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The Perfect Sandals Resort for Couples | Travel Expert Picks & Insider Guide for 2025
- Jonathan & Angela
- 8 hours ago
- 12 min read
Planning the perfect Sandals couples' vacation is a big deal, and today, we will help you decide which resort is best! Whether you're dreaming up your honeymoon, considering a destination wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or simply carving out time to reconnect, choosing the right Sandals Resort can make all the difference.
Real quick... Let me introduce myself, or actually ourselves. We’re Jonathan and Angela, travel advisors who’ve spent over 15 years helping couples like you create unforgettable memories at Sandals Resorts.
Together, we’ve experienced every one of Sandals’ 17 amazing resorts and have been recognized by Sandals as their Top US agency for 2024. So know that you’re not just reading a guide from a random travel writer or journalist, but from a travel specialist who knows these resorts inside and out.
If you're wondering whether Sandals is truly worth it for couples or trying to figure out which resort is best for your travel style, you’re in the right place!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
What makes Sandals a standout choice for couples.
How to pick the perfect resort for your travel style.
Insider travel tips to make your trip easy and enjoyable.
Our personal insights on four of the most romantic Sandals Resorts: St. Vincent, Grand St. Lucian, South Coast Jamaica, and Ochi.
We’ll also share the real-world answers to the questions we get asked most often, like which resorts have the easiest beach access, where to find the best weekly deals, and how to avoid common first-time mistakes.
If you're ready to skip the guesswork and start planning a trip you’ll still be talking about years from now, let’s get started!
The Best Sandals Resorts for Couples (Quick List)
A quick list for those short on time!
Travel Tip: If you're looking for the Best Sandals Resort overall, we've written the most comprehensive review of each property on the internet, featuring our decision match quiz - all for 2025!
Table of Contents: Jump to Section
Are Sandals Resorts Worth It For Couples
Absolutely! There isn’t a sandals resort that we wouldn’t recommend. Again, based on personal experiences. That being said, it's important to know which one aligns to your style, and we're going to help.
Not every Sandals property feels the same, and that’s part of the beauty of the Sandals experience.
Sandals was designed from the ground up for couples. No kids, no large corporate groups, just adults focused on reconnecting, celebrating life, and relaxing together. From the moment you step onto the property, everything is centered around that experience: beachfront dinners under the stars, oversized suites designed for two, and activities tailored to couples of every energy level. There’s also hidden value that first-timers sometimes overlook.
Every Sandals stay includes:
A Resort Designed for Romance
Here you’ll have candlelight dinners steps from the ocean, hammocks strung between palm trees, and suites with soaking tubs for two. Many Sandals resorts offer Love Nest Butler Suites, private plunge pools, and beachfront cabanas that let you reconnect in total seclusion.
It’s not forced or gimmicky, it’s complete romance for couples.
Dining & Drinks
With up to 16 restaurants per resort and unlimited gourmet dining, foodies will thrive here. Expect sushi bars, Caribbean jerk shacks, Italian trattorias, and even over-the-top experiences like Buccan at Sandals St. Vincent and new for 2025, Sandals Regency LaToc where you’ll have a fire-cooked family-style dinner that feels straight out of a travel docuseries.
Add in unlimited cocktails, Robert Mondavi wines, and espresso bars? You’ll be spoiled!
Helpful Resource -> Which Sandals Has The Best Food
Service & Amenities
Here’s where Sandals really shines. Butler service includes unpacking your bags, reserving cabanas, drawing you a bubble bath, and arranging private excursions, giving you a fully personalized experience. For those not interested in butler service, Club Sandals offers concierge perks like private check-ins and assistance with reservations.
Want spa time? The Red Lane Spa is world-class!
Activities & Excursions
Want to snorkel in turquoise waters, hike to a volcanic crater, or sail into the sunset with champagne in hand? Sandals has you covered. Each resort offers a complete list of included activities (snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, paddle boarding) and add-on excursions (catamarans, waterfall hikes, local food tours).
Some, like South Coast, even have a lazy rivers with swim-up pool suites that wraps around the Rondoval Village.
Privacy or Socializing?
