Sandals Resort Puerto Rico: Ultimate Guide
People search for Sandals Resorts by name for good reason – they’ve set the standard when it comes to romantic all-inclusive getaways. Unfortunately, Sandals does not have a location in Puerto Rico. They do, however, have locations around other Caribbean islands like Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, St. Vincent, Curacao, and the Bahamas.
As a Certified Sandals Specialist who has personally visited all 17 Sandals Resorts and traveled to Puerto Rico many times, I’ll share my favorite alternatives that will exceed your expectations when it comes to luxury adult-only accommodations with stunning white sand beaches.
Is There A Sandals In Puerto Rico
While there are no Sandals Resorts specifically in Puerto Rico, the brand offers several alternatives throughout the Caribbean that are often cheaper and easier to get to from the US.
For example, Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau is just a 45 minute flight from Florida, while Sandals Ochi in Jamaica is super affordable with beautiful rainforest, mountains, and waterfalls similar to Puerto Rico’s natural surroundings.
Don’t get me wrong, places like San Juan, Dorado, and El Yunque are worth visiting, but they are so crowded with tourists these days it can get a little overwhelming. Puerto Rico has a younger, lively, party-oriented vibe. That’s why I preferred the more laid back outer islands of Vieques and Culebra.
As a US territory, it makes sense that tons of Americans flock to Puerto Rico since no passport is required. But the reality is that other Caribbean islands are equally easy to visit and don’t require visas either.
Ultimately, Sandals selectively chooses exclusive, intimate locations rather than overdeveloped resort destinations like Puerto Rico. The focus on privacy and romance is a core tenet of what makes the brand so sought after.
Where Are Sandals Resorts Located
For couples dreaming of the convenience, culture, and white sand beaches of Puerto Rico, Sandals has you covered. They’ve been operating in the Caribbean for over 45 years – well before the competition came in. That’s why you’re guaranteed to get the finest private beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and idyllic tropical settings.
Here are all 17 Sandals Resort locations ranked by proximity to the United States:
- Bahamas (1 Location)
- Jamaica (7 Locations)
- Curacao (1 Location)
- Antigua (1 Location)
- St. Lucia (3 Locations)
- Barbados (2 Locations)
- St. Vincent (1 Location)
- Grenada (1 Location)
Notice how destinations like Puerto Rico, Mexico, or Dominican Republic are not on this list. I get it, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer, but for special occasions like a honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic retreat, you want to make sure everything is perfect. That’s where the 5-star service at Sandals truly shines.
RELATED: FULL LIST OF ALL SANDALS LOCATIONS
Top Sandals Alternatives To Puerto Rico
1. Sandals Ochi
OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA
Sandals Ochi is a top contender for the best adults-only resort for couples on a budget. It delivers 5-star service and unmatched amenities without the premium price tag.
I’ve stayed here four times, and I never get tired of the green mountains with cascading waterfalls that surround the resort – similar to Puerto Rico, but better in my opinion (and closer). There’s a perfect balance of quiet spots when you want to relax, but plenty of activities if you’re in a more upbeat mood.
We spent a couple of afternoons at the Ochi Beach Club. It’s right on the beach with live music, a large pool, and a fun swim-up bar. In total, there’s 17 different restaurants and 11 bars so you never run out of options.
Importantly, you have full access to Sandals Dunn’s River right next door which is a newer and more upscale resort. So it’s essentially like two vacations for the price of one!Â
On top of that, it includes airport transfers, top-shelf drinks, meals and snacks, scuba diving, no gratuities, and even free golf at the Upton Estate Country Club. Once you arrive, you can truly leave your wallet behind.
2. Sandals Royal Bahamian
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
If you’re looking for a convenient Caribbean escape close to the US with powdery white sand beaches, look no further than Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau. Flights from Miami take just about 45 minutes and the resort is only a 15 minute drive from the airport (transfers are included)!Â
The resort sits directly on the famous Cable Beach and features its own private offshore island (Barefoot Cay) which is something you won’t find in Puerto Rico.
With over 3,000 islands and cays across the Bahamas, you can explore completely uninhabited spots. My wife and I do a lot of snorkeling, and we were able to see vibrant reefs, sea turtles, and even a nurse shark only about 30 meters out.
We also highly recommend the day trip down to Exuma to swim with the pigs. That was a bucket list item and a highlight of our trip.
