Sandals Resorts

[fanfan18]

Can anyone give a bit of insight into staying in a Sandals resort?

I have always wanted to go but want to be sure before spending all that money!

It might sound silly but I often think it's just full of "beautiful people" and I'll stick out like a sore thumb...

Is it worth the money? We both like the idea of not having to save a load of spending money like we usually would when going away because it is all included.

People who have been, would you recommend it?

We have been looking at the Antigua one.

i think you need to read some of the tripadvisor and other reviews. my impression is that the resorts themselves are lovely and you can go on organised excursions from them but the chances of just being able to wander around yourselves are pretty slim. they are usually gated and personally I wouldn't stay in one - it would feel a bit too much like organised fun to me. there are so many other fab holidays out there that I would consider first.

Years ago I went to Sandals Varradero with DP for our first proper holiday. We hated it - I got a new cold sore every other day, he got food poisoning (we look awful in the photos what with my crusty face and his heroin chic look!) and I swear the outdoor hot tub was Swingers Central .

However that was a looong time ago. Agree with PP to look at reviews!

Im just back from the one in Antigua. It was fab. Certainly not full of beautiful people either 😂

It is on a beautiful beach in dickenson bay on the carribean side, close to airport. Food was good but bit repetitive.

Would I do it again? No. I dont think its value for money. I would chose to stay at Pineapple beach club, galley bay or Blue beach bay instead as I loved these hotels at thought they were better all round than Sandals.

We have visited two Sandals resorts - Jamaica Ochi and Grenada, both within the last couple of years. When we went to Jamaica it was for our 25th wedding anniversary and we did the whole shebang - business class flights and a butler, renewed our vows etc, Wonderful holiday. We got a good deal through on email from Sandals UK so booked again for this year for Grenada which we also loved. Do your research carefully as neither resort had that typical white Caribbean beach you might be hoping for. We loved the food at Grenada but there was more to do in the evening at Ochi. I liked the fact that the evening dining options are more like a la carte restaurants than the buffets we have had on some previous all inclusive holidays. We went in June both times which can be the start of the rainy season but we were lucky with the weather.

@fanfan18, I agree with @didsomeonesaycrumpets - the stereotype doesn't always match the brochures because it depends on the island. If you're going to Antigua, there are better options depending on your budget and you will get better deals booking flight and hotel with All Inclusive than separately. TIme of year is also important, especially during rainy season.
In my experience, Sandals quality is variable and you need to know (a) what else the island has to offer, (b) when the hotel was last refurbished and (c) what else is in the area. Let me know if you need any help with the alternatives.

We booked Sandals Antigua last year, three days later they announced they would be closing for three months for refurb. It was quite short notice. Some people had weddings booked!

Fortunately we had booked it as a BA holiday and not separate flights, so they were able to change to Greneda instead.

I liked the room and the restaurants, although some were hard to get into. There were never enough sun loungers with shades nor beach towels and staff didn't seem able to locate any, this was every single day! The pool area and swim up bar was like 18-30s holiday with loud music, we couldn't sit there and hear each other speak. We joined in with pool volleyball but didn't join in the drinking games.

I don't think it was all beautiful people, I think it was a mixture as anywhere. Most people seemed to stay on site all day, but we hired a car and did a little bit of driving. I don't remember there being any organised excursions to book but then we probably didn't look as we had the car.

No I would definitely not go back, although I am glad I went.

We went to St Lucia and adored it. They call it ultra inclusive...it really is luxurious...all branded drinks, every restaurant is 5 star, the food is out of this world. Accommodation and grounds are stunning and spotless.

Tons of stuff to do on site day and night plus loads of trips. We would go back in a heartbeat.

We honeymooned in Royal Plantation in Jamaica... would go back tomorrow

Tiny (by Sandals standards) resort, just 74 rooms I think. All Butler service.

Bigger resort 200 yards down the beach which we could go to (but they couldn’t come to us). We went one night, took a look around and came straight back to ours.

Quiet, refined and not full of beautiful people

Absolute paradise. Completely recommend.