Let’s get one thing out of the way: Sandals Royal Caribbean has nothing to do with Royal Caribbean, the giant cruise line ranked among the best in the world. Sandals Royal Caribbean is an all-inclusive resort located in Jamaica and was the third Sandals resort to open, way back in 1986. This resort is perfect for those who enjoy peace and quiet and is located near Sandals Montego Bay, the very first Sandals property.
Speaking of Sandals Montego Bay, both resorts are just five minutes apart, and if you're staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean, you can visit Montego Bay at no additional cost. In fact, free shuttles run all day between the two resorts, allowing you to dine at any restaurant, and enjoy the beach and pools at Montego Bay without extra charges. It’s like having two resorts at your disposal while only paying for one, which is one of the great perks of many Sandals resorts in Jamaica.
Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean offer very different experiences. Sandals Montego Bay is more of a party resort, featuring a large beach and expansive grounds. In contrast, Sandals Royal Caribbean caters to those seeking peace and quiet, with a more compact layout, a smaller beach, and a very chill atmosphere. Sandals Royal Caribbean is even divided into two distinct areas: the main resort, which I like to call the mainland, and a separate area with Sandals Island and the exclusive Overwater Villas.
Yes, Sandals Royal Caribbean features a private island, directly accessible from the luxurious Overwater Villas, which feel like cozy cottages set in the middle of the ocean. The island is small but offers a fun change of scenery, with unique restaurants, a small pool, and two beaches - including a nude beach. It’s also convenient for guests staying in the Overwater Villas, as a deck connects these exclusive accommodations to Sandals Island.
The Overwater Villas are among the most luxurious accommodations across all Sandals resorts. To put things in perspective, standard rooms at Sandals Royal Caribbean start at an affordable $230 per guest, per night. The Overwater Villas, however, start at $1,800 - yeah, that’s a big difference! These exclusive rooms are designed for guests seeking the ultimate in luxury. Imagine staying in a villa over the ocean, with transparent floors revealing fish swimming below, and some even featuring a private infinity pool.
Sandals Royal Caribbean is perfect for those who prefer a short transfer from the airport to their room. Like Sandals Montego Bay, it’s located just 10 minutes from the airport. In fact, it’s slightly farther from the airport than Montego Bay, which is good news, as guests hear less airplane noise compared to its sister resort.
There are nine complimentary restaurants at Sandals Royal Caribbean and twelve more at Sandals Montego Bay, giving you a total of 21 dining options if you stay in this area. The dining choices at Sandals Royal Caribbean are pretty good, especially since it features one of the best Sandals restaurants: Bombay. This restaurant offers Indian cuisine and is frequently praised by guests online as one of the finest.
So, what doesn’t quite work at Sandals Royal Caribbean? For one, it’s a compact resort with somewhat limited on-site activities. This issue is made more clear by the resort’s split layout, with some activities and restaurants on the mainland and others on the private island. Another downside is potential noise if your room is near the main pool, as the DJ often plays loud music until around 11:00pm… certainly not great for guests who want an early night after a long day in the sun.
So, do I recommend Sandals Royal Caribbean? Yes, especially if you’re looking for an affordable resort in Jamaica that’s close to the airport. For a more romantic setting with peace and quiet, this is the place to be. But if you prefer a livelier atmosphere in a larger resort with a bigger beach, head to Sandals Montego Bay. Since the two resorts are so close, you can stay at one and easily visit the other for a change of pace, then do it all again the next day.
Reviews of Sandals Royal Caribbean
The Good
It’s close to the airport: One of the things I love about Sandals Royal Caribbean is how close it is to the airport. It typically takes only 10-15 minutes to reach the resort from the airport, which is great news for those who dislike long flights and want to avoid an additional hour or two on a bus before reaching the comfort of their room.
A Quiet Place: No, no, not like the movie, thankfully. *Ahem*. What I mean is that Sandals Royal Caribbean is a very quiet and peaceful resort with a romantic atmosphere. If you prefer a larger resort with party vibes, you might want to head to Sandals Montego Bay. However, Royal Caribbean is definitely the better choice for those romantic moments, especially with its private island.
Sandals Island: yeah, Sandals Royal Caribbean has its very own private island, called… Sandals Island? Yeah, not very original, but what can you do? This is a small island that offers two small beaches and a few restaurants. Honestly, there is nothing mindblowing about it, but it’s a great change of setting, and an even quieter area of Sandals Royal Caribbean when compared to the mainland. Make sure to come here often and enjoy the swimming pool as well. Oh, they also have a nude beach here!