We also have clients who want pure seclusion. Others love meeting new friends at a beach party. The good news is that Sandals offers both, if you know where to go. Sandals Ochi is packed with energy and hidden speakeasies. Sandals South Coast? It’s private, spacious, and made for couples who just want to hear the waves.
Ease of Travel
If travel days stress you out, this matters more than you think. Some resorts are 15 minutes from the airport (hello, Sandals Montego Bay). Others, like St. Lucia, are farther, but you can opt for helicopter transfers.
We help our clients weigh this in every consultation. Because starting your trip stressed out? Not romantic!
Top 5 Sandals Resorts for Couples – In-Depth Guide
Ok let’s dive a little deeper (no pun intended) into the top five Sandals resorts for couples.
Sandals St. Vincent – The Hidden Gem for Couples
Best for: Honeymooners & couples seeking privacy, nature, and incredible dining.
Buccament Bay, St. Vincent – Tucked between lush rainforest-covered mountains and a private crescent beach. This is Sandals’ newest and most secluded resort. Getting here takes a bit more time than other islands, but the reward is pure exclusivity.
This is not your typical Caribbean resort. St. Vincent is undiscovered, untouched, and absolutely breathtaking.
Must-do experiences include:
Private cabanas along a quiet beach with butler service
Snorkeling or diving among coral reefs and sea turtles
Dining at Buccan, a wood-fired culinary experience where everything is cooked over flame in front of you
Overwater villas with glass floors and sunset views (yes, they’re as dreamy as they sound)
Morning espresso at Blum, followed by a hammock nap in your balcony suite
When to go: April through June is prime time, expect lush landscapes, lower crowds, and excellent weather. If you’re planning a honeymoon or special anniversary, this window offers great rates and availability on the best suites.
St. Vincent fills up fast due to its smaller size and high-end room categories. If you have your eye on an overwater villa or the Buccan dinner experience, we recommend booking 6–9 months in advance.
Sandals Ochi – Where Romance Meets Nightlife
Best for: Younger couples who want an energetic resort, exciting nightlife, and romantic hideaways all in one place.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica — Set on Jamaica’s north coast, about 90 minutes from the Montego Bay airport (MBJ) or 30 minutes from the Ian Fleming airport (OCJ). Sandals Ochi is the largest and most affordable Sandals property, divided into a buzzing beach club section and a more secluded hillside villa area, giving you the best of both worlds.
What you’ll experience
Sandals Ochi is social without being overwhelming and romantic without being stuffy. It’s the resort for couples who want to sip champagne by the pool by day, and sip cocktails behind a hidden password-protected speakeasy by night.
Must-do experiences include:
Finding the Rabbit Hole speakeasy (password changes daily!) for live jazz and craft cocktails
Dancing at the weekly themed pool parties — from white nights to island reggae jams
Hiking Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most iconic waterfalls, just minutes away
Riding the resort's shuttle between beach club vibes and tranquil gardens
Dining at Soy Sushi Bar for some of the best sushi we’ve had at any Sandals
How much does it cost?
Entry-Level Rooms: Around $3,000/week for two, all-inclusive
Upgraded Villas: Starting around $5,500, some with private pools and butler service (Sandals Ochi frequently offers great sales, and last-minute deals — we help clients snag these!)
When To Go: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-early November) are the sweet spots, smaller crowds, lower prices, and plenty of sunshine without the summer humidity.
Sandals South Coast – Jamaica’s Lovers’ Retreat
Best for: Older couples, anniversary trips, and travelers who want peace, space, and privacy..
Whitehouse, Jamaica — Set along a stunning 2-mile stretch of private beach, this resort feels blissfully remote. You’ll drive about 90 minutes from Montego Bay Airport through the Jamaican countryside to reach this Caribbean sanctuary — and it’s worth every mile. Sandals South Coast is the definition of relaxation. With European-style village layouts, massive pools, and long, uncrowded beaches, it’s designed for couples who want to slow down and savor every moment together.
