Sandals Resort Punta Cana: Complete Dominican Republic Guide
People love Sandals Resorts because of the unbeatable 5-star all-inclusive experience you get at them. Unfortunately Sandals does not have a location in Punta Cana, but they do have resorts on other beautiful Caribbean islands to choose from.
I have been to the Dominican Republic many times and I’ve also been to all 17 Sandals Resorts. While places like Punta Cana and Uvero Alto are fantastic, there’s a reason why Sandals has chosen to stay out of them thus far. In my experience they’re filled with mega resorts, overrun with local vendors, and have more of a party scene.
I’ll show you some alternatives that are not only close to the Dominican, but will also exceed your expectations for your next romantic getaway (for the best price 🙂).
Is There A Sandals Resort In Punta Cana?
While there are no Sandals Resorts in the Dominican Republic, there are several locations around the Caribbean islands that are close and affordable like Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua, and more.
Actually, Jamaica is closer to the United States than the Dominican Republic! The flights to Montego Bay are cheap and the Sandals locations in Jamaica are very affordable too!
I prefer Jamaica over Punta Cana because there’re better beaches but with a less crowded, more genuine Caribbean feel. Punta Cana has so many vendors along popular beaches like Bavaro Beach that it makes it hard to relax, even if you’re staying in a nice resort.
I’ve also experienced a lot of sargassum on the beaches throughout the Dominican Republic, which not only dirties the beach but also smells pretty bad.
Overall, Sandals Resorts selectively chooses exclusive locations that promise intimacy rather than jumping into an overloaded resort market like Punta Cana. You have the opportunity to bask in absolutely pristine white sand beaches with crystal clear water at all of their resorts.
Which Countries Have A Sandal Resort?
Sandals currently has 17 resorts in 8 different countries that offer the tropical paradise, 5-star service, and unmatched inclusions that Punta Cana lovers dream of. Since they were founded in Jamaica over 40 years ago, Sandals has been able to handpick the very best locations around the different islands long before the competition started coming in. Here they all are:
- Jamaica – 7 Locations
- St. Lucia – 3 Locations
- Barbados – 2 Locations
- Bahamas – 1 Location
- Antigua – 1 Location
- Curacao – 1 Location
- St. Vincent – 1 Location
- Grenada – 1 Location
Notice how spots like the Dominican Republic or Mexico aren’t on the list. Sandals executives actually visited the Dominican Republic back in 2022 to explore potential expansion there, but one of Sandals core value proposition is delivering exotic Caribbean destinations that are more private rather than these types of mega-resort hubs. I get it, Punta Cana has a lot to offer, but sometimes exploring new horizons can mean getting the perfect vacation.
RELATED: FULL LIST OF ALL SANDALS LOCATIONS
Top Sandals Resort Alternatives To Punta Cana
1. Sandals Dunn's River
OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA
For a more affordable option over Punta Cana with fantastic culture, nature, and beaches, Jamaica is unbeatable. Sandals currently has 7 locations across Jamaica, but my new favorite is Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios. The resort just wrapped up a top-to-bottom renovation so everything feels brand new.
Here’s the kicker though, you also get full access to Sandals Ochi Beach which is only about 10 minutes away (they include transfers back and forth). When you stay at one of these, you can go to both! Sandals Ochi is less expensive, so if you want a deal, you can’t go wrong there either.
I particularly love Dunn’s River because it infuses the Jamaica vibe we all crave. You’re greeted with a beautiful open air design and waterfalls right when you enter the lobby. Every room has been updated while new premium suites like Rondoval Villas and swim-up suites were also added. Each restaurant was designed to be sophisticated in an elegant way.
The huge pool stretches along the entire shoreline where it meets the white sand beach. Seemingly everywhere on the property you have incredible views of the glistening turquoise waters.
2. Sandals Royal Bahamian
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
If you’re searching for the dreamy beaches of Punta Cana, but want a 5-star adults-only option, Sandals Royal Bahamian is a must see. What’s more, Nassau is only a 45 minute flight from Miami and the Royal Bahamian is just 10 minutes from the airport – way shorter than Punta Cana.
