Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Negril are two of the seven luxurious adults-only all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Jamaica. They have some things in common but also some key differences.
This article comparing Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril will help you choose between them.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril Quick Take
Sandals Royal Caribbean has overwater bungalows, a private island, and access to a nearby Sandals resort. Sandals Negril was our favorite Sandals in Jamaica until Dunn’s River opened; it has a gorgeous beach and great sunsets, and has access to nearby Beaches Negril.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril Overview
Sandals Royal Caribbean features a private island with its own beach, pool, and restaurant. Guests there also have access to everything at Sandals Montego Bay.
Sandals Negril is set on the famous Seven Mile Beach and features lots of beachfront rooms and restaurants. Guests there have access to everything at the nearby family-friendly Beaches Negril (including a waterpark).
Both resorts offer wonderful accommodations; Royal Caribbean has overwater bungalows (some with private pools), while Negril has Skypool Suites and beachfront swim-up suites.
Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Negril are rated the same on Google, at 4.4. Sandals Negril was our favorite Jamaica Sandals until Dunn’s River opened.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril: Location
Sandals Royal Caribbean is the best choice if you want to get your vacation started quickly. It is located in Montego Bay, just 10 minutes from Sangster International Airport.
Sandals Negril is in Negril, about an hour from the Montego Bay airport.
You’ll get complimentary transfers to and from the airport at both resorts.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril: Price
While prices can vary throughout the year, Sandals Royal Caribbean is often more expensive than Sandals Negril. Sandals Royal Caribbean currently starts at $254 per person per night. Sandals Negril currently starts at $246 per person per night.
Working with a certified Sandals travel specialist can help you save money at both resorts.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril: Amenities and Activities
Sandals Royal Caribbean has two beautiful white-sand beaches, and Sandals Negril is set on stunning Seven Mile Beach. 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.
There are multiple pools and whirlpools at both resorts. Guests at SRC have access to all the pools and whirlpools at Sandals Montego Bay also, and guests at Negril can go to the pools and waterpark at Beaches Negril.
The private island at Sandals Royal Caribbean is a unique amenity that features a pool with swim-up bar, a whirlpool, a gorgeous beach with thatched-roof cabanas, and a restaurant.
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. Sandals Royal Caribbean also has beach bonfires on the private island and is close to the nightlife in Montego Bay.
There’s an onsite spa at both Sandals Royal Caribbean and Negril, which costs extra. You can also book area excursions for an extra cost.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril: Food and Drink
Sandals Royal Caribbean has 9 restaurants onsite, but 21 restaurants total once you factor in the ones at Sandals Montego Bay. Sandals Negril has 8 dining options, including some recently added ones, plus access to all the restaurants at Beaches Negril.
There are 5 bars at Royal Caribbean, including swim-up bars (one of which is on the private island). You can also go to the 6 bars at Sandals Montego Bay, which has a vibrant nightlife scene.
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.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Negril: Accommodations
Both resorts have incredible accommodations available.
Sandals Royal Caribbean has the amazing overwater bungalows, which are located on the private island. Some of them even have private infinity pools. Other popular options at SRC are swim-up suites and beachfront walk-out suites.
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.
Sandals Royal Caribbean vs Negril Final Thoughts
It’s tough to choose between these two Sandals resorts in Jamaica, as both are excellent options. Consider the type of vacation experience you want to have and what types of activities you want to do. Sandals Negril offers motorized watersports, and you can snorkel from the beach.
If you want to stay in an overwater bungalow, or if you love the idea of visiting a private island, choose Sandals Royal Caribbean. If you want to spend most of your time on the beach, including at meals, choose Sandals Negril.
If getting to the resort quickly is important to you, or you want to be close to Montego Bay’s activities and nightlife, choose Sandals Royal Caribbean. If you want to visit the waterpark at Beaches Negril, choose Sandals Negril.
But no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to have a great time.