Sandals Royal Caribbean Review
Reviewed by Nicole Rosania | Updated on July 17, 2024
Sandals Royal Caribbean is a perfect destination for luxury-seeking honeymooners, blending international stylings with the breathtaking beauty of Jamaica. The resort offers a private island experience that feels like something out of a Hollywood romance movie, while the pristine beaches showcase nature at its most stunning.
Catering to adults only, the resort provides premier luxury accommodations, including the exquisite Over-the-Water Villas and Bungalows. Couples can also choose from Beachfront Walkout and Swim-Up Suites, which combine attentive service with creative amenities to create an enchanting experience. It’s no surprise that Sandals Royal Caribbean was awarded “Jamaica’s Leading Resort” by the World Travel Awards.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with luxury as they check-in at the elegant Great House, showcasing stylish Georgian architecture. The resort’s ideal location offers easy access to the best activities in Montego Bay while providing the peacefulness of an island paradise. Beachfront restaurants provide a delightful dining experience, allowing guests to embrace the serene ocean breeze and enjoy sweeping coastal views. As you wander through the resort’s idyllic tropical gardens, you may even encounter colorful peacocks adding a touch of natural beauty.
Sandals Royal Caribbean creates an ambiance of pure luxury, where couples can immerse themselves in a captivating and romantic atmosphere.
Recommended Accommodations
Here are our recommended rooms for each of Sandals room categories.
Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow
The Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort offers the first over-the-water bungalows in the Caribbean Sea. If you choose to stay in an Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow, located just off the resort’s private island, you can enjoy views of marine life from the comfort of your suite, outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, or from an over-water hammock.
Every bungalow includes king-size beds with soft linens and plush pillows, along with a smart TV and large ceiling fan. Spa-like bathrooms have his and her sinks and a walk-in rain shower. Outside, your private Butler suite includes a private patio, equipped with an extended sun deck, outdoor shower, and bistro set for two so you and yours can enjoy meals outside. Speaking of meals — this suite comes with a Butler Elite service, which includes 24 hour in-room dining and a private water taxi to take you to and from the mainland.
This category also includes an airport welcome and round-trip Private BMW Luxury Airport Transfers from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) & Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).
Windsor Beachfront Walkout Club Room w/ Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
At the Club level, we recommend honeymooners enjoy the Windsor Beachfront Walkout Club Room at the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort. Located directly on the beach at the ground level of the Windsor building, these newly renovated rooms include a patio and signature Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. The bedroom features a king-size bed and fully stocked bar, and the en-suite bathroom has a rain shower.
Guests can enjoy the Club level’s concierge service.
Caribbean Poolside Luxury Walkout with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
In the Luxury category at the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, we recommend the Caribbean Poolside Luxury Walkout. This newly renovated room is located on the ground level of the Arundel building, just steps away from one of the resort’s semi-private pools. Enjoy a Sandals signature Tranquility Soaking Tub for two or enjoy a meal on the bistro set outside. Each suite has a king-size bed, large HD Smart TV, and sliding door into a modern bathroom. The refrigerator will be continually stocked with bottled water, juices, sodas, and local craft beers + wines.
Restaurants at Sandals Royal Caribbean
There are 9 restaurants at Royal Caribbean Resort, and a total of 21 if you count the additional 12 at nearby Sandals.
Bombay Club
Offers flavorful Indian cuisine in an open-air setting. Enjoy the tropical ambiance while savoring dishes like Butter Chicken and Veggie Samosas. Bombay offers breakfast and dinner daily. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are required.
Royal Thai
This offshore island restaurant can be reached by authentic dragon boat. This one-of-a-kind restaurant offers exotic cuisine like spiced beef and porkloin in ginger sauce. Dinner is offered here from 5:30 – 9:30 pm daily. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are required.
Le Jardinier
Taste traditional French cuisine in the midst of an island paradise. Dinner is offered here daily from 5:30 – 9 pm. Dress code is Resort Evening Attire and reservations are required.
The Cricketers Pub
Craving authentic Shepherd’s Pie or fish and chips? Serving the finest Guinness ale, pub fare, and delectable desserts, don’t miss Sandals’ very own British pub. Dress code here is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Bella Napoli
Open daily from 11 am – 6 pm, this casual pizza joint offers it all. From jerk chicken and seafood toppings to even banana and dark chocolate for a savory dessert pizza, don’t miss this stop on your honeymoon. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
The Mariner
This seaside bar & grill is the perfect option for lunch or a late night bite on your honeymoon. They serve everything from wraps to famous Jamaican jerk chicken. Dress code here is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Jerk Shack
It wouldn’t be a honeymoon in Jamaica without some jerk cooking! Lunch is served here daily until 6 pm. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Spices Caribbean Cuisine
Offers delicious breakfast options, a rotating daily lunch buffet, and Pan-Caribbean dinner options. Guests can watch sailboats pass by and the sunset over at this lively seaside eatery. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
La Tavola Italian Cuisine
Enjoy homemade Italian dishes with farm fresh ingredients at this dinner restaurant. Dress code is Resort Evening Attire and reservations are not required.
Activities at Sandals Royal Caribbean
The top activity to enjoy at the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort is the property’s private off-shore island, located just a 2 minute boat ride from the mainland. Additionally, honeymooners can experience one of life’s greatest adventures together by earning their PADI Scuba Diving certifications, or enjoy watersports such as kayaking and waterskiing.
