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Sandals Royal Caribbean Review | Overwater Bungalows and a Private Island
By Jonathan | Updated on February 23, 2025
For 2025, Sandals has finally completed most of the Sandals Royal Caribbean renovations that started in 2023, and having been away from this property for several years - it was time to come back.
As travel experts specializing in Sandals, this has been one place that many of our clients have come back to time and again. In our opinion, it's always been a great place for the private island experience and overwater bungalows; however, we're big beach people, and this resort didn't have a particularly good one.
All of that is changing with the recent updates so that we will get into those today.
Let's begin!
Sandals Royal Caribbean is one of the smallest resorts of the seven in Jamaica, which is part of its charm. It has a way of instantly putting you in vacation mode, and it has been beautifully refurbished to align with the new Sandals 2.0 modernization philosophy.
What to Know About Sandals Royal Caribbean
As with Sandals Montego Bay, clients often ask us about Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort because it’s incredibly convenient. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) and is the only resort in Montego Bay with its own private offshore island. The island features an authentic Thai restaurant and one of our favorite Sandals dining experiences.
It also offers budget-friendly accommodations. For example, the Caribbean Poolside Luxury Walkout with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub starts at $303.00 per person per night, making it a good choice for those wanting a cozy room near the main pool without spending a fortune.
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Arrival & First Impressions:
Getting to the Resort
After a relatively easy, direct flight from Atlanta, we landed in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and were greeted by our Club Mobay rep, who escorted us through immigration. We zipped past the long immigration line and to baggage claim.
After what felt like an hour but was really only about five minutes, we made our way to the Sandals lounge in the arrivals area and were greeted by a friendly rep. They immediately set the tone with handshakes, big smiles, and a cold Red Stripe that hit the spot.
Soon enough, we were on the way in our private transfer, which only took about 10 minutes. As we reached the front entrance, I spotted the classic Sandals sign framed by palm trees and felt... "Yep, I'm ready to be here!"
Upon arrival, our butler greeted us by saying, "Welcome home," and handed us a glass of champagne and a lemongrass-scented towel. We said hello to the front desk and management team, and off we went to our room to complete our private check-in.
Ready to experience Sandals Royal Caribbean Book your stay now!
Our Room: Oceanfront Two-Story One Bedroom Butler Villa With Private Pool
This is one of the new room categories at Sandals Royal Caribbean. It has expansive views of the white sand beach and private island from both floors. Priced at $777.00 per person per night, it is one of the cheaper butler-level rooms across the Sandals portfolio.
As we walked into the room with our butler, entering the suite felt special - this is a high end room category. The view caught me first, and having been to the newer Sandals resorts, you could tell they considered every detail. As we settled in, our butler asked if we had any special requests—coffee in the morning, maybe champagne at sunset. We're easygoing, so just a Blue Mountain Coffee around 8 am and a fresh coconut at some point throughout the day.
This room has a real wow factor, especially with the rooftop terrace and private plunge pool coming off the main bedroom. Those oceanviews... Stunning!
In the evening, we'd soak up the warm breeze, quietly watching the waves. Room service was also appreciated as we could order from any restaurant on the property, which is something only those with butler service can get. Those are the little touches that make a Butler Elite experience feel extra special. If you ask me, it’s worth the splurge at least once in your life.
What Makes Sandals Royal Caribbean a Top Recommendation?
We've visited all of the Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean, and Sandals Royal Caribbean is definitely moving up the list.
Here are some highlights.
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All-Inclusive: Meals, unlimited premium drinks, and water sports are included.
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Resort Access: You can use the daily shuttle service to visit Sandals Montego Bay.
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Special Occasions: Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or your first vacation to the Caribbean, this all inclusive resort is great for any celebration.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Phone Number and Address
Phone: 876 953-2231
History of Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Royal Caribbean opened its doors in 1986, and with Sandals Montego Bay, it brought a unique twist to the Caribbean Islands experience in Jamaica. This resort combines British heritage with Jamaican influences, which is represented by not only the design but also the dining options, such as the Cricketers Pub, which serves British-inspired bites.
Over the years, the resort has grown. Since 2020, they’ve introduced modern Club Level rooms with swim-up suites, expanded the private offshore island experience, and launched overwater bungalows and villas with private pools that place you atop the Caribbean Sea.
Key Features
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Five miles from the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) (only about 10 minutes)
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Central location in Montego Bay with easy access to local hotspots
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Free transfers and private transfers for upper-tiered room categories.
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Stay at one and play at two exchange privileges with Sandals Montego Bay, giving you access to 12 extra restaurants
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One-of-a-kind private island experience with a pool and Thai Restaurant
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Notable for their iconic Sandals Overwater Bungalows, and overwater villas
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Dining Options: You have a little bit of everything between Le Jardinier for French cuisine and the Jerk Shack for local favorites.
