Sandals Resorts with Shade from the Sun
So you’re planning a Caribbean vacation and you want a luxurious, all-inclusive adults-only experience on a beautiful beach—but you want to be sure there’s plenty of shade to protect your skin and keep you cool.
Sandals resorts are some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean—but do they have shade? If you’ve looked into Sandals resorts, you might have come across reviews saying that, while their beaches are gorgeous, it can be hard to find shade. We’ve been to all the Sandals resorts, however, and can report that there are definitely some Sandals locations with shade.
If shade is important to you and you’re looking for the best Sandals resorts with shade from the sun, here are our picks.
Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica
Located in Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean is the best Sandals resort with shade from the sun, in our opinion. There are lots of palm trees, cabanas, and umbrellas along the beach as well as umbrellas by the pools. Also, the swim-up suites offer shaded patios that you can relax on.
We love this resort because it’s very close to the Montego Bay airport so you can start your vacation quickly. It also has a cool private island with more beautiful beachfront (and cabanas) as well as an excellent Thai restaurant. Plus, you get access via a free shuttle to all the amenities and facilities at nearby Sandals Montego Bay (which also has some shade along the beach if you want to check it out).
Sandals Grande Antigua
This Sandals resort has shade from the sun due to the swaying palm trees lining the beach, plenty of covered areas throughout the lushly landscaped grounds, and umbrellas by the beach and pool. Set on one of the best beaches in Antigua (which has 365 beaches so that’s saying something), Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted the Most Romantic Resort in the World.
There are beachfront restaurants so you can dine in the shade while enjoying the view, as well as a tiki bar. The water here is very calm and perfect for all the complimentary watersports. We also highly recommend going out to explore the island, as Antigua is gorgeous and there is plenty to see.
Sandals St. Vincent
Located in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, this new Sandals resort features palm trees throughout as well as along the beach. It also has umbrellas in addition to really nice covered cabanas set over and around the pool.
Sandals St. Vincent is one of the best Sandals resorts overall, for its elevated “Sandals 2.0” experience which includes unique accommodations like two-story overwater villas, new restaurant concepts offering delicious fresh cuisine, and new bars delivering craft cocktails. The service here is also incredibly friendly, and the setting is stunning.
Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
Another of the new resorts that offers the “Sandals 2.0” experience, Sandals Dunn’s River has lush natural landscaping that provides shade. Additionally, the amazing Skypool suites feature large covered balconies with private infinity pools and oversized soaking tubs—and they’re always in the shade.
This is our favorite Sandals resort—the food is incredible and we love the new restaurant, bar, and coffee shop options; the accommodations are amazing; the setting is beautiful and close to great local attractions; and the pools are wonderful.
Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
Nestled on a pristine shoreline surrounded by a nature preserve, Sandals South Coast has plenty of trees throughout the grounds and along the beach to provide shade, as well as umbrellas by the pools and beach. One of the best Sandals resorts for honeymoons, this secluded spot is peaceful and private.
For a top romantic experience, stay in an overwater bungalow. These luxurious suites are perched above the Caribbean, offering direct access to the water and allowing you to take in the incredible view from your comfy bed. There is also an overwater bar.
Sandals Negril, Jamaica
Sandals Negril is set along world-famous Seven Mile Beach, lined with lovely palm trees that provide shade. There are also lounge chairs with umbrellas on the beach and by the pool plus private covered cabanas. There are plenty of chairs on the beach here, so you won’t have to wake up super early to claim one.
Plus, several beachfront bars and restaurants provide shady spots to enjoy the amazing view. This is a top Sandals resort for snorkeling, as the water is calm and clear and you can snorkel right off the beach. It also offers stunning sunsets.
How to Find Shade at Any Sandals Resort
If you want to go to a Sandals that isn’t on this list, don’t despair. There are still ways to make sure you can get shade at Sandals, no matter which location you visit.
Our top tip would be to book a butler level suite. These rooms, which are the best ones in each resort, come with the services of a personal butler who can reserve lounge chairs with umbrellas at the beach and pool each day.
If the butler suites are too pricey or not available, consider booking private cabanas on the beach and at the pool. These also come with butler service, so you can hang out in the shade all day and have food and drink brought to you. Note that these are not included and do cost extra.
If you want to be sure of getting some shade without having to pay for it, your best bet is to get up early to snag lounge chairs with umbrellas. There are some Sandals resorts where this is harder than others, but in general you will be able to secure a spot.
Why Choose Sandals Resorts?
We love Sandals resorts because you really get a lot for your money. For one upfront price, you get a ton of inclusions including great food at a variety of nice restaurants, multiple watersports including scuba and snorkeling, unlimited drinks including premium liquor and Robert Mondavi wine at fun bars, land activities including tennis and a fitness center with classes, airport transfers, and nightly entertainment.
Some locations also include golf, and some give you access to nearby Sandals resorts as well. Plus, the accommodations are thoughtfully designed, the beaches and grounds are beautiful, and the service is excellent. And you get all this in an upscale, adults-only setting.
If you have any more questions about Sandals resorts with shade from the sun, or would like help making reservations, feel free to contact us here!
