Sandals South Coast

Picture yourself walking along the expansive 2 mile long private beach!  Located in Whitehouse, Sandals South Coast offers a sense of seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere in Jamaica. The soft golden sand is a delight to walk through, and transitions seamlessly into the azure Caribbean Sea.

The water itself is a site to behold – crystal clear for swimming with patches of coral in the distance. It’s not just a view; it’s an invitation to snorkel and check out the underwater magic up close.  

Included are paddleboards, kayaks, hobbycats, and snorkel gear on the side of the beach ready for you to take out on the waters.  

Here is what to expect for a day on the beach here: 

• Beach: The 2 mile beach feels like your own private sanctuary, far from the crowds.  
• Activities: From leisurely sunbathing to a lively game of beach volleyball, there’s something for every mood.
• Motorized water sports: This is one of the few Sandals that offers skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing if you desire.
• Waters: Calm and inviting, perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
• Marine Life: A colorful display of fish hang out around the coral gardens that are just a few meters off the beach.
• Lounging: Nice white private cabanas to hang out for hours at a time. 

There are 9 unique restaurants throughout Sandals South Coast offering delicious dishes from around the world.

Each restaurant has its own distinctive vibe so you’ll find the perfect setting for any craving or mood.  Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options:

Bayside: I started my day with an amazing breakfast overlooking the water at Bayside.  Here they have a buffet with a wide array of options for breakfast, and an à la carte French Brasserie in the evening. 

Jerk Shack: For midday snacks, hit up the Jerk Shack for authentic Jamaican flavors. The jerk chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked just right, with the potent spicy kick I love.  An casual open-air setting with ocean views made hanging out here with a Red Stripe beer a great time!

Café de Paris:  If you have a sweet tooth, or need a cup of coffee, the Parisian-inspired Café de Paris was my go-to. Their specialty pastries and Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee were a match made in heaven. The charming café ambiance, combined with delicate sweet treats, was a great snack at any time of the day.

Sushi On The Sand: For a more exotic dining experience, I ventured to Sushi on the Sand. Here, expert chefs crafted fresh sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites right before my eyes. 

Jasmines: If you want to mix it up from the Caribbean dining, Jasmines offers fantastic pan Asian cuisine.  The interior is creates a nice Asian inspired ambiance, and there are no reservations required here!  We went one time and I went with the crowd favorite Beef Szechuan, which I would definitely get again.

Neptune’s: Mediterranean seafood took center stage at Neptune’s. I went with their garlic shrimp, which was fresh and full of flavor. Dining right on the beach under the stars is an unforgettable moment. 

Giuseppe’s: Giuseppe’s is more of an upscale restaurant featuring Italian with exquisite pasta dishes and wood-fired pizza. The cozy, piazza-style dining added an extra touch of European charm.

Eleanor’s: I tried the fantastic Caribbean fusion at Eleanor’s with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. My favorite was the perfectly grilled Caribbean lobster, a testament to Eleanor’s commitment to the finest fare. With attentive service and an intimate setting, Eleanor’s is a must-visit for an upscale dining experience.

Schooners: A casual yet upscale restaurant, you will need reservations to visit Schooners.  Enjoy fresh caught seafood and watch the sunset from the romantic patio setting.  I highly recommend the grilled swordfish steak!

With 4 pools and 4 whirlpools, the centerpiece here is undoubtedly the central pool that wraps throughout the entire property. 

One feature that stood out at this all-inclusive resort is the swim-up bar. Floating over to grab a drink without having to leave the cool water was an excellent experience. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pool amenities:

• Main Pool: The expansive largest pool that is the social heart of the resort.
• Swim-up Bar: Offers a variety of drinks and is a sociable spot to meet fellow guests.
• Quiet Pools: For a more tranquil swimming experience.
• Private Pools: Get your own private plunge pool or swim-up suite with a Rondoval Suite Luxury Suite.
• Poolside Cabanas: Available to rent for those looking for a luxurious and private poolside experience.

The nice thing about staying at Sandals South Coast is 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 adrenaline-filled adventures or peaceful relaxation.

Sports At The Resort

There is always something to keep you busy, that is, if you want a break from the relaxation.   The fitness center is perfect for keeping up with your workout routine. You can even get tennis instructions from a certified trainer.

• Fitness Center: Open daily with a range of equipment.
• Tennis: Available day and night, with complimentary coaching.
• Beach Volleyball: Enjoy a friendly game of beach volleyball on the beautiful private beach.
• Water Sports: Ski, wakeboard, paddleboard, scuba, snorkel, kayak

Relaxation And Spa

There’s nothing better than unwinding at the Red Lane Spa while on vacation. I would highly recommend the Tropical Paradise Couples massage to help set the romantic mood. You can get a massage by the beach which is amazing to hear the sea in the background, definitely worth it.

• Spa Treatments: A variety of options such as massages, aroma therapy, facials, and scrubs.
• Manicures and Pedicures: Expert beauty treatments for your nails.
• Himalayan Salt Stone Treatment: Full body warm himalayan salt stone massage. 