Accommodation Options at Sandals Montego Bay
Overwater Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow
Priced at $1,615 per person per night, the private island Over water Bungalow gives you your own hideaway with glass floor panels and an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. All bungalows come with Butler Elite service featuring round-the-clock in-room dining and expedited Club MoBay immigration service. Transferring is easy with private BMW Airport Transfers from MBJ.
Overwater Private Island Butler Villa with Infinity Pool
Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Over water Villa with Infinity Pool, is the ultimate escape. Starting at $2,421.00 per person per night, this villa lets you move between a private infinity pool and its overwater hammock. See-through glass floors are perfect for spotting sea life while your personal butler is there to arrange in-room dining.
New Swim-Up Rooms & Butler Suites
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Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Swim-up Club Level Jr. Suite w/Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub: Priced from $385.00 per person per night, you'll step out of your room into your patio surrounded by the waters of the resorts crystal lagoon. These Club Level suites are perfect for unwinding at the end of your day and include thoughtful perks like a stocked in-room bar and an attentive concierge who will arrange dinner reservations or island excursions.
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Beachfront Walkout Butler Suite w/Private Pool: Priced from $656.00 per person per night, this one-bedroom ground floor suite features a private pool and tranquility tub on your patio. For arrivals as of February 1, 2025
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Walkout Swim up Crystal Lagoon Honeymoon Butler Suite: Priced from $407.00 per person per night, here ground-floor convenience meets lagoon-side indulgence. Step directly from your suite into the sparkling water, thanks to a private patio that leads directly to the pool.
Luxury Level Recommendation
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Caribbean Poolside Luxury Walkout with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub: Priced from $308.00 per person per night. This one is close to the main pool and includes helpful extras like a stocked in-room bar and modern decor.
Each room category is designed with something special in mind—whether that’s a direct access walkout, soaking tub, or that feeling of floating above the ocean.
Dining at Sandals Royal Caribbean
The resort features nine speciality dining options.
Here are the highlights:
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Royal Thai: Located on the private offshore island that is accessed by a dragon boat. Travel Tip: Try the Pad See Ew
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Le Jardinier: A fine dining French restaurant with garden-inspired decor. I was amazed by the lamb chops and the fresh pastries.
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La Tavola: Offers classic Italian cuisine. If you’re a fan of homemade pasta, you’ll have a great time here.
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Bombay Club: Authentic Indian specialties.
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Spices: Satisfy cravings for Caribbean cuisine—don't miss the jerk chicken!
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The Cricketers Pub: Perfect for a late-night snack
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The Jerk Shack: Authentic Jamaican jerk chicken right by the beach area.
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The Mariner Seaside Grill: Great for midday bites
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Bella Napoli Pizzeria: Freshly made pies.
Private Island Dining
Over on the offshore island, you’ll find the Royal Thai restaurant. It’s not just about the food—there’s a pool, a smaller swim-up bar, and a slice of beach with plenty of lounges.
Additional Dining Options
With the Stay at One and Play at Two exchange program, you also have access to 12 restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay. We took the shuttle one evening for dinner at Butches Chophouse. I highly recommend the Rib Eye.
Private Offshore Island
The private offshore island is a micro-escape: it has a clothing-optional section tucked away on the corner of the island, a small pool with a swim-up bar, and a Red Lane Spa outpost for spa. If you’re feeling active, you can try water activities like kayaking or join a game of beach volleyball.
Things to Do:
Activities and Entertainment
From daytime pool contests to nighttime live shows, you won’t be bored.
On Resort Activities
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Unlimited water sports: PADI-certified scuba diving (for certified divers), snorkeling, Hobie Cat sailing, and paddleboarding.
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Land sports: Tennis courts, beach volleyball, table tennis, and a modern fitness center for that early-morning workout.
Wellness and Spa
The Red Lane Spa is a cozy retreat where you can take in massages, body scrubs, or even a couples massage.
Entertainment and Nightlife
They host theme nights, beach parties with live music, and karaoke sessions. If you like something more laid-back, you can always find a quiet spot by the Crystal Lagoon or slip into the hot tub near your suite.
What to See at Sandals Royal Caribbean
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The Private Offshore Island: A favorite for a mid-afternoon getaway.
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Ocho Rios (about a 90-minute drive): Perfect for a day trip to see more of Jamaica.
Weddings and Honeymoons
Sandals offers Wedding Packages that include beachfront ceremonies, private receptions, and even a steel drum band. We’ve planned vow renewals here, too, and the staff always delivers a great experience.
Travel Agent Insider Tips for Booking Sandals Regency La Toc
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Book your dinner reservations soon after arrival, especially if you’re interested in French cuisine or Italian Cuisine at peak times.
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If you want a shaded spot, claim beach chairs early—though the butler will get them if you’re in a butler-level room.
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Certain room categories are being refurbished, and renovations are wrapping up.
