Sandals Negril

Staring out over the world famous Seven Mile Beach as I write this, I still can’t believe this place is real. What is notable about this specific Sandals is it’s very close to the water’s edge, making it ideal for beach lovers. This also means great views of the glistening turquoise waters no matter where you are on the property.  What more could you ask for in a Jamaican vacation!

The white sand is incredibly soft under your feet. It’s a perfect spot for soaking up the sun or taking relaxing strolls. I especially like that the resort’s location in the northern section of the bay provides a more secluded experience compared to busier sections of the beach. 

You’ll find the watersports equipment stand that opens at 9:00 AM just steps away. Here you can check-out kayaks, paddleboards, hobby cats, snorkeling gear, and more (all for free). I was actually able to spot some colorful fish while exploring the crystal clear waters just a short swim from the shore!

Here is what to expect for a day on the beach at Sandals Negril: 

• The Beach: The most pristine location on Seven Mile Beach makes this one of the best Sandals in Jamaica. A private white sand beach that celebrates the waters edge.  
• Waters: Because the beach is protected in the northern section of the bay, the water is generally calm and ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
• Beach Bars: Several beachfront bars like Brava or Barefoot By The Sea to grab a tropical cocktail and soak in the Jamaican vibes. 
• Motorized Water Sports: Access to wakeboarding or water skiing, which is a bonus because these are not offered at all Sandals locations. 
• Activities: Unlimited water sports including PADI certified scuba diving, kayaking, Hobie Cats, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, are available on the beach.
• Marine Life: The water is crystal clear so I could spot beautiful coral and tropical fish just a few meters from the shoreline. 
• Lounging: The beach is lined with lounge chairs covered by palm umbrellas so you don’t have to worry about getting a spot. Private cabanas are available with your personal butler for an additional cost. 
• Sunsets: Sunsets on the northwest coast of Jamaica are known for their signature pink and orange glow that are one of a kind. 

There are 8 world class restaurants and 5 bars throughout Sandals Negril offering authentic specialty dishes that will leave you wanting more. Each restaurant has its own distinct theme so you are sure to find the perfect ambiance for any occasion.  

Expert Tip: Reserve a private candlelight dinner under the stars, on the beach, or at your suite. The dinner comes with a dedicated waiter who will also decorate the table with flowers and tend to your every need.  I think it’s definitely worth it for only $199 per couple!

Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options at Sandals Negril:

1. Brava: The traditional Spanish food Served at Brava is to die for!  This was our favorite spot to get dinner because it’s situated on the beach with an open air atmosphere that is perfect for sunsets. Note that dinner is from 6:00 – 9:30 and reservations are required.  I can’t recommend the marinated snapper with a nice glass of Sangria enough 🙂
2. The Bayside Restaurant: The Bayside Restaurant is located right behind the main lobby on a spacious patio overlooking the Caribbean. The restaurant offers a casual atmosphere, requires no reservations, and is practically open 24/7. I enjoyed the breakfast buffet and à la carte options to start the day, but they also have “late night” hours from 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM.
3. Perla: I loved taking a break from the beach to go grab a light lunch or snack at Perla.  It is a nice little bar right off the beach that offers fantastic Caribbean and Latin fusion.  The Red Stripe pulled pork sandwich is a must try!  This is a super casual spot that is open from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM.  
4. Kimonos: Kimonos is a really fun Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. I love how the chefs show off their skills, flipping the spatula and doing tricks right at the table. This is also a great way to interact with other couples since it is group seating around the grill.  Make your reservations for dinner in advance here as it fills up fast!
5. Barefoot by the Sea: As the name implies, there is no shame in dining barefoot with your toes in the sand here!  The casual establishment is just steps from the ocean making for amazing views of the Caribbean. Here you can get breakfast or dinner, and reservations are not required. I highly recommend the fresh grilled swordfish, but all of the seafood is fresh caught and incredibly tasty.
6. The Sundowner: The Sundowner features authentic Caribbean cuisine that is downright delectable. The national dish of Jamaica, Ackee and Saltfish, is perfectly prepared. The famous Conch Salad is also a crowd pleaser.  Reservations are required here for dinner. 
7. Bella Napoli Pizzeria: Bella Napoli Pizzeria has fantastic wood-fired pizzas made to order. They have a variety of toppings that you can choose from for the perfect pie. This is a perfect place to grab a quick lunch or an early dinner since it is open from 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM. 
8. Crema:  Crema is a cozy cafe that opens at 7:00 AM, so I liked to grab a nice cup of coffee brewed from local Jamaican coffee beans to start the day.  They also have several flavors of ice cream available which is a fantastic treat on the hot days.  One unique offering here is the “affogato”. That is a mix of ice cream with espresso, and they are addicting!

