The Best Sandals Resorts in Jamaica

One of the first names that comes up when looking for all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica is Sandals. This adults-only, couples-only Caribbean resort chain is consistently highly rated.

We’ve been to every Sandals Resort in Jamaica 2 or 3 times and have helped hundreds of clients book stays at each resort. Each is unique and appeals to a different client.

Here’s a rundown on what the best Sandals resorts in Jamaica have to offer, as well as comparisons of them, so that you can plan the best vacation ever!

What Is The Best Sandals Resort in Jamaica?

1. Sandals Dunn’s River – Ocho Rios – The newest and most modern Sandals in Jamaica, featuring sleek design, SkyPool Suites, and exceptional dining. It costs more, but it is an amazing value.
2. Sandals Royal Plantation – Ocho Rios – A quiet, all-butler, oceanview boutique resort with top-tier service and access to Sandals Ochi for more variety.
3. Sandals Negril – Negril – Located on Seven Mile Beach, it’s perfect for beach lovers looking for a relaxed, romantic setting with beautiful sunsets.
4. Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay – Elegant and charming with a private offshore island and overwater bungalows, but quieter than its neighbor.
5. Sandals Montego Bay – Montego Bay – A lively, social resort with a gorgeous beach, fun energy, and access to Sandals Royal Caribbean nearby.
6. Sandals Ochi – Ocho Rios – The largest and most affordable Sandals in Jamaica, offering tons of dining and pools, great for groups and nightlife.
7. Sandals South Coast – Whitehouse – Set on a two-mile beach in a nature preserve, it offers a peaceful vibe, modern rooms, and stunning overwater bungalows.

Sandals Dunn’s River

Without question, Sandals Dunn’s River is our favorite resort in Jamaica. It is the newest addition to the Sandals family in Jamaica, and its intimate size creates a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to other resorts, making it perfect for couples seeking both luxury and tranquility.

The resort’s smaller scale allows for more personalized service, and the staff go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels pampered and taken care of. Combined with an elevated dining experience, Sandals Dunn’s River delivers an exceptional level of luxury that feels refreshingly exclusive.

Located in Ocho Rios, the resort is ideally positioned for exploring Jamaica’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. From the nearby Dunn’s River Falls to a variety of adventure excursions, there is no shortage of things to do in the area.

This perfect combination of a tranquil resort setting and exciting local attractions makes Sandals Dunn’s River the ultimate destination for couples wanting the best of both worlds. With its remarkable service, top-notch dining, and prime location, Sandals Dunn’s River has truly set a new standard for luxury in Jamaica.

Sandals Dunn’s River has the best food of and Sandals Resort in Jamaica and has the most specialty bar menus as well. We love the service here and the overall vibe.

Why People Love Sandals Dunn’s River:

• Sleek and modern—one of the newest and most luxurious Sandals resorts
• Unique rooms like SkyPool Suites and Coyaba Sky Rondovals
• Great food and cocktail program with creative dining options
• Stylish and upscale aesthetic throughout the property
• Amazing service

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Some room categories book up quickly due to popularity
• The beach is nice but not as expansive as others
• Some people find the resort too quiet

Sandals Dunns’ River is Best For:

Couples looking for a modern, high-end all-inclusive with elevated dining and cutting-edge accommodations.

Best Room at Sandals Dunn’s River

The Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary offers direct swim-up access, a private pool, and an expansive rooftop terrace complete with a Tranquility Soaking Tub and telescope for stargazing. With personalized butler service and exclusive amenities, it provides an unparalleled romantic retreat. 

Sandals Royal Plantation

Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios is the best Sandals Resort in Jamaica if you are looking for a quiet resort to relax at.

Royal Plantation is quite small, having just 74 suites, as well as 2 pools, 5 restaurants, and 2 bars. All of the suites are oceanfront and they all come with personal butler service for a truly indulgent stay.

However, guests at Royal Plantation have free access and transfers to Sandals Ochi, the largest and liveliest of the Sandals resorts, just a few minutes away. Here, your world opens up to include many more restaurants, bars, and pools. This “best of both worlds” setup makes Royal Plantation even more appealing for couples who want a quiet, luxurious base with the flexibility to venture out.

The beach is divided into two cozy crescents, creating a tucked-away, romantic feel. There’s a calm energy here that’s hard to find elsewhere and once you’ve experienced it, it’s easy to see why so many guests return year after year.

With its boutique size, stunning ocean views from every suite, and a timeless sense of refinement, Sandals Royal Plantation continues to stand out as one of the most luxurious and personalized experiences in the Caribbean.

Another great thing about Sandals Royal Plantation is its proximity to Dunn’s River Falls and Ocho Rios Blue Hole. The resort is also close to Sandals Golf & Country Club (where greens fees are included).