Overwater Villas: Speaking of Sandals Island, it’s connected to the most luxurious accommodations at Sandals Royal Caribbean: the Overwater Villas. These are some of the most luxurious (and expensive) rooms in any Sandals resort, and they look stunning. Imagine a cozy cottage in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by crystal-clear water, with a butler bringing breakfast and dinner directly to your room. It’s awesome.
Sandals Montego Bay: Sandals Royal Caribbean is just five minutes away from Sandals Montego Bay, with a free shuttle running all day to connect the two resorts. They complement each other very well. Montego Bay offers more restaurants, a better beach, and a livelier party vibe, while Royal Caribbean is perfect for romantic and intimate moments. You can easily spend the whole day enjoying Montego Bay and then return to Royal Caribbean to relax.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Royal Caribbean is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad
It’s small and compact: Sandals Royal Caribbean is relatively small, and its layout may be a disadvantage for some guests. The resort is divided into two areas: the mainland and the private island, which is connected to the Overwater bungalows. While there isn’t much to do on the mainland, you can always head over to Sandals Montego Bay if you prefer a livelier atmosphere. Remember, Sandals Royal Caribbean is for those that want to relax above all else.
The Main Beach: There isn’t much to say about the main beach at Sandals Royal Caribbean. It’s quite small and can easily get crowded, depending on the day. While there are two additional beaches on the private island, they are even smaller than the main one. If you’re a big fan of great beaches, you might want to stay at Sandals Montego Bay or visit that resort often.
How to get to Sandals Royal Caribbean?
Flying to Sandals Royal Caribbean
When you fly into Jamaica, you will likely land in Montego Bay at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). The airport is just 10-15 minutes away from Sandals Royal Caribbean, which is great news, and there is a free airport transfer available. Just look for the Sandals kiosk, and you’re good to go.
Jamaica is located south of Florida. A flight from Miami to Jamaica takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes, while a flight from California takes about 6 hours.
Club MoBay
Did you know that Montego Bay airport offers a service similar to Disney's Lightning Lane? Yeah, sounds crazy, but let me explain.
For around $35 per passenger, you can access a faster line that eases the immigration process. Many people complain that the immigration queues at Montego Bay are long, and this is a quick solution to avoid the wait. You can also buy a bundle for $85 that includes this expedited service as well as access to a VIP lounge with free food and drinks, allowing you to relax a little and kick off your vacation in Jamaica.
Most people online love this service and highly recommend it. Just Google forums specializing in vacations in Jamaica or visit Reddit, where you'll find many people talking about MoBay. For more information about this service, make sure to visit the Montego Bay website or contact us.
Transportation Options to Sandals Royal Caribbean
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Sandals Royal Caribbean?
Sandals Royal Caribbean is located just about 4 miles from the airport, meaning it takes only 10-15 minutes to reach your destination, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the staff and escorted to your private room. If you’re staying in a Sandals Club room, you’ll enjoy the perks of private check-in, along with a complimentary bottle of champagne.
For those needing a specific address, Sandals Royal Caribbean is located at Mahoe Cl, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea.
Staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean
- Room Price Range: Room prices vary significantly, starting at $240 per guest, per night for the most affordable rooms and reaching up to $1,800 per guest, per night for the luxurious Overwater Villas.
Sandals Royal Caribbean offers a variety of room types. Most of the accommodations are situated in what I like to call the mainland, near the main beach, swimming pools, and most of the restaurants. Only the luxurious Overwater Villas are located in the private island area, which is connected to the mainland by a wooden deck.
Rooms are separated into three distinct levels: Luxury, Club Sandals and Butler Elite. Luxury is actually the budget option, while Club Sandals tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The Butler Elite rooms offer guests their own private butler, who can make reservations for couples, bring meals to their rooms, and assist them in various ways during their stay.
Sandals Luxury Rooms start at $240 and go up to $340 per night, per guest, but they don’t include any special amenities, even though some may feature a romantic soaking tub. Butler Elite Suites are also quite affordable here. At the time of this writing, the most affordable Butler Elite Suite starts at $250 per guest, per night, which is an exceptionally low price. It’s advisable to research rooms in advance and book a few months before your visit.
