Let’s kick off our shoes and explore the Caribbean with our hosts, Sandals

Come with us as we go island hopping around the Caribbean. And while we do, we’ll be popping in to see the incredible Sandals resorts. But with eight islands and 17 properties to choose from, it can be an overwhelming choice. Which island and which resort would suit you best? Read on…

 

First off, let’s meet our hosts

Sandals is the company that redefined the all-inclusive. All too often the all-inclusive concept can get a bad rap, primarily because at too many such resorts guests are palmed off with below-par drink brands or restricted to the all-you-can-eat buffets.

So for starters, at Sandals there’s no “below par” and secondly, when you experience the Sandals’ all-inclusive it really means it’s ALL inclusive. 

This means guests can dine in any of the restaurants on the resort – and some have up to 16 to choose from. 

All the wines come from an exclusive partnership with Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks and all the spirits are premium, top-shelf brands. The food served across the group’s more than 23 culinary concepts at more than 144 restaurants is overseen by Emmy award-winning, world-class master chef, Walter Staib.

But Sandals takes the all-inclusive up a notch. At some of its resorts guests can even pop across the island to dine in the restaurants at its sister properties, and the transfers are even thrown in. It’s all part of Sandals’ Stay at 1, Play at X programme (X being the number of Sandals resorts that guests can access. On the island of St Lucia, you Stay at 1, Play at 3.)

What’s more, for select guests staying at the new resort in Curaçao or for those at Sandals Royal Bahamian, you can even pull up a chair and savour the flavours in a selection of local restaurants – with Sandals picking up the bill. 

This is Sandals’ pioneering move designed to encourage guests to explore the destination rather than just stay put enclosed within the resort – an argument that’s often touted by the critics of the all-inclusive concept. 

Sandals continues to raise the bar in the region and disrupt the market. For example, taking inspiration from resorts in the Maldives and Polynesia, it was back in 2016 that Sandals was the first in the Caribbean to introduce overwater villas and bungalows. Starting with Sandals Royal Caribbean, these romantic suites perched above the turquoise clear waters are also found in Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, in Sandals Grande St Lucian and Sandals St Vincent. 

Other stand-out accommodation styles are Sandals’ SkyPool Suites. These suites, normally on the upper floors, have infinity-edge pools sitting right outside the bedrooms blending seamlessly into the sky. 

Across all the resorts you’ll find Sandals’ trademarked Tranquility Soaking Tubs – oversized baths for two, often sitting outside on balconies or patios.

Many of Sandals’ suites come with butler service. On arrival guests are given a mobile phone so they can ping their butler whenever they need assistance. Almost every wish and whim will be granted whether it’s unpacking your suitcase, nabbing the prime sun loungers around the pool, booking your excursions or even shining your shoes!

While Sandals is constantly raising the bar and revolutionising the all-inclusive concept, fundamentally it remains true to the primary principle: A stay with Sandals is really ALL-inclusive. 

Unless you venture off the resort – which Sandals encourages you to do by offering numerous touring opportunities – there is absolutely no need to splash out a penny. All your food and drink is part of the package. All water sports, including sailing and scuba diving, and fitness programmes are part of the package. Golf is part of the package. Airport transfers and airport lounge access (in Jamaica, Bahamas and St Lucia) are all included. And tipping – forget it. Tipping is not allowed. The only thing you’d need to pay extra for are spa treatments and excursions – which we think is fair play. Privately organised candlelit dinners on the beach and photo packages also cost extra – frankly, we’d give or take these, so it’s up to you if you want to splash out.

Oh, and the other (very crucial) thing you need to know: Sandals Resorts are for adults only. There are no under-18s allowed to stay. For families, they head to Sandals’ sister brand, Beaches. Very often couples will kick start their marriage with a honeymoon at Sandals (or they may indeed tie the knot at a Sandals resort), only to progress on to a Beaches resort once the patter of tiny feet comes along. 

 

Let’s explore: time for some island hopping

So now we’ve met our hosts, it’s time to check out their resorts before you check in. First stop:

Jamaica

The reggae-and-rum-soaked island of Jamaica dances to its own unique rhythm. It’s as vibrant and energetic as it is tranquil and laid back. 

Head to Negril to the west, nicknamed ‘the capital of Casual’, to bask on its 7 Mile Beach (which incidentally is four miles long) and to catch the renowned, jaw-dropping-ly stunning sunsets from the terrace of Rick’s Cafe.  

