Which Sandals Resort Is Right For You: Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean
Known for lush landscapes, beaches, waterfalls and crystal clear waters for diving and snorkeling, Jamaica is a sought after Caribbean destination. To get there, flying into Montego Bay (MJB) is the easiest option (as of now) as it offers the most flight availability. Located just 10 minutes from the Montego Bay airport are two of the original Sandal’s properties—Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean, making these resorts very convenient to get to. With the added benefits of stay at one, play at two, guests staying at either resort can enjoy the amenities (bars, restaurants, beaches, pools, etc) of both making your stay at either property feel extra “all-inclusive”.
Recently, I was able to spend two nights at each of these resorts and both have undergone some beautiful renovations with upgraded rooms, sparkly oceanfront swim-up suites and even new buildings featuring the next generation of Sandals Luxury. While both resorts offer beach access, rooms with tranquility soaking tubs, plenty of dining options, beach bars, swim-up bars, a spa, a gym, snorkeling and diving, there are some differences and below I’m sharing my comparisons of some of the key features including resort amenities, beaches, pools, dining options, and a few pro tips to enhance your stay.
Resort Size & Amenities
Sandals Royal Caribbean is a smaller property on 15 acres compared to Montego Bay’s 26 acres, but both are easy to navigate. If you want more entertainment options, we found Montego Bay to have a more lively vibe but both properties offer entertainment throughout the day including fitness classes, volleyball and water sports including hobie cats, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. For you tennis and pickleball fans, Montego Bay offers courts for both and they also include waterskiing, knee boarding and tubing. One question that comes up often is how is the air traffic with both of these being so close to the airport. You will see and hear planes throughout the day, but they do limit the hours for departures and arrivals. Overall, it didn’t both me and wouldn’t deter me from staying here.
Sandals Royal Caribbean does have a unique offering with acess to their private island, Sandals Cay, and it’s a quick two-mionute boat ride over. The private island is also home to the stunning overwater bungalows. along with a swim-up bar and a Jamaican Jerk Shack.
Which Has A Better Beach?
While both properties are located right on the beach, Sandals Montego Bay is the better option between the two if you’re a beach lover. Sandals Royal Caribbean has smaller, cove shaped beaches and a reef in front of the resort is revealed at low tide. Sandals Montego Bay is a larger property offering a longer stretch of beach for sunrise walks and the ocean in front is more alluring for swimming. However, both are beautiful with plenty of lounge chairs, cabanas and gorgeous crystal clear water.
Pro tip: reserve a private beach cabana for a day and you’ll be treated to a private place to relax with stunning ocean views. Your dedicated cabana concierge will bring you all of your food and drink orders during the day, even chilled towels.
Pool Experience
As these are the original Sandals resorts, you will find the main pools to be smaller as compared to some of the newer properties. However, both properties feature new swim-up suites that are tucked in throughout the properties and Sandals Royal Caribbean has a new pool area that just opened in 2025. By the way, you don’t have to be staying in a swim-up suite to access these areas. I would rate both resorts as fairly equal for pools, with eight options at both to choose from.
Dining Options
Montego Bay offers 12 restaurants, while Royal Caribbean has eight. Our favorites at Sandals Montego Bay included Soy, Gordon’s Steakhouse and Cafe Paris (coffee/icecream shop), whereas Sandals Royal Caribbean features Bombay (Indian food) and the unique Royal Thai just a quick two-minute boat ride over to their private island. Some restaurants, like Gordon’s Steakhouse, do require advance reservations and I can help you make these before you even arrive on property! Overall, we enjoyed the selections at Montego Bay more, but with the ease of using the complimentary shuttle, don’t be deterred from taking advantage of the options at both resorts. Pro tip: Book a Club Level or Butler suite for access to room service to experience even more dining options during your stay.
Are you ready to escape to paradise? I am a Sandals Certified Specialist and can make your vacation seamless with flights, transfers and all your favorite excursions all bundled together. I love to plan trips all over the world and you can read more about my experience at the Three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, River Cruising with AmaWaterways, the wonderful family-friendly Beaches Turks & Caicos, and if you’re interested in the ultimate wellness getaway in Mexico, check out my experience at Palmaia, the House of Aia. I am a Certified Travel Advisor and would love to work with you. Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here.