Why People Love Sandals Royal Plantation:

• All-oceanview, all-butler suites
• Impeccable, attentive service that feels truly personal
• Secluded and quiet atmosphere ideal for romance
• Access to all dining and amenities at nearby Sandals Ochi
• Refined dining experiences, including French-inspired and Caribbean cuisine
• A favorite for repeat guests and those seeking classic luxury

Things to Keep in Mind:

• The beach is beautiful but small
• No swim-up rooms or large pools
• Not ideal for those wanting a lively nightlife or active resort atmosphere

Sandals Royal Plantation is Best For:

Couples who want a peaceful, elegant, and personalized escape with ocean views, impeccable service, and timeless charm—perfect for honeymooners, anniversaries, or anyone looking to unwind in refined luxury.

Best Room at Sandals Royal Plantation:

The Governor General Oceanfront One Bedroom Butler Suite offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, a spacious master bedroom, an elegant living room, and full butler service.g.

Sandals Negril

Sandals Negril‘s standout feature is its location. Though it doesn’t have its own private beach, Sandals Negril has a fabulous stretch on Jamaica’s best beach, Seven Mile Beach. The resort offers lots of watersports, including waterskiing.

Being a smaller resort, Sandals Negril has a bit fewer amenities than the average Sandals, having 7 restaurants, 5 bars, 4 pools, and 3 whirlpools. But, because it also has fewer rooms and guests, it all evens out.

Also, guests at Sandals Negril get free access to Beaches Negril, the family-friendly sister resort located on the same beach. This opens up your options greatly!

Sandals Negril strikes the perfect balance between laid-back island vibes and upscale amenities, making it a favorite for beach lovers and sunset seekers.

The vibe at Sandals Negril is relaxed and romantic. You won’t find massive crowds or a party-heavy atmosphere here—instead, you’ll discover hammocks strung between palm trees and couples strolling along the shoreline hand in hand. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating the day away.

Some newer updates to the resort are the new Skypool Suites. The new coffee shop, Crema, is where you can get the best cup of coffee of any Sandals Resort. There is a new Spanish inspired restaurant, Brava.

Why People Love Sandals Negril:

• Located directly on Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica’s most iconic shoreline
• Stunning sunsets and calm, swimmable water
• Many beachfront and walkout rooms with incredible views
• Laid-back, friendly service and a true Caribbean vibe
• Great selection of included water sports like paddleboarding and sailing

Things to Keep in Mind:

• The beach is public, so expect some vendor activity and passerby foot traffic
• Some rooms (especially older categories) may feel a bit dated
• Not a top choice for guests looking for high-energy nightlife or large entertainment venues
• Less variety in restaurants compared to larger Sandals resorts

Sandals Negril is Best For:

Couples who want a romantic, relaxed beachfront vacation with unforgettable sunsets, swimmable waters, and that perfect mix of luxury and Caribbean charm.

Best Room at Sandals Negril:

We stayed in the new Bamboo Grove One-Bedroom Skypool Butler Suites are they completely changes our experience. We loved the view from our pool and being able to relax in our room with access to our own private pool.

You can check out our full Sandals Negril Review here.

Sandals Royal Caribbean

Sandals Royal Caribbean is another excellent choice for people divided between wanting a peaceful vacation or a lively one. This resort is located in Montego Bay, Jamaica’s forever-awake tourism hub.

What sets Royal Caribbean apart from the rest is that it has its private island. Sandals Cay is a short boat ride away from the main resort, and it is here that you can find highly coveted overwater bungalows.

Sandals Royal Caribbean houses 7 pools, 5 whirlpools, 9 restaurants, and 5 bars, including 2 British-style pubs. Guests enjoy full access to Sandals Montego Bay, located just 5 minutes away.

The resort itself is intimate and peaceful, with beautifully landscaped gardens and several pools, including quiet options for lounging and lively ones with swim-up bars. And while it’s smaller than some other Sandals properties, guests here also get full access to Sandals Montego Bay just a few minutes away, which adds even more restaurants and energy to your stay.

Why People Love Sandals Royal Caribbean:

• The private offshore island with its own beach, pool, and Thai restaurant
• Home to Jamaica’s original overwater bungalows and villas
• Full access to Sandals Montego Bay for added dining and entertainment options

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Located very close to the airport, so expect occasional jet noise
• The main beach is small compared to other resorts, though the island adds variety
• Not ideal for guests looking for lots of nightlife or large entertainment venues

Sandals Royal Caribbean is Best For:

Couples who want an elegant, romantic, and unique getaway with a private island experience and personalized service.