Or head north to Ohio Rios, famous not only for its beaches but also Dunn’s River Falls. These cascading falls and cool, fresh-water pools are one of the island’s iconic, must-see attractions. And in the rainforest that wraps around the Falls, an adrenaline-fuelled surge on the zip lines awaits. 

In Montego Bay – or Mobay as the locals like to call it – you’ll be at the heart of all the action. Along its ‘Hip Strip’ are a string of bars, clubs and eclectic shops. Yet, serenity awaits not too far from the town on the slow-running waters of Martha Brae River where you can lay back on a traditional bamboo raft and drift down the river taking in the sights and sounds of the lush, dense rainforest that flanks the banks. 

If you head off the tourist track along the island’s south coast, the beat takes on an even more chilled vibe and many people say this is the “real” Jamaica. Here you’ll find quaint fishing villages, sprawling Treasure Beach, plantations, deserted coves, plus you can savour the taste of Jamaica at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate rum distillery. 

Jamaica is also the island that is the birthplace of Sandals itself. Some 40-plus years ago, Sandals Montego Bay was the very first resort to fly the Sandals’ flag. It was the brainchild of a certain Gordon “Butch” Stewart and was the forerunner to what is today the Caribbean’s leading hotel brand. What’s more, it’s still owned and run by the Stewart family.

Today, dotted across the island you’ll find seven Sandals resorts. 
It’s home to the company’s smallest and largest resort. The smallest is Sandals Royal Plantation, which has just 74 rooms and suites, while Sandals Ochi has 519 suites, both in Ocho Rios. 

Sandals South Coast

Number of restaurants: 9
Number of bars: 7
Number of pools: 4 and 4 whirlpools
Number of room categories: 20

This property is a hit with honeymooners.

Not only has this resort got the coveted over-the-water bungalows, but they’re all strategically placed so that together they form a glorious heart shape hovering above the turquoise waters. But that’s not all, the romance is taken up a further notch courtesy of the over-water chapel complete with its glass floor – perhaps your wedding vows may be witnessed by a few unsuspecting passers by? 

Set along a two-mile stretch of pristine beach on Jamaica’s south coast, water is a big feature of this property. You’ve got beachfront suites, swim-up suites and those quirky conical-shaped rondoval villas set around a ‘river pool’ that come with their own private pools. 

At this resort you’ll also find parked up, two food trucks serving quick take outs. Taquiero serves Mexican specialities, while succulent chicken tenders are the dish of the day from Dippers. 

Oh, and Sandals South Coast has Sandals’ longest river pool (17,000sq ft).

Sandals Ochi

Number of restaurants: 16
Number of bars: 11
Number of pools:  5
Number of room categories: 22

This is a sprawling resort of two halves. The beach beckons on one side, complete with a trendy beach club, while the Garden of Eden waits patiently on the other offering peace and tranquillity. 

The entertainment and nightlife is a big factor here, helped by its plethora of 11 bars, including the Caribbean’s first speakeasy bar and three swim-up bars. Unsurprisingly, Ochi attracts a younger clientele looking to dance to Jamaica’s rhythm.

Golfers can tee off on the nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.

Ochi is the largest resort in the Sandals portfolio and is renown for offering great value. 

Sandals Dunn’s River

Number of restaurants: 12
Number of bars: 9, including swim-up bar
Number of pools: 5, including 2 lengthy river pools
Number of room categories: 14

Opened in May 2023 after a mammoth transformation, this completely reimagined resort is home to a number of ‘firsts’ for Sandals. For one, gone is the dark wood seen in the other Jamaican properties and in are light and bright colours, reflecting the soft blues and green tones of the Caribbean.

The guest-favourite Rondoval Butler Suites have been redesigned with vast open-air rooftops. But what’s more, in a creatively innovative move is the introduction of a Stargazing Concierge. It’s his job to guide you around the constellations and curate the perfect evening for two under the Caribbean sky.

Dunn’s River is also the only Sandals’ property on Jamaica to have the luxurious SkyPool Suites. 
Guests can step onto their balcony to either take a dip in their SkyPool or in their Tranquility Soaking Tub for two while gazing out upon the beach and ocean beyond.

Of the 12 on-site restaurants, culinary firsts include the Greek restaurant Edessa (the baklava is a winner), the Asian-fusion menu at Banyu, Central and South American flavours at Zuka (try the eels) and Hamani, which features varieties of sushi.

Another hit is Dunn's Rum Club, featuring the largest selection of rums on the island.

