If you're looking for a luxury all-inclusive vacation, Sandals is genuinely hard to beat. We spent a long weekend at Sandals properties in Jamaica and it was close to perfect.
Getting from Barbados to Jamaica was surprisingly complicated for two Caribbean islands — our route took us via Trinidad, St Maarten, and finally into Kingston. We had three hours to kill in Kingston, spent relaxing in a lounge with Red Stripe and jerk chicken from Island Grill, before boarding a small connecting flight to Montego Bay for our first proper luxury all-inclusive experience.
Sandals invited us for the weekend — all opinions remain entirely our own.
Arriving at Sandals Montego Bay
We were greeted the moment we stepped off the bus and taken straight to Club Concierge — the private check-in area for Club Level guests. Friendly, efficient staff escorted us to our room, and the moment we stepped inside, it properly hit us: our first-ever luxury all-inclusive stay had actually begun. We allowed ourselves about three minutes of pure excitement before heading downstairs for drinks.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Our first morning started with finally taking in the view properly — room service, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, and a lazy morning on the balcony overlooking the sea.
We spent the morning touring Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, exploring the resort's famous overwater bungalows. Genuinely gorgeous — private butler service, premium alcohol included, extraordinary views, some even with their own infinity pools. The epitome of what "luxury all-inclusive" actually means.
Overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean
Beyond the bungalows, swim-up rooms leading directly into the pools and beachfront rooms were equally impressive. After a buffet lunch we headed back to Montego Bay to properly explore, since we'd only arrived the night before.
Bathtub in one of the rooms at Sandals Jamaica
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Free Barbados Self-Drive Route Guide
The full island in one day — from a Bajan who actually lives here.
Sandals Montego Bay
A walk around the gardens and rooms at Montego Bay led us to the bar closest to the lobby — mostly because it happened to be on our way back and forth from the room. After a cocktail at the swim-up bar, we headed to the beach, dotted with gazebos that make for perfect wedding backdrops.
Couples beach chairs at Sandals Montego Bay
That afternoon we tried out the soaking tub on our balcony with a glass of champagne — the perfect way to close out day one. For dinner, we chose Bayside — tuna as a starter, both of us ordering the filet mignon cooked perfectly, and a shared crème brûlée to finish. A genuinely excellent last dinner at Montego Bay.
Sandals South Coast
Our second full day meant an hour and a half bus ride down to Sandals South Coast. The grand entrance and gardens were immediately impressive. Once again checked in through Club Concierge with a glass of champagne in hand, we toured the grounds and visited the resort's signature heart-shaped overwater bungalows.
The signature heart-shaped layout of Sandals overwater bungalows
One of our favourite spots on the whole trip: Latitudes, a bar suspended over the water with small hammocks hanging off the edge — an extraordinary spot for sundowners.
South Coast Tip
If Latitudes is your kind of spot, get there earlier in the evening — the hammock seating is limited and it's easily the most sought-after sundowner location on the property.
That evening brought beach entertainment, a fantastic buffet and endless drinks. Once the show ended, the night continued at the Martini Bar, watching genuinely talented guests take on karaoke.
Feeling a little rough the next morning, breakfast came with an offer of mimosas neither of us could reasonably turn down. We made the most of our final morning exploring the grounds before the 10am checkout and a three-hour shuttle back to Kingston for our 4pm flight home.
One last moment at Sandals
Our long weekend at Sandals Jamaica was genuinely one of the best short trips we've done. If you're planning a similar stay, read the Ultimate Sandals Resort Packing List for exactly what to bring, and if a Sandals property in Barbados appeals more, the romantic hotels in Barbados guide covers Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados in detail.
Free Download
Free Barbados Self-Drive Route Guide
The full island in one day — from a Bajan who actually lives here.
Related Posts
- The Ultimate Sandals Resort Packing List
- The Most Romantic Hotels in Barbados
- Barbados Accommodation: The Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Genuinely, yes. Across two Sandals properties in Jamaica (Montego Bay and South Coast) we found the rooms, food, drinks and entertainment consistently excellent, with the overwater bungalows in particular standing out as a real luxury highlight.