Best Room at Sandals Royal Caribbean:

Over the Water Private Island Butler Villa with Infinity Pool is the ultimate in luxury, featuring a glass floor, private infinity pool, outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub, and direct ladder access into the sea.

Sandals Montego Bay

The OG Sandals, this location has been completely renovated for a fresh and luxurious feel. Featuring an overwater bar, overwater wedding chapel, and incredible beachfront swim-up butler suites, Sandals Montego Bay makes the most of its stunning location on Jamaica’s largest exclusive beach.

It’s also the closest Sandals resort in Jamaica to the airport–just about 5 minutes away–so you can get the party started almost as soon as you land. However, this proximity means you’ll be able to hear some plane noise during the day. Honestly, it didn’t bother us.

This resort is known for its fun and social vibe, making it a favorite among outgoing couples, groups of friends, and Sandals first-timers. There’s always something happening—whether it’s live music at the piano bar, beach games in the afternoon, or a spirited party at one of the seven bars. Despite its vibrant energy, the resort still offers plenty of quiet spots to retreat to, including beachfront hammocks, oceanfront fire pits, and serene swim-up suites.

Why People Love Sandals Montego Bay:

• Beautiful, long private beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing
• Lively and social atmosphere with great entertainment and nightlife
• Excellent variety of dining with multiple beachfront restaurants
• Just 10 minutes from the airport
• Access to all amenities at nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean

Things to Keep in Mind:

• You will hear planes, as the resort is directly under the flight path
• Not as secluded or romantic as other Sandals properties

Sandals Montego Bay is Best For:

Couples who love a vibrant, social beach vacation with lots of entertainment, dining variety, and energy—perfect for Sandals first-timers, extroverted travelers, or guests who want to be in the heart of the action.

Best Room at Sandals Montego Bay:

Beachfront Swim-Up Millionaire One Bedroom Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub offers direct beach and pool access, a private soaking tub, and a spacious layout with butler service.

Sandals South Coast

If you want to go off the beaten path without losing any luxury, consider Sandals South Coast for your vacation. This resort is in Jamaica’s untamed south coast in the town of Whitehouse.  Sandals South Coast is located within a private nature reserve and also has a 2-mile-long private beach.

While we rank this resort lower on our list we know a lot of people who consider this the best Sandals Resort. They love the resort for its long stretch of beach, always allowing for seclusion at some spot around the beach and the variety of huge pools. You can always find a vibe that matches what you are looking for.

In addition to its regular suites, South Coast has 12 overwater bungalows. This Sandals resort is one of only two in Jamaica that offer this!

Sandals South Coast has 7 bars and 9 restaurants. This resort also houses 4 pools (including one that is the largest in Jamaica!) and 4 whirlpools.

Why People Love Sandals South Coast:

• Secluded Location: Situated within a vast nature preserve, offering peace and privacy.
• Expansive Beachfront: Two miles of uninterrupted white-sand beach.
• Diverse Accommodations: From overwater bungalows to swim-up suites.
• Variety of Activities: Inclusive of water sports, land games, and nightly entertainment.
• Unique Venues: Features like the overwater wedding chapel and Latitudes Overwater Bar.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Sangster International Airport.
• Seclusion: Limited nearby attractions; ideal for those seeking resort-centric vacations.
• Size: The resort’s vastness may require some walking between amenities.

Sandals South Coast is Best For:

Couples desiring a tranquil, beachfront retreat with luxurious accommodations, diverse activities, and a touch of adventure, all set against the backdrop of Jamaica’s natural beauty.

Best Room at Sandals South Coast:

Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary stands out with circular villas feature soaring conical ceilings and are nestled around the resort’s expansive 17,040-square-foot river pool—the longest in the Western Hemisphere

Sandals Ochi

Spread out over 100 acres, Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios is the largest of all Sandals resorts in Jamaica. It has a whopping 100 pools, as well as 16 restaurants and 11 bars.

Sandals Ochi is the largest and most affordable Sandals resort in Jamaica, offering a dynamic blend of lively entertainment and secluded relaxation. Set amidst 100 acres of lush tropical gardens in Ocho Rios, this expansive resort caters to a diverse range of preferences, making it a favorite among both first-time Sandals guests and returning visitors seeking variety and value.

Whether you like tranquility, excitement, or both, Sandals Ochi has got you covered. The resort is split into two sides: the hillside and the beachside. 

On the hillside, you can find serene villas with full butler service and private pools. The beachside, on the other hand, is where you can find the lively Ocho Rios Beach Club.

If you’re keen on visiting Dunn’s River Falls or Ocho Rios Blue Hole, you’ll be happy to know that Sandals Ochi is very close to both. It’s also close to Sandals Golf & Country Club, which is included.