Keen golfers are given complimentary green fees at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club. And, as the name suggests, the resort is a stone’s throw from the island’s primary attraction of Dunn’s River Falls. 

Sandals Montego Bay

Number of restaurants: 12
Number of bars: 6
Number of pools: 7 pools, 3 whirlpools
Number of room categories: 25

This is the original – the very first Sandals resort 40 + years ago. Just a five-minute drive from the airport, guests will be holding their first cocktail within minutes of landing. Despite it being the original property it’s been extensively refurbished over the years. 

It’s set on a glorious stretch of private beach and with so many pools and restaurants, this resort is great on its own. But a stay here is made even better because guests have access to nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean. This gives guests a combined total of 21 restaurants.

It may be the very first Sandals resort, but it underwent a fairly heavyweight renovation in 2018. A few stand-out features of Montego Bay include Latitudes Overwater Bar, the Over-the-Water Chapel and the glorious Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire Butler Suites.

Sandals Royal Caribbean

Number of restaurants: 9
Number of bars: 5 bars, including swim-up bar
Number of pools: 8 pools, 6 whirlpools
Number of room categories: 27

This is the resort with its own glorious private offshore island. Laying a two-minute boat ride away, this paradise island has Bali-inspired beach cabanas, a Balinese-style pool with a swim-up bar and whirlpool and the resort’s award-winning spa. A complimentary boat shuttles guests to and from the island through the day and evening. 

From the island, a wooden walkway on stilts leads to the sumptuous over-the-water villas and bungalows – strategically placed to form a heart shape. It’s hard to beat the romance here as you laze in your over-water hammock for two, swim in your infinity pool and admire the ocean through your glass floor. 

But this is not all that makes Sandals Royal Caribbean different. The setting for one stands out as being very grand and very British. The main building is a Georgian-style Great House, surrounded by manicured gardens complete with roaming peacocks. Fine British touches include afternoon tea and an authentic British pub.

And don’t forget, Sandals extends its invite to Stay at one; Play at two allowing you to tap into all the facilities and restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay.

Sandals Negril

Number of restaurants: 8
Number of bars: 5, including 2 swim-up bars
Number of pools: 4 pools, 3 whirlpools
Number of room categories: 19

This is one of Sandals’ smaller resorts. It sits on the famous Seven Mile Beach, so beautiful beach walks and loads of water sports are right on your doorstep. 

The pools, while small, are fun and lively especially in the afternoon. Quieter pools can be found on the southern end of the resort. 

Accommodation includes the impressive Millionaire Suites and Swim-up Beachfront Suites.

It’s worth remembering that Seven Mile Beach can get busy – which many people like and enjoy the bustling vibe. You will be approached by locals selling their wares. Security patrols the beach and will not allow anyone not staying on the resort to enter the property.

Sandals Royal Plantation

Number of restaurants: 5
Number of bars: 2
Number of pools: 2 pools, 1 whirlpool
Number of room categories: 11

Located in Ocho Rios Jamaica, this resort is the smallest of the Sandals resorts. It’s got just 74 bedrooms but it’s big on charm. Every room not only faces the ocean, it also comes with butler service. Royal Plantation is more like a boutique resort with a cosy bed and breakfast charm and for that reason alone we love it. 

It sits snuggly between two private coves and within pristinely manicured gardens, complete with roaming peacocks. The upmarket feel of this resort is reiterated by the fact that it claims to have Jamaica’s only caviar & Champagne bar. Plus, if you’re up for recreating that traditional colonial feel, then don’t miss the traditional afternoon tea served on the picturesque Tea Terrace every day. 

As well as including complimentary green fees at the nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, you’ll also be able to tap into all the amenities at nearby Sandals Ochi.

While there is not the same vast diversity in rooms that you’ll find at its sister resorts, the secret gem at Royal Plantation is the exclusive three-bedroom Villa Plantana. Spanning 3,000sqft this villa is ideal for three couples travelling together or for a group of adults celebrating a milestone anniversary. Each of the bedrooms comes with four-poster, king-sized beds and each has its own patio. The villa has a private pool and its own dining room – perfect for private fully-staffed dinner parties.

We love the intimacy of this resort and how quiet it is. All we would say is that it’s not ideal if you have an aversion to steps as there are many steps taking you down to the beach and up to the French Restaurant, Le Papillon.

