Not only is Sandals South Coast one of the more affordable Sandals resorts, it’s also one of the best rated. Nestled in a 500-acre nature preserve along a pristine and private 2-mile beach, this romantic resort is a tranquil oasis for couples of all kinds. It’s especially popular for honeymoons and destination weddings.
Pros and Cons of Sandals South Coast
There are so many pros to Sandals South Coast:
- Affordable rates on many rooms
- All rooms have ocean views
- Peaceful and private
- Breathtaking beach
- Clear, calm water perfect for watersports
- Luxurious suites such as Rondovals and overwater bungalows
- An overwater bar
- An overwater wedding chapel
The only real con to Sandals South Coast is that it’s pretty far from the airport—about 90 minutes—and the drive is over twisting, rough roads. If you’re prone to motion sickness like we are, you may want to take medicine beforehand.
But once you get there, it’s all worth it.
Sandals South Coast has lushly landscaped grounds and a secluded feel, making it feel romantic and “away from it all.”
The beach here is the best of any Sandals resort in Jamaica, in our opinion—a 2-mile-long stretch of soft white sand along calm turquoise water, and plenty of lounge chairs to relax in. It’s so big that there are multiple areas with different vibes, from more active to quiet and restful.
Many rooms have recently been renovated, and you’ll find a wide range to choose from. We stayed in a renovated Longbeach Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite and loved it. It had a separate living area, and a balcony with a Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two, comfy couch, and wonderful ocean views. It also came with 24-hour inroom dining and personal butler service.
There are also some newly added swim-up suites, which have direct access to the lagoon pool from private patios.
There are also luxury level rooms and club level rooms. All have ocean views, some are beachfront, some are walkout, and some have oversized soaking tubs on the balcony or patio. Great options are beachfront walkout butler suites, which are just steps from the sand.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, consider the Rondoval villas or the overwater bungalows. The Rondoval villas have both swim-up access to a lagoon pool and a private pool sanctuary, and are very private. The overwater bungalows, known as the Blue Mahoe Overwater Villas, are set around a heart-shaped walkway over the Caribbean and feature private decks with water access, loungers, hammocks, and Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two. These have just been renovated and are gorgeous.
If you can bring yourself to leave your room, you’ll be able to try a wide variety of complimentary activities. These include both nonmotorized and motorized watersports: scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, windsurfing, tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing.
Included land activities are day and night tennis, pickleball, basketball, beach volleyball, pool tables, table tennis, squash, and bocce ball. There’s also a fitness center with exercise classes.
A luxurious full-service spa is available but services cost extra.
There’s also a great selection of pools, including the main one with entertainment and activities and a swim-up bar, smaller pools that are more quiet, and lagoon pools. There are also multiple whirlpools to hang out in.
You can also book area excursions for a fee. While the resort isn’t close to some of the better-known spots like Dunn’s River Falls, there are some nice authentic spots to visit. We recommend going to YS Falls. You can also go ziplining, take a rum tour at Appleton Estate, and have an authentic Jamaican lunch.
There are plenty of dining options onsite, with 9 restaurants serving a variety of cuisines including Caribbean, international, seafood, Italian, Pan-Asian, Mediterranean, and sushi. There’s a café that offers specialty coffees and French pastries, and they have added two new food trucks serving Mexican food and chicken tenders.
With 7 bars, you’ll have multiple places to enjoy all the free drinks. Our favorite was the overwater bar, which even has overwater hammocks that fit two for total relaxation. There is also a great martini bar that is the perfect spot to hear live music in the evenings, which is usually in the plaza nearby.
Is the beach at Sandals South Coast private?
Yes, the beach at Sandals South Coast is private.
How far is Sandals South Coast, Jamaica, from the airport?
Sandals South Coast is 90 minutes from the airport. Airport transfers are complimentary.
What is included at Sandals South Coast?
As at all Sandals, practically everything is included at Sandals South Coast. Your rate here covers all meals and snacks at all dining options; all drinks including Robert Mondavi wines and premium spirits; inroom minibars that are restocked daily; watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving; land activities including tennis and beach volleyball; a fitness center; daily and nightly entertainment; Wifi; roundtrip airport transfers; and all tips and taxes.