The Ultimate Sandals Resorts
FAQ Guide

Sandals Resorts is the Caribbean's leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand, with 17 adults-only properties across 8 islands — Jamaica, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Founded over 40 years ago, Sandals pioneered the all-inclusive model in the region and is recognized globally for premium accommodations, gourmet dining, unlimited top-shelf drinks, and world-class water sports — all included in one price.

Sandals resorts are adults-only (18+). For families with children, the sister brand Beaches Resorts offers the same quality with kids clubs and water parks. InterStays books both.

There are currently 17 Sandals Resorts across 8 Caribbean islands:

Jamaica (7): Sandals Montego Bay · Sandals Royal Caribbean · Sandals Dunn's River · Sandals Ochi · Sandals Royal Plantation · Sandals Negril · Sandals South Coast

Saint Lucia (3): Sandals Grande St. Lucian · Sandals Halcyon Beach · Sandals Regency La Toc

Barbados (2): Sandals Barbados · Sandals Royal Barbados

The Bahamas (1): Sandals Royal Bahamian  ·  Antigua (1): Sandals Grande Antigua  ·  Grenada (1): Sandals Grenada  ·  Curaçao (1): Sandals Royal Curaçao  ·  Saint Vincent (1): Sandals Saint Vincent

⚠️ Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast are currently closed for the $200M "Sandals 2.0" renovation, reopening late 2026. InterStays can advise on the best alternatives.

Every Sandals all-inclusive package covers:

✅ Luxury accommodations
✅ All meals at every on-property restaurant
✅ Unlimited premium spirits, wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks
✅ Most land and water sports: snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, tennis, beach volleyball
✅ Scuba diving for certified divers (PADI certification courses available at extra cost)
✅ Nightly entertainment and live music
✅ Access to sister resorts on the same island (Stay At One, Play At More)

Not included: Spa treatments, golf at most properties, off-resort excursions, scuba certification, and premium room upgrades at check-in. InterStays can bundle many extras into your package at better pricing.

No. Sandals Resorts are adults-only (18+) but welcome all adult travelers — couples, friends, solo travelers, groups, and adult families. InterStays serves honeymooners, friend groups, LGBTQ+ couples, solo travelers, and everyone in between. For families with children, Sandals' sister brand Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos offers the same luxury with full kids clubs, Sesame Street characters, and water parks.

The Stay At One, Play At More program lets you access sister Sandals resorts on the same island — dine at their restaurants, use their beaches, and enjoy their pools at no extra cost, with complimentary shuttle service. In Saint Lucia this means access to all three Sandals properties combined: 27+ restaurants, 11+ pools, and multiple beaches. This is one of the most compelling reasons to choose Saint Lucia, and InterStays builds this into every Saint Lucia itinerary.

Butler Service (branded as "Butler Elite" at the top tier) is available with select premium room categories — suites, overwater bungalows, and villas. Your personal butler handles everything: restaurant reservations, in-room dining, arranging beach chairs, coordinating activities, and anticipating your needs throughout the stay. Overwater Bungalows at properties like Sandals Saint Vincent and Sandals Grande St. Lucian come with Butler Elite included. Many guests who experience it once won't book without it. InterStays can advise whether it's right for your travel style and budget.

Sandals room categories from entry to top tier:

Garden/Courtyard Rooms — Great value; full resort access, no ocean view
Beachfront Rooms — Direct beach access; standard configuration
Ocean-View Suites — Elevated views and more space
Swim-Up Suites — Step directly from your patio into a pool
Butler Suites — Premium rooms with dedicated personal butler
Overwater Bungalows — Rooms on stilts above the Caribbean Sea; Butler Elite included; most romantic category in the portfolio
Two-Story Overwater Villas — Available only at Sandals Saint Vincent; glass floors, private plunge pool, rooftop terrace

InterStays will walk you through every category at your chosen property and find the best match for your budget.

All three are exceptional for honeymooners, but each offers a different experience:

Sandals Grande St. Lucian — The #1 ranked Sandals for 2026. Overwater bungalows, 360-degree ocean views, multiple upscale dining venues. Water on three sides — sunsets are genuinely unforgettable. Best overall honeymoon pick.

