Which Adults-Only All-Inclusive Is Best for You: Couples or Sandals?

There are several options available if you wish to book a stay at an adults-only all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean for your honeymoon or romantic getaway. We’re here to assist you in narrowing them down because we know it can be tricky. This article will review two of the most well-known luxury all-inclusive resort chains for romantic getaways, Couples Resorts and Sandals Resorts.

Couples and Sandals resorts share some similarities and are both intended for in-love couples, but they also differ in significant ways. To help you choose between Couples and Sandals, let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Before we get started, let’s tackle a few frequently asked questions about Sandals and Couples.

Do Couples and Sandals belong to the same company?

Not at all; Sandals and Couples are two separate businesses. Though many may assume otherwise, Couples Resorts is a separate entity from Sandals. Sandals Resorts also owns and manages Beaches Resorts, which are family-friendly all-inclusive beach resorts.

Are Sandals resorts just for couples?

Yes, Couples Resorts and Sandals Resorts are exclusively for couples. Both are intended to entertain honeymooners and other in-love couples with a romantic, luxurious experience.

Is Sandals Resort only for older couples?

No, Sandals resorts aren’t just for older couples. A variety of age groups may be found at each resort, making them ideal for any adult couple. Nevertheless, certain Sandals resorts attract couples from specific age groups depending on the season.

Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Grande Antigua are popular among older couples. Younger travelers are drawn to Sandals Royal Bahamian, Sandals Ochi, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian. However, each Sandals resort often has a mix of ages.

The minimum age to check into Sandals and Couples Resorts is 18. Couples Resorts cater to a range of ages; therefore, they are not only for older or younger couples.

Sandals vs. Couples: Location

Couples and Sandals Resorts are both in the Caribbean. However, Sandals has more locations than Couples. Six Sandals resorts are located in Jamaica, three in St. Lucia, one in Grenada, two in the Bahamas, one in Antigua, two in Barbados, and one in Curacao, for a total of 16 Sandals resorts in the Caribbean.

There are only 4 Couples Resorts in all, 2 in Ocho Rios and 2 in Negril, all of which are located in Jamaica.

Every one of the Sandals and Couples resorts is nestled on a magnificent beach.

Couples negril vs Sandals negril

Couples Negril and Sandals Negril are both upscale, all-inclusive resorts located on the western coast of Jamaica in the town of Negril. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences that may appeal to different types of travelers.

1. Target Market: Couples Negril caters primarily to adult couples seeking a romantic getaway, while Sandals Negril targets a wider range of guests, including families, singles, and groups.
2. Accommodations: Sandals Negril has a larger selection of accommodations, with a range of room categories including beachfront suites, villas, and swim-up rooms. Couples Negril has fewer room categories but still offers comfortable and spacious accommodations.
3. Activities: Both resorts offer a variety of activities, including water sports, fitness classes, and entertainment. However, Sandals Negril has a greater number of activities and amenities, including more pools, restaurants, and bars, as well as a full-service spa.
4. Beach: Both resorts have access to the beautiful Seven Mile Beach, but Couples Negril has a more secluded section of the beach that is exclusively for its guests, while Sandals Negril shares its beach with other resorts in the area.
5. Atmosphere: Couples Negril has a more laid-back and intimate atmosphere, while Sandals Negril has a livelier and more social vibe.
6. Price: Sandals Negril is generally more expensive than Couples Negril, but it offers more amenities and a wider range of accommodations.

In summary, Couples Negril may be a better choice.

Sandals vs. Couples: Suites and Rooms

There are many different types of rooms and suites available at Sandals resorts, including some absolutely gorgeous luxury suites. Among them are the Millionaire Butler Villa at Sandals Regency La Toc, Over-the-Water Bungalows, some with private plunge pools and others without, all with outdoor soaking tubs for two, Skypool Suites with elevated infinity-edge plunge pools with ocean views, Beachfront Rondoval Suites with private plunge pools, Oceanview Penthouses, One-Bedroom Villas with Private Pool Sanctuaries, Swim-Up Suites, and Beach Walk-Out Suites. 

At Sandals, many suites come with huge soaking tubs for two, either in the bathroom or on a separate balcony or patio. Additionally, many suites come with a private butler for some serious pampering.

At Couples resorts, there are various varieties of rooms and suites available depending on the location. Couples resorts often provide less luxurious accommodation options than Sandals resorts, but they are nonetheless charming and spacious.

However, Couples is expanding its selection of luxurious accommodations. With a minimum stay of five nights, Couples Tower Isle offers Oasis Spa Villas with private terraces, plunge pools, and unlimited spa treatments.

At Couples Tower Isle, all of the rooms and suites have just been updated with a charming retro ambiance. The resort’s rooms range from Deluxe Rooms with private balconies and then either garden or ocean views to Superior and Premier sea view rooms with private balconies. Junior Suites with sitting areas, walk-in showers with Jacuzzis, and either garden or ocean views are also available, as are One Bedroom Ocean Suites with completely separate living rooms, spacious private balconies, and walk-in showers with Jacuzzis.

The decor at Couples Sans Souci is modern and tropical. The Prime Minister’s Penthouse, which has more than 1200 square feet of living area, a spacious furnished balcony with views of the ocean, a powder room, a walk-in shower, and a Jacuzzi for two, is the most lavish suite available. Along with the Hibiscus Cottage, a private terrace with ocean views, a walk-in shower and Jacuzzi for two, and an outdoor Jacuzzi, there are also One Bedroom Ocean Suites, Deluxe Ocean Suites, and One Bedroom Beachfront Suites.

