If you’re looking for a fun all-inclusive adults-only getaway in sunny Jamaica, two of the top choices are Sandals Negril and Sandals Montego Bay.
We’ve visited all the Sandals resorts and we liked both of these locations, but our favorite would be Sandals Negril. However, they both have pros and cons.
Sandals Negril was our favorite Sandals in Jamaica (there are 7) until Sandals Dunn’s River opened; it has a gorgeous beach and great sunsets, as well as access to nearby Beaches Negril.
Sandals Montego Bay has lots to do plus access to Sandals Royal Caribbean; it’s very close to the airport so there can be some noise, but you get to start your vacation more quickly.
This article will compare Sandals Negril and Montego Bay so you can decide which is best for you.
Sandals Negril Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Gorgeous beach with white sand and clear, calm turquoise water
- Most rooms are beachfront and you can stay just steps from the sand
- Amazing sunset views
- Great beachfront restaurants and bars too
- Laidback vibe
- Access to Beaches Negril
Cons:
- The drive from the airport is about an hour and a half
- The beach isn’t private, so there are vendors
Sandals Negril: Our Opinion
Sandals Negril is our second-favorite Sandals in Jamaica. We love the setting on world-famous Seven Mile Beach, which is really beautiful. During our visit we loved being able to snorkel right off the beach, and we saw some incredible sunsets.
We also loved the beachfront rooms and restaurants. It was great to be able to eat breakfast with our toes in the sand.
Sandals Montego Bay Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Closest Sandals in Jamaica to the airport—just about 5-10 minutes
- Large size, lots of restaurants, plenty to do
- Access to Sandals Royal Caribbean
- The beach is private
- Cool overwater bar and wedding chapel
- Close to the nightlife and activities in Montego Bay
Cons:
- It’s so close to the airport that you hear plane noise. However, this is only during the day and we got used to it.
Sandals Montego Bay: Our Opinion
Sandals Montego Bay is the first Sandals resort and has been completely renovated for a fresh luxurious feel. It also sits right on the beach and has many waterfront rooms and restaurants.
We liked that it was so close to both the airport and all the restaurants, shops, and nightlife of Montego Bay. We also enjoyed having access to everything at Sandals Royal Caribbean, including a cool private island with a great Thai restaurant.
Sandals Negril vs Montego Bay Price
Sandals Negril had historically been more affordable than Sandals Montego Bay, although prices fluctuate. However, they have added an entry-level room at Sandals Montego Bay that is cheaper than the lowest-priced room at Negril.
Currently, Sandals Negril starts at $249 per person per night and Sandals Montego Bay starts at $189 per person per night.
Working with a certified Sandals travel agent like us can help you save money on your trip at either resort.
Sandals Negril vs Montego Bay Amenities and Activities
Sandals Negril is set on stunning Seven Mile Beach, and Sandals Montego Bay is on the largest stretch of private beach in Jamaica. Both have calm water perfect for all the complimentary watersports you can get at Sandals, including snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, and more.
Sandals Negril also has wakeboarding, waterskiing, kneeboarding, aquatrikes, and tubing, and you can snorkel right from the beach in the crystal-clear water. Sandals Montego Bay also has waterskiing and wakeboarding.
There are multiple pools and whirlpools at both resorts. Guests at Sandals Negril can go to the pools and waterpark at Beaches Negril as well. Guests at Sandals Montego Bay have access to all the pools and whirlpools at Sandals Royal Caribbean also—including one on a private island.
Each resort also has land sports including tennis and beach volleyball, as well as a fitness center.
Both have nightly entertainment including live shows, theme nights, and more, but the nightlife at Sandals Montego Bay is more active than Negril. It’s also close to all the bars and clubs in Montego Bay.
There’s an onsite spa at both Sandals Negril and Montego Bay, which costs extra.
Sandals Negril vs Montego Bay Restaurants and Bars
Sandals Negril has 8 dining options, including some recently added ones, plus access to all the restaurants at Beaches Negril. Sandals Montego Bay has 12 restaurants onsite, but 21 restaurants total once you include the ones at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
There are 5 bars at Sandals Negril, including swim-up bars, a beach bar, a piano bar, and an English pub. There are also some bars at Beaches Negril.
There are 6 bars including a swim-up bar and an overwater bar at Sandals Montego Bay, which has a vibrant nightlife scene. You can also go to the 5 bars at Royal Caribbean.
Sandals Negril vs. Montego Bay: Accommodations
The rooms at Sandals Negril are a bit more spectacular than Montego Bay, but both resorts offer amazing luxury and views.
Almost all the rooms and suites at Sandals Negril are beachfront, including swim-up suites with 24-hour butler service, as well as walkout suites and two-story honeymoon butler suites. There are also Millionaire Butler Suites with private pool sanctuaries, as well as new Skypool Butler Suites with elevated infinity pools and rooftop terraces. (These blew us away when we visited!)
At Sandals Montego Bay, most rooms and suites are beachfront as well. The swankiest include the Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire Suite and the Beachfront Honeymoon Walkout Suite, both with outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs for Two™ and personal 24-hour butler service. There are also Crystal Lagoon swim-up suites and a variety of other choices.
Sandals Negril vs. Montego Bay: Our Choice
So which is better, Sandals Negril or Sandals Montego Bay? While both resorts have plenty to offer including luxurious accommodations, great food and drink, beautiful beaches, and lots of onsite activities and amenities, we would choose Sandals Negril.
We loved the relaxed, intimate atmosphere, the spectacular beach, the beautiful sunsets, and the ability to stay right on the beach.
However, we also really enjoyed Sandals Montego Bay and recommend it all the time for people who like a more lively vibe and want to be close to the airport.
Which resort would you choose?