You can check out our full Sandals Ochi Review here.

Why People Love Sandals Ochi:

• Diverse Accommodations: From budget-friendly rooms to luxurious butler suites with private pools.
• Culinary Variety: 16 dining options offering a range of global cuisines.
• Vibrant Nightlife: Home to The Rabbit Hole, the Caribbean’s first speakeasy.
• Expansive Grounds: 100 acres of tropical gardens and beachfront.
• Inclusive Activities: Complimentary golf, scuba diving, and a plethora of water and land sports.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Resort Size: The vastness may require frequent shuttle use between areas.
• Room Variability: Some entry-level rooms may feel dated compared to newer accommodations.
• Beach Layout: The beach is segmented into smaller coves rather than one continuous stretch.
• Transfer Time: Approximately 90-minute drive from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

Sandals Ochi is Best For:

Couples seeking a lively, activity-rich environment with diverse dining and entertainment options, all at a more accessible price point. Ideal for those who appreciate variety and don’t mind navigating a larger resort layout.

Best Room at Sandals Ochi

The Butler Village Honeymoon Romeo & Juliet One Bedroom Villa Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary stands out as the resort’s premier accommodation. This secluded suite features a private courtyard with its own pool and whirlpool, a spacious bedroom, and personalized butler service, offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Which Sandals Resort is the Best Overall?

If “best” means mostly highly rated, then the winner is, objectively, Sandals Dunn’s River. This Sandals has consistently been the best-rated — not only in Jamaica but among all Sandals resorts!

However, it really depends on what you are looking for and the budget you have.

What do you want out of your vacation? Everyone has a different vision for their perfect tropical getaway, so the best Sandals resort for you comes down to your preferences. 

Which Sandals Resort Is the Best for Golf?

Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation are no doubt the best choices for golf lovers, thanks to being just 15 minutes away from Sandals Golf & Country Club. Shuttles and green fees are included for guests of either resort.

Sandals Golf & Country Club has been acknowledged by Frommers Travel Guide as well as Golf Digest as one of the best on the island. 

Nestled in the hills of Ocho Rios, this 18-hole course plays to 6,400 yards and has 3 sets of tees. There’s also a practice range that features chipping and putting greens. 

Which Sandals Resort Is the Best for Beaches?

Every Sandals resort offers you access to Jamaica’s beautiful white sands and turquoise waters. The competition for which has the best beaches is a close one.

On one hand, Sandals Negril is located on Jamaica’s best beach: Seven Mile Beach. This is, however, not a private beach; other resorts have their own stretches on this beach.

Sandals South Coast boasts a 2-mile-long private beach (no sharing, no vendors!) that is, frankly, quite underrated. South Coast might just have to win this category!

Which Sandals Resort Is the Best for Partying?

A vacation at a Sandals resort will never leave you bored but, if a definitive best Sandals resort for partying had to be chosen, it would be Sandals Ochi.

Sandals Ochi is the biggest and — naturally — liveliest of the Sandals resorts in Jamaica. The exclusive access to the Ocho Rios Beach Club is a significant factor here, as is the fact that Sandals Ochi has a whopping 11 bars!

Which Sandals Resort Is the Best for Honeymoons?

Any Sandals resort would make a worthy backdrop for a honeymoon, given the fact that the resorts have an adults-only, couples-only policy.

Two Sandals resorts (South Coast and Royal Caribbean) offer uber-romantic overwater bungalows that can elevate an ordinary honeymoon into a true getaway. Sandals South Coast is possibly the better of the two for honeymoons, thanks to its secluded location.

Sandals Royal Plantation also deserves a mention; it has an intimate and private atmosphere that is amplified by the fact that its guest capacity is so low compared to other Sandals resorts.

Which Sandals Resort Is the Best for Seclusion?

The best Sandals resort for seclusion depends on the guest. Sandals Ochi has the Butler Village where guest share a pool with 1 – 3 other rooms and the pools are rarely used. With butler service you can turn this into your own private oasis.

Sandals South Coast is another option located on the island’s less popular yet just as amazing south coast — lending to its tranquility and intrigue.

This resort is located within a 500-acre private nature reserve and has its own 2-mile-long private beach. The overwater bungalows, of which there are only 12, offer even more seclusion and the Rotunda Suites provide an outdoor shower, plunge pool and lazy river.

Which Sandals Resort Is the Best for Snorkeling?

Jamaica has amazing coral reefs and underwater wildlife. One of the best places to experience the island’s marine beauty is in Negril, making Sandals Negril the best choice for snorkeling in Jamaica.

Sandals Royal Caribbean gets an honorable mention thanks to Montego Bay also having beautifully preserved coral reefs that are on par with Negril’s.