St Lucia

There’s no mistaking St Lucia. Just look for the unmissable and majestic Piton Mountains. Covered in a carpet of lush green rainforest, the Unesco World Heritage Site Pitons are the emblems of St Lucia. These iconic, twin volcanic pinnacles pierce the clear blue skies, towering 3,000 feet above sea level.

From hot mineral springs and waterfalls to beach paradises and diving extravaganzas, St Lucia is an adventure playground. There are lots of opportunities for hiking in the rainforest before taking a dip for some spectacular snorkelling off one of the glorious beaches, such as Anne Chastanet or Jalouise Beach. Go horse riding on Cas en Bas Beach; take a mud bath at Souvriere Drive-in Volcano (yes, you did read that correctly); or tour the Rabot Estate – the cocoa growing estate for the world famous Hotel Chocolat (need we say more?).

Sandals has three resorts on this romantic island. And the great thing is you can experience all three in the one trip. So you can stay at one resort and use the facilities at the others at no extra charge – even the transfers getting from one resort to the other are thrown in.

Golfers at all three resorts can also grasp their clubs to tee off on the greens of the Greg Norman-designed championship Cap Estate Golf & Country Club, perfect for all levels of play.

All three resorts also have busy scuba diving centres, offering guests the chance to see the incredible life that lies beneath the surface around St Lucia. 

It’s worth noting that the beaches in St Lucia are open to the public. You will be approached by locals selling beachwear and souvenirs. A gentle ‘no thank” will suffice if you’re not interested. 

Plus, be aware that the transfers from the main airport to all three resorts takes more than one hour.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Number of restaurants: 12
Number of bars: 7
Number of pools:  5
Number of room categories: 19 

You’ll find this gem of a hotel on its own peninsula on Rodney Bay. The 360 degree views are utterly spectacular from here. 

With just over 300 rooms and suites, Grande St Lucian is one of the very few Sandals resorts that have those glorious over-water bungalows or villas where you can see the sea life glide by beneath your glass floor. It’s also one of just six resorts to have the unique conical-shaped Rondoval Suites. Other categories include Swim-up Suites, Plunge-pool suites, plus, at Grande St Lucian, you’ll also find the palatial two-story suites. 

The beach is undeniably one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and the resort feels more like a secluded island retreat.

On that note: because of its unique position, getting to the resort can be a bit bumpy by car and the transfer time is approximately 90 minutes. If that doesn’t appeal then perhaps the helicopter ride might appeal even more. You'll fly into the George F.L Charles Airport, which is only about 15 minutes away from the resort.

Sandals Regency La Toc

Number of restaurants: 9
Number of bars: 8
Number of pools: 3
Number of room categories: 22

Sandals bills this 210-acre estate as ‘St Lucia’s most glamourous resort’. Lush tropical hillsides envelop the property, which hugs a magnificent half-mile, crescent-shaped beach. Within the resort, you’ll find the uber-prestigious Sunset Oceanview Bluff Village, an enclave of exclusive villas and suites flaunting breathtaking views. Atop the bluff, Sandals’ divine Millionaire Butler Villas occupy the prize spot. The resort also has the two-story Villas, plunge pool and beachfront suites.

The entertainment tends to take place around the main pool and is a lot of fun. But there are lots of secluded areas in which to laze in the sun if you want somewhere quiet. The beach is beautiful but on the small side. The ocean on this part of the island can be rough and it’s not unusual to see red flags during your stay. This means some water sports can be limited or unavailable. 

Make sure to visit the Friday Night Jump up in Gros Islet for a truly local experience.

Sandals Halcyon Beach

Number of restaurants: 6
Number of bars: 7
Number of pools: 2
Number of room categories: 13

This is one of Sandals' smaller resorts. Hence, this resort offers a more personalised and quiet stay and is favoured by a slightly older clientele or those simply wanting to escape and switch off. 

Perfectly placed on a glorious beach nestled within the verdant landscape, the resort is made up of cottage-style rooms dotted within beautiful gardens – including swim-up rooms so you’ll have the pool on your doorstep, 

Be prepared: it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from the airport over curvy, windy roads to the resort. Helicopter is an alternative transport option if you want to feel like a celeb.

This resort has fewer facilities or entertainment, but don’t forget you can tap into the facilities at the island’s other two Sandals properties at any time during your stay if you fancy something livelier. 

Barbados

It’s a regular haunt of the jet set and a favourite celebrity hangout (not to mention home to Rhianna) – welcome to Barbados. This island has earned itself a five-star reputation, as its hotel inventory will verify. 