Sandals Regency La Toc — For couples who want drama: Piton views, a golf course, and sweeping hillside terrain with a grand sense of scale.

Sandals Halcyon Beach — Best for couples who want intimacy and peace without a large resort crowd. Smaller, quieter, deeply relaxed in pace.

InterStays specializes in Saint Lucia honeymoon planning. See our St. Lucia Honeymoon Guide →

When you stay at any of the three Sandals Saint Lucia properties, you get complimentary shuttle access to all three — including all restaurants, pools, and beaches across each resort. Combined: 27+ restaurants, 11+ pools, and multiple beaches.

In practice: breakfast at your resort, afternoon beach at another, dinner at a third — all included. One of the best values in the Sandals portfolio and a key reason InterStays recommends Saint Lucia as the top all-inclusive destination in the Caribbean.

Yes. Sandals Grande St. Lucian features over-the-water bungalows — among the most sought-after room categories in the entire Sandals portfolio. These rooms sit on stilts above the Caribbean Sea with direct water access, glass floors in select units, private decks, and Butler Elite service included. They sell out months in advance, particularly for peak season (December–March).

Contact InterStays early — we'll lock in availability before it's gone.

Saint Lucia is one of the most activity-rich islands in the Caribbean. Top InterStays-recommended excursions:

⛵ Catamaran Cruise to the Pitons — Sail the coast, snorkel the reefs, rum punch included. A non-negotiable must-do.
🏔️ Piton Hike — Summit Gros Piton for dramatic Caribbean views. Guided hikes available.
🌋 Sulphur Springs — The world's only drive-in volcano, with natural volcanic mud baths nearby.
🌿 Rainforest Zip-Lining — Aerial trams and zip lines through lush jungle canopy.
🌺 Diamond Botanical Gardens — Waterfalls, mineral baths, and spectacular tropical flora.
🤿 Scuba Diving — World-class reef diving around the Pitons Marine Reserve, on-site at Sandals.
🏍️ ATV and Jeep Tours — Off-road exploration of the island's rugged interior.

InterStays builds all excursions into your itinerary and handles all logistics. See our St. Lucia Tours page →

Most international flights land at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) on the southern tip of the island. Drive times from UVF:

• Sandals Grande St. Lucian (Gros Islet) — approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
• Sandals Regency La Toc (Castries) — approx. 1 hour
• Sandals Halcyon Beach (Castries) — approx. 1 hour

Some charters use George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) near Castries — much shorter transfers for La Toc and Halcyon. InterStays arranges all ground transportation. See our Airport Transfer guide →

Absolutely — Saint Lucia is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the Caribbean. Sandals offers wedding packages at all three Saint Lucia properties through their WeddingMoons program: ceremonies on the beach, in tropical gardens, or at dedicated event venues. The program includes a minister, flowers, wedding cake, champagne, and photography options. Sandals also offers complimentary wedding packages for qualifying stay lengths.

InterStays specializes in destination weddings — guest room blocks, rehearsal dinners, group excursions, and full coordination. See our Destination Wedding page →

Sandals Dunn's River in Ocho Rios is the top recommendation for first-timers in 2026. It's the newest full-scale Sandals resort in Jamaica, completely rebuilt and reopened in 2023 — modern rooms, excellent dining, and the world-famous Dunn's River Falls right next door. For guests who prioritize pure beach, Sandals Negril on the famous Seven Mile Beach is a perennial favorite. InterStays will match you to the right property based on your priorities.

Following Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, Sandals invested $200 million in a complete reimagining of three Jamaica properties under the "Sandals 2.0" design philosophy — the same vision behind the celebrated Sandals Saint Vincent. This brings redesigned pools, new restaurant concepts, opened-up lobbies, and fully modernized rooms.

