What’s Included At A Sandals Resort?
When you go on vacation, the cost of food, transportation and activities can add up quickly when it is not included in your package. At Sandals, they say “love is all you need” because all the other stuff is already included! Sandals Resorts truly are the perfect couples-only, all-inclusive resorts. But, really, what’s included in a Sandals vacation? And better yet, what’s not included?
The good news? All of your meals, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), transfers, tips AND activities are included. There are some extra add-ons that you may choose to pay for, but we will talk about that below.
One of our favorite reasons to book a Sandals Resort is that the amount you pay, is always what you’ll spend! Your vacation package includes all of your meals, drinks, non-motorized water sports and activities. Believe it or not, the waiters and staff cannot accept tips! (If your room has Butler Service or you visit the spa, these are exceptions in which you can tip.)
You may be asking yourself, how is this possible? The cost of your room covers it all! No matter what category room you book, all of the things we mentioned above come built in to your Sandals vacation. Below I will tell you about a few of the must-haves when on vacation that can really add up if you were to visit a different resort.
snacks & meals
All of your meals AND snacks are included when booking a Sandals vacation. Much like a cruise, your food is included, but at Sandals, you can choose to eat wherever you like and whenever you like. Each different Sandals Resort has a handful of restaurants to choose from each night. From buffets to teppanyaki tables, you truly can have it all. And you can even enjoy seconds or thirds if you want. Want to try one of each dessert? Go for it!
A few of the popular restaurants do require reservations, but a Travel Agent can help with all of those details. At most Sandals resorts, a few fine-dining restaurants have evening dress codes. This means no flip-flops or sneakers are allowed, but sandals are always allowed at Sandals! Another thing that we love is that if you have allergies or you require special meals, such as Kosher meals, they are very accommodating at every restaurant and even with room service.
Sandals Resort attire is resort casual by day, resort elegant by night (in some restaurants). So while the sun is shining, your tank tops, swimsuits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are perfect. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required.
Drinks
Now this is something to raise a glass to! At Sandals Resorts, you do not pay for any beverages. Yep, ALL drinks are included in a Sandals vacation. That includes adult beverages, premium spirits, even 5-star premium liquors and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines that are exclusively for Sandals Resorts. All rooms are stocked with juice, water, soda, wine and beer! And again, you do not have to worry about minibar fees. If you book a top-tier room, you can also enjoy a fully-stocked bar!
Activities and Entertainment
All of the activities want to do at the resort and more is all there for you and your loved one. Do as much or as little of it as you like. But you won’t need to pay for the water sports, land sports, games or entertainment.
Water Sports
There are 15 Sandals Resorts in six different Caribbean countries. Each resort offers fun water activities like paddleboarding or scuba diving. If you are a certified diver, bring your dive card for two dives each day except your departure day. If you are new to scuba diving, you add on an introductory class (extra fee). Once you complete the class, you are free to dive in location!
Your Sandals Resort may offer some of the following fun watersport choices:
- Scuba diving (two full tanks per day for certified divers)
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Aqua trikes
- Windsurfing
- Hobie Cat sailing
- Paddleboarding
- Waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding are available at select resorts
- Glass-bottom boats at select resorts
Land Sports and Games
There really is something for everyone at Sandals. Activities vary per resort but may include the following:
- Beach/pool volleyball
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Darts
- Land chess
- Croquet
- Board games
- Pool tables
- Table tennis
- Shuffleboard
- Fitness centers
- Competitive games set up by the playmakers at the resort
- Golf (at limited resorts)
A few Sandals Resorts even offer golf. You do not have to pay greens fees or for transfers from nearby Sandals Resorts; however, you may need to pay for caddies and golf carts. You can golf when visiting the following resorts:
- Ochi
- Royal Plantation
- Regency La Toc
- Halcyon Beach
- Grande St. Lucian
- Emerald Bay
Entertainment
A Sandals vacation of course includes entertainment. You will find themed parties, live shows, , piano bars, cocktail parties, nightclubs, beach parties, live music, talent shows and so much more happening every night at a Sandals Resort. Itching for some karaoke? You’ve come to the right place!
Airport Transfers
Don’t even worry about getting between the airport and your resort via cab or shuttle. Airport transfers are always included in a Sandals vacation.
What Is Not Included at Sandals?
While almost everything is included at Sandals, you will always find a few optional add-ons on resort. As you saw above, there is so much going on at Sandals that you don’t have to go for the extras, but you might want enjoy some spa time or enjoy an excursion outside of the resort. The following services usually cost extra.
Spa Services
Excursions
Butler Service Tipping
Photo Packages
Candlelight Dinner
Scuba Dive Certification Courses and Resort Course
.
Hopefully this gave you a better understanding of what’s included in a Sandals vacation. The more you do, the more value you get for your money!
Want to start planning your getaway? Schedule a Vacation Consultation below:
