Discover The Best Sandals Resort In Jamaica For Your Dream Vacation

The azure seas, white sands, and rich culture of Jamaica form the backdrop of many a tropical dream. With all the beautiful scenes available to you, you may think the resort you choose doesn’t matter as much. The truth is though that your Caribbean experience can vary greatly based on the resort and accommodations you choose! Want a fun and lively vacation, want an intimate, romantic getaway, or want to relax at the pool with unlimited cocktails?

Sandals Resorts in Jamaica offer all this and more!

To help you choose the right Sandals Resort for your upcoming vacation, you should consider the experiences you want to have and the atmosphere that would suit you best.

The 7 best-rated Sandals Resorts in Jamaica of 2024 - ranked.

Before we hand you the list of the six best-rated Sandals Resorts in Jamaica (we will get there!), it’s important to note that your idea of a dream vacation may differ from someone else’s idea of a dream vacation.

The best-rated Sandals Resort is Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 94% of the over 3,000 reviewers rate this elegant boutique resort as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. However, this intimate resort might not be the right Sandals for you if you’re looking for a lively resort experience with a big swimming pool and swim-up bar.

Ask yourself the question: What are you looking for in a dream vacation? Is it the beach, the swimming pool, the food, a lively atmosphere? Then, make your decision based on your specific needs and wants.

Methodology: We looked at the guest reviews of each Sandals Resort and calculated the percentage of ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ reviews. In Jamaica, you can expect this percentage to be somewhere between 84% and 94%, so you’re likely to have a good time no matter which Sandals Resort you pick!

1. Sandals Dunn's River

Ocho Rios area

With so many incredible Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, picking the best one can be tough, but Sandals Dunn’s River is a fantastic place to start. Located on Jamaica’s north coast near Ocho Rios, this resort, with 260 rooms and suites, is one of the newest additions to the Sandals portfolio. One of the standout accommodations is the Coyaba Sky Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools. These unique suites offer open-air rooftop patios, stargazing telescopes, a Tranquility Soaking Tub® for two, and direct access to a private pool retreat right from your bedroom. The level of indulgence this suite offers might be all the convincing you need to extend your stay!

With 12 restaurants and 9 bars, including a swim-up bar, Sandals Dunn’s River boasts one of the largest dining and entertainment selections of any Sandals Resort. A variety of activities is available, from live shows and day-and-night entertainment to an impressive lineup of land and water sports. True to Sandals’ all-inclusive promise, tips, taxes, and gratuities are included, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment of your vacation. Conveniently located near the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, this resort makes it easy to incorporate an unforgettable excursion into your stay.

Insider tip: If you’re considering a vacation at Sandals Dunn’s River, explore packages like the Sandals Celestial Butler Package, available for guests staying in the Coyaba Sky Rondoval Villas. This package includes a rooftop picnic under the stars, where you can learn about the constellations with a telescope, a star guide, and a personalized star map from The Night Sky*.

2. Sandals Royal Plantation

Ocho Rios area

Guests love this resort for its intimate and romantic atmosphere, attentive staff, and beach butlers. The resort is conveniently located near some of Jamaica’s most popular waterfalls: Dunn’s River Falls and the Ocho Rios Blue Hole. Guests of Sandals Royal Plantation can get free transfers to and from Sandals Ochi where they can also make use of that resort’s amenities. This includes all 16 of its restaurants.

• Best Sandals Resort in Jamaica for an intimate and relaxing getaway
• Free access to Sandals Ochi (16 additional restaurants and 11 more bars)
• Located near the Sandals Golf & Country Club
  

View Sandals Royal Plantation.

3. Sandals South Coast

Jamaica's south coast

Also known as ‘Sexy South Coast’. Guests love the attentive staff, one of Jamaica’s largest swimming pools, the fantastic beach (great for long walks along the shore), and the Over-The-Water bar. Located in Whitehouse, Jamaica.

• Large Sandals Resort in Jamaica amidst a private nature reserve
• Features one of Jamaica’s largest swimming pools
• Popular Over-The-Water bar
  

View Sandals South Coast.

4. Sandals Negril

Negril area

Located on Jamaica’s most beautiful beach: the famous Seven Mile Beach. Guests love the stunning sunsets and the intimate atmosphere at this resort.

• Located on Jamaica’s most beautiful beach
• Intimate and romantic atmosphere
• Stunning sunsets
  

View Sandals Negril.

