OK, so you’ve booked your Sandals honeymoon or romantic getaway. Next, you’ll need to decide what to bring. If you’ve never visited a Sandals resort before, you’ll want to know about the Sandals dress code.
In this article, we’ll tell you all about what to wear at Sandals Resorts for both women and men. You can also find a detailed beach honeymoon packing list here.
What to Wear at Sandals Overview
When it comes to your Sandals honeymoon packing list, less is more. In fact, on the Sandals website they say that many guests recommend packing everything you think you’ll need, then take out half! (You can always use the optional Sandals laundry service, the cost of which varies depending on the clothing item. You’ll find price lists in your room.)
Keep in mind that all Sandals resorts are in the Caribbean, so you’ll be wearing clothes that are appropriate for warm weather. However, you may want to pack a light sweater or jacket in case it gets chilly in the evening, or you find the air conditioning in a restaurant too cold.
Also due to the tropical locations, something you will want to wear at Sandals is a sun hat and sunglasses when you’re outside!
Bring versatile pieces of clothing that you’ll be able to mix and match, as well as dress up or down, depending on the activities you have planned. One thing to know is that each Sandals resort holds a “White Night” event every week, so they suggest you bring an all-white outfit for that.
What to Wear at Sandals Resorts for Women
Women will want to bring a few light, airy dresses and/or skirts plus tops for daytime activities and dinner, as well as some more casual options like shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear.
Most of what you will wear at Sandals Resorts is going to be related to what you plan on doing. If you want to lounge on the beach or by the pool most days, be sure to bring several swimsuits. If you want to do watersports like snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, etc., you might want to get a one-piece or a rash guard.
If you’re heading to a Sandals resort with golf, you will need to wear appropriate attire and golf shoes (same for if you want to play tennis).
There are complimentary fitness centers at each Sandals, as well as classes like yoga, so bring workout gear if you want to take advantage of those. And if you plan to go on any excursions, think about whether you will need something special like comfortable walking shoes or a raincoat.
Don’t forget to pack a cute cover-up to throw on over your swimsuit. It’s a perfect option to have when you’re taking a stroll on the beach or exploring town. Also, most restaurants at Sandals Resorts require you to cover up swimwear in order to eat there.
For shoes, you’ll want to wear something easy to slip on and off that can get wet and/or sandy during the day, like flip-flops. You may also want to bring water shoes. At night, a pair of nice sandals or wedges works well in both casual and dressy restaurants. You can bring heels if you want, but remember that you may be walking on sand.
What to Wear at Sandals Resorts for Men
Men will also wear a mix of casual and dressier clothes at Sandals Resorts. Swimwear, shorts, and casual shirts are a must for days spent lounging on the beach or exploring your surroundings.
For shoes, you’ll want to wear something easy to slip on and off that can get wet and/or sandy during the day, like flip-flops. You may also want to bring water shoes. Remember to bring nicer shoes for dinner. Sandals are fine in casual restaurants, but the nicer restaurants require closed-toe shoes (no sneakers).
For dinner, you’ll want to wear nicer shorts in the casual restaurants or dressier pants (khakis are fine) and collared shirts in the restaurants requiring evening ware.
A full explanation of the Sandals restaurant dress code is below.
As we discussed in the women’s section, if you’re heading to a Sandals resort with golf, you will need to wear appropriate attire and golf shoes (same for if you want to play tennis).
There are complimentary fitness centers at each Sandals, as well as classes like yoga, so bring workout gear if you want to take advantage of those. And if you plan to go on any excursions, think about whether you will need something special like comfortable walking shoes or a raincoat.
Resort Evening Attire at Sandals
As the sun goes down, you will probably want to dress up a little, and if you’re eating at one of the nicer restaurants at your Sandals resort, you’ll be required to.
Is Sandals strict about the dress code? It really depends on the Sandals resort, some are more strict than others. The Sandals’ dress code for restaurants at night is either resort casual or resort evening. Resort casual includes either shorts or jeans and t-shirts or polo shirts. You must wear both shirts and shoes and if you have on a swimsuit it must be covered up.
Resort evening wear would be dress pants or nice jeans and long or short-sleeved dress shirts, with or without a collar, for men. No T-shirts or sleeveless shirts are allowed, and no hats and you need dress shoes.
For women, resort evening wear would be nicer pants or jeans, or a skirt, and a nice top. Of course, a cute sundress or cocktail dress is always perfect. Shoes should be dress shoes or nice sandals—no flip-flops, sneakers, or slippers.
And FYI, while Sandals does say jeans are appropriate, you will most likely be hot if you wear them. You may want to pack khakis or other lightweight pants instead.
Did we answer all your questions about what to wear at Sandals Resorts? Let us know if you have any others in the comments below!
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.