Let’s kick off our shoes and explore the Caribbean with our hosts, Sandals

Come with us as we go island hopping around the Caribbean. And while we do, we’ll be popping in to see the incredible Sandals resorts. But with eight islands and 17 properties to choose from, it can be an overwhelming choice. Which island and which resort would suit you best? Read on…

First off, let’s meet our hosts

Sandals is the company that redefined the all-inclusive. All too often the all-inclusive concept can get a bad rap, primarily because at too many such resorts guests are palmed off with below-par drink brands or restricted to the all-you-can-eat buffets.

So for starters, at Sandals there’s no “below par” and secondly, when you experience the Sandals’ all-inclusive it really means it’s ALL inclusive. 

This means guests can dine in any of the restaurants on the resort – and some have up to 16 to choose from. 

All the wines come from an exclusive partnership with Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks and all the spirits are premium, top-shelf brands. The food served across the group’s more than 23 culinary concepts at more than 144 restaurants is overseen by Emmy award-winning, world-class master chef, Walter Staib.

But Sandals takes the all-inclusive up a notch. At some of its resorts guests can even pop across the island to dine in the restaurants at its sister properties, and the transfers are even thrown in. It’s all part of Sandals’ Stay at 1, Play at X programme (X being the number of Sandals resorts that guests can access. On the island of St Lucia, you Stay at 1, Play at 3.)

What’s more, for select guests staying at the new resort in Curaçao or for those at Sandals Royal Bahamian, you can even pull up a chair and savour the flavours in a selection of local restaurants – with Sandals picking up the bill. 

This is Sandals’ pioneering move designed to encourage guests to explore the destination rather than just stay put enclosed within the resort – an argument that’s often touted by the critics of the all-inclusive concept. 

Sandals continues to raise the bar in the region and disrupt the market. For example, taking inspiration from resorts in the Maldives and Polynesia, it was back in 2016 that Sandals was the first in the Caribbean to introduce overwater villas and bungalows. Starting with Sandals Royal Caribbean, these romantic suites perched above the turquoise clear waters are also found in Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, in Sandals Grande St Lucian and Sandals St Vincent. 

Other stand-out accommodation styles are Sandals’ SkyPool Suites. These suites, normally on the upper floors, have infinity-edge pools sitting right outside the bedrooms blending seamlessly into the sky. 

Across all the resorts you’ll find Sandals’ trademarked Tranquility Soaking Tubs – oversized baths for two, often sitting outside on balconies or patios.

Many of Sandals’ suites come with butler service. On arrival guests are given a mobile phone so they can ping their butler whenever they need assistance. Almost every wish and whim will be granted whether it’s unpacking your suitcase, nabbing the prime sun loungers around the pool, booking your excursions or even shining your shoes!

While Sandals is constantly raising the bar and revolutionising the all-inclusive concept, fundamentally it remains true to the primary principle: A stay with Sandals is really ALL-inclusive. 

Unless you venture off the resort – which Sandals encourages you to do by offering numerous touring opportunities – there is absolutely no need to splash out a penny. All your food and drink is part of the package. All water sports, including sailing and scuba diving, and fitness programmes are part of the package. Golf is part of the package. Airport transfers and airport lounge access (in Jamaica, Bahamas and St Lucia) are all included. And tipping – forget it. Tipping is not allowed. The only thing you’d need to pay extra for are spa treatments and excursions – which we think is fair play. Privately organised candlelit dinners on the beach and photo packages also cost extra – frankly, we’d give or take these, so it’s up to you if you want to splash out.

Oh, and the other (very crucial) thing you need to know: Sandals Resorts are for adults only. There are no under-18s allowed to stay. For families, they head to Sandals’ sister brand, Beaches. Very often couples will kick start their marriage with a honeymoon at Sandals (or they may indeed tie the knot at a Sandals resort), only to progress on to a Beaches resort once the patter of tiny feet comes along. 

Let’s explore: time for some island hopping

So now we’ve met our hosts, it’s time to check out their resorts before you check in. First stop:

The reggae-and-rum-soaked island of Jamaica dances to its own unique rhythm. It’s as vibrant and energetic as it is tranquil and laid back. 

Head to Negril to the west, nicknamed ‘the capital of Casual’, to bask on its 7 Mile Beach (which incidentally is four miles long) and to catch the renowned, jaw-dropping-ly stunning sunsets from the terrace of Rick’s Cafe.  