Aside from all the restaurants, the Sandals Negril also has 5 bars around the property featuring premium liquor and the local Appleton Estate Rum. The swim-up bars by the piano bar and main pool are great spots to post up with a cocktail without ever leaving the pool. The Piano bar is a lively late night terrace where you can sing along to your favorite songs.

Sandals Negril has 4 pools and 3 whirlpools for some fun under the sun. Whether you want to relax, float around, or enjoy a cocktail at one of two swim up bars, there’s something for everyone.

The main pool has the most action and frequently has entertainment nearby in the evening.  But what I especially like about the resort layout is that every pool is on the beach, so you have stunning views of the Caribbean while you relax poolside. 

Every pool area has plenty of lounge chairs with shaded cabanas. Towels and concierge service are readily available for anything you need. Just sit back and relax!

For a more luxurious experience, you can stay in the new beachfront swim-up suites with amazing ocean views and direct access to the crystal lagoon pool (these are my favorite suites here).  There are even suites with their own private pool sanctuaries like the Palm Grove Honeymoon One Bedroom Butler Suite.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pool amenities at Sandals Negril:

• Main Pool: A large pool located just off the main lobby at the center of the resort is more upbeat. It also features a big swim up bar and a whirlpool.
• Crystal Lagoon Pool: A long lazy river pool that accesses the swim-up suites is ideal for floating around or lounging in your private pool access.
• Piano Bar Pool: There is another, slightly smaller, pool located off the piano bar that also features a swim-up bar and is more of a social atmosphere.
• Private Pools: Get your own swim-up suite in the Sundowner Building, a Skypool suite in the Bamboo Grove Building, or a private pool in the Palm Grove Village with the butler level suites. 
• Scuba Pool: There is a SCUBA training pool where you can take a 3 hour class to get certified for open water divers during your trip.
• Poolside Cabanas: Get a private Luxury poolside cabana for two if you want a more VIP experience with personal butler service. Note that this option is extra and reserved in advance.

The great thing about Sandals Negril is it has so much to offer, that you can stay on the resort property the whole vacation and still have plenty to do! There are wide ranging options for activities whether you’re looking for action and adventure, or just a relaxing day at the spa.

Activities At The Resort

When we’re not relaxing on the beautiful white-sand beach, there are seemingly endless activities to take advantage of at Sandals Negril. 

Note that motorized water sports are not available at all Sandals locations (or most resorts in general), so being able to wakeboard and ski here is an incredible experience for water lovers.  

From beginners to experienced divers, PADI certified scuba outings are also available to everyone who wants to enjoy the beautiful coral, shipwrecks, and tropical fish that Jamaica has to offer. 

