First Time at Sandals? Read This Before You Book
If you've ever typed "Is Sandals worth it?" or "Which Sandals resort should I pick?" into Google at midnight, you're not alone. We get these questions from clients every single week. Sandals is a big investment, and people want to get it right.
So we put together this guide to answer the questions we hear most often, plus a few things most people don't find out until they're already at the resort!
Is Sandals Really All-Inclusive?
Yes, and we mean genuinely all-inclusive. Unlike a lot of resorts that advertise "all-inclusive" and then nickel-and-dime you for everything, Sandals covers:
-Unlimited food at every restaurant on property
-All alcohol at every bar on property, including top-shelf liquor and premium wines (see all bars and lounges)
-Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailingScuba diving (certified divers only, and this is huge because most resorts charge $100+ per dive)
-Airport transfers (learn more about Sandals airport transfers)
-Tips and gratuities
The only real extras are things like spa treatments, private candlelight dinners (around $199/couple, and absolutely worth it), and off-resort excursions.
Want to see exactly what is included? Browse the full Sandals dining experience here.
Which Sandals Resort Is the Best?
Honestly? It depends on what you're looking for. The answer is different for every couple. Here's a quick breakdown to help narrow it down:
Best beach: Sandals Royal Barbados or Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Both have stunning stretches of sand that are hard to beat.
Best for romance and scenery: Sandals Grande St. Lucian consistently ranks at the top. The peninsula location means you get sunrises and sunsets from the same resort.
Best overwater bungalows: Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. Their bungalows are arranged in a heart-shaped pier with glass floors, private plunge pools, and ladder access straight into the ocean. Outer-edge bungalows give you the most privacy and panoramic views.
Best for first-timers: Sandals Montego Bay or Sandals Royal Barbados. Both are easy to get to, highly staffed, and give you that classic Sandals experience.
Best bang for your budget: Sandals Negril or Sandals Barbados. Prices tend to be lower than some of the flagship properties, but the experience is still excellent.
✓ Insider tip: Room category matters more than most people realize. The difference between a Luxury room and a Butler Suite is not just the room. Butler guests get a dedicated butler team, private check-in, unpacking service, and priority restaurant reservations. If your budget allows it, it's a completely different trip.
Ready to compare resorts? Browse all 17 Sandals properties and find your match.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
We always tell clients to book 9 to 12 months out if possible, especially for the most popular room types and resort locations.
Overwater bungalows and Butler Suites sell out fast. If you want the best options, waiting is not your friend. The other reason to book early is that Sandals promotions are designed to stack. They are not random flash sales. They run structured deals year-round, and the best combinations of savings happen when you book at the right time with a travel advisor who knows how to layer them.
Waiting for a "better deal" often means losing both your preferred room and the best pricing window.
Dates fill up fast, especially for peak season and overwater categories. Check current availability and promotions before your dates are gone.
Do I Need a Travel Agent to Book Sandals?
You do not need one, but there is a strong case for using one, and here is what most people do not know!
Sandals has a program called the Chairman's Royal Club for top-producing travel agencies. Agents at that level get access to things like complimentary room upgrades, resort credits, and perks that are not available when you book directly on the Sandals website.
At Shoreline Destinations, our lead advisor Andrea is a Certified Sandals Gold Advisor, which means she has earned one of the highest designations Sandals gives to travel professionals. That is not just a title. It means she has visited these resorts in person, maintains direct relationships with the Sandals team, and knows the room categories, property layouts, and booking windows well enough to match each client to the right fit based on their actual trip, not just what looks good in photos.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or just a vacation you have been putting off for too long, Andrea takes into account your budget, the vibe you are going for, your travel dates, and the type of experience you want before ever making a recommendation. That kind of guidance costs you nothing extra, and it makes a real difference in how your trip turns out.
What Is the Difference Between Sandals and Beaches?
Sandals is couples-only (18+). Beaches is the family-friendly brand under the same ownership, currently located in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica. If you are traveling with kids, Beaches is the move. Sandals is strictly adults.