The Bahamas are actually made up of over 3,000 islands and cays, most of which are uninhabited. But the Sandals resort is located on Cable Beach, a 2.5 mile stretch of white sand that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere in the Dominican.
It boasts newly renovated accommodations with a sophisticated European design. They even have a private offshore island with a seafood restaurant, pool, and white sand beaches where my wife and I spent hours lounging.
Snorkeling around here is particularly good. Even 25 meters out you can see vibrant coral and sea turtles. That’s in addition to 10 premium restaurants (plus 2 food trucks), 8 bars (including 3 swim-up bars), and 7 pools. You’re sure to slip into island mode!
3. Sandals Grande Antigua
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA
Antigua is steeped in history but I think it’s most famous for being the land of 365 beaches. Yes, you could literally go to a different beach every day of the year! The shoreline is riddled with inlets and coves with glowing blue waters like I’ve never seen.
Fortunately Sandals Grande Antigua is situated on the famous Dickenson Bay, which is the nicest beach on the island. The resort is split into two different villages, the Mediterranean and Beachfront.
Both have unique offerings but we stayed in the Beachfront Rondoval Suite with a private pool. Probably one of my favorite accommodations we’ve ever stayed in.
The resort’s private beach ensures a serene beach getaway, perfect for couples seeking relaxation and romance.
Why Sandals Resorts Are Appealing
For those who want a luxury experience that’s easy to get to from the US, at an affordable price, Sandals Resorts are the answer. Sandals Resorts are specifically designed for couples in love. Once my wife and I had the full Sandals treatment, we didn’t want to go back. Here a just a few of my favorites:
- Premium Food & Drinks: Unlimited food and drinks from over a dozen bars and restaurants at each location. I’m talking about high quality food with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The drinks are also top-shelf options. This is in comparison to most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana that make you pay extra for a la carte restaurants and make reservations. At Sandals you can just walk into any restaurant you want.
- Activities: Free water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, motorized watersports (wakeboarding, skiing, tubing), paddleboarding, kayaking, hobie cats, and water trikes. They also have land sports like golf, beach volleyball, shuffle board, fitness classes, and tons more.
- Entertainment: Fantastic entertainment and activities throughout the day. They have different themed parties every night. The Playmakers going around make a huge difference over a lot of the resort’s I’ve stayed at in Punta Cana.
- Safety: All Sandals locations are located in safe and secure countries based on the Department Of State Travel Advisories. The resorts themselves are also extremely secure, we have never had an issue at the locations or going around the local towns. I will say that Punta Cana is also secure, however the remaining areas of the Dominican Republic left a lot to be desired for us.
- No Tipping: Sandals has a no tipping policy. This means there are no tips, surprise fees, or taxes for a totally stress-free vacation
- Free Airport Transfers: Airport transfers both ways are included no matter which room type you go with. Some Butler Elite level rooms even have private boat or Rolls Royce transfers!
- 5-Star Luxury: The service and staff at Sandals are hard to beat. Employees are always going above and beyond to make sure your hard-earned vacation is unforgettable. Accommodations like Rondoval Suites, Overwater Bunglows, Skypool Suites, and Swim-Up Suites are unlike anything available in the Dominican, that’s for sure.
- Couples Focus: Tons of activities designed specifically for couples, whether it’s a candlelight dinner on the beach, couples massage, or a sunset catamaran cruise. The exclusive nature of Sandals makes it ideal for romantic occasions, while there are adult-only resorts in Punta Cana, none are really oriented toward couples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Sandals Resort in the Dominican Republic?
There is not currently a Sandals Resort in the Dominican Republic, however there are several options in Jamaica (Montego Bay, Negril, Or Ocho Rios) which are actually closer to the United States and very affordable. Other comparable options for a Sandals location include the Bahamas and Antigua. Sandals has 17 locations in total around the different Caribbean islands.
What is the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana?
Top adult-only all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana include Secrets Royal Beach and Excellence. Note however, that they charge extra for ala-carte restaurants, do not include tipping, and do not include airport transfers. They are also not specifically geared towards couples if you are looking for a more romantic experience with your partner.
BEST SANDALS RESORTS
Our favorite all-inclusive resort brand.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grenada
Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Grande Antigua