5. Sandals Montego Bay

Montego Bay area

Sandals’ flagship resort. This resort features an exclusive, private white sand beach, great food options, and it is located just a short drive from the airport (spend less time traveling and more time on vacation). Plus, all Butler and Club Elite Sandals guests receive complimentary BMW private airport transfers. Guests of Sandals Montego Bay can get a free transfer to and from Sandals Royal Caribbean (5 minutes away) and make use of all the amenities at both resorts. This includes the restaurants. Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

• Sandals lively flagship resort
• Long, exclusive white sand beach
• Free access to Sandals Royal Caribbean
• Best food options in Jamaica
  

View Sandals Montego Bay.

6. Sandals Royal Caribbean

Montego Bay area

Guests love the private offshore island with a phenomenal Thai restaurant and the intimate, romantic atmosphere at this resort. Guests of Sandals Royal Caribbean can get a free 5-minute transfer to Sandals Montego Bay and make use of all the amenities at both resorts. This includes all restaurants. Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a short drive from the airport.

• Features a private offshore island
• One of Sandals’ smaller, more intimate resorts in Jamaica
• Free access to Sandals Montego Bay
  

View Sandals Royal Caribbean.

7. Sandals Ochi

Ocho Rios area

Sandals’ most affordable resort, featuring 16 restaurants and the Caribbean’s first speakeasy bar (the Rabbit Hole). ‘Ochi’ is split into two sides: the hillside and the beachside. The size presents no problem though - both sides of the resort are connected by ‘the Hop’, an air-conditioned van that brings guests from one side to the other every 10 minutes. If you’re looking for a Butler Villa at one of Sandals’ most lively resorts, this is a great pick. The resort is conveniently located near some of Jamaica’s most popular waterfalls: Dunn’s River Falls and the Ocho Rios Blue Hole.

• Sandals’ most affordable and most lively resort
• 16 restaurants included (the most of any Sandals)
• Located near the Sandals Golf & Country Club
  

View Sandals Ochi.

Reviews are helpful when it comes to selecting the best resort for you. You’ll be happy to know, though, that you can hardly go wrong no matter where you decide to go! All Sandals Resorts go the extra mile to make sure guests have the time of their lives.

Which Sandals Resorts in Jamaica feature waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing?

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Head on over to the water sports center and prepare for some waterskiing and tubing. You can enjoy these activities and more at the resorts listed below:

• Sandals South Coast
• Sandals Montego Bay
• Sandals Negril
  
  
  

Which Sandals Resorts have swim-up rooms?

There’s nothing quite like going for a romantic swim, right from the doorstep of your suite. Below you will find the full list of Sandals Resorts in Jamaica that offer swim-up rooms:

• Sandals Montego Bay
• Sandals Royal Caribbean
• Sandals South Coast
• Sandals Negril
  
  

Learn more about swim-up rooms in Jamaica ahead of your trip!

Which Sandals Resorts in Jamaica have Over-the-Water Bungalows?

Picture: Sandals South Coast features heart-shaped overwater bungalows.

Over-the-Water bungalows are among the more recent additions of Sandals, and they’ve added something truly special to the resort. If you don’t book well in advance, it can be a little challenging to book an Over-the-Water Bungalow as these rooms are incredibly popular.

Over-The-Water Bungalows include glass floors, Tranquility Soaking Tubs, and personalized butler service. The two Sandals Resorts in Jamaica where you can find the deluxe Over-the-Water Bungalows are Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Royal Caribbean.

What if I want to bring family and kids?

While all Sandals Resorts are adults-only, Beaches Resorts (from the same founder) cater to families with children. Beaches Resorts are often referred to as “Sandals Resorts for families”, and in both Beaches Resorts in Jamaica, you’ll find waterparks, Sesame Street® characters, games rooms, fun activities for all ages, and a nightclub for teens.

You’ll even get to have some adult time as there are certified nannies and Kids’ Camps available. All in all, Beaches Resorts offer the perfect family vacation, where there’s something for everyone.

Selecting the right Sandals Resort - your first step to an awesome stay in Jamaica!

There are lots of things to consider when selecting the perfect resort for your vacation in Jamaica. Luckily, Sandals has several resorts on the island that can cater to just about any experience and atmosphere you may desire. Regardless of which awesome resort you choose (this time!), you’ll benefit from a bounty of amazing inclusions like unlimited food and drinks at multiple themed restaurants and bars on property, day and night entertainment, free scuba diving for certified divers, and much much more.

A Sandals Resort in Jamaica is an awesome place to have the time of your life. If deciding which one to visit is still too tough, consider splitting your time between multiple resorts or planning a return trip!