11 Years · 100+ Nights · 9 Resorts
Sandy's Firsthand Sandals & Beaches Resort Guide
Every resort here is one Craig and I have stayed at ourselves. These are our honest, personal notes — island by island.
How Many Nights Is Right?
There's no required length. I've booked wonderful long weekends at Sandals, especially to islands with short flights. For farther islands, a few extra nights make the travel days worthwhile. Craig and I personally love 10 nights, which gives us time to explore sister resorts on the same island — but that's our preference, not a rule.
How Stay at One, Play at Others Works
On islands with more than one Sandals resort — Jamaica, St. Lucia and Barbados — you choose a home base and can enjoy the sister resorts too. I'll help you pick the right base and plan which resorts to visit.
St. Lucia
Stayed 2015 & 2023
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
This is where it all began — our very first Sandals stay, 8 nights in 2015. We returned in 2023, and it felt like coming home.
Island exchange: Stay at one, play at three: Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Regency La Toc are just a short ride away.
My favorite memory: Taking the helicopter ride to the resort! The views over St. Lucia were absolutely amazing — the most unforgettable way to arrive.
My insider tip: Visit all three Sandals resorts on the island using the Sandals transportation. It's an easy way to enjoy more beaches, restaurants and views during your stay.
Jamaica
Stayed 2016 & 2024
Sandals Ochi
My favorite memory: Bringing a couple who are dear friends of ours. It was their first Sandals, and they couldn't believe everything was included! They were in awe of ordering food and drinks and never getting a tab. They were so excited, they booked on site for the next year — and the year after that!
My insider tip: Ochi has a hillside section and a beachside section, and it's important to know which side you want to be on. Getting from the hillside to the beachside takes a Sandals transport.
Stayed 2022
Sandals South Coast
My favorite memory: Snorkeling and seeing starfish scattered all over the sand beneath us. It was magical!
My insider tip: It's a long resort, so pack comfy shoes!
Stayed 2022
Beaches Negril
Our firsthand look at Beaches, the family-friendly sister brand.
My favorite memory: Seeing the joy on the kids' faces at the frozen yogurt shop — which is included!
My insider tip: All Beaches caregivers are autism certified.
Antigua
Stayed 2020
Sandals Grande Antigua
We renewed our vows here for our 25th anniversary. They made me feel like a new bride.
My favorite memory: Our vow renewal, of course! We felt like we were marrying for the first time.
My insider tip: It's a huge resort, so pack comfy shoes!
Barbados
Stayed 2021
Sandals Royal Barbados
Island exchange: Stay at one, play at two: Sandals Barbados is right next door.
My favorite memory: The infinity pool!
My insider tip: Stay at one, play at two! Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are right next to each other, so your restaurant and pool choices are endless.
The Bahamas
Stayed 2025
Sandals Royal Bahamian
My favorite memory: Sailing on the Hobie Cats in the crystal-clear water.
My insider tip: Go to the private island!
Stayed 2017 & 2018 · Now closed
Sandals Emerald Bay
Sandals Emerald Bay was our favorite before it closed! We stayed here twice, and we plan on returning when it reopens as Beaches Emerald Bay.
My favorite memory: The water and the sand — like nothing we had ever seen!
Grenada
Stayed 2026
Sandals Grenada
My favorite memory: Our morning walks with the views.
My insider tip: Don't miss a tour! Grenada is known as the Spice Island, so get out and see it. It's only about 21 miles long and 12 miles wide, so exploring is easy.
The Whole Collection
Where Sandals & Beaches Are Today
17 adults-only Sandals resorts across eight islands, plus Beaches family resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, with two more Beaches resorts being built now in Exuma and Barbados. Tap any dot to see the resort. The larger dots are the ones Craig and I have stayed at.
Jamaica
- Sandals Montego Bay
- Sandals Caribbean Cay
- Sandals Royal Plantation
- Sandals Ochi
- Sandals Dunn's River
- Sandals Negril
- Sandals South Coast
- Beaches Negril
St. Lucia
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian
- Sandals Halcyon Beach
- Sandals Regency La Toc
Barbados
- Sandals Royal Barbados
- Sandals Barbados
- Beaches Barbados (being built)
Antigua
- Sandals Grande Antigua
Bahamas
- Sandals Royal Bahamian
- Beaches Emerald Bay (being built)
Grenada
- Sandals Grenada
Curaçao
- Sandals Royal Curaçao
St. Vincent
- Sandals Saint Vincent
Turks & Caicos
- Beaches Turks & Caicos
What's Next
Even More Islands Are on the Horizon
In September 2026, Royal Caribbean Group announced a partnership with Sandals Resorts, investing about $3 billion for a 50% stake to support the growth of Sandals and Beaches. The partnership is expected to close in early 2027. Two new Beaches family resorts are being built right now: Beaches Emerald Bay in Exuma, the Bahamas, and Beaches Barbados.
I'm so excited to see where Sandals and Beaches go next. As new resorts open, I'll be among the first to share firsthand insight with you.
Not Sure Which Resort Is Right for You?
Tell me what you're dreaming of, and I'll match you with the resort I'd choose for you.
Resort Guide: Your Questions
Which Sandals resort has the best beach?
It truly depends on what you love — calm water for floating, a lively beach scene, or a quiet stretch for two. I've stayed at nine Sandals and Beaches resorts, and I'll match you with the beach that fits your dream, not just the one in the brochure.
Can you visit other Sandals resorts on the same island?
Yes. On islands with more than one Sandals resort — like Jamaica, St. Lucia and Barbados — Sandals' stay-at-one, play-at-others benefit lets you enjoy the sister resorts too. In St. Lucia, for example, guests at Sandals Grande St. Lucian can also enjoy Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Regency La Toc.
How many nights should I stay at Sandals?
There's no magic number — the right length is the one that fits your life. I've booked plenty of long weekends at Sandals, especially to islands with short, easy flights. For farther islands with longer travel days, I suggest a few more nights so you aren't spending half your trip getting there. Craig and I personally love 10 nights, which gives us time to explore sister resorts too, but that's our preference, not a requirement. I'll help you find the length that feels right for you.
Which Sandals resorts has Sandy Holton stayed at?
Craig and I have stayed at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Emerald Bay, Sandals Grande Antigua, Sandals Royal Barbados, Sandals South Coast, Beaches Negril, Sandals Royal Bahamian and Sandals Grenada — every year since 2015, with more than 100 nights in all.
What's the best Sandals resort for a vow renewal?
Every couple is different, but I can speak from the heart about Sandals Grande Antigua — Craig and I renewed our vows there for our 25th anniversary, and they made me feel like a new bride.
Is Sandals Emerald Bay still open?
No. Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma has closed. Craig and I were fortunate to stay there in 2017 and 2018. I'd be happy to recommend a beautiful alternative in the Bahamas, like Sandals Royal Bahamian.
Why use a travel agent who has personally stayed at Sandals?
Because firsthand knowledge makes all the difference. I can tell you how a resort feels, which rooms and restaurants suit you, and how to plan around island exchanges — details you simply can't get from a website.
