Sandals Resort vs Beaches Resort: Which is Best For You?

When it comes to vacationing, the idea of an all-inclusive resort sounds like a dream. No need to worry about where to eat, what activities to plan, or how to entertain everyone in the group. It’s all taken care of for you. Two of the most popular all-inclusive resort brands are Sandals and Beaches, both owned by the award-winning Sandals Resorts International. But how do you decide which one is right for you? Let’s delve into the world of these luxurious resorts and find out.

Your Vacation Needs

The first step in choosing the perfect resort is understanding what you want from your vacation. Are you planning a romantic getaway with your partner? Or, are you looking forward to a fun-filled vacation with your family or friends? Your needs will guide you to the right resort.

Sandals Resorts are exclusively designed for couples, providing a romantic and private escape. On the other hand, Beaches Resorts are family-friendly, offering fun and entertaining activities for all age groups. So, depending on your vacation objective, you can choose between the two.

Adult-only vs Family-friendly: Making the Right Choice

Sandals Resorts: A Romantic Paradise

Couples seeking a romantic and adult-only experience will find Sandals Resorts to be the perfect destination. Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon, anniversary, or simply looking for a romantic escape, Sandals offers a variety of luxurious inclusions. The resorts are intimate and private, allowing couples to enjoy their vacation as they prefer – be it socializing or spending quiet moments together.

Beaches Resorts: A Family Fun Zone

For families or groups with younger kids, Beaches Resorts are the ideal choice. It is also known as “Sandals Resorts for families”. They offer a variety of amenities for different age groups. From the Kids Camp, Pirates Island Water Park, to the XBOX Play Lounge, and even a nightclub for teenagers – there’s something for everyone. Some restaurants are adults-only, giving parents a chance to enjoy a quiet evening. While Beaches Resorts are family-friendly, couples also find Beaches Turks & Caicos appealing for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful beach, and expansive resort grounds that allow for privacy.

Resort Locations: Sandals vs Beaches

Both Sandals and Beaches resorts are located on stunning Caribbean beaches. However, the locations differ. Beaches Resorts are found in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. Sandals Resorts, however, are located not only in Jamaica but also in The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Barbados etc.

Amenities: Comparing Sandals and Beaches

Both Sandals and Beaches are known for their impressive amenities. From gourmet restaurants, swim-up bars, free water sports, championship golf, to day and night entertainment and free airport transfers, there’s plenty to enjoy. However, there are certain amenities exclusive to each.

Exclusive Amenities at Sandals

For couples celebrating a wedding, Sandals offers an Over-The-Water Chapel for a unique destination wedding experience. At Sandals Royal Barbados, guests can enjoy a bowling alley on the property. For those seeking a luxurious experience, there are Over-The-Water Bungalows with elite Butler Service and Swim-up Suites for direct pool access. Unique to Sandals are also Rondoval Suites, perfect for those wanting to be near the ocean.

Additional details for each:

• Over-The-Water Chapel for Destination Weddings: Sandals Resorts offer an Over-The-Water Chapel in Jamaica, where couples can have a traditional yet unique wedding experience surrounded by tropical beauty.
• Bowling Alley in Barbados: Sandals Royal Barbados stands out with its on-site bowling alley, offering a unique activity for couples to enjoy on a romantic date night.
• Over-The-Water Bungalows: Sandals Resorts provide luxurious Over-The-Water Bungalows featuring Tranquility Soaking Tubs™, sea-through glass floors, and swim-up platforms, creating an intimate and exclusive experience.
• Swim-up Suites: Sandals Resorts offer swim-up suites, allowing guests to move seamlessly between the pool and their rooms without having to walk through the entire resort. These suites provide a convenient and luxurious experience.
• Rondoval Suites: Sandals Resorts offer Rondoval Suites, which are unique accommodations perfect for guests seeking proximity to the ocean. Options include Beachfront Rondovals, Rondovals of Eden, and Swim-Up Rondoval Suites, providing a range of choices for a beachfront vacation.

Exclusive Amenities at Beaches

For families, Beaches Resorts offer a range of exclusive amenities. Kids can enjoy the Pirates Island Water Park, Kids Camps with age-appropriate activities, and Sesame Street® Parades. Teenagers can hang out at Trench Town game room and Club Liquid dance spot. And for gaming enthusiasts, there’s the XBOX Play Lounge.

Additional details for each:

• Water Parks: Beaches Resorts feature thrilling water parks with water slides, lazy rivers, swim-up soda bars, and more, providing hours of fun for kids and adults alike.
• Kids Camp: Beaches Resorts offer comprehensive Kids Camps with age-appropriate activities, including treasure hunts, beach soccer, and even teen-only catamaran cruises. Certified nannies are available for parents seeking a night out.
• Sesame Street® Parades: Younger kids can enjoy the Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street® at Beaches Resorts, where their favorite characters come to life. Children can even have bedtime tuck-ins from their beloved Sesame Street® characters.
• Trench Town: Beaches Resorts offer a unique game room experience called Trench Town, featuring arcade games, flat-screen TVs, and a space dedicated to kids’ entertainment.
• Xbox Lounges: The Xbox Play Lounge at Beaches Resorts provides a cinematic gaming experience for kids and teenagers, allowing them to relax and have fun when they’re not enjoying the pool or beach.
• Club Liquid: Beaches Resorts transform Club Liquid into an adults-only dance bar after the early evening hours, providing a vibrant nightlife experience for teenagers.