The Overwater Villas are among the most expensive rooms at the resort, starting at $1800 per guest, per night. They also come with several extra perks, such as a personal greeting at the airport, expedited immigration, and private luxury transfers to and from the airport.
Dining at Sandals Royal Caribbean
- Best restaurants: Bombay, Royal Thai, The Jerk Shack.
There are a total of 9 restaurants at Sandals Royal Caribbean, and the dining options offered here are quite good. In fact, one of Sandals' best restaurants, Bombay, is located at Sandals Royal Caribbean. You also have access to the excellent Royal Thai and the classic The Jerk Shack.
While I do miss having an on-site Japanese restaurant, you can always visit Sandals Montego Bay to dine at Soy Sushi Bar. Remember, there are 12 restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay, and you can enjoy any of them at no additional cost.
Here is a list of the restaurants you can find at Sandals Royal Caribbean, alongside the type of food they offer:
- Bombay (Indian)
- Royal Thai (Thai)
- Le Jardinier (French)
- La Tavola (Italian)
- Cricketer’s Pub (British Pub)
- Bella Napoli Pizzeria (Pizza)
- The Mariner (Seaside Grill)
- Spices (Caribbean)
- The Jerk Shack (Caribbean)
At the time of this writing, three restaurants require an advanced reservation: Bombay, Royal Thai, Le Jardinier. Make sure to book a spot as soon as you get to the resort. Reservations for dining can only be made once you arrive at the resort.
Not a single restaurant requires Resort Evening Attire, meaning you don’t need to dress up for any of them. Their dress code is Resort Casual, so shorts and a T-shirt are perfectly fine.
Activities at Sandals Royal Caribbean
There are plenty of fun activities awaiting you at Sandals Royal Caribbean. You can't go wrong with classic options like snorkeling and scuba diving, and Sandals Island is a unique landmark that is always enjoyable to visit.
You also have access to different land sports and the Red Lane Fitness Center, which is equipped with various machines to support your healthy lifestyle during your vacation. Uhhh, I’m not too familiar with what that means, so I can’t comment on it.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Royal Caribbean for the absolutely amazing price of… free!
- Visiting Sandals Island
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaks
- Sailboats
- Tubing
- Snorkeling
- Land Sports (beach volleyball, table tennis,basketball…)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Spa
- Beach parties, Karaoke shows, Live shows, talent nights…
Sandals Royal Caribbean Weather Guide
Good news, friends. Like most tropical destinations in the Caribbean, temperatures remain fairly high throughout the year in Jamaica. While there are both dry and rainy seasons, as expected, there's a good chance you'll be greeted by bright sunshine when you visit this gorgeous beach resort.
The best weather is during December to March, with sunny days and very low chances of rain.
January has the lowest chances of rain in the year, while October has the highest chances of rain in the island.
July is the hottest month of the year, with daily highs of 90°F and lows of 80°F. February is the coolest month, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 75°F. As you can see, it's never scorching hot nor too cold.
Best Times to visit Sandals Royal Caribbean
February, March and April are great months to take the perfect spring break getaway for families with younger kids. These months offer the best combination of weather and availability, with very low chances of rain. Those are also some of the most expensive months.
December to mid-April is considered the peak season in Jamaica. During this time, prices tend to be higher than usual, and the resort is typically more crowded. December is particularly busy, not only due to the holidays but also because many people seek to escape winter and enjoy the cozy weather the Caribbean has to offer.
Late August, September, October, and early November typically offer the lowest accommodation and activity rates in Sandals Montego Bay, and it’s not rare to see the resort at only 60-70% capacity. If you're seeking peace and quiet, along with the possibility of special deals, planning a visit during this time frame is advisable. However, it's important to note that these months also coincide with the highest chance of rain.
If we had to pick the perfect months to visit, we’d probably go with February-April.
Packing list for Sandals Royal Caribbean
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Should I go to Sandals Royal Caribbean?
You probably have a good idea by now if this beach resort is right for you. You’ll enjoy your time at Sandals Royal Caribbean if:
- You want a resort that's close to the airport
- You don't mind a small beach
- You're seeking a quiet beach resort
- You wish to stay in one of the Overwater Villas
- You want to explore Sandals Montego Bay as well
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Royal Caribbean!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Royal Caribbean… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Sandals Royal Caribbean? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
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