Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica

Why We Like It:

The couples-only Sandals Royal Caribbean, near Montego Bay and just minutes from Sangster International Airport, was the very first overwater bungalow resort in Jamaica and indeed the first in the entire region.

The concept was an immediate success and the Sandals company soon followed it with more bungalows at Sandals South Coast (also in Jamaica) and in their branch in St. Lucia.

Sandals Royal Caribbean though was the groundbreaker, or well…water breaker, in this region, and its standards, have been extremely high from the beginning.

It is a high-end luxury, all-inclusive paradise with a private island (where the overwater bungalows are to be found), top-of-the-range facilities, superb food and drink, and consistently excellent service.

It also has a tremendous location: getting to most overwater bungalow resorts usually involves a fairly long journey from the nearest airport but here you are, tantalizingly, just minutes (via the resort’s private shuttle) away.

Overwater Bungalows:

They have a great range of accommodation to choose from – standard hotel rooms, suites, and overwater bungalows, which offer varying levels of space and luxury to suit most budgets.

Their overwater bungalows, attached to a gorgeous little private island, were the Caribbean’s very first and have set the standards high from the very beginning.

They are sleek, modern, and luxurious, and come with outdoor terraces, large glass floor panels, romantic spa bathrooms with bathtubs, (plus there’s an outdoor bathtub and shower on the terrace,) a wealth of mod cons, and 24-hour room service with an exclusive in-room dining menu.

As you will see on the booking page they are divided into two categories – those with infinity plunge pools and those without.

Those with the private pools will cost you quite a bit more but they are also far larger than the standard bungalows, with an enormous outdoor deck, and in general, have much more of the wow factor.

Prices & Availability:

Check availability and prices at own website (Sandals) here, at Expedia.com here, or at Booking.com here.

Note: Like most luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean the overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean are incredibly sought after – you should reserve your stay as soon as possible. You are allowed free cancellation on most bookings. 

Note 2: As with all Sandals Resorts there is a minimum stay of three nights.

Last Minute Deals?

In order to fill gaps in occupancy (if they have any) due to cancellations etc., Sandals sometimes offers discounts on last-minute stays, generally offering one free night on stays of 3 or 4 nights if booked up to a few weeks in advance. Check for any last-minute deals here.

Food & Drink:

You have a great choice of food and drink outlets from casual eateries and lively bars to elegant fine dining restaurants, serving French, Thai, Caribbean seafood, and international cuisine.

If that somehow isn’t enough you can also jump on the free shuttle to Sandal’s two other Montego Bay resorts where even more choice awaits, all of which is included in your all-inclusive package.

Resort Facilities & Things to Do:

The resort has seven swimming pools, including two swim-up bars, five jacuzzis, and a small but utterly gorgeous stretch of private beach.

There is live entertainment most evenings at various places around the resort; beach parties, live music shows, and cultural performances.

The all-inclusive package allows you access to a great range of water sports; snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, etc., etc., and on dry land, you can play beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, shuffleboard, and table tennis.

There is also a fitness center/ gym at the resort and their luxurious, South East Asian-themed Red Lane Spa offers a range of high-quality health and beauty treatments.

The staff at The Royal Caribbean have a relaxed, friendly manner but are efficient and dedicated – their private butlers in particular receive great praise from guests.

Location:

Just five miles from Montego Bay and Sangster International Airport (you will be whisked to the resort within minutes by private shuttle), the resort sits by the blissfully calm waters of Mahoe Bay.

There are regular shuttle services to Montego Bay and the shops, bars, and restaurants of the main tourist area, the so-called Hip Strip.

High-end shopping can also be had at Whitter Village, Montego Bay’s very modern outdoor shopping mall, just a ten-minute walk from the resort.

Some Guest Reviews:

“My husband and I had a great time at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay. Everything was super! The employees were kind, polite, helpful, and friendly all the time. We enjoyed the food, too. We didn’t have a butler on this trip, and we still had a great time. Our room overlooked a garden area with pool and hot tub access. We are already ready to go back for another stay….”

“Exceptional. I loved everything about the hotel, well worth it for the money you are spending….”

>>> GO HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN

 

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Location Category:

Caribbean

Jamaica

*Near USA

*Near Florida

*Near Bahamas