Which Sandals Resort Is Right for You?

Sandals has 7 resorts in Jamaica including Sandals Negril, with one of the longest stretches of the famous 7-mile beach, and a relaxed, carefree atmosphere far from city life. All the suites are just a few steps from the beach; some are two-story lofts and there's even a set of suites where you can swim up to your back porch. Like every Sandals resort, Negril has lots to do, including water sports, a dance club and a full-service spa. Every resort has fine dining restaurants serving both local fare and cuisine from all over the world. Sandals Negril has six gourmet restaurants including a Japanese hibachi. If you choose, you can leave the resort and tour the local area. Many people get married at Sandals resorts; all the properties offer wedding packages and a variety of locations to choose from for the ceremony.

Sandals Montego Bay has the largest white sand private beach in Jamaica. Since it's located in the city, you're just steps away from off-resort shopping, restaurants and clubs. There's a lot of energy at Montego Bay but still all the luxurious amenities Sandals is known for. There are six fine restaurants on resort grounds, golf, four pools, lush gardens, beachfront villas and a chapel for traditional weddings.

Another Sandals resort located in Montego Bay is the Royal Caribbean, only minutes from the airport. This property features the main resort and an offshore island. Like a British manor from another era, the Royal Caribbean has classical Georgian architecture, mahogany wood paneling and exquisite decor. You can escape to tour the city or stay and play on the resort. There are four gourmet restaurants, golf, swim-up river suites, beach parties and day and nighttime water sports. If you like the option of having lots of city excitement and also a chance to relax, you may find the Royal Caribbean is up your alley.

If you enjoy an intimate vacation, Sandals Inn, the third Sandals resort located in Montego Bay, may be the option for you. The inn has a charming, bed-and-breakfast feel to it with two gourmet restaurants and a grill. Because of its smaller size, it feels like more of a real island experience. Stay in a Jamaican villa, lounge on the beach or float in the pool. It's a quiet and cozy atmosphere with all the luxurious Sandals amenities.

The name "Ocho Rios" means "Eight Rivers" in Spanish, and the town Ocho Rios is home to the famous Dunn's River Falls, a cascade of water falling almost 700 feet into the sea below. This is where you'll find Sandals Grande resort, a large property divided into three sections including The Caribbean Riviera, an exclusive stretch of sand with your own beach cabana, spa treatments and al fresco dining. Up the hill is The Manor House with tennis, a fitness center, a pool with two levels and a slide, and the largest rock-climbing wall in the Caribbean. The final section is The Ciboney Villa Suites for romance and seclusion featuring private and semi-private pools, and butler service for a premium. This resort is a good choice for the golf enthusiast with free rounds on their world-class course. Leave the resort to explore the beauty of Ocho Rios with its many popular natural attractions.

For a more intimate stay in Ocho Rios, you might try Sandals Dunn's River resort. Reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance period, this resort has Jamaica's largest freshwater pool with an enormous waterfall. Sandals Dunn's River is another smart choice for the golfer and anyone who wants the ultimate in luxury and opulence. There are five fine dining restaurants on site, six bars and a personal butler for top tier suites, and Sandals says it's on one of the best beaches in Ocho Rios.

Located on Jamaica's South Coast, this resort is a 50-acre seaside retreat built in the style of a European village. A secluded resort, it sits on two miles of unspoiled white sand within a 500-acre natural reserve. All the rooms have an ocean view, and the resort has the largest pool in Jamaica. Shop for art at the Park West Gallery, play land and water sports or have a few drinks and lounge on the beach.

If you want to experience more than one resort during your stay, sign up for Sandals "Stay at One, Play at Seven" package. If you book a stay at one of Sandals Jamaican resorts, you can enjoy full privileges at all the other Jamaican resorts. You can also do this at their St. Lucia resorts.

On the island nation of St. Lucia, you'll find three more all-inclusive Sandals resorts. This 210-acre beachside retreat features rolling fairways, suites overlooking the sea, and millionaire suites with private pools and whirlpools. Secluded and lavish, this resort has the luxurious amenities of Sandals, plus a golfer's paradise.

This resort has a traditional Caribbean style and it's made for beach lovers; Sandals calls it the "Ultimate Beach Resort." It has natural beauty with lush gardens, a rain forest and a volcano. If you're looking for a quiet and secluded resort, this is a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere with a casual elegance.

Mountain views abound at this beach resort, built in the style of a British palace. Some of the suites are "Rondovals," circular suites with 1400 square feet. You can have your own pool, Jacuzzi and waterfall. This resort sits on its own peninsula so almost every room has a sea view and there are swim-up rooms. If you want luxury and seclusion, with fun things to do like water sports, the Grande St. Lucian might work for you.

With its offshore island resort in addition to the main property, this is like two resorts in one. This is Sandals' only resort in the Bahamas and one of the Caribbean's most elegant destinations; it will cost you more than Sandals Jamaican resorts. This is top tier luxury on a secluded stretch of beach.

Antigua means "ancient" in Spanish and this island in the West Indies was named by Christopher Columbus. Like Sandals Bahamian resort, this one will likely come at a premium compared to other resorts. Sandals calls it "The World's Most romantic Resort" with its Rondovals, fabulous stretch of sand, fine dining, a Mediterranean village and more. Top tier suites include butler service.

The cost of a Sandals vacation varies depending on which resort you choose, when you go and which type of room you book, so keep checking the Sandals website for specials and discounts if you're on a budget. If you really want to save money, travel during the off-season; Caribbean weather is lovely most of the year, so there's really not a bad time to go.