The rooms and suites at Couples Negril feature an elegant island design and range from Deluxe Garden or Ocean Rooms with private balconies to Deluxe Beachfront Rooms with private balconies to Garden or Beachfront Suites with separate living spaces, furnished terraces, soaking tubs, and nightly hors d’oeuvres.

The elegant tropical suites at Couples Swept Away include Atrium Suites, Beachfront Suites, Beachfront Verandah Suites, Ocean or Garden Verandah Suites, and Great House Ocean Suites, all with private balconies or patios; and Premier Beachfront Suites with spacious outdoor living areas only steps from the shore.

Sandals vs. Couples: Meals and Drinks

Couples resorts and Sandals resorts both provide a wide selection of upscale eating establishments and cuisines, making them both appealing to foodies. Additionally, Sandals and Couples resorts have a ton of bars.

There are several different types of bars at Sandals, including swim-up bars, British pubs, piano bars, nightclubs, martini pubs, beach bars, and restaurant pubs. Over-the-Water Bars, overwater restaurants, and food trucks by the pool are just a few of the entertaining dining and drinking options available at Sandals properties. There are outdoor, beachfront, and waterfront dining available, as well as in-room dining options.

While the food at Sandals varies from resort to resort, it typically features Jamaican, Italian, Japanese, steakhouse, international, sushi, Caribbean jerk, pizzas, French coffee and pastries, fresh local seafood, local specialties, Thai, French haute cuisine, Indian, and Pan-Asian cuisine.

The dining options at the various Couples resorts range; they include continental, casual American, Caribbean/Jamaican, Latin, Asian, Mediterranean, and fine cuisine from Italy. Fresh local seafood is also available. Every Couples Resort offers a Veggie Bar, where you can get fruit juices, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches with veggie dips that are all healthy. There are outdoor, waterfront, and beachside restaurants accessible, as well as in-room dining options.

Private candlelight meals on the beach are an additional service provided by Couples and Sandals.

Couples resorts have a variety of bars, including piano bars, beach bars, swim-up pubs, pool bars, restaurant bars, martini pubs, and terrace bars. The Sunset Bar, a clifftop diner and bar in Negril’s West End with stunning sunset views, is accessible by complimentary shuttle from Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away. A nightclub is another highlight in Couples Swept Away.

Sandals vs. Couples: Activities and Amenities

All Couples and Sandals resorts are situated on stunning beaches and offer a variety of pools and hot tubs for guests to use. Each site of Sandals provides a variety of swimming pools, including free-form lagoon pools, fabulous zero-entry pools, and infinity pools.

Every Sandals resort has a variety of fun things to do and see. Every Sandals resort offers a wide selection of complimentary water sports, including scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and Hobie Cat sailing; however, the specific options vary based on the location. Some places also provide water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.

The Sandals resorts also provide a wide range of land activities, such as basketball, bocce ball, beach volleyball, pool tables, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility with exercise programs. Tennis all day and all night is also complimentary at several Sandals resorts. In addition to area excursions and adventure activities, all Sandals properties include full-service Red Lane Spas.

Couples resorts, on the other hand, often provide free catamaran cruises and glass-bottom boat rides in addition to some local tours and excursions. Along with land sports and activities like dance courses, they also offer a variety of ocean sports, including scuba diving and snorkeling. Couples resorts also provide complimentary tennis and golf and full-service spas that have an additional fee.

Couples San Souci includes a mineral grotto, and mineral springs pool on the site, while Couples Swept Away boasts a 10-acre fitness center with nine tennis courts, pickleball courts, racquetball courts, squash courts, a basketball court, aerobics classes, yoga, saunas, steam rooms, a lap pool, a jogging track, and a fully equipped gym.

Three Couples Resorts have beaches where guests can sunbathe in their undies; Couples Tower Isle has a unique island for this.

At Couples, there are live bands, DJs, local musicians, piano singalongs, and occasional special events like the Manager’s Cocktail Party, Honeymooner’s Party, Shipwreck Beach Party, and beach bonfires.

At Sandals resorts, entertainment options include live performances, themed nights, local music, beach parties, piano singalongs, karaoke, and talent nights where guests can showcase their talents. 

Sandals vs. Couples: Inclusions

There are numerous complimentary amenities and services included in the rates at Sandals and Couples. Here are the specifics of what Sandal and Couples include:

What Comes With a Stay at Sandals Resort?

According to Sandals Resorts, they provide “more quality inclusions than any resort in the world.” A minibar in your accommodation that is restocked daily with juice, water, soft drinks, wine, and beer; a coffee maker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee; and gourmet dining, including all meals and snacks, at several restaurants and cafés. These also include unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including unlimited quality liquors and unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines. Additionally, get a free wedding when you stay at a Sandals resort for a minimum of three nights.

What Comes With a Stay at Couples Resort?

Couples Resorts also include a lot of things. These include nightly entertainment, a full fitness center with classes, unlimited golf and tennis, roundtrip airport transfers, quality wine and cocktails, unlimited beverages, a customized minibar with limited amounts of wine, liquor, and beer, and WiFi. Other amenities include watersports, including scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. With a minimum 3-night stay, you can also get a complimentary wedding at a Couples resort.

What do you think now that you’ve read our comparison between Couples and Sandals? Which five-star adult-only resort will you pick for your upcoming romantic getaway or honeymoon?