Here are all the activities you can do at Sandals Negril: 

• PADI Scuba Diving: The PADI certified scuba diving program is a great way to explore the underwater world safely and learn something new. For beginners, you need to take a short 3 hour  course in the training pool and you are able to go for one open water dive!
• Motorized Water Sports: You can go wakeboarding and skiing which isn’t available at all Sandals locations so it’s a nice bonus.
• Water Activities: Whether it’s kayaking, windsurfing, hobie cats, or paddleboarding, there’s always something to try.
• Tennis: Tennis courts are available in the back of the resort, complete with complimentary coaching. 
• Fitness Center: There is a state of the art fitness center open 24 hours a day.  It includes aerobic machines, free weights, and everything you need for a great workout. 
• Complimentary Classes: There are daily group fitness classes for water aerobics, yoga, stretching, body pump (aka “Jammin”), and more.  You can check out the schedule online for each day’s options.
• Beach Volleyball: Get a game of beach volleyball going on the white-sand beach. 

Relaxation And Spa

We absolutely love the Red Lane Spa at Sandals Negril. Treatments are offered in a tranquil room within the spa facilities, or in a private cabana on the edge of the beach.  This is a great break from the Caribbean sun to rejuvenate your mind and body!

Make sure to book your massages and other treatments in advance because they can book up fast.  

My favorite is the Hot Stone Couples’ Massage to unwind next to your partner. The private setting on a secluded beach makes it easy to relax and recharge.

• Spa Treatments: The Red Lane spa offers a variety of treatments including massages, hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, and facials.
• Body Scrubs: You can get natural body scrubs, seaweed body treatments, and facial scrubs to help exfoliate your skin. 
• Manicures and Pedicures: Polish up your hands and feet so they look fresh date night and out on the beach!
• CBD Massage: The CBD infused oil is used to help melt away your stress and relax your muscles.
• Himalayan Stone Treatment: We loved the full body himalayan salt stone massage. The warm stones are so relaxing that I didn’t want it to end!
• Wedding Packages: Some bridal packages include a pre wedding couples massage.  Ask us for details!

Off-Site Adventures

Exploring the area around Sandals Negril is a great way to experience Jamaica’s vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. The good news is that nearly all of these excursions can be booked right through the Island Routes desk in the main lobby, or on their website ahead of time. 

Here are my top six picks for off-site adventures:

• Mayfield Falls: One of the most famous natural attractions in Jamaica, this set of 21 cascading waterfalls with soaking pools are surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Located just 30 minutes from Sandals Negril, Mayfield Falls is a must visit during your stay!  The falls are less commercialized than other tourist attractions so you get more opportunities to connect with nature. A tour costs around $120 per person, which includes access to the falls, a guided experience, and transfers both ways.
• Rick’s Cafe: Located about 10 minutes from the resort, Rick’s is an iconic bar known for cliff diving into the bright blue Caribbean and its breathtaking sunsets. Voted one of the top bars in the Caribbean, I would highly recommend going to check it out. While admission is free, transfers out to Rick’s are about $25, making it a budget friendly outing. 
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise: There are several catamaran cruise options to choose from, but my personal favorite is the sunset catamaran cruise while you are serenaded with local Reggae music.  You also get appetizers, drinks, and fantastic views of the Negril coastline. The boat will also stop for about 30 minutes so you can snorkel with the tropical fish and get some cool photos.  The cruise costs about $125 per person. 
• Martha Brae River Rafting: Approximately 90 minutes away, this adventure offers a relaxing ride on a 30 ft bamboo raft down the serene Martha Brae River. The cost is around $70 per person. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature while learning about the river’s history from knowledgeable local guides.
  
• YS Falls: This adventure is a little further away with a two-hour drive from the resort.  YS Falls features a stunning 7 tiered waterfall with natural pools.  You can walk the falls, hit the rope swing, and walk the trails through the lush forest.  I would advise you to wear water shoes if you want to walk the falls though.  Guided tours from the resort including transfers will cost about $95 per person. 
• Appleton Estate Rum Tour: If you’re willing to travel two hours inland, the Appleton Estate is a historic rum distillery dating all the way back to 1655! In fact, it is the oldest distillery and sugar plantation in Jamaica. You can see the distillation in action, and more importantly, sample all of the different rums they make. Tours out to the Appleton Estate start at about $150 per person, which includes all of the rum tastings and transfers. 

