You’ve probably seen commercials of Sandals Resorts and have heard about their Luxury Included claim. You’re probably even considering going, but you compared prices with Sandals and other 5-star resorts and you can’t quite decide if it’s worth it.
Are Sandals Resorts really worth the price? Are they really so incredible that people will spend 4x the price of other resorts just to have the Sandals experience? Read on and decide for yourself.
Who is Sandals?
You’ve seen them a hundred times. Those ads of wonderfully luxurious-looking resort suites with beautiful, fit couples enjoying a vacation or honeymoon in paradise.
But is that the real Sandals?
The truth is, Sandals has one of those rags to riches stories, which makes a person appreciate how far they’ve come and not mind spending a little extra for an incredible vacation with an outstanding customer experience. They’ve kind of earned it.
The First Sandals Resort
The story of Sandals began in the late 1970s with a fifth-generation Jamaican selling air conditioners for a living. The Jamaican economy was pretty rough, so at age 26 he bought his first hotel to get cashflow for his air conditioner business.
He actually bought the beach that had a 99 bedroom hotel on the property. In 1981 that hotel opened up as Sandals Montego Bay.
Like any small business, they hit one obstacle after another. It was a private family company that shouldn’t have succeeded, but with close attention to finding the best beaches in the Caribbean and promising over-the-top customer service, their employee loyalty and customer loyalty made it impossible to fail.
They have been the leaders in all-inclusive resorts since they opened their doors. They were the first to have hairdryers and colored TVs in the room. They had the first swim-up bar in the hemisphere. And they were the first to provide gourmet dining at an all-inclusive resort.
They are the ultimate in privacy, luxury, and romance. Once you go, you won’t want to leave and you definitely won’t want to visit any other all-inclusive resorts.
Are Sandals Resorts Worth the Price?
Everything is actually included
When you stay at a Sandals Resort, everything is actually included. Of course there are things you can buy (there are always things to buy), but unlike other resorts, there are no specialty restaurants with a cover charge, you aren’t only given the cheap liquor, and you have excellent options for water sports and entertainment.
I’ve booked and researched countless all-inclusive resorts for clients and there are always limits unless you upgrade to bigger suites and special club access. At Sandals, their normal is everyone else’s top-tier and their upgraded services blow everyone else out of the water.
They have pretty sizable resorts too. In fact, it’s more like a mini city than a resort, with up to 23 restaurants on-site (as opposed to 3-5 at most other resorts). That’s how they’re able to have that private, secluded atmosphere even when they’re fully booked.
Customer experience is top priority
The customer service you will receive at Sandals is unlike anywhere else. Just ask the thousands of returning customers they have on an annual basis. In fact, their customers are so loyal that they had to create an additional tier on their rewards program for all of the guests who have stayed 1000+ nights. That’s over 3 years at the resorts!
Over-the-top customer service can only happen when the staff actually likes their job and Sandals makes it a priority to take good care of their staff. They even have corporate employees who have been with the company for 20-30 years.
You get what you pay for
All-inclusive doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. In general, it means all of your food, beverages, and entertainment are included. But there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts that have cheap booze, a handful of restaurants with basic food, and only a few water activities that don’t cost extra.
In fact, it’s pretty obvious who the “We have no budget” resort-goers are because they’re dining in the fancy restaurants.
At Sandals, everyone gets the same inclusions.
What is Included at Sandals Resorts?
No matter which room you stay in, all guests at Sandals receive the following
- Unlimited dining in all of their gourmet restaurants – All food, all drinks, premium wine, premium liquors
- All taxes, fees, and tips – Tipping is strictly forbidden except for your driver and spa services
- All water sports, even motorized – If you are PADI certified, you also get unlimited SCUBA diving
- All land sports and first-class fitness facilities
- Airport transportation to and from your resort
- Sandals Airport Lounge (Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Lucia)
- Transportation to the golf course (where applicable) and green fees for unlimited golf
- Private offshore islands (where applicable)
- Sharing privileges with nearby resorts (where applicable)
How Much Does it Cost to Stay at Sandals Resorts?
The price can vary quite a bit depending on which resort you stay at and factors like the overall resort size, the capacity, and what type of room categories are available.
Sandals Ochi Beach and Sandals South Coast are the two largest resorts and will likely have more inventory available when you’re looking, so the price will probably be less. A resort like Sandals Royal Plantation that is small, secluded, and only has butler level suites, will run you quite a bit more.
I’ve sent couples to Sandals for around $3500 for 7 days (not including flights), which is pretty good when you compare it to other 5-star resorts and everything that’s included.
How Can I Get a Cheaper Rate at Sandals Resorts?
Do you want a cheap vacation or do you want an unforgettably amazing vacation?
If you’re looking for cheap, Sandals isn’t for you, however if you’ve been wanting to experience the 5-star luxury that Sandals provides and you’re trying to work it in your budget, you have options.
7-7-7 Savings
Every 7 days, Sandals has 7 rooms with a 7% discount in addition to any other promotions happening. This is a good place to check on a regular basis to see when something pops up that fits your budget.
Last Minute Deals
When resorts have inventory that needs filled, they’ll offer one free night when you stay three or four nights. The availability is listed on a calendar so it’s easy to see what last-minute deals fit your schedule.
Instant Credit
Each resort has Instant Credit available almost all the time. When you book at least three nights in a room, a discount will immediately be applied to your invoice. You can save up to $1,000 on a 7-night stay by using this, which is combinable with any other applicable promotions.
Service Personnel Discounts
You can receive an additional 10% off of your result stay if you are a firefighter, military (US and Canada), police (US and Canada), and FEMA.
Rewards
Don’t forget to sign up for Sandald rewards!
What is it Like Staying at Sandals Resorts?
When you stay at a Sandals Resort, you are treated like royalty. It’s like they actually want you there. You will receive a personal welcome when you arrive, the staff remembers who you are, and the chef will happily make food that fits any dietary requirements.
Each resort has its own personality. The rooms are unique to the destination; restaurants vary; the scenery changes from tropical jungle to white sand beach to cliffs overlooking the ocean; some are full of nightlife while others are quiet and secluded.
The Caribbean is full of diverse history and cultural influences from the French, Dutch, Europeans, and Spanish, so while each resort is unique, you’ll always get the familiar 5-star Sandals experience.
Are Sandals Results Adults-Only?
Yes, Sandals Resorts are made for couples in love and every room has a king size bed. Children are only allowed on property during weddings with the approval of the resort manager.
Beaches Resorts is the family-friendly version of Sandals and is great for weddings or honeymoons with children and multi-generational vacations.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to learn more about Sandals Resorts, click this link or use the calendar below to schedule a planning session.