Here you’ll find glorious fine, powdery sand beaches and brilliant turquoise bays.

The crystal-clear waters that surround the island are a playground for scuba divers and snorkellers, with hawksbill and leatherback turtles an almost guaranteed sight.

Water sports of every description are on offer. Be sure to watch surfers ride the island’s biggest waves at the renowned Soup Bowl in Bathsheba or how about jet-skiing at the ever-lively Mullins Beach, body boarding at Crane Beach, high-octane kitesurfing at Silver Sands and renowned scuba diving at Carlisle Bay.

While the beaches are Barbados’s prime attraction, there are lots of reasons to venture inland. Don’t miss Harrison’s Cave where you’ll explore a subterranean world of limestone caverns, lakes and waterfalls. 

Step back in time to discover colonial life at St Nicholas Abbey, one of the Caribbean's few surviving Jacobean houses, which dates from 1658, or at Sunbury Plantation Great House.

Explore tropical and botanical gardens, visit the island’s famous rum distilleries (a tour and taste is a must) and be sure to put the island’s capital on your list. Bridgetown is the beating heart of Barbados. It’s a vibrant, vivacious place steeped in history – hence it proudly flies the flag for being a Unesco World Heritage Site. 

Sandals has two resorts on Barbados, both on the south coast in lively St. Lawrence Gap. More affectionately known as ‘The Gap’, here you’ll find a vibrant strip of restaurants, bars and clubs, making it the island’s nightlife hub.  

The resorts are literally next door to each other and guests can stay at one but access all the facilities at the other. The key difference, as the name suggests, is that rooms at Royal Barbados are slightly bigger and there are far more pools at the Royal than you’ll find at its neighbour. 

Sandals Royal Barbados

Number of restaurants: 10
Number of bars: 7
Number of pools: 9
Number of room categories: 13

This is the Sandals resort with the rooftop pool and restaurant. The hotel’s four-lane bowling alley, Lovers’ Lane, and the craft beer bar are also firsts for Sandals. 

The all-suite accommodation includes the SkyPool Suites, Swim-up Suites, those quirky Rondoval Suites and those glorious Millionaire Suites.

Two new dining concepts were introduced here: American Tavern serving traditional American cuisine and Chi Asian Fusion, the first restaurant to fuse the cuisines of China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore in one menu.

Sandals Barbados

Number of restaurants: 11
Number of bars: 8
Number of pools: 3
Number of room categories: 14

Next door to its Royal neighbour on Dover Beach, this more boutique hotel sits within beautiful gardens. 

While guests can tap into all the 10 restaurants next door, this hotel has 11 itself, including the British gastro pub The Merry Monkey and Bombay Club, serving spicy Indian fare. 

It’s worth noting that only non-motorised water sports are available from both properties. 

Grenada

Nicknamed the ‘Spice Isle’ owing to its abundant aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, clove, turmeric and ginger, Grenada is an island of glorious, palm-fringed beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and tropical gardens.

The island was occupied by the British in 1783. The cannons facing out to sea serve as a reminder of the historical struggles prior to independence in 1974.

Notable beaches include the two-mile stretch of soft powdery sand that is Grand Anse Beach. Equally magical is Magazine Beach and Mourne Rouge Beach. 

Head to Levera Beach National Park to spy baby leatherback turtles scampering from the sand to the sea or venture into the waters around the island for some spectacular scuba diving. Beneath the surface, you’ll discover an abundance of colourful sea life alongside a rather unusual underwater attraction in the form of the Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park. This attraction of submerged 75 statues, sculptures and works is the brainchild of British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. The site is now listed as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World.

The underwater ‘gallery’ covers an area of 800sq m and is located five to eight metres below the surface, accessible by scuba diving, snorkelling and glass bottom boats.

Gloriously cascading waterfalls decorate the island, the Concorde Falls, Seven Sisters Falls and Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls being among the popular options.

For chocolate fans, see how the cocoa seed goes from tree to bar at the Belmont Estate or actually make your own variety at Tri Island chocolate factory. 

For something with a bit more punch, head to River Antoine Estate, the oldest rum distillery on the island. Here they use pure cane juice to manufacture Royale Grenadian Rum.

Sandals Grenada is located on Pink Gin Beach on the island’s southwestern coast. When it opened in 2014 it was introduced as the Sandals of the future.

