A recent trip to Jamaica for me visiting 3 different resorts, 3 different experiences, all exceptional! I frequently re-visit the Sandals and Beaches Resorts to stay current.
SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN – The first Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Villas and Over-the-Water Private Island Bungalows in Jamaica. Many additions to the resort – the new Skypool Butler Suite with Roof Terrace. The new Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Village with Luxury and Club Level rooms is located in a quiet side of the resort just steps away from the central part of the resort. The Village features swim-up rooms, a quiet pool, jacuzzi and bar. A new Village being built, the Kensington Village, is scheduled to open in 2026.
~ 9 restaurant options featuring a variety of cultures including French, Indian, Italian and Caribbean.
~ British-style afternoon tea served daily.
~ Jamaica’s only resort with a Private Off Shore island housing an authentic Thai Restaurant.
Some airport noise here as the resort is located 10 minutes from the Montego Bay airport but easy to ignore. Typically flights arrive and depart in mid-morning, mid-afternoon and early evening – not 24 hours. The resort is central to a large variety of tours and activities offered through Island Routes Tours. Located a few minutes from Sandals Montego Bay for frequent complimentary transfers and access to enjoy a different beach, restaurants, bars and activities.
SANDALS DUNNS RIVER – Many of you experienced the original Sandals Dunns River Resort. The new, re-imagined and updated resort has recently returned to the Sandals Group. Two new buildings featuring balcony “Skypools” and Zero Entry Swim-up Pools. In the new Coyaba Rondoval Village, the Coyaba Sky Villa offers a rooftop hideaway with access to a sprawling River Pool. The Coyaba Villa Rondoval Suites offer a private pool sanctuary for two next to the River Pool.
~12 restaurants featuring Caribbean and worldwide cuisines. Two memorable bars, the Dunns Rum Club for Caribbean Island Rum Flights and the elegant Lapidus Lounge and Bar celebrating the original architect of the resort, Morris Lapidus.
Located on the north coast of Jamaica, 90 minutes from the Montego Bay Airport, the resort is central to a large variety of tours offered through Island Routes Tours. Air service is also available from the new Ocho Rios Airport and the Kingston Airport. Complimentary Greens Fees, including transfers, at the Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.
SANDALS ROYAL PLANTATION – With only 74 suites, this charming, historical, boutique resort offers a unique experience. Originally the sister resort to the elegant Jamaica Inn, a short distance away, one can imagine personalities from the past – Errol Flynn, Noel Coward, Ian Fleming – vacationing nearby.
~ Three gourmet restaurants and the Caribbean’s only Caviar and Champagne Bar. English Style Afternoon Tea on the Terrace.
Free exchange privilege to Sandals Ochi located next door. (Guests from Ochi cannot visit Royal Plantation). ~Also located on the north coast of Jamaica, 90 minutes from the Montego Bay Airport, the resort is central to a large variety of tours and activities offered through Island Routes Tours. Air service also available from the new Ocho Rios Airport and the Kingston Airport. Complimentary Greens Fees, including transfers, at the Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.
by Molly Sumption, Caribbean Honeymoon / Sandals Expert, Seattle & Portland / subscribe to RSS feed