Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean

When comparing the many Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, you may find that Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean are remarkably similar. Both of these properties have similar ratings on TripAdvisor and Google, are situated close to the airport, and provide couples with the same level of romance and elegance they have come to expect from Sandals.

So how do you pick the Sandals resort that’s right for you? For your romantic holiday to Jamaica, this article will help you make your choice between Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean.

Long stretches of white sand beach, a variety of water activities, and a buzzing social scene can all be found at Sandals Montego Bay. It is close to Sandals Royal Caribbean, which is renowned for its private island and spectacular Over-the-Water Bungalows.

The good news is that despite having to choose between two resorts, you will have access to both resorts’ restaurants and facilities via a complimentary shuttle service.

The following amenities are included in your rate at either site, as they are at all Sandals resorts:

• Free airport transportation
• All meals and drinks
• Water sports, gear, and expert coaching
• Shuttle service to and from the other resort
• Entertainment
• Unlimited land sports
• All tips, taxes, and services

Rates at Sandals Royal Caribbean vs. Montego Bay

With rates beginning at $331 per person per night, Sandals Montego Bay is often more pricey.

Rooms at Sandals Royal Caribbean start at $280. On a regular basis, Sandals.com features specials and deals for both resorts.

Location and Overview of Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean

There is little travel time because both resorts are near Montego Bay and close to the airport. While they both have access to the ocean, Sandals Montego Bay boasts a long stretch of shoreline.

Everything started at Sandals Montego Bay. The very first Sandals Resort is located on a long stretch of pristine beach, and the waters that surround it are kept tranquil by reefs that are located offshore. Despite the fact that Sandals Montego Bay started in 1981, it has just undergone renovations and seems modern and new. It is still one of the most luxurious resorts in Jamaica.

There are various waterfront restaurants, an overwater bar, and a modern open-air lobby that looks out onto the Caribbean. You don’t have to lose sight of the open sea in this if you don’t want to.

Due to Sandals Montego Bay’s proximity to the airport, some guests have expressed their discomfort at the noise made by flying aircraft. Even if there are just a few dozen a day, most of them occur between 11 am and 5 pm; it is very loud.

The premium resort Sandals Royal Caribbean, which is located on a more intimate but nonetheless gorgeous beach, has just undergone renovations as well.

A Georgian-style Great House and activities like afternoon tea and croquet at this resort highlight Jamaica’s British heritage. Unique to Sandals Royal Caribbean is a private island complete with a beach and a collection of luxurious over-the-water bungalows.

Although Sandals Royal Caribbean is close to the airport, the noise from the airplanes is not nearly as loud as at Sandals Montego Bay.

Accommodations of Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean

There are many romantic room options with butler service available at Sandals Royal Caribbean’s main resort area. At Sandals Royal Caribbean, the majority of the rooms include patios or balconies with serenity soaking tubs. Location and quality of service will be the primary selling points.

You can select from Beachfront Walkout Butler Suites, which are located directly on the beach and have a Tranquility Soaking Tub for Two on the Private Patio, Royal Beachfront Butler Corner Suites with private balconies overlooking the ocean, Crystal Lagoon Honeymoon Penthouse Oceanview Butler Suites, and Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler Suites, in which you can step straight out and slip into the pool. Some of them have huge patios that extend out into the pool, complete with private loungers and a bistro set for al fresco dining.

There are additional luxurious hotel choices without a butler that offer stunning views and facilities, including the Beachfront Club Elite Suite with a private balcony and Tranquility Soaking Tub or the Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Swim-Up Club Level Junior Suite with a private patio and direct access to a gorgeous pool as well as a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two.

Except for the overwater bungalows, Sandals Montego Bay offers nearly identical room types throughout the resort. However, there are a few of these accommodations with swim-up access that also have a view of the ocean. You have the option of staying in a Beachfront Swim-up Butler Suite, which boasts a retractable glass wall that glides open so you can step directly into the pool and go for a swim. You can also enjoy the sun on your own private in-pool lounger or relax in the Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, which has a view over the pool and to the sea.

Other romantic accommodations include Beachfront Honeymoon Butler Suites, which feature Tranquility Soaking Tubs and balconies with views of the Caribbean; Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Elite Luxury Rooms, which have immediate access to a swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens; or Beachfront Honeymoon Walkout Club Elite Junior Suites, which are just steps from the beach and have Tranquility Soaking Tubs with ocean views. Every one of the suites at the butler level comes with your very own personal butler.