Or head north to Ohio Rios, famous not only for its beaches but also Dunn’s River Falls. These cascading falls and cool, fresh-water pools are one of the island’s iconic, must-see attractions. And in the rainforest that wraps around the Falls, an adrenaline-fuelled surge on the zip lines awaits. 

In Montego Bay – or Mobay as the locals like to call it – you’ll be at the heart of all the action. Along its ‘Hip Strip’ are a string of bars, clubs and eclectic shops. Yet, serenity awaits not too far from the town on the slow-running waters of Martha Brae River where you can lay back on a traditional bamboo raft and drift down the river taking in the sights and sounds of the lush, dense rainforest that flanks the banks. 

If you head off the tourist track along the island’s south coast, the beat takes on an even more chilled vibe and many people say this is the “real” Jamaica. Here you’ll find quaint fishing villages, sprawling Treasure Beach, plantations, deserted coves, plus you can savour the taste of Jamaica at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate rum distillery. 

Jamaica is also the island that is the birthplace of Sandals itself. Some 40-plus years ago, Sandals Montego Bay was the very first resort to fly the Sandals’ flag. It was the brainchild of a certain Gordon “Butch” Stewart and was the forerunner to what is today the Caribbean’s leading hotel brand. What’s more, it’s still owned and run by the Stewart family.

Today, dotted across the island you’ll find seven Sandals resorts. 
It’s home to the company’s smallest and largest resort. The smallest is Sandals Royal Plantation, which has just 74 rooms and suites, while Sandals Ochi has 519 suites, both in Ocho Rios. 

There’s no mistaking St Lucia. Just look for the unmissable and majestic Piton Mountains. Covered in a carpet of lush green rainforest, the Unesco World Heritage Site Pitons are the emblems of St Lucia. These iconic, twin volcanic pinnacles pierce the clear blue skies, towering 3,000 feet above sea level.

From hot mineral springs and waterfalls to beach paradises and diving extravaganzas, St Lucia is an adventure playground. There are lots of opportunities for hiking in the rainforest before taking a dip for some spectacular snorkelling off one of the glorious beaches, such as Anne Chastanet or Jalouise Beach. Go horse riding on Cas en Bas Beach; take a mud bath at Souvriere Drive-in Volcano (yes, you did read that correctly); or tour the Rabot Estate – the cocoa growing estate for the world famous Hotel Chocolat (need we say more?).

Sandals has three resorts on this romantic island. And the great thing is you can experience all three in the one trip. So you can stay at one resort and use the facilities at the others at no extra charge – even the transfers getting from one resort to the other are thrown in.

Golfers at all three resorts can also grasp their clubs to tee off on the greens of the Greg Norman-designed championship Cap Estate Golf & Country Club, perfect for all levels of play.

All three resorts also have busy scuba diving centres, offering guests the chance to see the incredible life that lies beneath the surface around St Lucia. 

It’s worth noting that the beaches in St Lucia are open to the public. You will be approached by locals selling beachwear and souvenirs. A gentle ‘no thank” will suffice if you’re not interested. 

Plus, be aware that the transfers from the main airport to all three resorts takes more than one hour.

It’s a regular haunt of the jet set and a favourite celebrity hangout (not to mention home to Rhianna) – welcome to Barbados. This island has earned itself a five-star reputation, as its hotel inventory will verify. 

Here you’ll find glorious fine, powdery sand beaches and brilliant turquoise bays.

The crystal-clear waters that surround the island are a playground for scuba divers and snorkellers, with hawksbill and leatherback turtles an almost guaranteed sight.

Water sports of every description are on offer. Be sure to watch surfers ride the island’s biggest waves at the renowned Soup Bowl in Bathsheba or how about jet-skiing at the ever-lively Mullins Beach, body boarding at Crane Beach, high-octane kitesurfing at Silver Sands and renowned scuba diving at Carlisle Bay.

While the beaches are Barbados’s prime attraction, there are lots of reasons to venture inland. Don’t miss Harrison’s Cave where you’ll explore a subterranean world of limestone caverns, lakes and waterfalls. 

Step back in time to discover colonial life at St Nicholas Abbey, one of the Caribbean's few surviving Jacobean houses, which dates from 1658, or at Sunbury Plantation Great House.

Explore tropical and botanical gardens, visit the island’s famous rum distilleries (a tour and taste is a must) and be sure to put the island’s capital on your list. Bridgetown is the beating heart of Barbados. It’s a vibrant, vivacious place steeped in history – hence it proudly flies the flag for being a Unesco World Heritage Site. 