Dining Experience: Sandals vs Beaches

Both Sandals and Beaches offer a range of gourmet dining options. Restaurants like Bombay Club, Kimonos, British Pub, Soy Sushi, Jerk Shack, and Dinos Pizzeria Italiana are common to both.

Additional details for each:

• Bombay Club: Indulge in authentic Indian cuisine at Bombay Club, featuring traditional favorites like Samosa, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Rogan Josh, and Palak Paneer.
• Kimonos: Experience oriental-style cuisine at Kimonos, where you can enjoy Japanese dishes such as the Emperor’s Feast Tasting Menu, Gyuniku Samurai, Toriniku Banzai, and Tai.
• British Pub: The Cricketers Pub at Beaches Resorts and The Drunken Duck at Sandals Resorts offer authentic British fare, including traditional dishes and ales, providing casual dining and opportunities to make new friends.

However, there are certain restaurants unique to each. At Sandals, you can enjoy Butch’s Steak and Seafood, Cucina Romana, Gordon’s on the Pier, Le Jardinier, and Kelly’s Dockside Restaurant. At Beaches, you can dine at Bar B. Q. Park, The Venetian, Le Petit Château, and Bobby Dee’s, and enjoy frozen yogurt at Yoyo’s.

Additional details for Sandals Resorts Restaurants:

• Butch’s Steak and Seafood: Named after Sandals Resorts’ Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Butch’s Steak and Seafood offers mouthwatering options such as Snapper Veracruz, Classic Steak Diane, and the Chef’s Surf & Turf.
• Cucina Romana: Enjoy seaside dining at Cucina Romana, serving up authentic Italian favorites like Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Saltimbocca alla Romana.
• Gordon’s on the Pier: With its elegance and stunning sunset views, Gordon’s on the Pier is a must-visit restaurant at Sandals Resorts, offering a range of delectable dishes.
• Le Jardinier: Transport yourself to the French countryside at Le Jardinier, where you can savor Fresh cuisine, including Poulet Cordon Bleu and Filet de Saumon.
• Kelly’s Dockside Restaurant: Indulge in grilled meats and fresh seafood at Kelly’s Dockside Restaurant, which offers a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.

Additional details for Beaches Resorts Restaurants:

Comparing Specific Resorts:

Sandals Negril vs Beaches Negril and Sandals Ochi vs Beaches Ocho Rios

Sandals Negril vs Beaches Negril

Both Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril are situated on the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy this stunning stretch of shoreline. While Sandals Negril caters exclusively to couples, Beaches Negril caters to families and groups. Sandals Negril is the larger of the two resorts, encompassing 226 suites, while Beaches Negril offers 186 suites. Sandals Negril features seven restaurants and five bars, slightly fewer than Beaches Negril’s nine restaurants and seven bars. Guests of Sandals Negril have access to all the amenities and restaurants at Beaches Negril. The two resorts are conveniently located just five minutes apart by taxi or a 20-minute walk along the beach. Sandals Negril offers a romantic experience, while Beaches Negril provides a family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring a memorable vacation for all.

Sandals Ochi vs Beaches Ocho Rios

All Sandals and Beaches resorts are located on beautiful Caribbean beaches. However, some stand out for their beach locations. Beaches Turks & Caicos is located on Grace Bay Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma offers a long, private, and stunning beach. Sandals Grande Antigua is located on the beautiful Dickenson Bay, and Sandal Grande St. Lucian is located on the magnificent Pigeon Point Beach.

Additional details:

• Beaches Turks & Caicos: Located on Grace Bay Beach, widely regarded as one of the world’s best beaches, Beaches Turks & Caicos ensures guests have direct access to the stunning turquoise waters and pristine sands. The calm waters and picturesque setting make it an unforgettable beach destination.
• Sandals Emerald Bay: Situated along a powdery white sand beach in Exuma, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a tranquil and secluded beachfront experience. The crystal-clear turquoise waters create a breathtaking backdrop for a romantic getaway or a rejuvenating vacation.
• Beaches Negril / Sandals Negril: Both Beaches Negril and Sandals Negril are found on Seven Mile Beach, renowned for its beauty and vibrant atmosphere. With its soft sands and calm waters, Seven Mile Beach offers the perfect backdrop for a variety of water sports and breathtaking sunsets.
• Sandals Grande Antigua: Dickenson Bay, where Sandals Grande Antigua is located, is known for its pristine white sand beach and warm, transparent waters. The resort’s beachfront setting allows guests to soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of Antigua.
• Sandals Grande St. Lucian: Pigeon Point Beach, where Sandals Grande St. Lucian is situated, captivates visitors with its extensive stretch of white sand and inviting, clear seas. The beach provides a picturesque setting for sunbathing, water sports, and enjoying the natural beauty of Saint Lucia.

Sandals vs Beaches: The Final Verdict

When deciding between Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, it’s crucial to consider the needs and preferences of everyone in your traveling party. If you are traveling with younger children or in a group, Beaches Resorts offer a wide range of family-friendly amenities, including water parks, Kids Camps, and teen-oriented activities. Beaches Resorts create a worry-free vacation experience for families and provide parents with options for adult-only dining and childcare services.

On the other hand, if you are seeking a romantic and intimate escape with a partner or traveling for a special occasion, Sandals Resorts offer a luxurious and serene experience tailored to couples. With their exclusive amenities, romantic settings, and adult-only atmosphere, Sandals Resorts provide an ideal environment for romance and relaxation.

Ultimately, the best choice between Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts depends on your specific travel goals and the type of experience you desire. Whether you crave a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, both Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts ensure an unforgettable, all-inclusive Caribbean escape.

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