Sandals Montego Bay

The beach at Sandals Montego Bay is a mile long private white-sand beach, making it one of the most sought after resorts in Jamaica. The vibrant turquoise color of the Caribbean Sea is truly a sight to behold.

The water is typically quite calm so you can enjoy a nice swim or go snorkeling. I was able to see colorful fish and patches of coral very close to the shore.

Pro Tip: You also get access to the private offshore island at the nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean. There are free transfers out to the island so you can enjoy a day on your very own secluded beach!

Here is what to expect for a day on the beach at Montego Bay: 

• The Beach: A mile long private beach is the largest exclusive white-sand beach in Jamaica.  
• Beach Bars: Several beach bars like Latitudes and The Mariner to hangout at with a refreshing cocktail. 
• Offshore Island: A private offshore island with a swim up bar and cabanas, just a short 2 minute ferry ride away. 
• Motorsports: One of the unique offerings at this location is they also have motorized water sports like wakeboarding or skiing, which is not offered at every Sandals. 
• Activities: Water sports like kayaking, Hobie Cats, and paddleboarding are easily accessible. 
• Waters: Calm and a stunning shade of turquoise, making it perfect for snorkelling or swimming. 
• Marine Life: The crystal clear water lets you see coral formations and colorful fish from far away.  You can easily find Nemo out here. 
• Lounging: The beach is lined with plenty of loungers with palm umbrellas. Private cabanas are available with your own concierge if you want a more romantic setting. 
• Sunsets: Evenings on the beach have stunning sunsets painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. 

There are 12 first-rate restaurants and 6 bars throughout Sandals Montego Bay offering dishes from all around the world. Each restaurant has its own distinctive vibe so you can find the perfect setting for any mood or craving.  

Pro Tip: Reserve a private candlelight dinner served with your personal butler.  It is only $199 per couple to have a decorated table with flowers and candlelight under the stars.  The staff will set up the table on the terrace overlooking the ocean, or at your suite.  Seating is limited, so book early.  

Don’t forget that you also get access to all 9 restaurants at neighboring Sandals Royal Caribbean, so you have 21 total restaurants to choose from. 

Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options at Montego Bay:

1. Butch’s: Butch’s is named after the founder of Sandals, “Butch” Stewart. Known for his attention to quality and detail, Butch’s restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience for steak and seafood lovers.  With elegant décor and exceptional service, it’s a must-visit for a special night out – but be sure to make a reservation. Please do yourself a favor and order the Chef’s Surf and Turf, you wont regret it 🙂.
2. Bayside: Bayside offers an eclectic range of international dishes with a buffet-style setting. I loved the continental breakfast with plenty of made to order options.  It opens very early at 5:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. And the outdoor setting is perfect for enjoying the Caribbean breeze while you grab a bite.
3. Oleander: Oleander specializes in gourmet Jamaican cuisine, offering a taste of local flavors like Jerk Pork Chops and Cod Fish Fritters. The classic decor while overlooking the ocean is a great touch. Note that evening attire is required here for dinner.
4. Cucina Romana: This restaurant delivers the charm of Italy right to Sandals Montego Bay where the chef uses locally grown tomatoes and basil for a truly authentic meal.  I would highly recommend the Lasagna here, it was potentially the best I have ever had! The panoramic seaside view is the perfect touch to an already memorable experience
5. Tokyo Jo’s: Asian fusion is the highlight at Tokyo Jo’s, featuring fresh hand rolled sushi and stir-fried delights. The standout for me was visiting the wok station to create your own stir-fry.  This restaurant is only open for dinner between 5:30 – 10:00 PM.
6. Stew Fish: I loved hanging out at this place because it is situated right on the beach in the sand.  Offering freshly caught seafood, the laid-back atmosphere is perfect to grab lunch and experience local favorites.
7. Dino’s Pizzeria: As the name implies, Dino’s offers a taste of Italy with delicious, oven-baked pizzas. Using the freshest ingredients, they serve classic and made to order pizzas that cater to all preferences. For us, it was a perfect spot for a casual lunch snack since it is only open until 6:00 PM.
8. The Mariner: The Mariner is a laid-back beach bar with classic island comfort foods. The menu features juicy burgers, fresh seafood, and my favorite, Jerk Chicken. It’s a perfect place to grab a quick bite and enjoy a drink in a prime shoreline location.
9. Café de Paris: If you are into sweats, this is your place. The charming little patisserie brings a slice of France to the Caribbean, offering crepes, pastries, and ice-cream. For me, it was my go-to place to grab a quick espresso in the morning since it opens at 6:30 AM.
10. Jerk Shack: The Jerk Shack delivers authentic Jamaican jerk dishes with bold spices and flavors. Outdoor casual dining at its best, it offers mouth-watering jerk chicken, sausage, and pork for lunch.  Not only that, but the fish in foil is prepared unlike any fish I have had.  Highly recommended!
11. Soy: Tucked back in the tropical gardens, Soy Sushi Bar serves fresh hand rolls and sashimi. It is pretty fun to watch the chefs create each piece with great attention to detail right in front of you. The cozy setting with mahogany decor and firepits is ideal for enjoying tasty sushi selections.
12. The Cricketers Pint: Located just off the main lobby, this British-style pub offers a range of ales and classic pub fare to satisfy any craving. Traditional dishes like shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips, are a fun way to mix it up from the other dining options. 