Sandals has two resorts on Barbados, both on the south coast in lively St. Lawrence Gap. More affectionately known as ‘The Gap’, here you’ll find a vibrant strip of restaurants, bars and clubs, making it the island’s nightlife hub.  

The resorts are literally next door to each other and guests can stay at one but access all the facilities at the other. The key difference, as the name suggests, is that rooms at Royal Barbados are slightly bigger and there are far more pools at the Royal than you’ll find at its neighbour. 

Nicknamed the ‘Spice Isle’ owing to its abundant aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, clove, turmeric and ginger, Grenada is an island of glorious, palm-fringed beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and tropical gardens.

The island was occupied by the British in 1783. The cannons facing out to sea serve as a reminder of the historical struggles prior to independence in 1974.

Notable beaches include the two-mile stretch of soft powdery sand that is Grand Anse Beach. Equally magical is Magazine Beach and Mourne Rouge Beach. 

Head to Levera Beach National Park to spy baby leatherback turtles scampering from the sand to the sea or venture into the waters around the island for some spectacular scuba diving. Beneath the surface, you’ll discover an abundance of colourful sea life alongside a rather unusual underwater attraction in the form of the Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park. This attraction of submerged 75 statues, sculptures and works is the brainchild of British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. The site is now listed as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World.

The underwater ‘gallery’ covers an area of 800sq m and is located five to eight metres below the surface, accessible by scuba diving, snorkelling and glass bottom boats.

Gloriously cascading waterfalls decorate the island, the Concorde Falls, Seven Sisters Falls and Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls being among the popular options.

For chocolate fans, see how the cocoa seed goes from tree to bar at the Belmont Estate or actually make your own variety at Tri Island chocolate factory. 

For something with a bit more punch, head to River Antoine Estate, the oldest rum distillery on the island. Here they use pure cane juice to manufacture Royale Grenadian Rum.

Sandals Grenada is located on Pink Gin Beach on the island’s southwestern coast. When it opened in 2014 it was introduced as the Sandals of the future.

Did you know: the Bahamas comprises more than 700 islands and 2,400 cays? Laying off the tip of eastern Florida and stretching southeast across the Atlantic, the capital of the Bahamas is Nassau, located on New Providence Island where 70% of the island's population lives. 

Nassau is a bustling, exciting city with a thriving nightlife scene and loads of activities. It’s heaving with bars, casinos, clubs and restaurants, often serving the national dish of conch (a kind of mollusc that’s served deep-fried or raw with a twist of lemon).

The shopping is fantastic – the fact that it’s duty-free is certainly an added bonus. Head to Bay Street for a spree or browse the stalls for souvenirs in the open air Straw Market.

Nassau is distinct – the pastel-coloured houses for one are its signature. Grand churches, vast colonial mansions and imposing forts speak of a rich and colourful past.

And let’s not forget those pesky pirates. The Bahamas was a stronghold for pirates back in the day. The peak of piracy was at the turn of the 18th century. It was then that a famous pirate named Benjamin Hornigold, who sailed out of the protected harbours of Nassau, declared the island the Pirate's Republic.

Today the waters are awash with shipwrecks and teeming with wildlife such as seahorses, rays and turtles. In fact, the Bahamas is home to the Andros Barrier Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world making it a haven for scuba divers.

And of course, the beaches. The beaches are picture postcards and exactly as you’d imagine a Caribbean beach to be. One of the most popular beaches on New Providence is Cable Beach. It’s here that you’ll find Sandals Royal Bahamian. 

This relatively unknown and untouched Caribbean jewel is an island where nature reigns. Its still-active volcano, La Soufrière, is its beating heart (it last erupted in 2021) and stands supreme within St Vincent’s carpet of rainforest and craggy hills. 

But the glorious island of St Vincent does not sit alone. It comes with the Grenadines, an archipelago nation comprising 32 islands and cays not far from the coast of South America.

Indeed, the outlying cays should not be missed. Venture out to the Tobago Cays for snorkelling or to the charming little island of Mopian, not far from Petit Saint Vincent. And feeling thirsty? Then pop in for a rum punch at Jack’s Bar on St Margaret Beach on the island of Bequia. It’s worth remembering that this is a volcanic island, so the sand is a soft black. 