Sandals Grenada

Number of restaurants: 10
Number of bars: 6
Number of pools: 5 pools and 2 whirlpools
Number of room categories: 33

Within minutes of touching down at Maurice Bishop International Airport you can be sipping a rum cocktail at this renowned hotel. The airport is literally minutes away. Luckily the flight schedule is not too busy so the location is more of a convenient plus as opposed to a noisy irritation. 

Although opened more than a decade ago, this property has maintained its glamour. 
The resort covers 17 acres of manicured grounds, with rooms spread over four 'villages': the Pink Gin Village, Italian Village, South Seas Village and Lover's Hideaway Village.

Pink Gin Village as the name suggests is right on the beach – which you need to know is not the softest of sand. And the Lover’s Hideaway Village is more secluded with the villas tucked away within the forest.

There are two main large swimming pools – the one with the swim-up bar is flanked by a hot tub and cabanas and is where most of the action takes place. The other main pool is on the beach with a lounge in the middle of it complete with fire pit! This is a quirky feature and a nice touch unique to Sandals Grenada.

The SkyPool suites hit the headlines when they were first unveiled here, described as “floating pools in the sky”. 

Bahamas

Did you know: the Bahamas comprises more than 700 islands and 2,400 cays? Laying off the tip of eastern Florida and stretching southeast across the Atlantic, the capital of the Bahamas is Nassau, located on New Providence Island where 70% of the island's population lives. 

Nassau is a bustling, exciting city with a thriving nightlife scene and loads of activities. It’s heaving with bars, casinos, clubs and restaurants, often serving the national dish of conch (a kind of mollusc that’s served deep-fried or raw with a twist of lemon).

The shopping is fantastic – the fact that it’s duty-free is certainly an added bonus. Head to Bay Street for a spree or browse the stalls for souvenirs in the open air Straw Market.

Nassau is distinct – the pastel-coloured houses for one are its signature. Grand churches, vast colonial mansions and imposing forts speak of a rich and colourful past.

And let’s not forget those pesky pirates. The Bahamas was a stronghold for pirates back in the day. The peak of piracy was at the turn of the 18th century. It was then that a famous pirate named Benjamin Hornigold, who sailed out of the protected harbours of Nassau, declared the island the Pirate's Republic.

Today the waters are awash with shipwrecks and teeming with wildlife such as seahorses, rays and turtles. In fact, the Bahamas is home to the Andros Barrier Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world making it a haven for scuba divers.

And of course, the beaches. The beaches are picture postcards and exactly as you’d imagine a Caribbean beach to be. One of the most popular beaches on New Providence is Cable Beach. It’s here that you’ll find Sandals Royal Bahamian. 

Sandals Royal Bahamian

Number of restaurants: 10
Number of bars: 8
Number of pools: 8 pools
Number of room categories: 22

Located on beautiful Cable Beach is the Bahamian rendition of Sandals. Completely renovated and reopened in 2022, the update was one of Sandals’ 40th anniversary milestones and included the construction of new beachfront swim-up butler and club level suites.

The overhaul also saw Sandals introduce a couple of new culinary concepts, including The Butch’s Island Chop House Restaurant, the adjacent Mr. B’s bar and two trendy food trucks. 

The Island Village is another new feature. This accommodation option consists of standalone villas, each named after a remote Bahamian cay. Within the butler villa suites at this resort, you'll find private pools and outdoor baths. 

Particularly popular is the beach club lounge, Coconut Grove. The main part of the resort has two large freshwater pools, one of which always has some kind of activity going on, like volleyball games or trivia. 

One of the big standout features of this resort is its exclusive private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay. Hop on the resort’s Love Runner boat and within minutes you’ll be docking at this Robinson  Crusoe paradise isle. Spend the day lounging on either of its two beaches, visit the spa for a massage, dip into the pool (with a swim-up bar) and have a long lazy lunch at the full-service restaurant.  

And a final note for guests staying seven nights or more in select room categories: you are invited to dine outside of the resort at any of four partner restaurants. You’ll get a $250 voucher and off-site roundtrip transfer as part of Sandals’ innovative Island-Inclusive programme. Bon appétit! 

St Vincent

This relatively unknown and untouched Caribbean jewel is an island where nature reigns. Its still-active volcano, La Soufrière, is its beating heart (it last erupted in 2021) and stands supreme within St Vincent’s carpet of rainforest and craggy hills. 

But the glorious island of St Vincent does not sit alone. It comes with the Grenadines, an archipelago nation comprising 32 islands and cays not far from the coast of South America.

