Our Honest Sandals Royal Caribbean Review
One of seven Sandals resorts in Jamaica, Sandals Royal Caribbean is located in Montego Bay close to the airport and features a luxurious private island. It also has the romantic overwater bungalows and exchange privileges with Sandals Montego Bay.
Sandals Royal Caribbean has a 4.4 rating on Google.
We really like Sandals Royal Caribbean. Read on for our full and honest Sandals Royal Caribbean review to find out if it’s the best Sandals resort for you.
What to Know About Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Royal Caribbean is centrally located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, close to the action and the airport but still offering a peaceful atmosphere. We really liked the private island, which has beaches, a pool, and an excellent Thai restaurant as well as the overwater bungalows. We also really like that it’s a smaller and quieter resort, but you have the ability to go to Sandals Montego Bay or into town if you want more to do.
There is construction happening here which is expected to be done by the end of 2024. After that, there will be some nice new rooms available.
Getting to Sandals Royal Caribbean
It’s easy and fast to reach Sandals Royal Caribbean. There are tons of direct flights from major airports to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Upon arrival, head to the Sandals lounge, where they will connect you with your complimentary transportation to the resort.
It only takes about 10 minutes to get from the airport to the resort, so you can get your vacation started quickly. However, the airport can be busy at times. We suggest checking to see how many flights will be arriving at the same time as you, and if it’s a lot, consider getting Club Mobay service. This helps you get through customs faster.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Rooms and Suites
We stayed in a Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Jr Suite, which was newer and nice and had a Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two on the balcony. The only drawback was that it was a luxury level room, so we couldn’t get room service, and also had to go to the culinary desk to make dinner reservations. (Club and Butler level rooms and suites have concierge and butler service to help with things like that, and also offer room service.)
The Crystal Lagoon area was tucked away a bit, so it was quiet though a little further from the beach. This also made it more affordable. This area also has swim-up suites available.
There are many other choices, including oceanfront rooms, beachfront walkout suites and penthouse suites. Some of the older and more outdated rooms have been demolished, and construction of new rooms is currently happening. These should be available by the end of 2024.
The most luxurious rooms at Sandals Royal Caribbean are the overwater bungalows. Set around a heart-shaped walkway on the private island, these romantic thatched-roof bungalows are perched over the Caribbean and give you direct access to the water from large private decks. They also have overwater hammocks and a glass floor insert inside so you can see marine life. Some even have private infinity pools! The overwater bungalows come with 24-hour personal butler service for the ultimate relaxation.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Restaurants and Bars
There are 9 restaurants at Sandals Royal Caribbean that offer a variety of cuisines including French, Caribbean, Italian, Asian, Jamaican, English pub style, and seafood.
We enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Spices, the Caribbean Jerk Shack, the brick oven pizza at Bella Napoli, and the quesadillas at the Mariner. Our favorite restaurants are also there: Royal Thai, which is an amazing authentic Thai restaurant on the private island, and Bombay House, which has excellent Indian food.
In addition, you can go to the 12 restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay, which is close and has a free shuttle. We love Oleander there, which serves family-style Caribbean food.
You can also get in-room dining if you’re staying in a club or butler-level room or suite. Another option is to request a private candle-lit dinner on the beach.
There are 5 bars at Sandals Royal Caribbean including swim-up bars. You also have access to 6 bars at Sandals Montego Bay as well as all the nightlife in Montego Bay.
The Beach at Sandals Royal Caribbean
There are several choices for beach time at Sandals Royal Caribbean. The main resort has a really nice stretch of white sand along clear water, plus there are two peaceful beaches on the private island. All of the beaches have loungers, and the private island also has Bali beds.
One of the beaches on the private island is clothing optional.
On the main beach, there are different areas including a more active one with watersports and entertainment and a few quieter spots.
The Pools at Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Royal Caribbean has 8 pools and 6 whirlpools. Our favorite was the pool on the private island, since it was smaller, quiet, and had a swim-up bar.
The main pool overlooks the beach and has activities and music. The rest of the pools are scattered around the property, and include the lagoon pool by the swim-up suites.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Activities and Amenities
As at every Sandals, you can enjoy a broad variety of complimentary watersports and instruction at Sandals Royal Caribbean including snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing.
Scuba diving is also free for certified divers. (You can get certified onsite, but that costs extra.)
Land activities include day and night tennis, beach volleyball, croquet, bocce ball, and a fitness center with classes. There’s also a full-service spa (which costs extra).
The private island offers a pool and swim-up bar, whirlpool, beaches, and restaurant.
There is nightly entertainment onsite including live music, theme nights, and beach parties on the private island with bonfires and dancers.
Plus, you get access to all the activities and amenities at Sandals Montego Bay, which is nearby and easily reached via a free shuttle.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Honeymoons
We like Sandals Royal Caribbean for honeymoons because it’s relatively small and quiet, has the peaceful and fun private island, and offers the romantic overwater bungalows.
You can also get a free honeymoon package if you come within 30 days of your wedding. This includes a bottle of chilled sparkling wine, a romantic turndown service with flower petals on your first night, breakfast in bed one morning, and fresh flowers.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Cost
Sandals Royal Caribbean rates currently start at $224 per person per night.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Pros and Cons
The pros of Sandals Royal Caribbean are that it is close to the airport, is peaceful but has access to everything at Sandals Montego Bay, has great beach and pool options, and has a private island. We also think the food options here are really good.
Some couples feel that this Sandals resort is too small and quiet. Other than that, we can’t think of any cons.
Now that you’ve learned more about Sandals Royal Caribbean, does it sound right for you? Let us know if the comments. And if you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to contact us—we are Sandals certified travel specialists!
