As a business coach for travel advisors who also walks the talk as an active travel advisor, I believe in authentic, firsthand insight. My recent Facebook Live, “Unfiltered & On-Site,” gave our community a candid look at five of Jamaica’s all-inclusive resorts. Here’s a summarized blog post version, with added perspective for both consumers and the travel pros who serve them.
Sandals Resorts in Jamaica Review
Sandals Montego Bay: Energetic Elegance Near the Runway
😎 Vibe & Ideal Client
This flagship Sandals resort exudes a lively beach club atmosphere. Think beach lovers, wedding groups, and couples wanting romance with energy. It suits travelers seeking convenience, especially those on shorter getaways or planning destination weddings.
🌟 Top Selling Points
- Literally minutes from the airport—ideal for quick trips.
- Access to Sandals Royal Caribbean (and vice versa).
- Gorgeous overwater and Catholic chapels for weddings.
- Prime location for sunsets and a vibrant beach scene.
🏆 Standout Experience
Despite an initial hiccup with dinner reservations, we enjoyed a phenomenal steak dinner at Butch’s Steakhouse, thanks to a proactive manager at Soy. Insider tip: Book Butch’s early (even before arrival) to avoid disappointment.
🚨 Watch-Outs
- Proximity to the airport means frequent plane noise.
- The concierge service was underwhelming for the club-level experience.
- Some rooms are small despite renovations, reflecting the resort’s 1981 origins.
💡 Advisor Tips
Encourage clients to pre-book dining at Butch’s and clearly communicate the boutique room sizes.
Sandals Royal Caribbean: Charm with Compromises
😎 Vibe & Ideal Client
Intimate and traditionally styled, it appeals to older repeat guests and those seeking quiet luxury. However, it underdelivered for us.
🌟 Top Selling Points
- Exchange privileges with Sandals Montego Bay.
- Recently renovated rooms with soaking tubs.
🚨 Watch-Outs
- Small, crowded beach and a murky sandbar hurt the oceanfront experience.
- The private island was a disappointment—unclean and underwhelming.
- Overwater villas were closed for renovations.
💡 Advisor Tips
Recommend to clients only if they’re nostalgic repeaters or honeymooners with no comparison bias. Emphasize the exchange perk with Montego Bay.
Sandals Negril: A Comeback Worth Celebrating
😎 Vibe & Ideal Client
Cozy, authentic, and beach-focused. Great for loyal returnees, honeymooners, and those seeking laid-back elegance.
🌟 Top Selling Points
- New SkyPool Butler suites.
- Exceptional beach and water clarity.
- Exchange privileges with nearby Beaches Negril.
- Picturesque sunset beach weddings and an exceptional wedding team.
- An ideal overflow or alternative option for couples attending weddings at Beaches Negril—perfect for those seeking a more romantic, adults-only atmosphere or navigating availability and budget considerations.
🏆 Standout Experience
Incredible service turnaround under GM Melissa Clark. Our butler suite, sunset views, and genuine staff interactions made this stay special.
🚨 Watch-Outs
- The resort is sandwiched between the road and the beach, so some rooms are close to the noise.
- Room category placement matters—some views are limited.
💡 Advisor Tips
Book the higher-end room categories and brief clients on layout trade-offs. Recommend Crema coffee shop, sunset walks, and a 25-minute walk to Beaches Negril.
Beaches Negril: Family Fun Meets Five-Star Service
😎 Vibe & Ideal Client
A tropical haven perfect for families, multi-generational groups, weddings, and vow renewals. Still appropriate for couples wanting energy and amenities.
🌟 Top Selling Points
- Industry-leading kids’ program starting at age newborn, and autism-certified staff.
- Multiple-bedroom suites (up to four bedrooms) for groups.
- Outstanding beach and food truck-style dining for a quick and easy lunch break without changing out of your beach attire.
🏆 Standout Experience
Unmatched friendliness. Staff like Shireen turned everyday moments (like waiting for frozen yogurt) into warm, memorable interactions.
💡 Advisor Tips
Use the travel advisor portal to submit special needs forms and kids camp registration forms in advance. Suggest multi-generation families consider the Eventide suites, and plan a dinner at the Peruvian restaurant.
Sandals South Coast: For the Bougie Beach-Goer Who Doesn’t Mind a Drive
😎 Vibe & Ideal Client
This is your “Sandals 1.5” resort—bougier than the classic Sandals, but not quite the ultra-modern 2.0s like St. Vincent or Curacao. It’s perfect for the influencer-types, your glam-seekers, and couples who want luxury with a dose of seclusion. Ideal for honeymooners, tennis or pickleball groups, and even meetings & incentive trips.
🌟 Top Selling Points
- The Rondovals are showstoppers—many guests love them for their spacious, private feel.
- Every room has some sort of ocean view (except the Rondovals), giving that constant tropical backdrop.
- An active traveler’s dream: great walking areas, multiple pools, top-notch tennis and pickleball courts.
- Strong on weddings—truly exceptional on-site wedding team with a stellar reputation among travel pros.
- While smaller in size, the overwater villas deliver unforgettable views and a surreal “is this really Jamaica?” vibe that makes them totally worth it.
🏆 Standout Experience
The resort’s layout is ideal for couples who want space and variety. The service—especially from the wedding team—really sets this resort apart. Even seasoned advisors were impressed. Also, this is a pool lover’s paradise.
🚨 Watch-Outs
- This resort is literally in the middle of nowhere. Expect a twisty, turny 90-minute ride from the airport—and it’s not for the motion-sick prone.
- The beach is decent, but doesn’t live up to the picture-perfect shots or compare to Negril’s iconic sand.
💡 Advisor Tips
If your clients have the budget, recommend the Rondovals or the overwater villas. And give a heads-up about the drive. If they can handle that, the reward is a luxurious, peaceful escape with all the Sandals perks.
Final Thoughts
These unfiltered reviews are more than just property rundowns. They reflect the evolving standards, service gaps, and hidden gems that make or break a traveler’s experience. Whether you’re planning a couples or family vacation to Sandals Resorts in Jamaica or guiding a client, remember: the right fit makes all the difference.
How to Connect:
Whether you’re a fellow travel professional seeking deeper insights on these resorts or someone dreaming of your own Sandals or Beaches getaway, I’m here to help!
👉 Travel Advisors: Have questions or want to sharpen your resort knowledge? Come join our supportive community in my Travel Mentorship Facebook Group.
✈️ Planning Your Own Escape? If you’re considering a trip to Sandals or Beaches, I’d love to help you find the perfect fit. Reach out to me anytime via Facebook Messenger—let’s start planning your dream vacation!
