r/SandalsResorts

Got Negril coming up in June and have recently heard horror stories of how obnoxious the public beach is. I’ve even heard there are vendors on little boats that paddle up to you when you get in the water. We love the pool but obviously want to spend majority of the time on the beach but a bit worried it’ll be so insufferable because we’ll constantly be getting approached to by stuff. I just think that’s so uncomfortable and annoying. Can someone who’s been to Negril recently tell me how bad it actually is?

Hi everyone. Going to Grenada for our honeymoon in July. This will be our first time going to a Sandals resort, and our first international vacation ever. I'm super nervous since I've never really traveled and deal with motion sickness and anxiety. However, this is really a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us and I really want to enjoy it as much as possible!

We have a $175 credit to use towards an Island Routes excursion. Does anyone have suggestions for someone with motion sickness? It seems a lot of them are on boats or involve a very long day of driving.

What have been your experiences being a passenger in a tour vehicle? How are the boat rides? Looking for any information you can share. Thanks in advance :)

My hubby and I are staying at the Sandals Royal Curaçao for our anniversary…arriving this Tuesday 4/28. We’ve made the last minute decision to try to book a private transfer to the resort instead of using the shuttle, but so far have had no luck. We’d prefer something equivalent to an Uber Black here in the US, but are open to any and all suggestions. Thank you!!

On departure, do you guys tip the wait staff that brings you your drinks? Ive seen it both ways and just trying to get a consensus. Thanks!

I am planning to celebrate my birthday at Sandals. Our group has 22 rooms booked. Would like to do a bday celebration on the beach one night. The resort is charging $650/hr for a DJ and an undisclosed amount for dance floor. Has the resort worked with anyone on pricing? Does anyone know the extra resort cost to bring in your own DJ?

My husband and I are planning our 10 year anniversary at Barbados . We got a club level suite (obt) but curious about recommendations on food (which places to absolutely do because it was so amazing) and other tips and tricks. Do you recommend a beach bag to carry around with us or just a small Fanny pack? Are beach towels provided? Is the alcohol good quality? (Not well). Any other advice would be helpful, thank you!

Heading to La Toc in the next couple of weeks. Wanted to get some opinions on compression packing cubes versus vacuum bags. Any recommendations?

I’m curious if you think of these wooden souvenirs are legitimately from Jamaica. One of the boxes they were carrying them to the beach said made in china

We’re debating sandals Curacao or Sandals Barbados.

Both look amazing and I’m sure we’d love either one.

However, my husband and I truly love doing the off the resort excursions.

We like snorkeling, anything dolphins, ATV tours, Jet ski tours etc.

I’m wondering which one would be better for the off the resort excursions.

Hubs and I are going to St Vincent for the first time next month. This is actually the first time in many decades I'm even gone to the Caribbean at all. I wasn't planning on checking a bag since I probably don't need such a large suitcase, but I wanted to bring TONS of sunscreen in 3 oz bottles. I'll be damned if I'm going to buy any of their overpriced ones onsite.

All that to ask - are there any restrictions on how many 3 oz bottles one can have on their person? I know some countries are more strict with what can fit in the clear little baggy at customs. I had this issue going to Italy years ago and had to give my husband some of my toiletries since he has far less to carry.

We are taking out honeymoon there in November. Spending 4 nights in a normal room and 3 nights in a butler suite with private pool. Should we upgrade for the two bedroom for 3 nights?

I just returned from my second Sandals trip. With the luxury and upscale feel and vibe of Sandals, it amazes me that they still do room keys instead of bracelets. I lost my key a few times and I was constantly digging through my beach bag for it. I wish they’d get with the times and upgrade this function. I’ve even seen some newer resorts giving the option of a free room key or pay $15 for a bracelet. If they’re worried about cost, I’m sure most people would pay for the bracelet. I know I would. It would be nice to have the choice. Let people that want a room key, get a room key. Let people that want a bracelet, get a bracelet.

Update - To the people freaking out, it would be a choice. Not a requirement. I’ve stayed at resorts that have them and they’ve been cute, tiny twine or braided bracelets. No different than wearing a beaded bracelet from the gift shop. When I’m on vacation, I don’t want to worry about a key card or my phone. If I want to run to my room really fast, I don’t want to have to grab anything. I just want to run real quick and back. Less hassle. Less responsibility. Just less everything. The whole reason I vacation. I don’t want to think about anything. I do enough of that the rest of the year.

Hubs and I are heading to Barbados in September. Can anyone who's been there (or any other Sandals) tell me if you can use the pools to swim at night? I know they close them to clean them at some point. Just curious the time of day they do that (if it is over night or earlier in the evening). I work for a pool contractor so I know there are chemicals that make it so you can't swim for a while after adding, and shock is put in after the sun goes down...and you definitely don't want to swim in that! All the reviews I've watched on YT are all super early in the morning and never mention the pools at night. It's not a big deal if they are off limits. Just wondering... Thanks!