Sandals Tips and Tricks from a Travel Pro: What You Really Need to Know

christine883
May 30
4 min read

Vintage-style travel poster with the headline “Sandals Tips & Tricks From a Travel Pro,” featuring an illustration of palm trees, tropical flowers, and a colorful sunset over the ocean, evoking a Caribbean vacation setting.

Planning a Sandals vacation? Whether it’s your honeymoon, anniversary, or just a much-needed adults-only escape, you’re in for a treat. But here’s the thing about Sandals Resorts: they don’t all work the same way—and knowing a few insider tips can make a huge difference in your experience.

As a Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club member (yes, that’s a thing) and someone who’s visited nearly every Sandals property, I’ve collected the best Sandals tips and tricks to help you have the easiest, most luxurious, and stress-free stay possible.

Let’s break it down.

1. Not All Sandals Resorts Are Created Equal

They may all have “Sandals” in the name, but trust me—there are major differences between the properties.

Some are better for:

Romance and seclusion (Sandals Grenada, Sandals Royal Plantation)
Beach lovers (Sandals Negril, Sandals Grande Antigua)
Party vibes (Sandals Ochi, Sandals Montego Bay)
Pool lovers (Sandals Royal Barbados, Sandals South Coast)

Pro Tip: Don’t just pick the cheapest one or the one closest to the airport. Talk to someone (hi!) who knows the pros and cons of each location.

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2. Book the Right Room Category

Sandals room categories can be confusing—there’s Luxury, Club Level, and Butler Elite—and the name doesn’t always match the vibe. Here’s what to know:

Luxury Level: The most basic option (but still beautiful). No room service.
Club Level: Includes room service from 8 AM to 10 PM, access to Club Sandals concierge, and a stocked in-room bar.
Butler Elite: Top-tier. 24-hour room service, personalized butler service, private check-in, unpacking service, and more.

If you want a quieter vacation, go Club Level.If you want pampering and the ability to skip the buffet, go Butler.

3. Book Dining Reservations Immediately

Sandals has both no-reservation and reservation-only restaurants. If you're eyeing a romantic dinner at Kimonos, Butch’s, or any of the finer dining options—book it the second you arrive.

Many of these restaurants fill up fast, especially at smaller resorts. Don’t wait until your second day and expect to get in.

4. The App Is Actually Useful

Download the Sandals app before you arrive. It’s surprisingly functional and allows you to:

Review your itinerary and excursions
View restaurant menus
Make spa appointments
See the daily resort activity schedule

It’s not perfect, but it beats wandering around with a crumpled paper schedule.

5. Don’t Miss the Theme Nights

Each Sandals resort has its own theme night schedule—and it’s often a highlight.

Some popular ones:

White Night + Chocolate Buffet (yes, it's as decadent as it sounds)
Caribbean Carnival Night with live music and jerk BBQ
Beach parties with fire dancers and steel drums

Check the schedule when you arrive so you can pack appropriately (yes, people actually wear white to White Night—don’t be that one person in navy).

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6. Splurge on the Extras (Strategically)

Sandals is all-inclusive, but there are a few not included experiences that are 100% worth it:

Candlelight Dinner on the Beach: Romantic, private, and unforgettable.
Spa Treatments: Especially great at the Red Lane Spa—do the couples massage.
Snorkel Trips or Catamarans: Often included, but premium ones (longer or private) cost extra and are worth every penny.

If you’re celebrating something big (like a honeymoon or milestone anniversary), do at least one of these.

7. Take Advantage of the Inclusions Most People Forget

You know about the food and drinks, but Sandals includes a lot of extras that guests miss:

Snorkeling trips and scuba diving (if certified)
Glass-bottom boat rides
Water skiing and tubing (select resorts)
Nightly entertainment and live bands
Airport transfers in air-conditioned shuttles

Bonus Tip: Ask about the included Discover Scuba session—even if you’re not certified, you can get in the water.

8. Bring These Things (You’ll Thank Me Later)

Here’s what to pack that you probably haven’t thought of:

Insulated drink cup for beach drinks
Bug spray for evenings near the water
Water shoes if your resort has rocky areas
Extra swimsuit (nothing dries quickly in humidity)
Dressier clothes—even if you don’t usually “dress up”

Pro tip: Leave the hairdryer at home. Every Sandals resort provides one.

9. Use the Loyalty Program to Your Advantage

If you’ve stayed at Sandals before, you’re eligible for the Sandals Select Rewards program. Members get:

Return guest gifts (bottle of wine, etc.)
Exclusive discounts
Invites to returning guest dinners

If you’ve never been, ask about booking your next trip on property. You can get bonus perks or discounts with no pressure to finalize it right away.

10. Don’t Wing It—Work with an Expert

I know what you’re thinking: Can’t I just book this online?

Sure. But if you want to:

Avoid getting stuck in a room with no view
Know which resort actually fits your vibe
Get access to the best promos and perks
Have a human fix it when things go wrong…

Then working with a Sandals travel specialist (hi again 👋) is the way to go. I know what the resort brochures don’t tell you, and I can make sure your vacation goes smoothly from the moment you start planning.

Final Thought

Sandals vacations can be magical—but they’re not one-size-fits-all. The right room, resort, and timing can take your trip from “pretty good” to “best trip we’ve ever taken.”

These Sandals tips and tricks come from real experience—mine and my clients’—and they’re here to help you get the most out of every moment.

Want to talk through which Sandals is right for you?Let’s plan it together.