Sandals Royal Caribbean

As I sit here writing this, I am looking over the clear Caribbean waters calmly rolling onto the white sand beach while listening to reggae music.  What more can you ask for from a Jamaican getaway!

The white-sand beach at Sandals Royal Caribbean stretches nearly a mile, making it the largest private beach in all of Jamaica. And because it is tucked into Mahee Bay on the Northeast Coast of the island, the water is incredibly calm. 

But the most unique part of staying here is the private offshore island. Sandals Cay, as it’s called, has secluded beaches with cabanas that make this one of my favorite Sandals Resorts of all.  Free water taxis will take you out to the island in a short 2 minute ride. 

Here is what to expect for a day on the beach at Royal Caribbean: 

• The Beach: The sprawling mile long beach is the largest exclusive beach in all of Jamaica.  
• Offshore Island: A private offshore island with multiple white-sand beaches and cabanas, just a short 2 minute ferry ride away. 
• Beach Bars: Several beachfront bars like the Sandals Island Swim-Up Bar and The Mariner to relax at with a tropical cocktail. 
• Motorsports: You can get access to motorized water sports like wakeboarding or skiing at the nearby Sandals Montego Bay.
• Activities: Unlimited water sports like PADI scuba diving, snorkeling,kayaking, paddleboarding, and Hobie Cats, are available on the beach.
• Waters: Floating on the calm, warm sea with Montego Bay in the distance is a magical experience.  Because it is protected within Mahee Bay, the water is hardly ever rough.
• Marine Life: The water is as clear as glass, with colorful coral and tropical fish easy to spot. It’s perfect if you want to go snorkeling just off the shoreline.
• Lounging: The beach has plenty of palm umbrellas with lounge chairs so you don’t have to worry about getting a spot. Private cabanas are also available that come with your personal butler service. 
• Sunsets: Evenings on the Jamaican north coast have stunning sunsets painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. 

There are 9 gourmet restaurants and 5 bars throughout Sandals Royal Caribbean offering specialty dishes from every corner of the world. Each restaurant has a distinctive vibe so you can find the perfect ambiance for any occasion or craving.  

Don’t forget that you get access to all 12 restaurants at neighboring Sandals Montego Bay, so you have 21 restaurants and 11 bars in total to choose from. 

Pro Tip: Reserve a candlelight dinner served by your own personal butler.  You can choose your location under the stars, on the beach, or at your suite. The staff will also decorate the table with flowers.  For only $199 per couple, it’s well worth it! 

Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options at Royal Caribbean:

1. Bombay: This Indian restaurant serves authentic cuisines with exotic spices. The butter chicken with freshly baked naan was absolutely incredible. The interior here is very cool with patterned rugs and statues, and great views of the ocean.  Note that a reservation is required for dinner. 
2. Royal Thai: This is my favorite restaurant at the resort.  Located on a private offshore island, this spot adds an exotic touch to its Thai experience. I would highly recommend going here for at least one dinner because it feels like you are whisked away to a totally different place.  The Yam Yue Yang beef was absolutely incredible. Dinner is from 5:30 – 9:00 and reservations are required.
3. Le Jardinier: A romantic and quiet setting in the courtyard, this French restaurant offers an intimate dinner experience. The Bouillabaisse was delicious here, but the pastries are also to die for!  Reservations are required.
   
4. The Cricketers Pub: Offering a slice of Britain, this lively pub is perfect for a casual night out. The nice thing is that it’s also open until 2:00 AM so you can come here for a night cap. The fish and chips are fantastic, and the setting adds to an authentic British vibe.
   
5. Bella Napoli: For pizza lovers, Bella Napoli serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas. You can order any toppings you want, including dessert pizza.  The Margherita with its fresh tomatoes and basil was delicious. It’s a great spot to grab lunch while relaxing by the pool or beach.
   
6. The Mariner: The Mariner offers grilled foods and burgers right on the beach.  It’s a low key spot to grab a bite and a drink and soak in the ocean vibes. The jerk chicken wrap is a must-try. This restaurant is open from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
   
7. The Jerk Shack: Another fantastic option for Jamaican cuisine, The Jerk Shack is located out on the private island. It’s open between 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, so it’s ideal to grab lunch if you are out on the island.  The recipe they use is amazing, the Jerk Sausage is addicting!  
8. Spices: This vibrant restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean cuisine with local spices like nutmeg, pimiento, and cinnamon. It’s open all day, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  The breakfast buffet was fantastic and started at 7:30 AM.  Lunch and dinner are also a great option here because the view overlooks the bay.
   