Indeed, the outlying cays should not be missed. Venture out to the Tobago Cays for snorkelling or to the charming little island of Mopian, not far from Petit Saint Vincent. And feeling thirsty? Then pop in for a rum punch at Jack’s Bar on St Margaret Beach on the island of Bequia. It’s worth remembering that this is a volcanic island, so the sand is a soft black. 

St Vincent is the largest of the islands in the archipelago. Here nature abounds and can best be seen if you get out there and immerse yourself in it – a trek through the Buccament Valley keeping an eye out for parrots; a dive into the pools of St Vincent’s twin Dark View Falls; a stroll through the tropical delights of Montreal Gardens or a guided hike up La Soufrière.

Delights await below the water too. St Vincent is an incredible place from which to scuba dive and take in the sea life around Anchor Reef or Critter Corner. While diving you're likely to see manta rays, squid, frogfish and sometimes reef sharks.

St Vincent is also home to Sandals’ newest resort opened in July 2024. 

Sandals Saint Vincent

Number of restaurants: 11
Number of bars: 5
Number of pools: 4
Number of room categories: 15

The grand opening of this resort signalled what the owners have dubbed its Sandals 2.0 era, setting the benchmark for future Sandals resorts.

A stay here is an immersive one. Guests are encouraged to experience the beauty and culture of the island. For example, guests can enjoy guided kayak tours to the Buccament Bat Caves, stroll along the Buccament River which borders the resort and borrow bikes for winding throughout the resort’s gardens and trails.

And along the water’s edge, local artisans demonstrate their soap making and handmade jewellery skills, among other crafts.

The 50-acre resort in the small beachfront town of Buccan, is bordered on three sides by towering, green mountains and faces a quiet cove. Much of the resort is relatively low-rise and unobtrusive, largely made up of winding pathways that are lined by pretty, pale-blue villas.

So what makes this new resort so “new”? For one it’s introduced a few ‘firsts’ into the Sandals portfolio. For example, Buccan is a new restaurant concept for the brand.  Dining here is a theatrical experience. Chefs prepare and showcase local ‘Vincy’ cuisine and ingredients around open-fires, with elaborate introductions to each course. Diners are seated around communal tables tucking into dishes such as charred fruit salad, coconut curry rice, grilled snapper and lamb curry, each accompanied by accoutrements like tamarind chutney or coriander and sun-dried tomato relish.

Another stand-out feature of this resort that cannot be ignored is the collection of iconic two-story overwater villas. These palatial villas feature see-through glass floors, Tranquility Soaking Tubs, and a private patio with a hanging daybed, offering uninterrupted ocean views.

All in all there are 301 ‘keys’ (hotel speak for ‘rooms’), eight of them include butler services and some include media and fitness rooms.

The largest accommodation in the entire Sandals portfolio is the 1,723sq ft one-bedroom beachfront butler villa suite, which comes with a separate media room, private pool and really spacious bathrooms. 

Since its opening, Sandals St Vincent has fast earned a reputation for being one of - if not the - best Sandals resort. 

Antigua

Famous for its 365 coves, there’s a pristine white-sand beach for every day of the year on this Caribbean island that’s just 14 miles long by 11 miles wide.

Ffryes Beach, Valley Church Beach, Galley Bay Beach, Half Moon Bay, Darkwood Beach and Dickenson Bay are just a few of the top choices where you can soak up the sun, ‘lime’ with the locals (in other words, chill out) or enjoy the whole array of water sports. 

But more beaches await on the nearby islands. Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda has 17 miles of untouched beach to explore or hop over to Prickly Pear Island or Hell’s Gate Island. 

Sailing is a perfect way to island hop. In fact, sailing is supposedly on the school curriculum in Antigua and Antigua Sailing Week, held in the waters off English Harbour at the end of April, is a lively affair and a great experience. 

On Antigua itself, there is loads to see. Don’t miss out on a trip to English Harbour where you’ll find the World Heritage-listed Nelson’s Dockyard and a waterfront lined with super yachts. The adjacent national park has over 11 miles of trails.

If you can avoid the onslaught of cruise ship passengers, then the ramshackle capital of St John’s is worth a visit. It’s liveliest on a Friday and Saturday, when the market is in full force with a jumble of stalls selling tropical fruit and veg.

Plus, there’s sugar plantations to explore, zip lines to whizz down, cricket to be watched (the Antiguans are obsessed with the sport) and sting rays to be swam with at Stingray City. 

