Sandals Resorts Virgin Islands: Ultimate Guide
People search for Sandals Resorts by name because of the renowned luxury all-inclusive experience they are famous for. Unfortunately, Sandals does not have a location in the Virgin Islands. They do, however, have locations all around the other Caribbean islands in places like St. Vincent, Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, and more.
Fear not though! As a Certified Sandals Specialist that has been to the Caribbean dozens of times, I’ll share my favorite alternatives that are just as easy to get to as the US Virgin Islands and will exceed your expectations when it comes to 5-star accommodations with pristine white sand beaches.
Is There A Sandals In The Virgin Islands?
While there are no Sandals Resorts in the Virgin Islands, there are several locations throughout the Caribbean islands that are closer and more affordable. For example, flights to Jamaica or the Bahamas are much shorter. They also tend to be much less expensive!
Don’t get me wrong, places like St. Thomas and St. John are fantastic, but they are a very Americanized, bustling tourist destination. Especially St. Thomas where the cruise ships are constantly going in and out. It can feel pretty congested.
I much prefer the more authentic Caribbean destinations (like St. Vincent or St. Lucia) that offer a romantic atmosphere in a truly idyllic tropical paradise. Yes, the upside to the USVI is that they don’t require a passport, but the other Caribbean countries are very simple to enter and don’t require visas either.
I’ve also experienced a lot of sargassum on the Virgin Island beaches, especially along the northern facing bays, which not only looks bad but also has an unpleasant smell.
Sandals Resorts selectively chooses exclusive locations that promise intimacy rather than joining an overdeveloped resort market like the Virgin Islands. Take it from someone who has visited all 17 Sandals locations, you won’t regret it!
Which Islands Have Sandal Resorts?
For the folks dreaming of the white sand beaches in the Virgin Islands, Sandals has you more than covered. The company was able to get the absolute best spots around the different islands long before the competition since they have been solely focused on the Caribbean for over 45 years.
That’s why you’re all but assured of private beaches, glowing azure waters, and tropical greatness. Here are all 17 adults-only locations to choose from:
- Bahamas (1 Location)
- St. Vincent (1 Location)
- Antigua (1 Location)
- Grenada (1 Location)
- Curacao (1 Location)
- Barbados (2 Locations)
- St. Lucia (3 Locations)
- Jamaica (7 Locations)
For another close alternative to the US Virgin Islands, Sandals has a sister brand called Beaches Resorts with a location in Turks & Caicos, which is actually closer to the US. Note that Beaches does not have any age restrictions like Sandals 18+ though.
The most similar in terms of natural landscape are St. Vincent or St. Lucia. These locations have rolling volcanic landscapes, white-sand beaches, and a relaxed smaller-island feel.
RELATED: FULL LIST OF ALL SANDALS LOCATIONS
Top Sandals Alternatives To The Virgin Islands
1. Sandals Royal Bahamian
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
If your primary requirements are close proximity to the US, sunny days, and immaculate white sand beaches, the Bahamas are second to none. It’s actually made up of about 3,000 islands and cays which means you can explore completely uninhabited islands the likes of which don’t exist anywhere in the Virgin Islands.
Sandals Royal Bahamian is located along the famous Cable Beach in Nassau with its own private offshore island just a couple minute boat ride away. This 5-star resort features spacious newly renovated suites with a swanky European design.
There’s more than enough to fill your days with 12 restaurants, 8 bars, 7 pools, and unlimited water activities. I love scuba diving so the free daily outings are a huge bonus – absolutely beautiful sites with great visibility because the water is so clear.
If you can swing it, I also highly recommend taking an excursion down to Exuma to see the swimming pigs. That was a bucket list item for my wife and I. It was actually so much fun! The Island Routes desk in the main lobby can book it for you (or online ahead of time).
2. Sandals Royal Caribbean
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
One of the most popular alternatives to the Virgin Islands is Jamaica because it’s very affordable, easy to access, and has such a vibrant culture. I’ve had some of the funnest times in Jamaica, whether in Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios. The local people there are the best!
The good news is that Sandals has 7 locations in Jamaica with 2 being in Montego Bay. My favorite overall is Sandals Royal Caribbean which is a very exclusive resort that just underwent major renovations following Hurricane Melissa. Everything feels brand new now.
One key difference is this location has its own offshore island with overwater bungalow villas. Just a short boat ride away you’ll find a private beach, the new Parisol Beach Club, and a pool.
Importantly, you also get full access to the Sandals Montego Bay right next door. That means there are 21 restaurants, 11 bars, and 14 pools to choose from. It’s like two vacations in one!