Nightlife And Live Music

For those looking to explore beyond the resort, there are local bars and clubs nearby. I love taking the opportunity to experience Negril’s vibrant nightlife scene outside of Sandals. Each spot adds something special to my night out.

Evenings at Sandals Negril come alive with beach parties, themed nights, and music every night of the week. Head over to the Piano Bar for late night parties and sing your heart out with a live piano player.  The Bayside Restaurant is also open until 6:00 AM so you can keep the party going until the sun comes up if you so choose. 

There are also live shows like fire dancers, steel drum reggae performances, and carnival style dancers that provide a lot of entertainment. For the different theme nights, I recommend checking out the schedule to see what parties are happening: 

Theme Nights:

• Caribbean Beach Party Night features local music, great appetizers, signature cocktails, and lively dancing.  There have been dance offs known to happen here! 😂
• Reggae Night eases you into the Jamaican spirit with amazing live reggae performances.
• Carnival Dance Party is a provocative Carnival style dress and dance party. 
• Silent Disco Night features  silent disco headphones for a unique dance party on the beach.

Outside of the resort, you can also take a transfer into the Negril city center and find a few good clubs like The Jungle that are open until 5:00 AM on the weekends. I’ll be the first to admit though, that Negril has a more laid back vibe compared to Montego Bay.  So if you are looking for a more lively nightlife or club scene, I would suggest Sandals Montego Bay or Royal Caribbean. 

If you do go into Negril, use only official transportation, travel in groups, and stay in the secure tourist areas. The resort staff will help you coordinate everything you need and answer all your questions.

There are 19 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals Negril has 226 luxurious rooms.  

This resort is known for celebrating the stunning shorelines of the famed 7 Mile Beach.  Every room will have a beautiful view of the glowing azure Caribbean.  For example, we stayed in a beachfront swim up suite with butler service that had private access to the Crystal Lagoon Pool with fantastic ocean views. 

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

Luxury Level Rooms:  Sandals Luxury Level rooms are the more basic accommodations, yet they still offer premium amenities such as a private balcony, fine linens, customer furniture, a king-size bed, smart TVs, and fully stocked refrigerators.  Despite being “entry level” rooms, they offer excellent views (beach, oceanview, tropical garden, and pool views).  The primary difference is that they don’t have additional amenities like butler service, personal pool sanctuaries, or club access. Luxury Level rooms are perfect for couples that want the 5-star luxury that Sandals is known for without breaking the bank.

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level suites have all the Luxury Level offerings but also come with concierge service from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. These rooms will have better oceanfront views and, in some cases, be more spacious.  The higher end Club Level suites feature swim-up access or beachfront walk out patios. Additionally, guests will enjoy access to Club Sandals Lounge and a fully stocked en-suite bar with premium liquors. 

Butler Elite Level Suites: For those that want to indulge in the ultimate 5-star luxury experience, Butler Level suites come with a personal butler that tends to your every need 24 hours a day. These suites include large one bedroom layouts with SkyPools (private infinity edge pools), private pool sanctuaries, rooftop terraces, and premium ocean views.  Everything in these suites is over the top, from the fine Egyptian linens to his/her custom bath robes.

Sandals Negril redefines the term “all-inclusive” with its expansive offerings. The resort is one of the best Sandals overall because it offers so much that it’s hard to keep track of it all. When I looked at all of the included activities, dining options, and amenities, the price was more than worth it for our vacation!