9. La Tavola: A warm and inviting Italian restaurant.  It feels like your grandmother is servicing up the classics. The lasagna was prepared to perfection and complemented with their wide selection of wines.  Dinner is from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and reservations are not required.
   

In addition to the restaurants, the resort also has 6 amazing bars scattered around the property. The swim-up bars by the main pool and out on the private island are great options to grab a cocktail without ever leaving the water. The Piano bar is a late night spot to belt out some favorite songs in a more lively setting.

Sandals Royal Caribbean has 8 pools and 6 whirlpools for fun under the sun. Whether you want to swim, relax, or enjoy a cocktail by the water, there’s a little something for everyone.

The main pool is the most active pool, with a swim-up bar and nice views out to the Caribbean.  But my favorite is the swim-up pool on the private island that is secluded and surrounded by the white-sand beach.  

What I really like about the layout of this resort is there is a pool closely located to all of the rooms, no matter where you stay.  Whether the main pool or the east and south pools, your room is sure to have easy access to a pool.

For a luxury experience, you can stay in a new swim-up suite with direct access to the crystal lagoon pool.  A couple of suites even offer their own private pools. The Beachfront Butler Suite and Overwater Bungalows can come with private pools that are secluded. 

Each pool area has plenty of lounger chairs with shaded cabanas. Towels and concierge service are available for any requests you have!

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

• Main Pool: The large pool located in the center of the resort has a more upbeat vibe, with a swim-up bar, and nice views out to the beautiful white sand beach. 
• Offshore Island Pool: A large pool located on the private island with a swim-up bar and whirlpool.
• Crystal Lagoon Pool: A winding lazy river style pool that is perfect for floating around and lounging poolside at your personal suite.
• Private Pools: Get your own swim-up suite or private pool with the premium level suites. 
• Poolside Cabanas: Luxury poolside cabanas are available if you want a more VIP experience with butler service. This option is extra and needs to be booked in advance.

The great thing about staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean 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 sprawling white-sand beach, there are endless activities included at Sandals Royal Caribbean. The motorized water sports is an option that is not available at all Sandals locations, so being able to wakeboard in the Caribbean is an experience I will not soon forget.  PADI certified scuba diving is also something to take advantage of with all of the beautiful marine life and tropical fish. 

Here are all the activities you can do at Sandals Royal Caribbean: 

• PADI Scuba Diving: Go on a legendary scuba diving adventure with a PADI Certified instructor.  After only a 3 hour course in their training pool, you go out for an open water dive!
• Motorized Water Sports: You can go wakeboarding and skiing at the neighboring Montego Bay location, which isn’t available at all Sandals locations so it’s a nice bonus.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling , paddleboard, windsurfing, kayaking, and Hobie Cats are available right from the beach. 
• Tennis: Tennis courts are available with complimentary coaching.  There are also Basketball courts located behind the main building. 
• Fitness Center: A state of the art fitness center that is open 24 hours. They also offer group fitness classes for yoga, water aerobics, and more.
• Beach Volleyball: Play a game of pickup beach volleyball on the beautiful white-sand beach. 

Relaxation And Spa

The Bali inspired spa at Sandals Royal Caribbean is my favorite spa out of all the Sandals resorts in Jamaica.  Located on their offshore private island, you can get relaxing treatments right on the beach with the sound of the ocean in the background. 

Make sure to book your massages, body scrubs, and facials in advance because they can run out of availability at the last minute. 

I highly recommend the West India couples’ massage to unwind next to your partner. This peaceful setting in the privacy of a secluded beach made it easy to let loose and recharge.

• Spa Treatments: The Red Lane spa offers a lot of attractive treatments like massages, hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, and facials.
• Manicures and Pedicures: Enjoy rejuvenating treatments for your hands and feet so they look fresh on the beach.
• Body Scrubs: You can even get natural body scrubs and facial scrubs to help remove impurities from your skin. 
• Himalayan Salt Stone Treatment: Full body warm himalayan salt stone massage. 
• CBD Oil Massage: Massages with CBD infused oil that melt away your muscle tension. 
• Wedding Packages: With select bridal packages, you can get a pre wedding couples massage.

Off-Site Adventures

There are plenty of off-site things to do around Sandals Royal Caribbean for added adventure. I highly recommend taking the trip to the Martha Brae River to river raft on a 30 foot long bamboo raft. The good news is that you can book all of these excursions right at the Island Routes desk in the resort. 