Sandals Montego Bay offers 7 pools and 3 whirlpools for relaxation and fun. Whether you want to swim, lounge, or sip a cocktail by the water, there’s something for everyone.

The main pool is the most active pool around the resort, but my favorite is the swim-up pool with piano bar which is perfect for grabbing a refreshing drink without leaving the water.

For a more luxurious experience, you can go with the new beachfront swim-up suites. The suites have an open concept floor plan that flows right into the Crystal Lagoon pool, and the sunset views are unlike any other. 

Each pool area is equipped with comfortable loungers and shaded cabanas. Towels and concierge service are readily available for any requests you have!

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pool amenities:

• Main Pool: The large pool behind the main entrance building has a mellow vibe with 2 person lounge chairs and is surrounded by the beautiful white sand beach. 
• Piano Swim-up Bar: A popular night-spot to have some drinks around the pool and sing live piano songs. 
• Crystal Lagoon Pool: A winding beachfront pool that offers spectacular views of the caribbean.
• Swim-up Suites: Get your own swim-up suite with the brand new butler beachfront suites. You also get a huge patio with a tranquility soaking tub.
• Poolside Cabanas: Luxury cabanas are available to rent if you want a more VIP poolside experience with concierge service.

The great thing about staying at Sandals Sandals Montego is it is so big, that you would never have to leave if you didn’t want to. There are a wide range of activities for any taste whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation at the spa.

Activities At The Resort

Aside from the iconic white-sand beach, there are endless activities included at Sandals Montego Bay.  I love that they have motorized water sports here. Having the option to go wakeboarding in the Caribbean is an experience I will never forget.  SCUBA diving is also a must to take advantage of seeing the beautiful coral and tropical fish. 

Here are all the activities you can do at Sandals Montego Bay: 

• Motorized Water Sports:  You can go wakeboarding and skiing at this location, which is not available at all Sandals locations. 
• Scuba Diving: Enjoy an epic scuba diving outing with PADI Certified instructors.  You only need to take a 3 hour course in the training pool and you go for an open water dive!
• Water Activities: Windsurf, paddleboard, snorkel, kayak, Hobie Cats, and more are available right on the beach. 
• Beach Volleyball: Play a friendly game of beach volleyball on the beautiful private cove beach. 
• Fitness Center: Open 24 hours with a nice selection of weights and cardio equipment. There are also group fitness classes for water aerobics, yoga, and more.
• Tennis: Tennis courts are available day and night, with complimentary coaching.  Basketball courts are also located behind the main building. 
• Shuffleboard: The shuffle board is located behind the Palms Building and is a fun activity to hang out on the beach.

Relaxation And Spa

What would a vacation be without the opportunity to relax at the resort’s Red Lane Spa. A variety of treatments are available to provide a rejuvenating escape in a serene environment.

Remember to book massages, facials, and body scrubs in advance to make sure you get your spot. The spa is located back in the tropical garden of the Caribbean Village. 

I highly recommend the Neroli Jasmine couples’ massage to unwind alongside your partner. This peaceful setting in the tropical gardens made it easy to let loose and recharge.

