Real and Honest Sandals Royal Plantation Review
One of 7 Sandals locations in Jamaica, Sandals Royal Plantation is unique because it’s an all-butler-suite resort. For this reason, and because it’s smaller and quieter than most Sandals locations, it’s one of the best Sandals resorts for honeymoons.
It’s also one of the highest-rated Sandals resorts, with a 4.7 on Google.
We loved our time there, and more than 60 percent of guests come back again. However, some people don’t enjoy it. In our real and honest Sandals Royal Plantation review, we’ll tell you all you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.
Things to Know About Sandals Royal Plantation
We really enjoyed the intimate and relaxed feel at Sandals Royal Plantation, as well as the butler service which was really above and beyond. What’s great is that while you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere here, you also get access to Sandals Ochi, which is the largest and most active Sandals resort, so it’s kind of the best of both worlds.
Getting to Sandals Royal Plantation
Sandals Royal Plantation is located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. You have three choices of airport to fly into. Sangster in Montego Bay is the main international airport, and the resort is about 90 minutes away. Kingston is a good bit closer—just 20 minutes—but the roads are windy so be aware if you get carsick.
Ocho Rios is the closest airport, and it is starting to get more flights including some direct flights from Miami, so you may be able to find one that works for you. As at all Sandals, airport transfers are complimentary.
Sandals Royal Plantation Rooms and Suites
There are just 74 suites here, and they all come with 24-hour butler service. They also are all oceanfront, with private balconies. The only difference among the rooms is the size and how direct the ocean view is.
What some people love, and some people don’t, is that the suites here have not been updated in a while. While they are elegant and we found them quite nice, they don’t have some of the extras of the other Sandals resorts like the oversized soaking tubs.
Apparently, most return guests prefer them to stay the same, so the resort has accommodated their wishes. However, some guests have been disappointed.
Sandals Royal Plantation Restaurants and Bars
There are 5 restaurants at Sandals Royal Plantation, and you also have access to 16 restaurants at Sandals Ochi. At Royal Plantation, choices include Le Papillon, an elegant space that is one of our favorite breakfast spots of any Sandals and also serves delicious French cuisine for dinner.
There are also restaurants serving a variety of dishes including grilled specialties, Caribbean, international, Italian, seafood, and steak. The Terrace has an open-air area and beautiful water views. We loved the snapper and the crab cakes here.
We also really liked the surf and turf at The Royal Grill, which is on the beach for another wonderful atmosphere. There’s also a British pub that serves late night snacks.
Something different that Royal Plantation offers is afternoon tea every day on the terrace.
With the 24-hour butler service, you can also get food in your suite at any time. In addition, they will come to you at the pool and beach to see if you want a snack or drink.
There are 2 bars at Sandals Royal Plantation, and 11 bars at Sandals Ochi.
The Beach at Sandals Royal Plantation
Sandals Royal Plantation actually has two beaches, and while they are small, they are beautiful and very well-maintained. They are also private, which makes them very relaxing.
The sand is soft and the water is clear. It’s easy to get chairs here as well. The West Beach has day beds, swings, and tiki huts, and is near a restaurant. The East Beach is where the watersports are located and it’s sheltered by a coral reef for very calm water.
The Pools at Sandals Royal Plantation
The pool area here is pretty small compared to other Sandals resorts, but you can still usually find a chair. There is a main pool and whirlpool, and a smaller spring-fed pool.
Sandals Ochi offers a wide range of pools and a livelier atmosphere with entertainment and activities if you’re in the mood for that.
Sandals Royal Plantation Activities and Amenities
As at every Sandals, you can enjoy a broad variety of complimentary watersports at Sandals Royal Plantation including snorkeling, kayaking, glass bottom boat rides, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and Hobie Cat sailing.
Scuba is also free for certified divers, but you will need to go to Sandals Ochi for that (easily done via the free shuttle). This resort also offers SNUBA, which combines snorkeling and scuba diving, for an extra fee (also at Sandals Ochi).
There are land activities like tennis and pool, and a fitness center with classes as well.
Golf is available here, with free green fees and transfers from the resort. The onsite spa is extra, as are area excursions.
There is nightly entertainment including live music, but for something more you can go to Sandals Ochi.
Sandals Royal Plantation Honeymoons
We think this is one of the best Sandals resorts for honeymoons because of the small size and excellent service. 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 Plantation Cost
Rates at Sandals Royal Plantation currently start at $351 per person per night. There’s also a 3-bedroom villa with private pool and a full staff, which starts at $1815 per person per night.
Sandals Royal Plantation Pros and Cons
Pros at Sandals Royal Plantation are the small size, outstanding service, beautiful beaches, peaceful vibe, and access to Sandals Ochi. Cons for some would be the outdated room décor, as well as the smaller number of pools and the overall sedate atmosphere.
Now that you’ve read our honest review of Sandals Royal Plantation, let us know if you would like to go here or not! And feel free to contact us if we can help you plan your trip, or give suggestions for another Sandals resort that would be better for you.