• Sandals South Coast — Expected to reopen November 18, 2026
• Sandals Montego Bay — Expected to reopen December 18, 2026
• Sandals Royal Caribbean — Expected to reopen December 18, 2026

Bookings for post-reopening dates are open now. Contact InterStays to secure preferred room categories early.

Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios is the largest Sandals Resort and one of the most affordable. It sits on 100+ acres with two distinct personalities: a lively beachfront club on one end, and serene Butler Villas nestled in tropical gardens on the other. Maximum variety — multiple beach areas, pools, restaurants, and entertainment zones. Ideal for guests who want energy and options without premium prices. Sandals Ochi reopened December 6, 2025 after Hurricane Melissa repairs.

From Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay:

• Sandals Montego Bay — 5–10 minutes (most convenient airport proximity in the Caribbean)
• Sandals Royal Caribbean — 15 minutes
• Sandals Negril — 45 minutes
• Sandals Ochi / Dunn's River / Royal Plantation — 1.5–2 hours

InterStays arranges all ground transportation so transfer time is never a logistical headache.

Sandals Saint Vincent is the newest and most modern property in the portfolio, setting the standard for what Sandals can be. It spans 50 oceanfront acres with 301 rooms, 12 restaurants, and 9 bars. The signature Two-Story Overwater Villas with glass floor panels, private plunge pools, and rooftop terraces are in a category of their own — nothing like them exists at any other Sandals property. The Parisol Pool (infinity pool directly on the beach) and farm-to-table dining at The Greenhouse are guest favorites. It earned a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor rating in its first year.

These two properties sit side by side in St. Lawrence Gap, and staying at either gives you exchange access to both — effectively doubling your dining and amenity options. Combined they offer 3 pools and 11 restaurants. Sandals Barbados features Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Suites and lush gardens. Sandals Royal Barbados leans more upscale. Barbados itself has excellent food culture, British colonial charm, and vibrant nightlife just outside the resort gates.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is one of the most exclusive Sandals properties, featuring a private island (Barefoot Cay) accessible by boat. It offers overwater bungalows and some of the most upscale room categories in the portfolio. Nassau is one of the easiest Caribbean destinations to reach from the US East Coast — flights are often just 1–2 hours. Great for couples who want Bahamas luxury with the Sandals all-inclusive structure. Note: the beach at Royal Bahamian is smaller than other Sandals properties — beach lovers should factor this in.

Sandals Grande Antigua sits on Dickenson Bay — consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. Long, wide, powdery white sand with calm turquoise water. Mid-sized resort with a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. For guests who prioritize the beach above all else, Grande Antigua is often cited as having the best beach in the Sandals portfolio. Also an excellent first-timer choice. InterStays can book this alongside Saint Lucia for a multi-island trip.

Sandals Royal Curaçao opened in 2022 and is one of the newest properties in the portfolio. It features Butler Bungalows over crystal-clear water — Curaçao has some of the clearest ocean in the Caribbean. The island has a distinctive Dutch Caribbean culture, colorful colonial architecture in Willemstad (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and exceptional diving. The desert island climate means less rainfall and consistent sunshine year-round.

Sandals Grenada is an intimate resort on Pink Gin Beach — one of Grenada's most beautiful stretches of coastline. Known as "The Spice Isle" for its nutmeg and chocolate production, Grenada has lush volcanic terrain similar to Saint Lucia. The resort has swim-up suites, multiple restaurants, and access to exceptional scuba diving including the famous Underwater Sculpture Park. Great for couples who want a luxury resort with genuine island discovery beyond the gates.

When you book Sandals through InterStays, you get advantages a direct booking can't match:

🧭 Expertise: We know every property, every room category, and every island — which rooms have the best views, which restaurants are worth prioritizing, and which excursions are genuinely worth doing.

💰 Rates: We have a direct Sandals referral partnership with access to rates and promotions unavailable to the general public. We also negotiate group rates for multiple rooms.

🗺️ Full Itinerary: We don't just book a room. We build your complete Caribbean experience — flights, transfers, activities, and dining — bundled into one package.

📞 Real Support: If anything goes wrong during your trip, you call us — a real person with direct relationships at the resort, not a 1-800 automated line.

