Comparing Couples vs. Sandals Resorts
When researching adult-only all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, you will come across two brands that seem pretty similar, Couples Resorts & Sandals Resorts. And while they have several similarities, a few things set them apart.
Check out this Couples vs. Sandals resort breakdown to get all the details before you make that decision.
Couples vs. Sandals Resorts: Overview
Couples and Sandals are two of the top names in all-inclusive resort stays. Both offer incredible inclusions, great food, high-end service, and plenty of excitement. Plus, most resorts for both Couples and Sandals are beachfront, so you’re just a few steps away from a tropical beach.
But when it comes to picking one resort over the other, it’s important to have all the details. Not only do you need to choose a vacation location, but you’ll want to know what’s included in your stay, which resort has better food and drink options, and what each resort does well.
Couples Strengths
Couples resorts are more relaxed and are great for couples looking for a tropical and intimate getaway. Plus, these resorts are a little easier to get to – especially when traveling from the US.
If you’re looking to spend some time on a nude beach, then Couples is definitely the right choice. Three different Couples resorts offer access to nude beaches, which is not an amenity offered at any Sandals resorts.
Sandals Strengths
Sandals resorts are usually a little more rowdy than Couples resorts. There are plenty of great entertainment options – both day and night – and there are more food options open later.
Sandals resorts also always include airport transportation, so you’ll never have to worry about getting to and from your resort.
Plus, the in-room minibar options are better. You’ll find wine and champagne options included, as well as full-size liquor bottles and mixers. And, if you stay in a butler-level suite, you have full access to room service.
Couples vs. Sandals Resorts: Location
When it comes to choosing between these two resorts, it really starts with location. Both Couples and Sandals resorts are located in top vacation destinations, but they aren’t necessarily located in the same places.
Most Couples resorts can be found in different areas of Central America – think Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. But there are four Couples resorts in Jamaica. You can find two in Negril and two in Ochos Rios.
Sandals resorts, on the other hand, focuses on Caribbean destinations. In fact, you can find 18 different Sandals resorts on 7 different Caribbean islands: 2 in the Bahamas, 7 in Jamaica, 1 in Grenada, 3 in St. Lucia, 1 in Antigua, 2 in Barbados, 1 in Curacao, and 1 in St. Vincent.
Couples vs. Sandals Resorts: Activities and Amenities
Both Couples and Sandals resorts are set on stunning beaches and offer complimentary water sports and activities. Plus, both resorts offer plenty of nightly entertainment options. So you’re sure to find more than a few fun things to do around the resort.
If you’re looking for more excursions or exploratory activities, you might want to consider Couples resorts. In many cases, the price for your stay at the resort includes some of these excursions and tours. You might also be able to take advantage of a few other complementary activities, like dance classes, tennis, and golf.
One of the biggest differences in activities and amenities is the inclusion of nude beaches. Three Couples resorts offer nude beaches.
When it comes to Sandals resorts, the biggest draw is the variety and number of pools they offer. All Sandals resorts boast spectacular pools in a number of different varieties – free-form lagoons, zero-entry, and even infinity pools.
You’ll also find each Sandals resort is equipped with a full-service spa, though these amenities come at an additional cost.
Couples vs. Sandals Resorts: Food and Drink
You’ll find plenty of great food and bar options at both Couples and Sandals resorts. Where they do differ is in the number and food styles. But both resorts do offer plenty of dining options, including open-air, beachfront, and even private candle lit dinners for an additional cost.
Couples resorts tend to have few restaurants and bars in each resort. These resorts average between 5 and 6 restaurants at each resort. But each Couples resort does offer a Veggie Bar where guests can find fresher food options.
Sandals resorts offer a lot more in the way of bars and restaurants. These resorts average anywhere between 6 and 16 restaurants on the property. There are also plenty of bar options, too. You can find everything from swim-up bars, over-the-water bars, to even a British pub.
Couples vs. Sandals Resorts: Rooms and Suites
The accommodations are an important factor when choosing which resort to vacation at. The good news is both Couples and Sandals resorts offer a lot of high-class rooms and suites.
Sandals resorts have the market cornered with amazing suites full of high-end amenities and incredible luxury. Even some of their most affordable rooms and suites come fully outfitted with great options.
Sandals rooms and suites come in at three different levels: Luxury, Club, and Butler. The Butler level rooms come with 24-hour access to a private butler, so you can fully relax in the highest level of luxury Sandals has to offer.
Depending on which Sandals resort you’re staying at, you can find incredible options for rooms and suites. Many you’re looking for a truly breathtaking experience and want to spend a few nights in an overwater bungalow. Or maybe you’re more interested in the Billionaires Butler Villas or the Skypool suites. You won’t be disappointed with any of these Sandals resort rooms and suites.
When it comes to rooms at Couples resorts, you’ll find more subdued designs and amenities in the suites. This doesn’t mean they are lacking, but they are a little less flashy than the rooms at Sandals resorts.
Couples resorts do offer luxurious room options depending on where you’re staying and what kind of budget you’re traveling with. One of the most luxurious accommodation options comes at Couples Tower Isle. Here couples can choose to stay at the Ocean Spa Villa for an almost unmatched level of spa pampering. A stay at Ocean Spa Villa comes with unlimited spa services, so you’re sure to feel pampered and luxuriated.
Other great options at Couples resorts include beachfront suites at Couples Negril, suites with private balconies and patios at Couples Swept Away, and the private Hibiscus Cottage or the Prime Minister’s penthouse at Couples Sans Souci.
Couples vs. Sandals Resorts: Inclusions
Both Couples and Sandals resorts offer all-inclusive packages, but the term “all-inclusive” can get confusing. What’s included at each resort can differ, so what’s included in a stay at either type of resort?
Couples all-inclusive stays really are all inclusive. The rate for a stay at a Couples resort includes unlimited gourmet dining at select restaurants, unlimited beverages including some wine and cocktail beverages, plus a personalized in-room minibar, nightly entertainment, select watersports, roundtrip airport transfers, tips and taxes, and some excursions around the area.
Depending on the specific resort you stay at, your rate could also include unlimited golf and tennis, a visit to Dunn’s River Falls, and a catamaran cruise.
Sandals resorts, however, may have that list topped. Sandals resorts are considered the top when it comes to inclusions. You’ll find the same inclusions as the Couples resorts with just a little bit more.
Not only does your rate cover unlimited gourmet dining, but it includes all meals and snacks. You’ll also find unlimited beverages – alcoholic and non-alcoholic, an in-room minibar and coffee maker, plus roundtrip shuttles to other resorts and full access to those facilities.
Couples vs. Sandals Resorts: The Verdict!
So, what’s the final verdict – Couples or Sandals resorts? The truth is you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of these resorts. The choice ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for and what price point you’re looking for.
In most cases, the cost for a stay at Couples is more affordable, but you’ll often find great deals for a stay at either Couples or Sandals resorts. If you’re looking for those higher end amenities and a higher level of luxuries, then you’ll want to look for a Sandals resort. But if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, then a Couples resort mi
