Sandals is a Jamaican owned resort that was founded in 1981. Their first resort was Sandals Montego Bay, and has since expanded to 15 resorts across 6 countries.
Kevin and I have been to a variety of islands and resorts with our families, but our first Caribbean vacation together was our honeymoon in 2017. After spending a lot of money on our wedding, we skimped on the honeymoon and didn’t enjoy the resort as much as we had hoped. Two years later, we decided it was time for another relaxing trip and started our research. Right away we decided on Sandals. I had heard great things from friends and family (I have also stayed at Turks and Caicos Beaches with family), and the outstanding reviews were endless.
Our Resort
The numerous resorts made it hard to pick, but in the end we settled on Sandals Royal Caribbean.
Sandals Royal Caribbean is one of their smaller resorts with 227 Rooms and 9 restaurants. It’s located 10 minutes from the Montego Bay Airport.
At this resort you also have the privilege to visit the Sandals Montego Bay resort; a five minute shuttle ride away, which has 12 additional restaurants and additional water-sports.
Sandasl has three room levels:
Luxury
- Shuttle service to and from the airport
- In room bar stocked daily with beer and wine
- Free wifi
Club
- Private transfer to and from the airport
- Free wifi
- Robes in room
- Room service
- In room bar stocked daily with select liquor
- Bags taken to and from room
- Access to Club Sandals Lounge and concierge services
Read more about Club Level
Butler
- Free wifi
- Private transfer to and from the airport
- Upgraded alcohol
- 24/hr Butler service
- Room service
- In room bar stocked daily with premium liquor
- Robes and slippers in room
- Bags taken to and from room
- Supplied cell phone to reach butler
- private check-in comfortably in your suite
- Unpack luggage
- Press clothes
- Make all reservations- dining, excursions etc.
Read more about Butler Level
The levels are based on the room you select. Typically the more expensive the room and better the view, the higher the level.
We selected the club beachfront walkout with tranquility tub.
Why We Selected Our Room
Since we planned on making this a fancier trip than our honeymoon, I immediately knew I wanted an ocean-view. Honestly, when I picked our room I didn’t realize there were three levels. I thought there was butler and then everyone else. So the extra perks were a nice surprise!
I really enjoyed our room, but I do have some trips and tricks for picking resorts and rooms that I learned from that I will talk about later.
Sandals Select Rewards
Shortly after booking our trip I saw that Sandals has a rewards program. The main perks:
~Stay 70 nights, get 7 nights free
~Each time you stay you earn points which equate to money off your next stay. Earn 5,000 Sandals Select Bonus Points upon enrollment.
~Book your next trip on-site (during your current vacation) and receive extra off (10% for luxury, 11% for club, 12% for butler)
~ and more! Read more about Sandals Select Rewards.
After this trip, we are hooked! We booked our next trip: Grenada 2021 here we come!!
After just one stay and the 5,000 sign-up bonus reward points, we were able to get an extra $250 off our next trip in addition to the 11% for booking on site.
They also do 10% for military!
Sandals vacations aren’t the only trips we plan on taking the rest of our lives so I liked that you could book three years out and space out the trips.
Tips and Tricks for Picking Your Resorts and Room
Resort
Make sure to look at a map of the country! Some resorts can be a 2+ hour drive from the airport. Some resorts you can even take a helicopter ride instead of driving the distance! If you’re like me and easily get carsick, I recommend picking a resort closer to the airport you’re flying in to. Some countries may have more than one airport too! Do your research and make sure your favorite airline flies there.
I would also check to make sure there is no construction scheduled at the resort. Some of the resorts are older and due for remodeling. Since you have the ability to book so far out, plan around the construction. Montego Bay is recently redone and it’s STUNNING!
Room
After staying once, I definitely have a clear idea of what rooms I will book in the future.
I picked the Royal Caribbean resort over the Montego Bay resort because I thought smaller would be quieter and more relaxing. I was wrong! The smaller resort meant more people in a smaller area so it was definitely louder. When we were walking around Montego Bay, even though it was bigger and had more rooms, its was so spread out that it felt like nobody was around.
My other room tip would be to stay away from the main pool and night stage area. Both of these areas are loud late into the night. All of the resorts have maps online. Definitely check it out prior to booking.
Price and Value
Like anything in life, you definitely get what you pay for, and Sandals is no exception. Like I said before, we planned to spend more on this trip and upgraded to beachfront. That view was worth every penny!
There are more affordable rooms too though! Almost all of the resorts have rooms for less than $300/per person/ per night. The cheapest I saw was $206 at Ochi for the Great House Luxury room. Rates also vary depending on what time of year you want to travel and the current market. That means you could book a room and see it advertised as cheaper a few months later. If you call, they will price match!
I would also check out their 7-7-7 deals! This stands for 7 nights, 7 rooms, extra 7% off. It’s a limited time deal on seven different types of rooms throughout the company. So one week it may include beachfront at Montego Bay, the next week it could be a tropical view room in the Bahamas, and you get an extra 7% off a 7 night stay.
Food and Drinks
Lots of people have asked about the food! I definitely indulged on this trip so I will indulge your food questions.
How was it? Delicious!
Part of a 5-star resort rating includes food and drink. Food and drinks were everywhere at all times, and there was lots of variety. The resort we stayed at had local Jerk food, brick oven pizza, salad bars, a British pub, French and Thai cuisine, and more!
Many of the restaurants and bars have won awards too.
Travel tip: Some of the restaurants have dress codes and require reservations. Plan ahead!
I will say, Kevin and I really enjoyed the perk of room service included in our Club Level room. It was so nice getting breakfast brought to us!
I hope this Sandals overview helps you plan your next Carribean vacation!
XOXO, Kaitlyn