Prefer to stay on land? No problem. In addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort has table tennis, shuffleboard, lawn chess, croquet, and more for guests to enjoy, along with day and night entertainment.
The Best Island Route Tours at Sandals Royal Caribbean
ATV, Zipline, and Bamboo River Rafting Experience
This 8 hour combo tour includes an ATV off-roading adventure through the rugged terrain of a historic estate in the Jamaican countryside and the opportunity to zipline and soar through the treetops of a jungle canopy. After an included lunch, you can enjoy a traditional rafting experience down a tranquil river, complete with a captain pilot to steer as you soak up the views. Tours operate daily. Be sure to pack some cash, a towel, a valid Driver's license, sunscreen, hat, and water shoes for your excursion.
Reggae Catamaran and Snorkeling Cruise Montego Bay
Montego Bay is the hub of Jamaica’s tourist activity and the best way to experience it is on the water. Set sail and take in the views of the Bay’s coastline from a catamaran cruise. Tour includes a snorkel stop at a nearby reef filled with exotic marine life, an open bar, and light bites. Expect to dance to reggae music as you pull back into the dock!
Dolphin Swim & Dunn’s River Falls Experience from Montego Bay
Journey from Montego Bay to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls. Interact with colorful birds, exotic snakes and iguanas, and swim with dolphins and gentle stingrays. After an included lunch, experience the majesty of Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most magnificent natural treasures. Tour operates weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.Sandals Royal Caribbean Packing Guide
For your honeymoon in Jamaica, the most important thing you’ll need to pack is a passport! Not only is Jamaica a Caribbean island, it is an independent country.
Also be sure to pack 3-4 dinner outfits that would fit the resort evening attire dress code at some of Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort restaurants. Additionally, pack essentials for several hours in the sun, including 2-3 swimsuits, a cover up, beach shorts, sunscreen, and a hat. For your excursions into the jungle or visits to the tennis court, you’ll need a pair of sneakers and some athleisure clothing. Additionally, pack 5-6 t-shirts, 2 pairs of PJs, sandals, closed-toe or heeled shoes for the nicer restaurants, and finally, toiletries (although many of the Sandals bathrooms will provide the basics for honeymooners).
7 Day Itinerary at Sandals Royal Caribbean
Day 1: Settle in & have your first taste of Caribbean rum
There are three international airports in Jamaica: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, and the Ian Fleming International Airport in picturesque Ocho Rios. For your stay at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, you’ll want to fly into the Sangester International Airport in Montego Bay. Sandals has airport pick up options for guests, and depending on which type of room you book, it may even be complimentary!
Enjoy a cocktail upon arrival at one of the 5 bars located throughout the property and settle into your suite before dining at one of Sandals’ 9 on-site restaurants this evening.
Day 2: Book a massage, explore the property, and relax by the pool
Feeling sore from the travel day? Head to Red Lane Spa to book an afternoon massage or spa service. Spend the morning relaxing by one of the property’s 8 pools and exploring the grounds of Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort.
Want to dine in one of the fine dining restaurants this evening or the next? Don’t forget to grab a reservation!
Day 3: Enjoy some watersports on the beach
Craving a little adventure after a day of R&R? Head down to the beach to enjoy complimentary Sandals watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Soak up the sun on the beach under an umbrella, and be sure to order a pina colada (or two!).
This all-inclusive honeymoon resort also has a private off-shore island located just two minutes away by boat from the Sandals Royal Caribbean. Here you’ll find a secluded beach with private cabanas, swim-up pool bar, and authentic Thai cuisine at the island’s Royal Thai restaurant.
Day 4: Explore the best of Jamaica’s countryside
Head out into Jamaica’s countryside today on a full-day excursion! Our team recommended a few options above. Depending on the activity level you are looking for, there is ATVing, rafting, swimming in waterfalls, and so much more.
Want to see the best of Montego Bay? Book an afternoon catamaran tour with snorkeling and drinks!
Day 5: Soak up the sun at Sandals
After a full-day excursion yesterday, you’re probably craving some more relaxation. The resort offers several land activities, including tennis and croquet. After your morning coffee and breakfast buffet, maybe explore the beach area a bit more or relax by the pool.
Booked a swim-up room suite or a room with a signature Tranquility Soaking Tub? Use it! Perhaps tonight you dine at one of the included restaurants that don’t require reservations, such as the Cricketers Pub.
Day 6: Explore some more
If you opted for one of the off-the-beaten path excursions earlier on during your honeymoon, now is the time to hop on a catamaran around Montego Bay. On the contrary, if you already enjoyed a snorkel cruise, head into the jungle.
Pro-tip: Before you leave for the excursion, swing into one of the nicer restaurants to secure an evening restaurant for your last special night. La Tavola Italian Cuisine would be our recommendation if you haven’t dined there yet!
Day 25: Travel day
Enjoy one last breakfast buffet or morning room service (complete with coffee by the pool), before enjoying a final walk around the property. Travel from Sandals to the airport for your flight home to close out your dream honeymoon.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Map
Find a detailed map of Sandals Royal Caribbean below. For an interactive map, click here and navigate to "MAP" in the menu.