Antigua is an adventurous island and home to Sandals Grande Antigua. 

Sandals Grande Antigua

Number of restaurants: 11
Number of bars: 7
Number of pools: 6 pools
Number of room categories: 21

Split into two ‘villages’ – Caribbean and Mediterranean – this 27-acre resort feels like you get two for the price of one. The traditional Caribbean accommodation is tucked within tropical gardens with meandering pathways, whilst the contemporary Mediterranean suites sit in what is designed to be a more elegant and chic village inspired by European cities with plazas, green parks, elegant boutiques and French patisseries.

Located on Dickenson Bay in northwest Antigua, accommodation options include those circular rondaval suites, private villas and private plunge pool suites. This resort is also one of four Sandals’ resorts where you’ll find the Romeo and Juliet suites with their oversized balconies. 

Curaçao

Two things that attract tourists to the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is: one, the incredible landscape and two, the amazing restaurants.

Dramatic cliffs, hidden bays and beautiful views are to be seen at every turn. While it only takes less than two hours to drive Curaçao from tip to tip, it’s home to 35 beaches. Playa Knip is probably its most famous – it’s usually the one pictured on the cover of the tourist brochures. Meanwhile, Porto Mari and Cas Abao Beach have been voted the most beautiful beaches in the world in the past. There are hidden beaches like Playa Gipy or stunning national parks, like Shete Boka.

The downtown area of the island’s capital, Willemstad, is a Unesco World Heritage site and is distinct for its rows of candy-coloured, Dutch colonial buildings. It tells a historic tale of colonisation, slavery, immigration and a mixed heritage of Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese. The result is a melting pot of cultures that’s reflected across the island in its food, music and language –  it’s not uncommon to hear Curaçaoans ping pong between languages, as most people speak multiple: Dutch, Spanish, Papiamentu (the local creole) and English. 

This culture is probably best seen when you visit the technicolour, floating market of Handelskade (Merchant’s Wharf). Here fruit vendors from Venezuela dock to sell their wares. The market itself doesn't actually float, but the sellers' boats bob behind their stalls full of mangoes, plantains and papayas.

On the downside, it’s no secret that the locals can be on the ‘frosty’ side, so be aware of this. That’s just the way they are – which is not ideal for the island if it wants to attract tourists. On the upside, Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt! Always a plus.

Sandals Royal Curaçao

Number of restaurants: 8
Number of bars: 13
Number of pools: 3 pools
Number of room categories: 25

Located in Santa Barbara, Sandals Royal Curaçao opened in 2022. 

Standout features of this property is the double infinity pool – in other words from both ends it literally blends into the horizon. This is a first for Sandals and apparently a big ‘Insta’ hit with guests.

It’s around this Dos Awa pool, as it’s called, that most of the action happens. However, there are another couple of quieter pools if you want to savour the peace. 

The resort has eight restaurants. But it also has three funky, fast-food trucks, one, Toteki, serving traditional Curacao fare. However, seeing as the island is renowned for its culinary creations, Sandals has rolled out its Island-Inclusive programme. This allows guests (staying in select suites) to venture off the resort to savour the delights of a small collection of restaurants with a $250 voucher and return transfers – thank you very much. 

The property itself is gorgeous. However, the customer service has come in for some criticism for being “well below par” – certainly in its first few months. Apparently this is a complaint that applies across the island and is said to be a characteristic of the attitude of Curaçaoans. Word has it that Sandals has brought in its trained staff from Jamaica to instil the Sandals’ customer service standards.

So that’s our Caribbean tour complete. If you’re eager to pack your bags and feel the sand beneath your toes, then give us a call and we’ll help you choose and check in to the perfect Sandals resort for you.

Want to hear more about Sandals?

Join hosts Hayley Sparks and Eamonn Holmes as they uncover the secrets behind Sandals Resorts with Leah Marshall, Head of Sales.

Discover the fascinating story of how Sandals was founded in Jamaica 43 years ago by Gordon “Butch” Stewart. Learn about the 18 luxurious adults-only resorts and the 3 family-friendly Beaches Resorts, and find out about the location of their upcoming new resort.

Find out how Sandals has introduced innovations in both dining and accommodation, to set new standards in the luxury resort industry.

Leah shares hidden gems and little-known facts about the exclusive services and amenities that make Sandals a haven for couples. Get an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to stay at a Sandals resort.

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape or a family holiday, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights for your next Caribbean adventure. Don’t miss it!

Linda Young
Talk toLinda Young
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