Let’s unpack everything that is included:

• Unlimited Dining And Drinks: With unlimited dining at 8 world class restaurants and 5 bars to choose from, all-inclusive is taken to another level. You can choose which restaurant you want for every meal, each has its district vibe.
• Motorized Water Sports: Wakeboarding and waterskiing are available at Sandals Negril. This is a big plus because most Sandals don’t offer motorized water sports.
• Water Activities: Endless water activities to choose from like PADI certified scuba diving, paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, hobie cats, windsurfing, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis with free lessons from a certified instructor.  There is also beach volleyball, croquet, bocce ball, shuffleboard, billiards, and more.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours: Take a nice and relaxing tour along the Negril shoreline in a glass bottom boat.
• Daily Entertainment: Festivities going on night and day throughout the resort.  We really enjoyed the Caribbean Beach Party night. Be sure to ask for the event schedule so you don’t miss out!
• 5-Star Service: All the staff we interacted with here are top notch, which is why Sandals Negril is one of the most revisited of all the Sandals Resorts. Our butler Carl was so attentive and made sure we had everything we needed!
• Airport Transfers: Airport transfers both to and from are included. 
• Top Shelf Wine and Spirits: A premium selection wine and spirits like the local Appleton Estate Rum and Twin Oaks are fully stocked in your room.
• Private Beach: The best stretch on the famed 7 Mile Beach is the best beach in Jamaica!  What can I ask for in a Caribbean vacation?
• Free Golf Greens Fees: Free greens fees at 2 championship level golf clubs in Jamaica. The courses are about 90 minutes away and transfers are not included.  
• Fitness Center: Top of the line fitness center that is open 24 hours a day.  They also offer daily fitness classes and personal training sessions. 
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no extra gratuities are allowed!  I love this because you won’t have any extra fees or surprises at checkout.

Keep in mind that there are many extras that are not included if you choose to go above and beyond. For example, spa treatments, massages, private candlelight dinners, and other off site excursions can be arranged in advance. 

Sandals Negril is situated along the north end of Negril’s 7 Mile Beach, just below Bloody Bay.  

The resort is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Although the drive is a little longer than other Sandals options, it covers the northwest coast of Jamaica which is extremely beautiful with lots to see. Importantly, airport transfers are always included regardless of your accommodations. 

There are many airlines offering direct flights from the United States and Canada to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.  Because Jamaica is relatively close to the US, flights are shorter than for most other Caribbean Islands. For example, a flight from Miami to Montego Bay is only 1.5 hours long.  

Expert Tip: Use the Club Mobay services at the airport for your flights to Jamaica. This will allow you to pass through customs in about 10 minutes with a personal chauffeur. And when you depart, you can hang out in the Club Mobay lounge until your flight leaves.  You need to book this in advance as they have specific slots for each time window. 

I also suggest completing the C5 Declaration Form before arrival to Jamaica.  You can download this form on the Jamaican Government site here.

Sandals Negril is perfectly tailored for honeymoons and weddings. After all, Sandals Resorts are consistently rated as the top all-inclusive destinations for honeymooners for  good reason!  

As someone who has successfully planned thousands of dream Caribbean escapes for couples, I can tell you that Negril will not disappoint.

First, the adults-only experience for you and your partner is unbeatable. Second, the pricing at Negril is one of the most affordable Sandals, which leaves more room in your budget for extras like a couples massage, a romantic boat cruise, or a private candlelight dinner.

If you go to Sandals within 30 days of your wedding, enjoy the free honeymoon package that includes:

• Sparkling champagne flutes for the couple upon arrival
• Special bed turndown service on the first evening with flower petals
• Special breakfast in bed for a morning that you choose

And if it is your anniversary, you can get a free night simply by staying 7 nights or more in a club or butler level room! You just need to make your booking and then submit your wedding certificate to prove your wedding date is within 30 days of your stay. 

For weddings, there are three wedding gazebos located on the beach and one located in the tropical garden. And just in case you need a fallback, there is an elegant wedding lounge perfect for indoor weddings. 

Don’t forget about the group booking deals for weddings. If you book five or more rooms you get discount pricing with added perks like suite upgrades, private dinner service, and catamaran cruises.