The adults-only all-inclusive Sandals resorts are famous for having “more quality inclusions than any other resort on the planet.” In fact, their tagline is “love is all you need; everything else is included.” These luxurious resorts can be found throughout the Caribbean and are some of the most popular places for honeymoons and romantic retreats.
You can go to Sandals without spending any money once you are on site, but most likely you will find yourself paying a little extra for something that is not included. Here are the things that are not included in your stay at Sandals Resorts.
Scuba Diving Certifications
Instruction for scuba diving is not included, but for a fee, you can take courses and get certified during your Sandals vacation.
While all the Sandals resorts in the Caribbean offer complimentary water sports including snorkeling and scuba diving, there are some limitations on the diving.
Once you are certified for scuba diving, you can dive every day (with a maximum of two tanks per day) for free. (Obviously, if you already have your certification, then your scuba diving is also free.) If you want to rent a wetsuit, that cost is not included. However, most of the Caribbean waters are warm enough that you won’t need one.
Golf Caddy & Extras
If you stay at a Sandals resort with golf available, your greens fees (and transportation to the golf course if necessary) will be included. However, if the course requires a caddy, those fees are not included. Golf cart rentals are also not included in your stay at Sandals. Neither are club or shoe rentals, or golf lessons if you want those.
Spa Services
Services and products at the luxurious Red Lane Spas are not included in your stay at Sandals resorts. These include couple’s massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and more. However, you will receive complimentary toiletries in your room that are from the spa.
Excursions
Excursions in the area around the resort are also not included, since third-party tour operators run those trips (not Sandals employees). While there is so much to do at a Sandals resort that you may not want to leave the property, there are plenty of fun excursion options like horseback riding, ATV tours, swimming with pigs, ziplining, historic tours, boat trips, hiking, and more, depending on which Sandals resort in the Caribbean you choose.
You can browse the different offerings on the Sandals website and see the total price per excursion; it will include your transportation to and from the resort.
Upsells
While on resort you will be offered upsells during your stay.
Special options like private candlelight dinners on the beach are also not included at Sandals Resorts.
However, if you are staying in a butler level suite, you get 24-hour room service including private dinners on your terrace or balcony. If you’re staying in a club-level room or suite you can also enjoy room service, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
While you can enjoy unlimited servings of six types of Robert Mondavi wines, other wines are not included at Sandals restaurants. There is a Manager’s Wine List, which you can ask about if you would like to have a special wine with your meal.
Other things that are not included at Sandals Resorts are private cabana rentals on the beach or at the pool. These cabanas come with butler service, so you may want to look into that if you aren’t staying in a butler-level suite. Photography packages are also not included at Sandals resorts.
You can have professional photos and videos taken of your Sandals vacation for an extra fee. Shopping is also not included at Sandals Resorts. And while there is free WiFi included, you can also upgrade to a premium WiFi service.
Some Tips
Although all gratuities are included at Sandals for bartenders, bellmen, and restaurant servers, there are some people whose tips are not included.
If you stay in a butler-level suite, your butler can and will accept tips. We recommend tipping a butler $20 a day, depending on how much you use their services. Spa therapists and airport transport drivers should also be tipped since they are not Sandals employees.
Weddings
Last but not least, while you can get a free wedding at Sandals with a minimum stay of 7 nights in a club or butler room, there are plenty of optional add-ons that are not included. You can get a free wedding at Sandals if you stay at least 7 nights in Club or Butler room. The Sweetheart Package, which usually costs $1000, is good for up to 10 people and also gives you a 15% discount at the spa as well as credits toward photography and videography packages. Free ceremonies are limited to Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
To learn all about destination weddings at Sandals, check out our article on Sandals Wedding Packages.
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.