The suites are spacious and newly renovated with an elegant European design. They offer unique options like private butler villas and swim-up suites. We loved our West Bay Butler Suite with amazing views of the Caribbean.
Dining here is excellent (and I’m picky). The resort offers 12 different world-class restaurants and 8 bars including a swim up bar. We tried a different option every night and were blown away – especially for an all-inclusive resort!
3. Sandals Regency La Toc
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA
For couples seeking colorful flora, lush rainforests, and dramatic mountains, St. Lucia should be at the top of your list. The island is incredibly romantic, especially with the twin Piton Mountains towering over the shimmering waters.
Located on the striking La Toc Estate, Sandals Regency La Toc delivers a luxury experience in tropical paradise – yet you can stay here for a reasonable price. The resort spans 220 acres with a private beach that wraps around the entire cove. We stayed in a 2-Story Butler Villa in the Sunset Oceanview Bluff Village that offers incredible views of the azure waters.
Sandals has three resorts on the island, each with a distinct vibe. Regardless of which one you choose you get sharing privileges with all of them (Grande St. Lucian and Halcyon Beach).Â
Between all three resorts, you get access to 27 restaurants, 23 bars, and 11 pools, and free golfing at Cap Estate Country Club. That’s why the Sandals in St. Lucia are hard to beat when it comes to most bang for your buck!
What Makes Sandals Resorts Attractive
Sandals have become our go-to resort for adults-only romantic escapes. They’re specifically for couples in love, and once you experience the full Sandals treatment, it’s hard to go back – at least for my wife and I it was! They include so much with their all-inclusive packages it makes everything completely stress free.Â
Here’s what what we love most about them:
- Bottomless Food & Drinks: The food is actually high quality and the drinks are all top-shelf, which is a big step up compared to most other all-inclusives. Each resort usually has dozens of restaurants and bars so you can try something new every day.
- Unlimited Watersports: Pretty much everything is included like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, water trikes, paddleboarding, hobie cats, skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and glass bottom boat rides. It’s more than we’ve seen at any other resort.
- Land Sports: They also have tons of land activities like pickleball, tennis (with free lessons), beach volleyball, fitness classes, shuffle board, lawn chess, and a lot more. Plenty to stay busy.
- No Tipping: One of my favorite things is the strict no gratuities policy. Unlike most resorts in Puerto Rico where they might say that, but you really still expected to tip the employees (or you get the awkward side eye).
- Free Airport Transfers: Round-trip airport transfers are always included no matter which room category you choose.Â
- Romantic Vibe & Exclusivity: The couples focused atmosphere makes it ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and other special occasions. We’ve done candlelight dinners on the beach, sunset catamaran cruises, and couples massages – all super easy to add and spice it up a little.
- Luxury Accommodations: The rooms and suites are all fantastic. They offer one-of-a-kind options like Swim-Up Suites, Overwater Bunglows, Rondoval Suites, and SkyPools. But there is something for all budgets, and you can’t go wrong with any of them!Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all-inclusive resorts exist in Puerto Rico?
All-inclusive resorts do not exist in Puerto Rico like traditional options found in Jamaica, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, etc. That said, there are many well known brands that offer add-on packages for things like meals and drinks. Top options include the Wyndham Grand Rio, Hyatt Regency Grande Reserve, or the Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton.Â
Does Sandals have any resorts in Puerto Rico?
Sandals Resorts does not currently have a location in Puerto Rico, however they do have locations in the other Caribbean islands like the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Curacao. The closest options in terms of proximity and price would be in Jamaica, St. Lucia, or the Bahamas. The most comparable in terms of the natural landscape would be and lush forests are Antigua, Jamaica, or St. Vincent.
Is Puerto Rico safe to visit?
In general, Puerto Rico is considered safe to visit. The US State Department does not issue any travel advisory warnings since it’s technically a US territory like with other foreign Caribbean islands. As long as one uses common sense and stays within the highly trafficked tourist areas, you should not have any issues. Make sure to keep your personal belongings secure as pickpocketing is not uncommon there.
Do you need a passport for Puerto Rico?
No, United States citizens do not need a passport to enter Puerto Rico since it is a US territory. You will only need a valid ID that’s REAL-ID compliant.
BEST SANDALS RESORTS
Our favorite all-inclusive resort brand.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grenada
Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Grande Antigua
