Sandals South Coast isn’t exactly the first beach resort that comes to mind when thinking about Jamaica. There’s a good chance guests may prefer to stay at Sandals Dunn’s River or Sandals Montego Bay, located on the island’s east coast, or Sandals Negril on the west coast. Sandals South Coast - believe it or not - is located on the south coast, making it a more unique, niche destination that is fairly underrated. This small piece of paradise is known for its amazing beaches, water activities, and a sprawling, incredibly romantic resort.
Remember, you can always contact us for more information about Sandals, so make sure to click that Request a Quote button! Reaching out is completely free, and even better, you won’t pay anything extra when one of our travel advisors books your trip. In fact, we might even have access to exclusive offers that can save you money in the end!
Sandals South Coast is stunning, known as a very romantic resort for many reasons, one being how impeccably maintained the entire property is. Trees, gardens, and flowers are everywhere, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it feel like a sanctuary designed just for you and your significant other. This is also a massive resort. Seriously, you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and there are both pros and cons to that. The upside is that it adds to the feeling of exclusivity and seclusion, but the downside is that it’s not great for guests with mobility issues. On the bright side, if you’re looking to stay in shape and burn some calories while strolling around, Sandals South Coast has you covered.
Another piece of good news is that, like Sandals Negril, this resort has undergone updates and renovations over the past few years, with the latest completed in December 2023. Beautiful new rooms are waiting for you, featuring swim-up pools that resemble a river and blend seamlessly with the surroundings, located right next to the luxurious rondoval suites.
If you want something even more luxurious, Sandals South Coast is home to the Overwater Butler Villas. Just take a look at the map above, and you’ll notice the circular shape in the middle of the ocean. These are some of the most luxurious and exclusive Butler Suites at any Sandals resort, offering top-tier accommodations with unique features, like a glass-bottom floor where you can wake up and say hello to the fish below.
Even though Sandals South Coast is incredibly romantic and offers some amazing rooms, it’s also considered one of the most affordable Sandals resorts. The cheapest rooms start at $200 per guest, per night, which ranks Sandals South Coast just behind Sandals Ochi as one of the most budget-friendly Sandals resorts. Interestingly, South Coast also features some of the most expensive accommodations. The Overwater Butler Villas cost about $1,800 per guest, per night, making Sandals South Coast a great destination whether you’re looking to save money or enjoy the most romantic vacation of your life.
The beach here is also incredible. In fact, it curves around the resort and is almost as beautiful as the iconic Seven Mile Beach at Sandals Negril. The sand is soft and warm, and the calm water is perfect for water activities. While the beach isn’t technically private, the area is so secluded that you’ll almost always find only Sandals guests enjoying the sun. You’ll also rarely encounter beach vendors.
The pools are also incredible. I especially love the private swim-up pools that recently debuted. If you can, try to stay in one of the Butler Elite Suites or Club Sandals to enjoy these, as they make it feel like you’re in front of a canal with crystal-clear, clean waters. If you can’t stay there, that’s okay too! Sandals South Coast has one of the largest pools in the Caribbean, located right in front of the resort. It’s rare to find a resort that gets pools and beaches right, but South Coast definitely delivers.
Since Sandals South Coast feels like a sanctuary, it’s also quite far from the airport. In fact, this is the main complaint guests have about South Coast. The trip from the airport to the resort takes about 90 minutes, and the roads are narrow and winding, which is challenging for those prone to motion sickness. Be sure to pack the right medication and take it before boarding the bus, friends!
We talked about another disadvantage earlier, but keep in mind that this resort is very, very spread out. Depending on where you are staying, you’ll be walking a lot to reach your favorite restaurant. It’s even more important to look at the map and decide where you want to stay, as some buildings are closer to the main pool and the main activities. Of course, Famvia can help you with that.
So, do I recommend Sandals South Coast? Yep! This is a very affordable resort and an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a romantic vacation. If you want a place with great pools, a beautiful beach, and plenty of flowers, you’ll feel right at home here. However, if you dislike the idea of spending 90 minutes on a bus driving through narrow roads and walking a lot within the resort, you might consider another Sandals option, like the newly debuted Sandals Dunn’s River.
