An adults-only, all-inclusive resort offering both land and overwater suites, the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort is a luxury escape that caters to those seeking a relaxing and romantic getaway. With a Tahitian theme in the Caribbean sea, this resort offers something a little different along with the usual you can expect from this famed line of resorts.
The over-the-water villas each have a personal pool, outdoor shower, private deck, large living space and tropical color scheme. Rooms rates are also pretty acceptable, especially for all that you're getting. With that said, it is important to note that room rates are astronomical for stays that are only 1 or 2 nights long and cheaper per night for stays that are 3 nights or more. Outside of each room, guests will find a plethora of activities to choose from within the resort's grounds as well as right outside. Reviews are quite good, with many guests stating their love for the food, amenities and the rooms themselves. If you're looking for a tropical escape that isn't far from the US mainland, this resort just might be your best fit.
The Sandals Resorts are known as 'Premium All-Inclusive' and all guests get top-shelf wines, spirits, and cocktails, and premium dining experiences as part of the basic room rate. Having stayed at a few of them I can confirm that they are amazingly well run and a different kind of experience from a standard Caribbean all-inclusive resort. They all have excellent beach locations, including the Sandals Royal Caribbean.
The Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort is located a few minutes drive away from Montego Bay, Jamaica in the Caribbean. In fact, the resort is literally next to one of the corners of the runway of the Montego Bay Airport. The sound of planes taking off IS rather loud and happens a few times per hour during the day, but strangely it only lasts a few seconds each time and you get used to it quickly.
Overwater bungalows: 17
Beds: King size
Wi-Fi: Yes
Entertainment system: Flat screen TV
Room service: Yes
Important note: Stays of 1 or 2 nights are advertised at US$8,500 and US$17,000 respectively, while a stay of 3 nights is advertised at US$10,200 for all three nights. In other words, there is no point in checking or staying anything less than 3 nights in an over-the-water villa.
Beach rooms at Sandals start around US$500 per night per couple all-inclusive. If the overwater bungalows are too expensive or unavailable then Sandals still might be your best all-inclusive choice in the Caribbean.
>>>Is a Sandals all-inclusive vacation right for me? Here’s what you need to know.
On-site, guests will find the Red Land Spa where you’ll be treated in Caribbean inspired treatments, a fitness center, beauty salon, steam room, plunge pools, secluded gardens and a yoga and pilates studio.
To reach the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort you’ll first need to fly into Sangster International Airport located in Montego Bay. After landing you’ll find the exclusive Sandals lounge in the airport to check in. They will put you on one of their shuttle buses within a short time, and then it’s a 10-minute ride to the resort itself. The shuttle ride is included in the room rate.
As someone who has visited all three Sandals overwater bungalow resorts I thought it would be helpful to compare and contrast them to help people confidently choose the best one for their trip.
As part of the popular Sandals line of resorts and hotels, it’s only expected that this resort lives up to its name. And thankfully it does on many fronts. From the vast variety of dining options available including both French and Thai cuisine to the beautiful lushness of the resorts grounds and gardens to the rooms themselves, over and over again guests rave about their experience here. Another plus that is loved by many is the kid free atmosphere that truly allows couples of all ages to enjoy a relaxing stay along with adult friendly amenities including the on-site spa. If you’re willing to pay the nightly rate, it seems that this all inclusive experience is well worth it.