3. Sandals Grande St. Lucian
GROS-ISLET, SAINT LUCIA
For couples that desire lush rainforests, colorful flora, and picturesque mountains, St. Lucia needs to be at the top of your list. There’s nothing like staring up at the twin Piton Mountains as they tower over the shimmering waters.
As mentioned above, Sandals has three resorts on the island. They all have a slightly different vibe, so it depends on your preferences as to which is the best fit. The Grande St. Lucian on the very north of the island in Gros-Islet is my overall favorite. It’s nestled in a private peninsula with unmatched panoramic views of Rodney Bay.
That said, you get sharing privileges with the other Sandals locations in St. Lucia (Halcyon Beach and Regency La Toc). You can go back and forth with free transfers. That’s in addition to the free golfing at Cap Estate Country Club.
The Sandals in St. Lucia are notable because they provide exceptional value. Especially for romantic getaways, the iconic surroundings are hard to beat.
4. Sandals St. Vincent
BUCCAMENT BAY, SAINT VINCENT
Located in a private cove beach surrounded by a tropical rainforest is Sandals St. Vincent, the newest Sandals location. This is my favorite under-the-radar gem in the Caribbean where you can experience a more laid back vibe.
It’s appealing to both nature lovers and beach lovers alike. You’ll find volcanic peaks, and although it is known for the white sand beaches, they also have a couple of very cool black sand beaches worth checking out. I also recommend taking a catamaran cruise out to the Tobago Cays. The beaches here are untouched with absolutely crystal clear water – you have to see it to believe it.
Since the Sandals St. Vincent just opened, it features incredible accommodations and restaurant concepts that you won’t find at any other Sandals locations. Everything is top notch. From two-story overwater bungalows to beachfront butler villas, there’s no wrong way to relax. You even get a private boat transfer from the airport if you book a butler suite.
What Makes Sandals Resorts Attractive
Sandals are the best all-inclusive adults-only resorts for romantic getaways. They are the only brand designed specifically for couples in love. Once you get the full luxury experience, it’s difficult to go somewhere else (at least for my wife and I it was!). Here’s what you can expect:
- Bottomless Food & Drinks: We’re talking about high quality food and top shelf drinks, not the low quality stuff from most of the other all-inclusive resorts I’ve been to. Each resort has dozens of restaurants and bars to choose from.
- Unlimited Water Sports: Activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hobie cats, water trikes, motorized watersports, and glass bottom boat rides are all included. More than any other resort!
- No Tipping Policy: Sandals has a strict no tipping policy. There are no taxes, surprise fees, or gratuities after you book. This makes the vacation completely stress free.
- Free Airport Transfers: Transfers to and from the airport are always included regardless of which room level you choose.
- Exclusivity: The intimate vibe of Sandals makes it perfect for special occasions, unlike most of the resorts in Virgin Islands that now prioritize quantity over quality. Choose from a variety of romantic activities like a candlelight dinner, sunset catamaran cruise, or couples massage.
- Luxury: The 5-Star accommodations at Sandals are unique, featuring Overwater Bunglows, Swim-Up Suites, SkyPools, Rondoval Suites, and more. The staff always go above and beyond to ensure your stay is flawless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Sandals Resort in the US Virgin Islands?
There is not currently a Sandals Resort in the US Virgin Islands, however they do have 17 locations around the other Caribbean Islands like Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, the Bahamas, and more. If you’re looking for the closest Sandals Resorts, the nearest alternatives are in Jamaica or the Bahamas. The most comparable in terms of mountainous landscape and lush forests are St. Vincent, St. Lucia, or Antigua.
Are the Caribbean islands safer than the US Virgin Islands?
In general, whether talking about the USVI or alternative Caribbean islands, most of the well trafficked tourist destinations are considered safe. The US Virgin Islands & British Virgin Islands have a Level One Travel Advisory from the US Department Of State. Other islands like Jamaica have a Level Two Travel Advisory, which is out of four levels. This simply means to exercise increased caution and common sense when visiting. All of the islands where Sandals Resorts operate have either a Level One or Level Two Travel Advisory. One can visit the US State Department for all of the latest updates in every country.
Are there Sandals Resorts in the United States?
Sandals Resorts does not currently have any official locations in the United States or US territories. The closest Sandals to the US is the Royal Bahamian in Nassau, which is a short 45 minute flight from Miami. US citizens visiting the Sandals locations will need a passport valid for 6 months after their departure, however, none of the islands require visas for touristic visits so the entry is very easy.
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