I love Jamaica because there are a range of options to explore the natural beauty of the island. Here are my top six recommendations for excursions around the resort:

• Dunn’s River Falls: I loved visiting the famous Dunn’s River Falls. It’s about an hour’s drive from the resort, and the cascading waterfalls are one of a kind. You can climb the 600-foot waterfall, but I recommend wearing water shoes to protect your feet and get more traction. A guided tour from the resort will cost about $100 and it includes all the transfers. 
• Martha Brae River Rafting: I had an unforgettable time bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River. It’s only about 45 minutes from Sandals Royal Caribbean and costs $120 per person. Drifting through the tropical forest was incredibly relaxing, and my guide shared stories and sang songs, which adds a nice touch of local history. 
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise: The sunset catamaran cruise with Reggae is a great way to get out on the water and explore the north coast of Jamaica.  The cruise also includes snorkeling, and then you have amazing reggae music with an open bar for tasty cocktails.  Make sure to book in advance to get the Sunset time slot.  The catamaran cruises start at about $110 per person.
• Bob Marley Museum: A visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is a must for any reggae fan. Although it’s about 2.5 hours away, it was definitely worth the trip. It’s fascinating to learn about Bob Marley’s life first hand and see the house he grew up in. General admission tickets start at $25.
• Rose Hall Great House: Just a 25-minute drive from the resort, Rose Hall Great House is a beautifully restored plantation. For $20, you can wander through its haunted halls. The guides tell all the tales of ghostly encounters.
  
• Ras Natango Gallery and Garden.  This is one of nicest galleries and  botanical gardens in all of Jamaica.  It has the most beautiful view of Montego Bay I have seen. The panoramic vistas from the top of the garden is well worth the trip by itself. Entrance tickets are only $35 per person, so it’s pretty reasonable.

Nightlife And Live Music

Evenings at Royal Caribbean come alive with beach parties, music, and themed nights. For late night parties, head over to the Piano Bar to sing your favorite songs with a live piano player,  or the Cricketers Pint, which is a classic British pub that is open late right in the main building. 

There are also live shows like steel drum reggae performances and fire dancers that are very entertaining. Definitely check the theme night schedule to see what parties are happening: 

Theme Nights:

• Caribbean Beach Party Night features local music and lively dancing.
• White Night offers an elegant atmosphere with an all white dress code.
• Reggae Night gets you into the Jamaican mood with live reggae performances.
• Carnival Dance Party is a high energy Carnival style dress and dancing. 
• Silent Disco Night is a silent disco with headphones for a unique dance party experience.

For those who want to adventure into Montego Bay, you can also take a transfer into the city center and find a lot of clubs that are open until 4:00.  Some of my favorite spots are Pier 1 or Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, both have oceanfront views with live music. If you do go into Montego Bay, I highly recommend using official transportation options, traveling in groups, and staying in the more secure tourist zones. The resort staff can help you coordinate all of this. 

There are 24 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals Royal Caribbean has 227 luxurious rooms. 

This resort is known for its luxurious and chic amenities. For example, we stayed in a beachfront skypool suite with butler service that had a huge terrace with amazing views of the caribbean. 

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

Luxury Level Rooms:  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 they are “entry level” rooms, they are still very nice with excellent views (beach, tropical garden, or pool views).  The main difference is they don’t have additional amenities like swim-up access, butler service, or club access. Luxury Level rooms are perfect for couples that want 5-star luxury without breaking the bank.

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level suites come with all of the Luxury Level offerings but with concierge service from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. These rooms also have better views of the oceanfront or beachfront, and have a tranquility soaking tub on the patio.  Some of the higher end Club Level suites will have beachfront walk out patios or swim-up patios. Additionally, they come fully stocked with premium liquors and have access to Club Sandals Lounge. 

Butler Elite Level Suites: For the ultimate in luxury experiences, Butler Level suites come with a personal butler to tend to your every need 24 hours a day. These suites include large one bedroom layouts with private pool access, spectacular views, and tranquility soaking tubs. At Sandals Royal Caribbean, they also have the famous overwater bungalows that are the pinnacle of tropical escapes. My favorite suite is the Private Island Overwater Honeymoon Bungalow with glass bottom floor, truly one of a kind 😍

Sandals Royal Caribbean brings a whole new meaning to the term “all-inclusive” resort. It’s one of my favorites because they offer so much that it’s hard to keep track of it all.  Considering all of the included amenities and activities, it was definitely worth it for our vacation!

