The Sandals Resort Dress Code
OK, so you’ve booked your Sandals honeymoon or romantic getaway. Next, you’ll need to decide what to bring. If you’ve never visited a Sandals resort before, you’ll want to know about the Sandals dress code.
Sandals Dress Code Overview
When it comes to your Sandals resort packing list, less is more. In fact, on the Sandals website they say that many guests recommend packing everything you think you’ll need, then take out half! (You can always use the optional Sandals laundry service, the cost of which varies depending on the clothing item. You’ll find price lists in your room.)
Bring versatile pieces of clothing that you’ll be able to mix and match, as well as dress up or down, depending on the activities you have planned.
Getting the Best Deal at Sandals
After deciding on the resort, we booked our trip directly on Sandals.com. We always check for the weekly 777 deal before booking to save on our room rate or other promotions going on, which you can see here.
Alternatively, you can always contact us to help you book your trip to Sandals, making sure you get the best price possible.
Sandals Resorts Dress Code During the Day
Daytime at Sandals resorts is pretty casual, with people wearing bathing suits, shorts, and light tops that are suitable for lounging on the beach, swimming, or enjoying the many activities.
Women will want to bring shorts, t-shirts, tops, swimwear, and a few light, airy dresses and/or skirts plus tops. For men, swimwear, shorts, and casual shirts like t-shirts or polos are good.
For shoes, you’ll want to wear something easy to slip on and off that can get wet and/or sandy during the day, like flip-flops. You may also want to bring water shoes.
Most of what you will wear at Sandals Resorts is going to be related to what you plan on doing. If you want to lounge on the beach or by the pool most days, be sure to bring several swimsuits. If you want to do watersports like snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, etc., you might want to get a one-piece or a rash guard.
If you’re heading to a Sandals resort with golf, you will need to wear appropriate attire and golf shoes (same for if you want to play tennis).
There are complimentary fitness centers at each Sandals, as well as classes like yoga, so bring workout gear if you want to take advantage of those. And if you plan to go on any excursions, think about whether you will need something special like comfortable walking shoes or a raincoat.
Don’t forget to pack a cute cover-up to throw on over your swimsuit. It’s a perfect option to have when you’re taking a stroll on the beach or exploring town. Also, most restaurants at Sandals Resorts require you to cover up swimwear in order to eat there, even during the day.
Sandals Resorts Dress Code at Night
When evening comes, it’s important to pay attention to the dress codes at the different restaurants. These will be either resort casual or resort evening attire.
Women will want to bring some cute dresses and/or skirts and tops for the resort evening attire restaurants. A pair of nice sandals or wedges works well in both casual and dressy restaurants. You can bring heels if you want, but remember that you may be walking on sand.
Men will want to wear nicer shorts in the casual restaurants or dressier pants (khakis are fine) and nice pants and collared shirts in the restaurants requiring eveningwear. Remember to bring nicer shoes for dinner. Sandals are fine in casual restaurants, but the resort evening attire restaurants require closed-toe shoes (no sneakers).
A full explanation of the Sandals restaurant dress code and the difference between resort casual and resort evening attire is below.
Sandals Dress Code: Resort Evening Attire vs Resort Casual
As the sun goes down, you will probably want to dress up a little, and if you’re eating at one of the nicer restaurants at your Sandals resort, you’ll be required to.
Is Sandals strict about the dress code? It really depends on the Sandals resort, some are more strict than others. The Sandals’ dress code for restaurants at night is either resort casual or resort evening. Resort casual includes either shorts or jeans and t-shirts or polo shirts. You must wear both shirts and shoes and if you have on a swimsuit it must be covered up.
Resort evening wear would be dress pants or nice jeans and long or short-sleeved dress shirts, with or without a collar, for men. No T-shirts or sleeveless shirts are allowed, and no hats. Men will also need closed-toe shoes.
For women, resort evening attire would be nicer pants or jeans, a skirt and a nice top, or a cute sundress. Shoes should be dress shoes or nice sandals—no flip-flops, sneakers, or slippers. You can certainly wear an even nicer dress if you want, but remember that heels can be tough to pull off if you’re walking in sand.
Special Events Sandals Resort Dress Code
There will be some special events at Sandals that can require different clothes. One such event at each Sandals resort is a “White Night” every week. This is a chocolate buffet party where they like everyone to dress all in white, so we suggest you bring an all-white outfit for that.
It’s best to check with the resort to see what is happening during your stay.
What Not to Wear at Sandals Resorts
First, remember that Sandals resorts are located on warm tropical islands. While Sandals does say jeans are appropriate, you will most likely be hot if you wear them. You may want to pack khakis or other lightweight pants instead.
Next, there are some restrictions on what you can wear in the restaurants. If you have a bathing suit on, it must be covered up. You must wear shirts and shoes as well.
Anything that you would wear to work out in is probably not appropriate for the restaurants at dinner, even if they are resort casual. This means no gym shorts, leggings, sleeveless sports tops, etc. Hats are not allowed in the nicer restaurants.
Did we answer all your questions about the Sandals resort dress code? Let us know if you have any others in the comments below!