Must-do experiences include:
Booking a swim-up suite and floating straight from your patio into Jamaica’s longest lazy river pool
Romantic candlelight dinners on the beach under a sky full of stars
Bonfire nights by the ocean, where you can cozy up with cocktails and live reggae music
Afternoon hammock naps between towering palms
A visit to the Over-the-Water Bar, complete with see-through floors and the best sunset views on property. (Currently under construction as of April, 29 2025)
How much does it cost?
Club Level Rooms: Start around $4,500/week
Swim-Up Butler Suites: From $7,200+ — offering direct river pool access, butler service, and more privacy (If you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, the Butler Suites are a once-in-a-lifetime splurge we highly recommend.)
When to go: Late April through June is perfect — warm days, quiet beaches, and fewer crowds. Mid-October is another sweet spot before the holiday rush begins.
The Swim-Up Rondoval Suites (those dreamy round villas with personal lazy river entrances) are extremely limited — often booked 9–12 months in advance for peak dates like anniversaries and milestone birthdays.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian – The Caribbean’s Postcard-Perfect Escape
Best for: Beach lovers, adventure seekers, and couples who want jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.
Northern tip of St. Lucia — Located on its own peninsula between Rodney Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s about 90 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport by car, or 30 minutes by helicopter if you want to start your trip in VIP style (highly recommended for honeymooners!) and 75 minutes by a water ferry.
If you close your eyes and picture the ultimate Caribbean dream vacation, this is it. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is pure tropical magic, with dramatic views of volcanic mountains, powdery-soft beaches, and calm, turquoise waters that you can wade into for days.
Must-do experiences include:
Sunrise hike up Pigeon Island National Park, just a short walk from the resort — incredible views and zero crowds early morning. ($7.00 entry fee per person)
Relaxing in overwater hammocks suspended just above the Caribbean Sea
Catching the nightly Fire & Water show — a vibrant celebration with dancers, fire-breathers, and live music under the stars
Island-hopping catamaran tours around the iconic Piton mountains
Dining at Barefoot by the Sea, where you literally dine with your toes in the sand
How much does it cost?
Club Level Suites: Mid-range pricing around $6,500/week for two adults, all-inclusive
Overwater Bungalows: Luxury splurge alert — these start around $14,000+/week but are truly next-level (and tend to book out a year in advance)
When to go
December through April for perfect weather, sunny days, and ideal beach conditions.
May is a sweet spot for better rates while still enjoying beautiful weather before summer rains.
Quick Booking Tip
If you’re a beach-first couple, request rooms on the Rodney Bay side. Calmer waters, better swimming, and quicker access to Pigeon Island.
And if you're considering the helicopter transfer from the airport? Do it. Not only does it save time, but the aerial views of the Pitons are absolutely unforgettable.
Sandals Grenada – The Bold, Modern Resort for Adventurous Couples
Best for: Couples who want modern design, innovative suites, exotic island culture — and a serious wow factor.
St. George’s, Grenada — Just 5 minutes from Maurice Bishop International Airport, this Sandals is one of the easiest (and fastest) to reach. Grenada itself is known as the “Spice Island,” famous for nutmeg plantations, colorful markets, and rainforests.
What you’ll experience
Forget cookie-cutter Caribbean. Sandals Grenada is bold, stylish, and loaded with experiences you won’t find at any other Sandals resort. It's a place where modern luxury meets authentic island vibes, and it’s pure magic.
Must-do experiences include:
Swimming in your own private infinity-edge pool perched over the ocean (SkyPool Suites = next-level luxury)
Taking a chocolate factory tour, where you can create your own artisanal Grenadian chocolate bar
Sailing at sunset on a catamaran cruise, sipping rum punch while the sun dips into the sea
Dining at Butch’s Chophouse, the finest steakhouse in the Sandals collection
Exploring nearby Grand Anse Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches, just a short ride away
How much does it cost?
Luxury and Club Level Rooms: Start around $6,200/week
SkyPool and Millionaire Suites: From $9,500+/week — offering private infinity pools, butler service, and insane panoramic views
When to go
January through April is the best weather window: dry season, perfect temps, and clear waters for snorkeling and diving.
November is ideal for value hunters — just before the holiday rush, with lower prices and pleasant weather.