Pricing varies by resort, room category, and season. General ranges per person per night (all-inclusive):

• Garden/Beachfront Rooms: $200–$350 pp/night
• Ocean-View / Swim-Up Suites: $350–$550 pp/night
• Butler Suites: $500–$800+ pp/night
• Overwater Bungalows: $700–$1,200+ pp/night

For a 7-night stay for two people, budget roughly $2,800–$8,400+ before flights depending on your choices. High season (December–March) commands premium pricing; shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer better value. InterStays will give you an exact quote — contact us to get started.

For the best room selection and pricing, book 3–6 months in advance for high season (December–March), and 4–8 weeks for shoulder season. Overwater bungalows and Butler suites at any Sandals property should be booked as early as possible — they're the first rooms to sell out. Sandals regularly offers early bird promotions with free night bonuses that only apply to bookings made months ahead. InterStays monitors these promotions and alerts clients when a deal matches their travel window.

December–April is the dry season — peak travel weather with low humidity, minimal rain, and temperatures around 78–84°F. Also peak pricing.

April–June is shoulder season — great weather, smaller crowds, better rates. InterStays' top recommendation for value travelers.

July–November is hurricane season. Saint Lucia sits south of the main hurricane belt and direct hits are uncommon, but afternoon showers are frequent. September and October are the wettest months.

For the best balance of weather, rates, and smaller crowds — April to May is our go-to recommendation.

Yes. InterStays offers comprehensive travel insurance with every Sandals booking. Coverage typically includes trip cancellation and interruption, medical emergencies and evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and weather-related delays. Strongly recommended for Caribbean travel — hurricane season, delayed flights, and unexpected medical situations are all real possibilities. We'll quote you at time of booking.

Yes. InterStays can arrange flights from most major US airports and bundle them with your Sandals package for a better overall price than booking separately. Sandals also operates Air Sandals charter flights from select US cities on certain routes — often more convenient than commercial connections. We compare all options and recommend the best combination for your origin city, budget, and travel dates.

Yes. A valid US passport is required for all Caribbean Sandals destinations. Most Caribbean islands do not require a visa for US citizens for short stays. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates — airlines and immigration officers enforce this. InterStays checks your document requirements at booking and reminds you before departure. See our St. Lucia Entry Requirements guide →

Pack light. Key items:

✅ Swimsuits (2–3 minimum)
✅ Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (Saint Lucia requires it)
✅ Lightweight breathable clothing (linen, cotton)
✅ Resort casual attire for evening dining
✅ Sandals, flip-flops, and one pair of comfortable shoes for excursions
✅ Light rain jacket for shoulder/wet season
✅ Sunglasses and wide-brim hat
✅ Insect repellent for jungle excursions
✅ Prescription medications in original packaging
✅ Waterproof phone pouch and power bank

Sandals restaurants have a resort casual dress code for evening dining.

✅ Acceptable: Nice shorts or slacks, sundresses, lightweight button-down shirts, blouses, dress sandals or closed shoes.
❌ Not acceptable: Swimwear, athletic wear, gym shorts, tank tops, flip-flops or bare feet in dining venues.

During the day, anything goes near the beach and pool. Some specialty venues may require long pants for men — InterStays advises on this per property at booking.

Gratuity is included in the all-inclusive rate and tipping is not required. However, tipping for exceptional service is appreciated by staff. A common approach: bring $50–$100 USD in small bills and tip housekeeping, favorite bartenders, and anyone who provides exceptional personal service. If you have a butler, $10/day or a $20–$50 tip at checkout is appropriate and genuinely meaningful. Entirely discretionary — never obligatory.

Currency: Saint Lucia's official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but US dollars are widely accepted at resorts, restaurants, and shops. At Sandals everything is included so you won't need cash on property. Bring $100–$200 USD in small bills for tips and off-resort spending.

Water: Tap water in Saint Lucia is generally safe and treated to municipal standards. Sandals provides complimentary bottled water throughout the property. The bigger health concern is the extreme Caribbean UV index — apply SPF 50 liberally and stay hydrated.