What Should I Know Before I Go?
A few things that make a real difference that people usually only learn after their first trip:
-Make restaurant reservations on your first day. Some resorts let you book 14 days out through the Sandals app. At popular properties, the best specialty restaurants fill up fast. See all Sandals dining options.
-Lobster is seasonal. It is typically available August through March. Ask your concierge or butler when lobster nights are scheduled and plan your dinner reservations around that.
-Room service is not universal. It is only included for Club Level and Butler rooms. Luxury-level rooms do not have room service. If you are an early riser or have an excursion morning, this is worth knowing when selecting your room category. Learn about Sandals Butler Service.
-The helicopter transfer in St. Lucia is worth it. The drive from Hewanorra Airport to the resort takes about 90 minutes on winding mountain roads. The helicopter takes 15 minutes and gives you an aerial view of the island. Book your Sandals airport transfer in advance.
-Bring a reusable insulated cup. You can carry your drinks anywhere on property, and a good insulated mug with a metal straw keeps frozen drinks cold way longer by the pool.
Does Sandals Have a Honeymoon Package?
Yes, and it is free if your honeymoon is within 12 months of your wedding date! The package includes:
Sparkling wine in your room on arrival
Turndown service with flower petals on your first night
Breakfast in bed one morning of your choice
A complimentary 20-minute photo session
The private candlelight dinner is not included in the free package but is one of the most popular add-ons. It runs about $199 per couple and is a four-course private dinner under the stars with a personal butler. Book it as early as possible since spots are limited each night.
Planning your honeymoon? Compare Sandals resorts and find the perfect honeymoon fit.
Is Sandals Good for a Destination Wedding?
Absolutely, and this is something we specialize in at Shoreline Weddings. Sandals offers several wedding packages, including a complimentary ceremony for couples booking a minimum number of nights, depending on the property. Some resorts even have overwater chapels, which are a stunning setting for vows.
If you are thinking about a wedding at Sandals, talk to a Sandals Specialist before you pick your venue. Not every resort has the same wedding locations, and some have much more flexibility for larger groups.
Ready to Book?
Our team of Certified Sandals Specialists will help you compare resorts, pick the right room category, and lock in the best available promotions. There is no extra cost to work with us, and you will have someone in your corner from the moment you book until you are back home with a great tan!
Shoreline Destinations is a full-service travel agency based in Maryland, helping couples, families, and groups travel smarter since 2013. We specialize in destination weddings, honeymoons, and group travel worldwide.
Sandals Resorts currently has the following locations:
7 Sandals in Jamaica
1 Sandals in the Bahamas
3 Sandals in St. Lucia
1 Sandals in Antigua
2 Sandals in Barbados
1 Sandals in Grenada
1 Sandals in Curacao
1 Sandals in Saint Vincent
LET US PLAN YOUR DREAM VACATION
Not ready to book the trip yourself? No Problem! Plan your vacation with Shoreline Destinations and we’ll provide you with a custom-tailored vacation package. Ask us if you qualify for exclusive additional amenities!
When you work with a Travel Advisor from Shoreline Destinations you’ll get:
Vacation Proposal & Booking: Personalized proposal with resorts or cruises to choose from based on your preferences.
Details: Airfare, transportation, travel insurance, and excursion booking.
Our Recommendations: We’ll share our travel tips and recommendations specific to your itinerary.
Competitive Pricing: Ourpricing is the same or lower than online so there's no reason NOT to book with us!
Amenities: We get exclusive amenities to many properties worldwide for booking through our agency!
Personalized Service: You don't have to deal with toll-free numbers and the internet; we'll be your point of contact from beginning to end.
Shoreline Destinations is a boutique travel agency that specializes in effortless destination weddings, vacations that are #instaworthy, and family getaways that your kids will be talking about for years.
Andrea Norfolk
President & Travel Advisor
Andrea specializes in luxury travel, family vacations, destination weddings, and honeymoons.
Ready to book your next vacation? Let our team of travel advisors make the process easy!
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