Off-Site Adventures

I explored the 500-acre nature preserve, but there is also so much more to offer just minutes away from the resort. For a dose of adventure, I visited YS Falls and the Black River to soak in the magnificent waterfalls and watch the wildlife in their natural habitat.  Here is my top list of things to do: 

• YS Falls Just about a 45 minute drive from the resort, YS Falls is a nature-based attraction offering stunning waterfalls amidst lush gardens. You can swim and play under the cascading waters or sway above them on canopy zip-liners. Admission fees vary, but generally, you should expect to spend around $20 for entry with additional costs for zip-lining.
• Black River Safari Approximately 30 minutes from Sandals South Coast lies the Black River, one of Jamaica’s longest rivers. Take a guided boat tour and marvel at the rich biodiversity, including mangroves and crocodiles. The peaceful boat ride combined with the thrill of wildlife spotting makes for an unforgettable experience. Tours can be around $25 per person, providing both education and entertainment.
• Floyd’s Pelican Bar: Only accessible by boat, Floyd’s Pelican bar is a must see while in the area.  It is a such a blast to take the catamaran out there and get some food and drinks at one of the coolest bars in the world.

Remember, these activities might require advanced bookings and extra fees are usually involved. But the price is well worth the immersive experience in some of Jamaica’s finest natural treasures.

There are 20 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals South Coast has 360 luxurious suites spread out across the property.

For example, we stayed in an overwater bungalow, but here are the different room levels to choose from:

Luxury Level Rooms:  The Sandals Luxury Level rooms are entry level rooms with amenities such as a king-size bed, smart TV, and in-room refrigerator. These rooms are still very nice rooms with great views, but without additional amenities like butler service or private pools.

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level rooms include the Luxury Level offerings with added concierge services. These rooms come with a fully stocked bar with premium liquors and access to the Club Sandals Lounge. All of these will also have great views of the Caribbean.

Butler Level Suites: If you want to spring for the ultimate luxury experience, Butler Level suites have a personal butler to tend to your every need. These include premium Rondoval Suites with their own private pools that are very popular, or the overwater bungalows.

Sandals South Coast has 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:

• Luxury Accommodations: The rooms and suites strike a fine balance of elegance and comfort. Even the Luxury Level rooms stand out as being quite nice for “entry level”.
• Unlimited Dining And Drinks: With 9 gourmet dining options and 7 bars, all-inclusive is taken to the next level. You choose which restaurant you want for every meal.
• Water Sports: The range of included water sports is extremely large. Some Sandals don’t include power water sports like skiing and wakeboarding like they do here.  Other options include PADI certified scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis and tennis training from a certified instructor.  There is also beach volleyball, table tennis, shuffleboard, pool tables, and more.
• Entertainment: There is always music and festivities going on somewhere it seems.  We really enjoyed Beach party night.  There is also live music and fire eaters.
• Service: The team is clearly dedicated to providing a friendly and attentive service.  If you go with the butler service, you can request anything you want at any time of day!
• Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from the airport are included.
• In-Room Wine and Spirits: A selection of premium wines and spirits are stocked right in your room.
• Private 2 Mile Beach: The beauty of the private 2 mile beach is just steps away from your luxurious accommodation.
• Fitness Center: There is a really nice and modern fitness center here.  You can do classes or have a trainer, but we were too busy on the beach.
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no tipping is allowed! Indulge in whatever you want without the need for extra gratuities.  This creates a laid back atmosphere, but more importantly, you wont get any extra fees or charges at checkout.

There are also amenities that are offered, but not included.  These are things like the on-site Red Lane spa, beach cabanas, butler candlelight dinners, and local tours.

Sandals Grande South Coast is located on the southwest corner of the island away from the hustle and bustle.  Getting there was just under a two hour flight from Miami.

There are several direct flights to Jamaica from major cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the UK.

The primary airport is Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, which is about an hour and a half drive straight south to the resort.

No matter which package you choose at Sandals, you will always have a complimentary transfer to and from the airport.

When discussing honeymoon or anniversary celebrations, Sandals South Coast merits a mention as its pristine environment offers the quintessence of romance. As someone who thoroughly researched a destination wedding, I can assure you the resort’s panoramic ocean views provide a dreamy backdrop.

First, it’s hard to beat the adults only, all inclusive experience for you and your guests.

The overwater wedding chapel with glass bottom is truly one of a kind. What’s more, the Sandals honeymoon package makes you feel well-celebrated, including:

• Sparkling wine on arrival
• Special turndown service with petals on your bed on the first evening
• Breakfast in bed one morning of my choice

Whether you’re toasting a new life together or celebrating years of love, it’s a veritable love nest tailored for two.

Can families with children stay at the resort, or is it adult-only?

Sandals South Coast is an adult-only resort, specifically tailored for couples. The resort’s policy ensures that all guests are above the age of 18, offering a serene and romantic experience for those seeking a peaceful getaway.  That said, it is not couples-only, you can go with friends, family, or for a solo trip!

When is the best time to go to Sandals South Coast?

The best time to go to Jamaica is in the high season between December and April, when there is the most consistently sunny weather. However, prices and crowds will be slightly elevated during this period.  For the best deals, go during the “rainy season” between June and November.  The rain typically comes occasionally and in spurts of about 30 minutes.

Is Sandals South Coast all-inclusive?

Yes, Sandals South Coast is a 5 star all-inclusive resort.  You will get unlimited food and drinks, water sports, scuba diving, tennis, golf, and more. Best of all, there are no gratuities allowed!