• Spa Treatments: The spa offers a variety of treatments such as massages, hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, and facials. 
• Body Scrubs: A variety of natural body scrubs to remove impurities from your skin. 
• Manicures and Pedicures: Enjoy treatments for your nails so they look fresh on the beach.
• CBD Oil Massage: Get a massage with CBD infused oil to melt away fatigue and muscle tension. 
• Himalayan Salt Stone Treatment: Full body warm himalayan salt stone massage. 
• Wedding Packages: Select bridal packages will include spa services for the couple

Off-Site Adventures

For those who want added adventure, there are plenty of off-site things to do around Sandals Montego Bay. I had to make a journey to the Martha Brae River to try river rafting on a 30 ft long bamboo raft. You can book all of these right at the Island Routes desk at the resort. 

Overall, Montego Bay offers a range of adventures for exploring the beauty of Jamaica. Here are my top five recommendations.

• Martha Brae River Rafting: About an hour from the resort, the Martha Brae River offers the famous bamboo rafting experience. Visitors float on bamboo rafts through lush landscapes. A ticket for this adventure costs roughly $120 per person for a guided raft trip and transportation.  You can also add zip lining if you want some added adventure before rafting!
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise: The sunset catamaran cruise with Reggae is a great way to get out on the water and explore the Jamaican coastline.  The cruise starts with some snorkeling, and then they have amazing reggae music and an open bar.  Book in advance so you can get the Sunset time slot.  The catamaran cruises are about $110 per person.
• Dunn’s River Falls: A must-visit spot, Dunn’s River Falls is about 1.5 hours from the resort. This natural wonder features cascading terraced waterfalls. Guests can climb the falls or relax in the natural pools. A guided tour from the resort typically costs$100 per person.
• Luminous Lagoon: Located about 45 minutes away, the Luminous Lagoon is known to have the brightest bioluminescent waters in the world. You take a night boat cruise out and are able to move through the water surrounded by a blue glowing effect.  I did this and it is a trippy experience to see the water magically glow around you!  Tours from the resort cost about $70 per person.
• Ras Natango Gallery and Garden: Check out one of the nicest botanical gardens and gallery in all of Jamaica.  It has the most beautiful vistas of Montego Bay I have seen. The panoramic view from the top of the botanical garden is well worth the trip. Entrance tickets cost $35 per person.

Nightlife

Evenings come alive with live music, themed nights, and beach parties. For late night beach parties, head over to the Piano Bar where there is live DJ music and a pool with a swim up bar.  Another option is Cricketers Pint, which is a classic British pub that is open late right in the main building.

There are also live shows like fire dancers or reggae performers that are definitely worth checking out.  Don’t forget to check the activity schedule for the entertainment and themed parties:

• Caribbean Party Night features local music and dance.
• White Night offers a sophisticated atmosphere where all guests wear white attire.
• Reggae Night immerses guests in authentic Jamaican culture.
• Carnival Dance Party is a high energy Carnival style celebration 
• Silent Disco Night uses silent disco headphones to have a dance party

You can also take a transfer into the Montego Bay city center and find a lot of bars and clubs that are open until 4:00.  Some of my favorite spots in town are Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville or Pier 1, both known for their oceanfront views and live entertainment. If you go into town, I highly recommend traveling in groups, making use of official transportation options, and staying in the tourist zones that are more safe. 

There are 28 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals Montego Bay has 264 luxurious rooms. 

After a 3 year long renovation, the resort has a contemporary vibe with essentially brand new accommodations. For example, we stayed in a beachfront swim-up suite with butler service and amazing views of the Caribbean. 

Here is a breakdown of  the different room levels to choose from:

Luxury Level Rooms:  The Sandals Luxury Level rooms are premium level rooms with amenities such as a private balcony, smart TV, fully stocked refrigerator, and a king-size bed.  Although entry level, these rooms are still very nice with great views (pool, beach, or tropical garden), but without additional amenities like butler service or swim-up access. Luxury Level rooms are ideal for couples seeking luxury without breaking the bank.

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level rooms include the Luxury Level offerings with added concierge services from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. All of these will also have great views of the ocean or beach and have a tranquility soaking tub on the patio. These rooms also come with a fully stocked bar with premium liquors and access to the Club Sandals Lounge. 

Butler Elite Level Suites: For the ultimate luxury experience, the Butler Level suites include a personal butler to tend to your every need 24 hours. These include large one bedroom suites with their private pool access, tranquility soaking tubs, and spectacular views. My favorite suite is the Beachfront Honeymoon Swim-up suite that has floor to ceiling glass doors that are just steps from the beach. 

Sandals Montego Bay brings a new meaning to the term “all-inclusive”. It’s one of my favorite resorts because there is so much to offer that it’s hard to keep track of it all.  Considering all of the included amenities, it was definitely worth it to us.