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For the best price, we suggest checking out the weekly Sandals 777 deal and using the free anniversary night in a club or butler-level room if you travel within 30 days of your wedding day.
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Remember that you can often schedule everything through us as your travel agent, including flights and special requests.
How Sandals Royal Caribbean Compares to Other Sandals Resorts in Jamaica
We've been lucky enough to visit all of the Sandals Resorts, including those like Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Barbados, and Sandals Grenada, which are similar in size.
Here’s how Sandals Royal Caribbean holds its own:
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Proximity: Closer to the airport than many others, so less time getting there and more time being there.
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Overwater Bungalows: One of four locations in the Caribbean. Our favorites are Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast.
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Private Island: Unlike the shared island in the Bahamas, this resort's private island belongs solely to Sandals.
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Exchange Privileges: A five-minute shuttle to Sandals Montego Bay offers more dining options.
If you prefer something near bigger nightlife scenes, you might compare it with a place like Ocho Rios. But it’s tough to beat Sandals Royal Caribbean if you want that breezy private-island vibe.
Why You Should Visit Sandals Royal Caribbean
I recommend Sandals Royal Caribbean to clients who love the idea of splitting time between mainland fun and an offshore hideaway. It’s perfect for couples wanting an inclusive resort that doesn’t skimp on exceptional service.
Between the pool parties, the all-you-can-have Jamaican bites at the Jerk Shack, and the chance to pop over to Sandals Montego Bay, you’re basically buying into multiple getaways at once.
Plus, if you’re a scuba fan, the diving here is pretty good. The water is typically clear with decent visibility, and the staff organizes daily excursions. And if you want to sip your rum punch, do a little table tennis, and watch the sunset from your private pool, that’s perfectly fine, too.
Our Wrap Up:
After a few days at Sandals Royal Caribbean, I realized why guest reviews often mention the exceptional service and great experience with the staff. Some areas could use a fresh coat of paint, and the vibe is pretty calm, which is nice, too. But overall, I’d say it’s one of the luxury resorts worth recommending for honeymooners, anniversary trips, or a well-deserved escape.
If you’re ready to book, I suggest checking for promotions like the 777 promotion or that free anniversary night in club or butler-level rooms. My team can help lock in the best price and handle all the details so you can relax and look forward to an unforgettable Jamaican getaway.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rating of Sandals Royal Caribbean?
Sandals Royal Caribbean generally ranks highly among Montego Bay Hotels. According to Trip Advisor, this is a 4.5 / 5-star hotel with over 9000 reviews.
What to do at Sandals Royal Caribbean?
There’s plenty to keep you busy: scuba diving, snorkeling, beach volleyball, live shows, and nights at the Cricketers Pub.
How far is Sandals Royal Caribbean from the airport?
It’s a 10-minute ride from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to the resort. A shuttle bus run by Sandals will take you there at no extra cost.
Do you tip at Sandals Royal Caribbean?
Tips are included. However, if you have a personal butler, you may tip them (typically at your own discretion). Spa therapists or off-resort excursion guides might also accept gratuities. For butlers, we recommend $20 - $25 per butler per day, which can be paid at the end of your stay.
Is Sandals Royal Caribbean all-inclusive?
Yes, it’s an all-inclusive couples-only resort. The package includes meals, unlimited premium drinks, and many water sports like snorkeling and sailing.
What are the things to do at Sandals Royal Caribbean?
Try out water sports, swim-up bar hopping, or head to the private offshore island for a unique Thai dining experience. Beach parties and theme nights also happen regularly.
What are some of the popular excursions at Sandals Royal Caribbean?
Typical excursions include a day trip to Ocho Rios to see Dunn’s River Falls, catamaran cruises along the coast, and guided snorkeling tours. The resort’s tour desk can help with excursions like ziplining or visiting local craft markets.
What airport do you fly into for Sandals Royal Caribbean?
You’ll fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. Some guests also choose Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, but MBJ is much closer.
Do you have to pay Sandals upfront?
To secure your room, an initial deposit of $400 is due upon booking; the final payment is due 60 days before arrival.
How far is Sandals Royal Caribbean from the airport?
It’s about three miles from the airport, which translates to a quick drive—roughly 10 minutes, traffic permitting.
What does the Sandals Day Pass include?
A Sandals Day Pass typically includes access to the beach, pools, dining outlets, and unlimited water sports. It’s a neat way to explore the resort if you’re staying nearby but not booked at Sandals.
Is Sandals Royal Caribbean couples-only?
Yes. Sandals Resorts are designed for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
What’s the location of Sandals Royal Caribbean, and how do I reach the resort?
Sandals Royal Caribbean is in Montego Bay - JAMAICA, in the Mahoe Bay area. Once you arrive at Sangster International Airport, check-in at the Sandals Lounge and catch a quick complimentary shuttle to the resort.