Reviews of Sandals South Coast
The Good
Price: Sandals South Coast is considered the second cheapest Sandals in the world. You can find rooms for as low as $200, which is great news for those that want to enjoy a great beach, awesome pools and also enjoy a very romantic resort. The funny thing is that Sandals South Coast can also be one of the most expensive resorts in Jamaica if you wish, since the Overwater Villas cost around $1700. Now that’s a big price difference between rooms, but that also means that you have a ton of options in this resort.
Romantic: This is a beautiful resort for those who want to spend quality time with the love of their lives. Sandals South Coast is secluded, meaning the beaches are often empty. It’s also a large resort, featuring many cool things to see and plenty of places where you can enjoy a quiet moment. The staff is friendly, the grounds are clean, and the atmosphere is fantastic if you’re seeking that perfect romantic getaway.
Beach & Pools: Sandals South Coast is a great option for those that love pools and a nice beach - and that’s probably you if you are reading about a beach resort, huh? Sandals South Coast features one of the biggest pools in the Caribbean, and the beach is huge and basically private, since it’s located in such a secluded spot in Jamaica.
The Overwater Villas: Sandals South Coast gives you the opportunity to stay in one of the most luxurious, beautiful and expensive Sandals rooms ever. We are talking about the Overwater Villas, which are rooms located right there in the ocean. Well, above the ocean, thankfully. These Butler Suites are perfect to take your romantic vacation to brand new heights, being incredibly unique, cozy and beautiful. Guests of Overwater Villas also get a private transfer from the airport to the resort in a luxurious car.
Great for… getting married: Surprise! This is one of the best resorts if you plan on getting married. Not only is Sandals South Coast beautiful, secluded, and very romantic, but it also features an over-water wedding chapel that looks absolutely mesmerizing. If you’ve ever thought about getting married in Jamaica, this is definitely a resort to consider, especially since the staff is well-trained and experienced in hosting memorable weddings here.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals South Coast 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
Ride from the airport: Sandals South Coast is located far away from Sangster International Airport (MBJ). The entire trip to the resort takes about 90 minutes, and the roads are narrow and windy. If you are prone to motion sickness, you should definitely take some medicine before boarding the bus. This is the top complaint that guests have about this beautiful resort. What you can do is try to hire a helicopter service that takes you to Sandals. You can probably find a service like that in the airport, and it usually costs $1400 for 4 passengers.
Spread Out: Sandals South Coast is huge. Everything is quite spread out, and it may take you a lot of time to reach certain restaurants, depending on your location. While there are advantages to this layout, such as a quieter and more secluded atmosphere, it can be challenging for those with mobility issues or for guests staying far from their favorite dining spots. Be prepared to do a lot of walking if you decide to stay here.
How to get to Sandals South Coast?
Flying to Sandals South Coast
When you fly into Jamaica, you will likely land in Montego Bay at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Guests of SandalsSouth Coast also have the option to arrive at Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) or Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).
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.
Most guests visiting Sandals South Coast report arriving at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). There is a free transfer from the airport to the resort, and the entire trip takes about 90 min. This can feel long, especially after spending hours on a plane.
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 South Coast
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.
Helicopter Transfer
There are helicopter transfers available for guests who want to reach Sandals South Coast without spending 90 minutes on a bus navigating narrow and winding roads. Helicopter transfers cost about $1,400 for a one-way trip. It’s not cheap, but it might be worth it for those who are prone to motion sickness.
Where is Sandals South Coast?
Sandals South Coast is located almost 40 miles away from MBJ. That means that you are going to take around 90 min from the airport to your final destination, where you are welcomed by the staff and then taken to your private room. If you're staying in a Sandals Cub room, you have access to a private check in and they even give you a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Sandals South Coast is located in White House, Jamaica. Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea.
Staying at Sandals South Coast
Room price range: from affordable $200 rooms per guest, per night, all the way to some of the most luxurious Sandals suites ever at $1700 per guest, per night.