Let’s unpack everything that is included:

• Stay At 1 Play At 2: Get access to all of the amenities at neighboring Sandals Royal Caribbean.  You essentially get two resorts for one!
• Unlimited Dining And Drinks: With 12 gourmet dining options and 6 bars, all-inclusive is taken to the next level. You choose which restaurant you want for every meal.
• Motorized Water Sports: Wakeboarding and skiing are available at this location.  Not all Sandals offer motorized water sports, so this is a plus.
• Beach Activities: The range of included water sports is extremely large. Options include PADI certified scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis and tennis training from a certified instructor.  There is also beach volleyball, basketball, table tennis, shuffleboard, pool tables, and more.
• Entertainment: There is always music and festivities going on somewhere around the resort.  We really enjoyed the Carnival Dance Party night.  There is also live reggae, steel drums, and dancing.
• The 5-Star Service: The staff really goes above and beyond to meet your needs, which is why Montego Bay is one of the most revisited and searched for Sandals Resorts. 
• Luxury Accommodations: The suites strike a fine balance of elegance and comfort. Even the Luxury Level rooms stand out as being quite nice for “entry level”.
• Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from the airport are included. Premium level suites include BMW transfers!
• In-Room Wine and Spirits: A selection of premium wines and spirits are stocked right in your room.
• Private Beach: The largest private white-sand beach in Jamaica!  What more could you ask for?
• Free Golf Greens Fees: Get free greens fees at a championship level golf club. 
• Fitness Center: There is a really nice 24 hour fitness center here.  You can do classes or have a trainer, but we were too busy on the beach.
• Culinary Classes. Learn how to prepare local Jamaican dishes, offering a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage. 
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no tipping is allowed! This creates a laid back atmosphere, but more importantly, you wont get any extra fees or charges at checkout.

There are several other amenities available but not included in the price. For example,  the on-site Red Lane spa, butler candlelight dinners, and other offsite tours can be arranged in advance. Thankfully, all of the offsite tours can be booked right at the Island Routes desk in the main lobby.

Sandals Montego Bay is situated along the pristine stretch of Montego Bay’s north coast. This resort is very conveniently located, being just about 10 minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ).  Since it is the Sandals closest to the airport out of all their locations, you get more time on the beach and less time driving. Remember that transfers are included regardless of your accommodations. 

There are a lot of direct flights from major cities in the United States and Europe to Montego Bay Jamaica.  Since Jamaica is relatively close, the flights are shorter than for other Caribbean Islands. For example, the flight from Miami to Montego Bay only takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.  

Anniversaries and honeymoons are moments we want to remember forever, and Sandals Montego offers the perfect setting for endless romance. After all, there is a good reason why Sandals is rated a top all-inclusive resort destination for honeymooners.  

As someone who has sent hundreds of happy couples on their dream Caribbean escape, I can assure you Montego Bay will not leave you disappointed.

First, it’s hard to beat the adults only, 5-star experience for you and your partner.  In addition, the pricing at Montego Bay is amongst the most affordable of all the Sandals, which leaves room in your budget for extras like a private candlelight dinner and a couples massage. 

What’s more, the free Sandals honeymoon package creates a warm welcome for couples, including:

• Sparkling prosecco upon arrival
• Special turndown service with rose petals on your bed for the first evening
• Breakfast in bed one morning of your choice
• Additional options include couples massages and private candlelight dinners.

For weddings, the overwater chapel with glass bottom and 360 views is truly one of a kind. There is also a beautiful gazebo perched overlooking the ocean that is stunning for more intimate weddings.  Lastly, the elegant ballroom is a great fallback option in case of bad weather. The maximum capacity for weddings at Montego Bay is 200 people. 

Remember that if you book 5 or more rooms you get discount pricing and perks like room upgrades, catamaran cruises, and private dinner service.

How far is Sandals Montego Bay from the airport?

The Sandals Montego Bay is the closest Sandals to the airport at just over a 5 minute drive from the airport to the resort.  Some might be concerned at the close proximity to the airport, but after staying here for 7 nights, we did not have any issues with airplane noise.

Is Sandals Montego Bay a couples only resort?

No, Sandals Montego Bay is not a couples only resort, but it does have an adult’s only policy.  Despite it not being couple’s only, the resort is geared more toward romantic occasions like honeymoons and anniversaries.

What is the best time to visit Sandals Montego Bay?