Let’s unpack everything that is included:

• Stay At 1 Play At 2: Get access to all of the amenities at neighboring Sandals Montego Bay.  You are essentially getting two resorts for one!
• Unlimited Dining And Drinks: With 9 world class dining options and 5 bars, all-inclusive is taken to another level. You can choose which restaurant you want for every meal. With the nearby Sandals, you get 21 total restaurants. 
• Motorized Water Sports: Skiing and wakeboarding are available at Montego Bay.  This is a huge plus because not all Sandals offer motorized water sports.
• Water Activities: The range of water sports include PADI certified scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis and tennis classes from a certified instructor.  There is also beach volleyball, croquet, basketball, shuffleboard, billiard tables, and more.
• Daily Entertainment: There is always festivities and music going on somewhere at the resort.  We really enjoyed the Reggae party night. Make sure to ask for the schedule so you don’t miss out!
• The 5-Star Service: The staff here is top notch, which is why Royal Caribbean is one of the most revisited of all the Sandals Resorts. Our butler Andre made sure we had everything we needed and then some!
• Airport Transfers: Free transfers to and from the airport are included. 
• Premium Wine and Spirits: A selection of premium wines and spirits like Twin Oaks and Appleton Estate Rum are stocked right in your room.
• Private Beach: The one mile long private white-sand beach is the largest in Jamaica!  What more do you need for a Caribbean vacation?
• Free Golf Greens Fees: Free greens fees at a championship level golf club in Ocho Rios. Transfers are not included though.  
• Fitness Center: State of the art 24 hour fitness center.  You can also take classes or get a trainer.
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no additional tipping is allowed! This creates a laid back atmosphere where you wont have any extra fees or charges at checkout.

All of this said, there are many other amenities that are not included in the price. For example,  the Red Lane spa, candlelight dinners, and other offsite excursions can be arranged in advance. All of these can be booked at the Island Routes desk right in the main lobby.

Sandals Royal Caribbean is situated along the picturesque stretch of Montego Bay’s northeast coast in Mahee Bay. This resort is very conveniently located just 10 minutes from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ).  You have more time on the beach and less time driving since Royal Caribbean is the closest Sandals to the airport out of all their locations. Importantly, transfers both ways are included regardless of your accommodations. 

There are a lot of direct flights from major cities in the United States and Europe to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.  Since Jamaica is relatively close to the US, flights are shorter in duration than for other Caribbean Islands. For example, the flight from Miami to Montego Bay is only an hour and a half.  

Some people ask if the close proximity to the airport means you can hear airplanes flying overhead at the resort, but we never had an issue with that. 

Pro Tip: Anytime you travel to Jamaica, use the Club Mobay services at the airport.  This will help you skip the long lines and get through customs in a breeze. Sandals also has a lounge in the airport that you can access depending on your room level. I also highly recommend completing the C5 Declaration Form before arrival.  You can get this online form on the Jamaican Government site here.

Sandals Royal Caribbean is perfectly tailored for honeymoons and weddings. After all, Sandals is rated a top all-inclusive resort destination for honeymooners for a good reason!  

As someone who has planned hundreds of dream Caribbean escapes for happy couples, I can tell you that the Royal Caribbean will not disappoint.

First, you can beat the adults only experience for you and your partner. In addition, the pricing at Royal Caribbean is one of the most affordable, which leaves a lot of room in your budget for extras like a private candlelight dinner, boat cruises, or couples massage. 

Don’t forget about the free Sandals honeymoon package for couples that includes:

• Prosecco flutes upon arrival
• Special bed turndown service with flower petals for the first evening
• Breakfast in bed for one morning that you choose
• Additional options include a couples massage and candlelight dinners.

For weddings, the overwater gazebo is stunning for more intimate weddings. The overwater wedding chapel at the Montego Bay location with glass bottom is truly one of a kind. And just in case you need a fallback, there is an elegant ballroom perfect for indoor weddings. The maximum capacity for weddings at Sandals Royal Caribbean is 180 people. 

Also take advantage of the deals. If you book 5 or more rooms you can get discount pricing with perks like suite upgrades, catamaran cruises, and private dinner service. You will also get a free night for anniversaries if you book 7 or more nights. 

What is the difference between Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay?

Sandals Royal Caribbean generally has more luxurious accommodations and few number of overall rooms than Sandals Montego Bay.  As as result, Royal Caribbean is a little more expensive than Montego Bay.  The good news is they are directly next to each other, and if you stay on one of them you get full access to the other for free!

How far is Sandals Royal Caribbean From the Airport?

Sandals Royal Caribbean is only 10 minutes away from the Montego Bay Sangster International Airport (MBJ).  It is the closest Sandals Resort to the airport, with the exception of the neighboring Sandals Montego Bay location.