pools at Sandals South Coast are designed for romance and relaxation. They include a 17,000-square-foot river pool with a swim-up bar (the Caribbean’s longest), two Renaissance-style pools, and Jamaica’s largest zero-entry pool. One of the pools is directly beachfront for the best of both worlds.

You can also swim in the crystal clear Caribbean or lounge along the pristine 2-mile white-sand beach—in a private cabana or under a shade tree—and enjoy both sunrise and sunset views.

Or, indulge in optional spa services like a couples’ massage at the full-service Red Lane Spa. This sanctuary is set in secluded gardens and offers relaxation areas, a plunge pool, a steam room, a beauty salon, and a yoga/Pilates studio.

If you want to explore some of Jamaica’s natural beauty and culture, you can take advantage of multiple area excursions and adventure tours. These range from deep-sea fishing, a sunset catamaran cruise, or shopping in Negril to horseback riding, river rafting, swimming in waterfalls, ziplining, or going on a Jeep safari.

Nightlife at Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast takes on an even more romantic ambiance at night when beach bonfires and fire pits add to the glow of your love.

Sandals Resorts are all about celebrating. In addition to sipping your favorite cocktail at the overwater bar or singing along in the piano bar, you’ll enjoy daily and nightly entertainment including live shows and theme nights.

After learning what makes Sandals South Coast do you think it is the best Sandals Resort for you?

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