While both resorts have luxurious accommodations and first-rate services, only Sandals Royal Caribbean boasts Over-the-Water Bungalows. Nestled around a heart-shaped pathway and perched above the azure waters of the Caribbean, these exclusive villas are the ultimate in seclusion and romance.

The Over-the-Water Bungalows here provide you with direct access to the breathtaking waters from a spacious private deck that includes a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, an overwater hammock, loungers, an outdoor shower, and a swim-up platform. Additionally, the bungalows’ interiors come equipped with a see-through glass floor insert, a king-size bed, and a spa-like bathroom with a rain shower. Even private infinity pools are available in a few of Sandals Royal Caribbean’s overwater bungalows.

At a Sandals resort, you receive personalized butler service when you stay in an overwater bungalow. To help you unwind after your flight, your butler will welcome you with cocktails, food, and lemongrass-scented hand towels. He’ll then lead the way to your room. The check-in process is finished at your villa, where the butler will even unload your luggage for you.

Your butler will be able to make all the reservations you require for meals, outings, and spa services during your stay. They can serve you a candlelit dinner on your private deck or bring you drinks and food to enjoy at the beach or pool.

Dining of Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean

Six bars—including swim-up bars and a piano bar—and 12 dining establishments make up Sandals Montego Bay. Many of them have views of the magnificent beach. These include a classy Old Jamaican restaurant, a seaside bar and grill, Italian, Japanese, a steakhouse, a waterfront restaurant providing world cuisine, a sushi bar, a Caribbean jerk shack, a British pub, a simple pizzeria, a Parisian café, and a toes-in-the-sand open-air diner with fresh seafood and local specialties.

Sandals Royal Caribbean has nine restaurants and 6 bars, which include swim-up bars and a piano bar. The nine restaurants serve up a variety of exquisite cuisine from around the world, including authentic Thai, French haute food, Indian, Italian, and Caribbean. Here, you may eat at a casual pizzeria, a Caribbean jerk shack, a seaside bar and grill, and a British pub.

When staying at either resort, you can quickly go back and forth between them thanks to the free shuttle service and access to all of its food establishments.

Whatever option you pick, make sure to visit Sandals Royal Caribbean for Indian and Thai cuisine. Surf and turf at Butch’s Steakhouse or eat at Oleanders with breathtaking sunset views are two must-try options at Sandals Montego Bay.

Weddings of Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean

Are you getting married in Jamaica? Give Sandals Montego Bay serious thought. The impressive over-the-water chapel is available at this resort, where you can exchange vows while gazing out over the breathtaking Caribbean from a glass floor aisle.

Even if you’re not getting married while you’re there, you can still experience an overwater resort at Sandals Montego Bay by stopping by the Over-the-Water Bar for a cool drink while overlooking the Caribbean. You can even spend the day cuddling up in one of the overwater hammocks for two with your special someone!

Amenities & Activities of Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean

A wide selection of water sports, including wakeboarding, tubing, and waterskiing, in addition to the traditional scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing, are available at Sandals Montego Bay if you’re visiting Jamaica specifically for water activities.

Beach volleyball, bocce ball, pool tables, and a fitness center with workout courses are just a few of the many land sports that are offered at Sandals Montego Bay. Tennis is also accessible day and night.

Anyone staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean, not just those in overwater bungalows, can enjoy the resort’s private offshore island. The island, which is only a short boat ride from the main resort, has a lovely beach surrounded by thatch-roofed cabanas, a pool with a swim-up bar, a Jacuzzi, and two dining options, one of which is an authentic Thai restaurant. During the evenings, there will be bonfires, “island-style extravaganzas,” and sand dancing.

Along with land activities like beach volleyball, bocce ball, pool tables, and a fitness center with exercise programs, Sandals Royal Caribbean also provides water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing. Tennis, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and other water sports are all available at Sandals Montego Bay.

Both resorts provide optional adventure activities and spa treatments at the Red Lane Spa, a full-service facility. 

Entertainment of Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean

Sandals Montego Bay is renowned for its energetic atmosphere, which is perfect if you like to mingle and party. While the nightly beach bonfires and entertainment on the private island are rather magnificent, Sandals Royal Caribbean is often quieter.

The pool area at Sandals Montego Bay, which is located closer to the Jerk Shack, is the more vibrant of the two resorts’ pools. The main pool at Royal Caribbean is the liveliest if you like playing games, dancing, and meeting new people.

If you wish to go to local clubs, both resorts are close to Montego Bay’s bustling nightlife scene. They also have daily and nightly entertainment options, such as live concerts.

Having read this, do you think you can decide between Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean for your upcoming trip to Jamaica?