It’s fun to study and explore the rooms at Sandals South Coast. This resort is one of the most affordable Sandals in the world, earning the silver medal and coming in second only to Sandals Ochi. However, Sandals South Coast also features some of the most expensive and luxurious rooms you can find.
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.
Every room includes free airport transfers to the resort and complimentary Wi-Fi. Sandals Luxury Rooms start at $200 per guest, per night, while the Overwater Villas begin at $1,700 per guest, per night. I appreciate that Sandals South Coast offers accommodations for every budget. Some of my favorites are the Longbeach Beachfront rooms, with some of these featuring access to a semi-private swim-up pool. These are new rooms built in recent years and start at $370, which is a great price.
Dining at Sandals South Coast
Best restaurants: Sushi on the Sand, Eleanor’s, Neptune’s.
There are a total of nine different restaurants at Sandals South Coast, all complimentary for guests. Some are located on the eastern side of the resort, some in the center, and others on the western side. Keep in mind that this is a fairly spread-out resort, so you may be quite far from some dining options, depending on where you are staying.
Here is a list of the restaurants you can find at Sandals South Coast, alongside the type of food they offer:
- Giuseppe’s (Italian)
- Jasmine’s (Asian)
- Eleanor’s (Caribbean)
- Bayside (Brasserie)
- Schooner’s (Seafood)
- Neptune’s (Mediterranean)
- Sushi on the Sand (Sushi)
- The Jerk Shack (Caribbean)
- Cafe de Paris (Patisserie)
At the time of this writing, only two restaurants require an advanced reservation: Eleanor’s and Schooner’s. 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.
The restaurant Eleanor’s also requires Resort Evening Attire, which means you need to dress fancy, so make sure to pack your favorite long sleeve shirt or dress!
Activities at Sandals South Coast
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Sandals South Coast. In fact, this resort receives great reviews for water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, as the water is calm and the beaches aren’t crowded.
You also have access to 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 Curaçao for the absolutely amazing price of… free!
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaks
- Waterskiing
- Windsurfing
- Sailboats
- Tubing
- Snorkeling
- Glass Bottom Boats
- Land Sports (volleyball, tennis, table tennis,basketball…)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Spa
- Beach parties, Karaoke shows, Live shows, talent nights…
Sandals South Coast 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 all across Jamaica.
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 South Coast
February, March, and April are great months for a romantic spring break getaway. These months offer the best combination of pleasant weather and availability, with very low chances of rain. However, they are also among the most expensive months to travel.
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 in Jamaica.
Late August, September, October, and early November typically offer the lowest accommodation and activity rates in Sandals South Coast, and it’s not rare to see the resort at only 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.
Do you know what some great months to visit Jamaica are? From April to June, you can still enjoy a nice tan since it’s not too hot, and prices tend to decrease significantly. The resorts aren't overly crowded during this time. This great combination of pleasant weather and lower prices makes for an ideal vacation.
Why book Sandals with us?
Let’s just say we are experts when it comes to Sandals Resorts. We have in-depth guides on every Sandals property, backed by years of research, firsthand visits, and detailed study.
Contacting us is completely free, and even better, you never pay more by booking through a travel agent like us. In fact, you may save money because our agents have access to exclusive deals and promotions available only to them.
We can assist you with expert tips, recommendations on the best dining, accommodations, activities, and much more. By clicking the Request a Quote button, you can ask questions and receive advice without spending a dime.
Packing list for Sandals South Coast
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!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring. This is particularly important at Sandals South Coast, as there may be some sea urchins in certain areas.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals South Coast?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals South Coast if:
- You don’t want to spend a lot
- You want a very romantic, gorgeous destination
- You love a good beach and large pools
- You want to get married at a beach resort
- You don’t mind long trips from the airport to the resort
- You don’t mind that the resort is huge and fairly spread out
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 South Coast!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals South Coast… 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 South Coast? 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!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. We'll be there for you faster than your butler reserving a chair by the pool at 4am.
