The Sandals Experience

Sandals Resorts has spent decades refining what it means to travel well in the Caribbean.

This is not a stripped-down all-inclusive model. Sandals is designed for adults who want variety, activity, dining, and elevated service—without constantly pulling out a wallet or managing decisions once they arrive.

From dining and scuba to golf, private islands, and celebration travel, the Sandals experience is built to feel expansive, polished, and effortless.

Sandals stands apart because of the breadth of what’s included. Guests aren’t limited to a few dining venues or basic activities—each resort is designed to feel like a complete destination.

Depending on the resort, guests can expect:

• Up to 16 restaurants per resort 
• Up to 11 bars, including swim-up and specialty bars 
• Top-shelf spirits included throughout the stay 
• Daily activities, entertainment, and live music 
• Non-motorized water sports and resort amenities
   

This depth allows couples to settle in and enjoy their time—without constantly planning what comes next.

Sandals resorts are known for the range and quality of dining options, with menus that span global cuisines and resort-specific concepts.

Guests can expect:

• Up to 16 restaurants per resort 
• Multiple cuisines and dining styles 
• A mix of casual, open-air, and refined dining
   

With top-shelf spirits and premium wines included, the dining experience is designed to feel relaxed and indulgent—without add-on charges.

Two Sandals resorts offer access to private offshore islands, creating a unique extension of the resort experience.

• Sandals Royal Bahamian – with a private island featuring beaches, dining, and relaxation areas 
• Sandals Royal Caribbean – offering a secluded island escape just offshore
   

These private islands add variety and privacy to the stay—without requiring additional travel planning.

In certain destinations, Sandals guests can stay at one resort and enjoy others nearby, with complimentary transportation between properties.

Examples include:

• Saint Lucia, where shuttles connect all three Sandals resorts 
• Montego Bay, Jamaica, with easy access between neighboring Sandals properties
   

This allows couples to enjoy multiple dining scenes, beach settings, and atmospheres—while staying in one primary room.

Sandals is one of the few all-inclusive brands to include scuba diving for certified divers.

Included for Certified Divers:

• Up to two tanks per day 
• Professional dive teams and equipment
   

For those new to diving:

• A PADI Discover Scuba course (approx. 3 hours) is available on-resort 
• Full PADI certification courses can be completed during your stay for an additional fee
   

This makes Sandals especially appealing for couples who want active, experience-driven travel without arranging excursions independently.

Sandals guests enjoy complimentary green fees at two championship golf courses:

• Upton Estate Golf & Country Club – Ocho Rios, Jamaica 
• Cap Estate Golf & Country Club – Saint Lucia
   

Included:

• Green fees 
• Complimentary transfers to and from the course
   

Additional considerations:

• Caddies are customary and may require a tip or fee 
• Food and beverages at the course are not included and may be purchased separately
   

This inclusion adds significant value for golfers—without requiring additional planning.

Sandals has invested heavily in pickleball, now offering 64 courts across 14 resorts.

What’s Included:

• Daily all-inclusive pickleball play 
• No court or equipment rental fees 
• Open pick-up play during the day and evening 
• USA Pickleball-approved paddles and balls 
• Complimentary weekly Introduction to Pickleball group sessions 
• Lighted courts for early morning and evening play
   

This has quickly become a favorite amenity for active couples and social travelers.

Sandals is designed for adults who want an experience that feels complete from the moment they arrive. It works especially well for travelers who appreciate an adults-only environment, enjoy having multiple dining and activity options available each day, and value inclusions that eliminate constant decision-making. If your idea of a great vacation includes variety, energy, and the comfort of knowing everything is handled within a polished resort setting, Sandals tends to be a strong fit.

That said, Sandals may not be the right choice for travelers who prefer minimal amenities, a do-it-yourself approach, or highly quiet, boutique-style properties with limited on-site offerings. Because every travel style is different, we take the time to confirm fit before booking—so expectations are clear and the experience aligns with what you’re actually looking for from the start.

If the Sandals experience sounds like the right fit, we’ll guide you through resort selection, room categories, timing, and next steps.