No vaccinations are required to enter Saint Lucia or most Caribbean islands for US citizens. The CDC recommends that routine vaccinations are up to date before international travel. No malaria prophylaxis is required for Saint Lucia. Consult your physician or a travel medicine clinic before departure for personalized guidance.

Yes. Sandals Resorts is welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers and same-sex couples. Sandals offers same-sex commitment ceremonies and vow renewals through their WeddingMoons program. InterStays is a fully inclusive agency — we serve LGBTQ+ couples and groups and can advise on which properties and destinations offer the most welcoming environment and memorable experiences.

Sandals makes efforts to accommodate guests with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible rooms and paved pathways at most properties. However, accessibility varies significantly by resort — some properties have uneven terrain, steps between areas, and beach access that may be challenging.

InterStays strongly recommends discussing specific accessibility needs before booking. We contact the resort directly to confirm which accommodations will work for your situation rather than leaving it to chance. Accessible travel is one of our specialty service areas.

Absolutely — group bookings are one of InterStays' core specialties. We handle everything from small friend groups (4–6 rooms) to large destination events (20+ rooms).

Group booking advantages:
✅ Negotiated group rates
✅ Room block reservations to keep everyone together
✅ Coordinated group check-in and arrival
✅ Group activity packages and private dining arrangements

For bachelorette and bachelor parties, we also coordinate off-resort experiences — yacht charters, private beach parties, and exclusive group excursions. Contact InterStays early — room blocks sell quickly. See our Group Travel page →

Yes. Sandals' WeddingMoons program includes vow renewal packages at any property — from an intimate beachside ceremony with a minister and photographer, to more elaborate celebrations with guests, décor, cake, and champagne. Saint Lucia — with its Piton backdrops, white-sand beaches, and tropical gardens — is one of the most photogenic vow renewal settings in the Caribbean. InterStays coordinates all the details.

Sandals is arguably the ideal first Caribbean experience. The all-inclusive structure means you arrive, unpack, and the vacation handles itself — meals, drinks, activities, entertainment, all included with no financial decisions once you're there. No figuring out currency, no researching restaurants, no haggling with taxis.

For a lush, dramatic, beautiful island — InterStays recommends Saint Lucia. For vibrant culture and the most US flight options, Jamaica is the classic starting point. Contact us and we'll match you to the perfect resort for your very first Caribbean trip.

Three easy ways to start:

1. Visit interstays.com — Fill out our inquiry form with your travel dates, preferred destination, and group size. A specialist responds within 24 hours.

2. Use our Sandals referral link — Browse all 17 properties at sandals.com via InterStays, then contact us to complete the booking with expert guidance.

3. Call us directly — (855) 204-1236 for immediate assistance with time-sensitive bookings, group inquiries, or complex multi-island itineraries.

We don't just hand you a confirmation number — we walk through every detail until you're fully confident in your plans.

Full itineraries — that's our specialty. InterStays builds complete Caribbean vacation packages including flights, ground transportation, resort accommodations, day excursions, activities, restaurant recommendations, and travel insurance. We know which excursion operators in Saint Lucia are worth booking (and which aren't), which guides give the best Piton hike experience, and which local restaurants are worth an evening out. You arrive with a day-by-day plan that maximizes every moment. Start Trip Planning →

You call InterStays. That's the biggest practical advantage of booking through a specialist. We have direct relationships with Sandals resort management and staff. If your room doesn't meet expectations, an activity gets cancelled, a flight is disrupted, or any other issue arises — you have a real advocate who can escalate directly and get resolutions that a traveler calling an 800 number cannot. We stay available before, during, and after your trip.

Yes — inclusivity is foundational to how InterStays operates. We are a diverse team of travel agents who believe travel should be fully inclusive and fun. We serve honeymooners, couples, friend groups, LGBTQ+ couples and groups, solo travelers, guests with accessibility needs, and destination wedding parties. No judgment, no assumptions — just an exceptional Caribbean vacation planned by specialists who know the region.