Sandals vs. Beaches
Both Sandals and Beaches Resorts are world class, well known names in the all inclusive world, they’re both wildly popular with vacationers looking for luxury and relaxation.
However, there is one main difference, Sandals is adult only and Beaches is family-friendly.
The Biggest Difference
When booking a Sandals resort vacation, expect and adult-only, couples-focused settings. Sandals rooms feature one bed, restaurants feature candlelit dinner offerings, and children are not allowed.
Beaches Resorts are family friendly with activities to keep kids entertained. Expect waterparks, family style room settings, certified nannies, and restaurants that have kid friendly menus.
Sandals and Beaches are under the same ownership but maintain their own identities. Beaches came to be in 1981 after years of Sandals success to create a family friendly, all-inclusive environment.
Locations
Sandals Resorts have 17 locations throughout the Caribbean while Beaches only has 2. Sandals resorts are primarily found in Jamaica, including their original resort at Montego Bay. However, there are also Sandals resorts in Antigua, Barbados, Curacao, Grenada, Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Saint Vincent. Beaches has one resort in Negril, Jamaica and one in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Three more are planned, in Bahamas, Jamaica, and Barbados.
Accommodations
Sandals Resort accommodations are catered to couples, therefore, rooms are designed with romanticism in mind. There are multiple room options with features like outdoor soaking tubs, private pools, and swim-up access to lagoon pools. Top private and romantic choices include overwater bungalows and Rondoval suites.
Beaches Resorts keep family in mind and feature spacious suites with separate rooms for kids as well as multibedroom suites and villas. Space is the biggest difference here–Beaches is all about making sure the whole family is comfortable, even if it includes up to 18 people!
Dining
Both Sandals and Beaches resorts do an amazing job at offering variety when it comes to food and dining experiences. They each have many restaurants with multiple cuisines that will ensure their guests never tire of the same old thing. Visitors can snack on Jerk Chicken while at the beach and savor luxury Italian at dinner.
Beaches Resorts, being family friendly, have more options for the kids! They have restaurants and menus for the pickiest of eaters and larger tables to accommodate groups. However, there are adult-only options at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Sandals Resorts leans into the finer dining vibe with more luxury settings and sophisticated fare.
Amenities
Sandals and Beaches Resorts are both all-inclusive meaning all of your airport transfers, meals, drinks, and a ton of water and land activities are included at no additional cost. Tips and taxes are also included at both brands. Each resort has beaches, multiple pools to enjoy, day and night entertainment, and sporting activities on land or in the water.
Sandals Resorts are generally geared more toward what couples will enjoy: romantic adventures and luxurious designs while Beaches offers family friendly activities and certified childcare services that comes in handy when parents want to venture out on their own and relax!
Activities & Excursions
Beaches and Sandals have an array of included water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, diving, paddle boards and kayaks. They both also offer land activities like tennis and fitness centers.
Beaches offer more kid-friendly options with waterparks, teen lounges, and Kid’s Camps.
Excursions from the resort are available at Beaches and Sandals at additional cost. They give guests an authentic experience of the Caribbean outside the resort with options varying from water activities to rum distillery tours.
Cost
Sandals and Beaches resorts are all-inclusive but are paid per night, per person due to the cost of all amenities for each individual. That being said, Beaches can be a little more pricey if you are booking it as a family (the more people=more expensive).
Costs at both brands vary throughout the year and range depending on the type of room booked and resort location.
In general, couples can expect to pay between $4,000-9000 for a week’s stay at a Sandals resort, not including airfare. For the larger suites and rooms with butler service they can go up to $25k per week.
At Beaches, a family of 4 can expect to pay between $7,000-25,000 per week, not including airfare.
These prices can vary heavily when considering which location you will be staying at. Visitors should browse the specials tab on the Sandals or Beaches Resort site to find the best deals as they consistently run specials and offer discounts.
Beaches vs. Sandals: Who Wins?
You! Deciding between Sandals and Beaches resorts really depends on what style of vacation you’re desiring. Honeymooners and couples without kids will lean toward a Sandals Resort. Beaches Resort is perfect for families with kids, especially when wanting to take advantage of the camps and nanny services.
Sandals can be appealing to couples wanting to get away from hectic life as well and have a kid-free vacation. Ultimately, either resort will be special. However, many couples also enjoy Beaches resorts for the extra fun amenities like waterparks. Beaches Turks & Caicos is especially popular, even for destination weddings and honeymoons, given its breathtaking beauty and upscale accommodations.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts are dedicated to optimum service and amenities, so you won’t be dissatisfied either way!
Should Couples go to Beaches Resorts?
Beaches Turks & Caicos is an amazing resort and worth visiting even if you do not have kids. We visited in September and it was amazing! There are fewer kids there when school is in session, and it is an absolutely beautiful location.
