Upgraded and rebranded following Hurricane Melissa, Sandals Caribbean Cay (formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean) near Montego Bay remains a landmark destination as the site that introduced the very first high-end, overwater bungalow concept to Jamaica and the Caribbean in 2016.
Located just a 5-minute drive from Sangster International Airport via private shuttle, Caribbean Cay offers an all-inclusive, high-end private island exclusively for overwater guests, top-tier amenities, and access to neighboring Sandals resorts.
The resort is scheduled to reopen for bookings on December 18, 2026, following extensive post-Hurricane Melissa renovations. We very much look forward to it.
Sandals Caribbean Cay at a Glance
- Location: Mahoe Bay, near Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Accommodation: High-end luxury overwater bungalows (with or without private infinity plunge pools, but we much prefer the latter) and a range of on-land suites
- Best for: Couples seeking a full-on luxury Caribbean overwater experience with unmatched convenience
- Meals: All-inclusive access to multiple on-site restaurants plus exchange privileges at neighboring Sandals resorts
- Activities: Seven pools, diverse water sports (scuba, snorkeling, water skiing etc.), Red Lane Spa, and nightly live entertainment
- Getting there: A cinch – just 5 minutes by private shuttle from Sangster International Airport
Overwater Bungalows
The overwater bungalows are located on a gorgeous little private island. The design is modern and luxurious, with large glass floor panels, outdoor showers, and romantic spa bathrooms.
Accommodations are split into two primary bungalow tiers:
- Standard Overwater Bungalows: Sleek and luxurious.
- Deluxe Bungalows: The same but with private infinity plunge pools, larger outdoor decks and, for us, a more enhanced wow factor.
Check out all the details on the official Sandals website here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do
The culinary program includes diverse options ranging from French and Thai to Caribbean seafood. An added benefit of the all-inclusive is you can use the free shuttle to visit Sandals’ two other Montego Bay resorts.
Not that you’ll probably ever feel the need, but it does vastly expand your dining and entertainment choices.
Most couples might go for one day out of curiosity, but really, you’ve got more than you need already at Caribbean Cay itself.
And that’s seven swimming pools, two swim-up bars, Sandals’ famous Red Lane Spa, the above-mentioned great range of dining and drinking, and all sorts of sports: water sports, tennis, and a fitness center.
Location: Getting There & Away
The resort sits peacefully on the shores of Mahoe Bay, which is just 5 miles from Sangster International Airport, so it’s just super convenient.
We’d also highly recommend booking the Sandals VIP Airport Fast Track service, by the way, just to speed things up even further.
You can be diving into the sea twenty minutes from landing, it’s quite the feeling.
Negatives & Trade-offs
While this remains our top overwater bungalow resort in Jamaica, and even the Caribbean overall, you should certainly weigh up some of the negatives before splashing out:
- The Proximity Trade-off: The unmatched convenience of being minutes from the airport means you are right under commercial flight paths, and Sangster has up to 30 flights arriving daily. If more silence and isolation is your goal, look to Sandals South Coast.
- Premium Pricing Structure: Rates sit firmly at the top of the luxury market. While the all-inclusive model balances out the cost of the gourmet food and top-shelf beverages, it requires a significant upfront investment. No two ways about it Sandals Caribbean Cay’s Elite Bungalows are the most expensive overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.
- Resort Scale: It is a premier multi-resort all inclusive, so the atmosphere is vibrant and social. And it’s high end luxury. Those of you seeking a rustic off-grid, eco-lodge type thing will find it pretty overwhelming.
Our Overall Verdict
Sandals Caribbean Cay remains our premier pick for a high-end overwater bungalow experience in the Caribbean due to its unmatched airport proximity, high-end luxury bungalows and exclusive private island setting.
However, places like this are intentionally built for a specific type of visitor:
- Book it if: You want ultra-luxury pampering, premium all-inclusive dining, and desire to step off your flight and onto the deck of your bungalow within minutes.
- Skip it if: Your priority is absolute isolation, or if you prefer rustic style, boutique lodges over all-out luxury all-inclusive resorts.
- Check for deals on the official Sandals website here.