St Vincent is the largest of the islands in the archipelago. Here nature abounds and can best be seen if you get out there and immerse yourself in it – a trek through the Buccament Valley keeping an eye out for parrots; a dive into the pools of St Vincent’s twin Dark View Falls; a stroll through the tropical delights of Montreal Gardens or a guided hike up La Soufrière.

Delights await below the water too. St Vincent is an incredible place from which to scuba dive and take in the sea life around Anchor Reef or Critter Corner. While diving you're likely to see manta rays, squid, frogfish and sometimes reef sharks.

St Vincent is also home to Sandals’ newest resort opened in July 2024. 

Famous for its 365 coves, there’s a pristine white-sand beach for every day of the year on this Caribbean island that’s just 14 miles long by 11 miles wide.

Ffryes Beach, Valley Church Beach, Galley Bay Beach, Half Moon Bay, Darkwood Beach and Dickenson Bay are just a few of the top choices where you can soak up the sun, ‘lime’ with the locals (in other words, chill out) or enjoy the whole array of water sports. 

But more beaches await on the nearby islands. Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda has 17 miles of untouched beach to explore or hop over to Prickly Pear Island or Hell’s Gate Island. 

Sailing is a perfect way to island hop. In fact, sailing is supposedly on the school curriculum in Antigua and Antigua Sailing Week, held in the waters off English Harbour at the end of April, is a lively affair and a great experience. 

On Antigua itself, there is loads to see. Don’t miss out on a trip to English Harbour where you’ll find the World Heritage-listed Nelson’s Dockyard and a waterfront lined with super yachts. The adjacent national park has over 11 miles of trails.

If you can avoid the onslaught of cruise ship passengers, then the ramshackle capital of St John’s is worth a visit. It’s liveliest on a Friday and Saturday, when the market is in full force with a jumble of stalls selling tropical fruit and veg.

Plus, there’s sugar plantations to explore, zip lines to whizz down, cricket to be watched (the Antiguans are obsessed with the sport) and sting rays to be swam with at Stingray City. 

Antigua is an adventurous island and home to Sandals Grande Antigua. 

Two things that attract tourists to the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is: one, the incredible landscape and two, the amazing restaurants.

Dramatic cliffs, hidden bays and beautiful views are to be seen at every turn. While it only takes less than two hours to drive Curaçao from tip to tip, it’s home to 35 beaches. Playa Knip is probably its most famous – it’s usually the one pictured on the cover of the tourist brochures. Meanwhile, Porto Mari and Cas Abao Beach have been voted the most beautiful beaches in the world in the past. There are hidden beaches like Playa Gipy or stunning national parks, like Shete Boka.

The downtown area of the island’s capital, Willemstad, is a Unesco World Heritage site and is distinct for its rows of candy-coloured, Dutch colonial buildings. It tells a historic tale of colonisation, slavery, immigration and a mixed heritage of Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese. The result is a melting pot of cultures that’s reflected across the island in its food, music and language –  it’s not uncommon to hear Curaçaoans ping pong between languages, as most people speak multiple: Dutch, Spanish, Papiamentu (the local creole) and English. 

This culture is probably best seen when you visit the technicolour, floating market of Handelskade (Merchant’s Wharf). Here fruit vendors from Venezuela dock to sell their wares. The market itself doesn't actually float, but the sellers' boats bob behind their stalls full of mangoes, plantains and papayas.

On the downside, it’s no secret that the locals can be on the ‘frosty’ side, so be aware of this. That’s just the way they are – which is not ideal for the island if it wants to attract tourists. On the upside, Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt! Always a plus.

So that’s our Caribbean tour complete. If you’re eager to pack your bags and feel the sand beneath your toes, then give us a call and we’ll help you choose and check in to the perfect Sandals resort for you.

Join hosts Hayley Sparks and Eamonn Holmes as they uncover the secrets behind Sandals Resorts with Leah Marshall, Head of Sales.

Discover the fascinating story of how Sandals was founded in Jamaica 43 years ago by Gordon “Butch” Stewart. Learn about the 18 luxurious adults-only resorts and the 3 family-friendly Beaches Resorts, and find out about the location of their upcoming new resort.

Find out how Sandals has introduced innovations in both dining and accommodation, to set new standards in the luxury resort industry.

Leah shares hidden gems and little-known facts about the exclusive services and amenities that make Sandals a haven for couples. Get an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to stay at a Sandals resort.

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape or a family holiday, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights for your next Caribbean adventure. Don’t miss it!