Sandals Resorts, an all-inclusive resort brand for adults have been around for over 40 years and along the way, they decided to start a brand that was just like Sandals, but for families. They created Beaches Resorts, an all-inclusive brand for families.
Sandals Resorts Overview
There are 18 Sandals Resorts sprinkled throughout the Caribbean with 7 in Jamaica. The other destinations include St Lucia, the Bahamas, Grenada, Antigua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Curacao.
Sandals Resorts are designed for couples and adults-only vacations. These resorts are known for their romantic and intimate ambiance, making them popular choices for honeymoons, anniversaries, or couples’ getaways.
You don’t need to be a couple to enjoy Sandals Resorts. It is normal to find adult families, bachelorette parties, or just a group of friends together. Each Sandals Resort has a different vibe. Some feel more modern while others have a traditional Caribbean decor. Some attract a party atmosphere like Sandals Ochi or Sandals Montego Bay, while others are quieter like Sandals Negril or Sandals Royal Caribbean.
Beaches Resorts
There are currently 3 Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. The resorts are focused on families with amenities for kids and teenagers. The Turks and Caicos resort is much larger and the Ocho Rios and Negril resorts are smaller.
Being geared towards a more vibrant and lively atmosphere suitable for families, you can expect a range of entertainment options, kids’ clubs, and activities to keep the whole family engaged and entertained.
Beaches vs Sandals: Rooms
Both Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer luxurious accommodations with various room types.
Sandals, being adults-only, only have king-sized beds in the rooms and suites. They have a variety of rooms from simple rooms similar to what you would expect at a 4-star hotel to overwater bungalows and everything in between.
Beach Resorts also offer a variety of rooms and suites, the difference is room capacity. Rooms start with an occupancy of four, similar to what you would expect at most hotels, but villas can accommodate up to 11 people, making it perfect for families.
While Sandals Resorts has one-bedroom suites that accommodate two people, Beaches has 4 bedroom villas for the whole family.
Beaches vs Sandals: Dining
Sandals and Beaches have similar restaurants and concepts. The major difference is at Beaches Resorts there is a more family-friendly approach, including kid-friendly menus and buffets.
You’ll find character dinners with Sesame Street characters, more kid-friendly meals, and snacks like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Beaches Resorts also tend to have more buffets which is helpful for multi-generational families since
Beaches vs Sandals: Activities
Both Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts offer similar water activities. They are all located on beautiful beaches and have water and land sports like kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, tennis, and volleyball.
Sandals Resorts also have more romantic and adult activities including nightlife and larger spas with unique offerings.
Beaches Resorts have more family and kid-focused activities including water parks, kid camps, Xbox lounges, and character meet-and-greets (Sesame Street characters)
In summary, the main difference between Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts lies in their target audience and overall atmosphere. Sandals Resorts focuses on providing a romantic, adult-oriented experience for couples, while Beaches Resorts caters to families with a wide range of amenities and activities suitable for all ages.
With this in mind, Beaches Turks and Caicos is still an amazing resort for adults. We went after labor day when all the kids were back in school and the resort mostly had adults with a few toddlers. I only saw a few kids that were school-age while we were there and we had an amazing time.