If you want a SkyPool Suite, book 9–12 months out, especially for peak season. These rooms are some of the most sought-after in the entire Sandals portfolio, and they sell out faster than almost any other category.
Also, Grenada often runs frequent sales with serious upgrades (think Club Level at Luxury prices), and we watch those promos closely for our clients.
Booking Tips from Your Sandals Chairman’s Club Diamond Elite Travel Advisor
Let’s do this rapid fire. Here’s what to do when booking and what NOT to do.
Book Dinner Reservations the Day You Arrive: Popular restaurants like Butch’s Chophouse and Buccan fill up fast. Make your reservations with your butler or at the concierge desk right after check-in to guarantee the best times. You can also make one dinner reservation 14 days prior to arrival using the Sandals app.
Butler Service for DFY Planning: Want every detail handled before you even think about it? Butler Elite service can reserve your dinner tables, spa treatments, and excursions. Plus, they’ll snag the best pool cabanas and deliver cocktails to your beach chair.
Travel Midweek for Big Flight Savings: Flying out on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can save you hundreds versus weekend departures. Plus, airports and resorts are usually less crowded, a quieter, smoother start to your trip.
Watch for Sandals 777 Sales Every Wednesday: Every Wednesday, Sandals drops sales on 7 resorts for 7 days, with 7% off. We monitor these deals weekly for our clients and will alert you if your resort pops up
Avoid Hurricane Season for the Best Weather: Although there isn't really a bad to ever visit the Caribbean, for those looking for the best weather, aim to travel between April and June or November for sunny skies and cooler breezes. The added bonus is fewer crowds and often lower prices compared to the peak winter season.
Ready to Plan the Perfect Sandals Couples Vacation?
When you're ready to plan your perfect Sandals escape, Rivage Travel is here to help!
As Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite advisors, we have direct relationships with every Sandals property and insider access to the best rooms, the best promotions, and the most unforgettable experiences.
Our complimentary service takes the stress out of planning and ensures every detail of your romantic getaway is perfectly customized to your style.
Let’s start planning your dream Sandals vacation today, because life’s best moments deserve the perfect setting.
FAQs - Sandals Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to booking a Sandals vacation, couples often have the same worries swirling around in their heads. If you’re wondering these things too, you’re not alone.
Here’s what we hear from clients every single week, and what you should know before you book:
"Will We Regret Not Booking A Butler Suite?"
Answer: Not at all — if you choose wisely.
Butler service can absolutely level-up your trip, especially at larger resorts like Sandals South Coast or St. Vincent where suites are more spread out and experiences can be customized deeply.
However, if you’re staying somewhere like Sandals Ochi or Grenada and you’re fairly independent, Club Level often gives you all the service perks you need without the added cost.
Pro Tip: If you're celebrating a honeymoon or a milestone anniversary, a butler suite is 100% worth the splurge. It’s about the experience, not just the amenities.
"Is Sandals Worth The Money Compared To Airbnb Or Cruises?"
Answer: For couples who want an effortless, romantic, and truly all-inclusive experience? Yes, absolutely.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that when you piece together an Airbnb stay, you still need to budget for meals, drinks, Ubers, excursions, tips, and entertainment. Cruises seem cheap upfront, but once you factor in drink packages, excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and port taxes, the bill balloons fast.
At Sandals, there’s no nickel-and-diming. Gourmet food, premium liquor, airport transfers, water sports — it’s all included. No surprise bills. No stress.
"What If We Don’t Want To Party All Day?"
Answer: No problem, and honestly, most couples don’t.
Only a few Sandals resorts (like Ochi) have lively party scenes around the clock. Many others, like Sandals South Coast, Sandals St. Vincent, or Sandals Grande St. Lucian, offer mostly laid-back vibes with peaceful beaches, quiet pools, and relaxed evening entertainment.
Travel Tip: Ask us to match you with the right resort during your free consultation. It’s one of the biggest factors in loving your trip.
"Do We Need To Make Dinner Reservations Ahead Of Time?"
Answer: Yes, 100%.
At the most popular restaurants (like Butch’s Chophouse, Kimonos, and Buccan), prime dinner slots book out fast. We always recommend guests make their reservations the same day they arrive, ideally right after check-in or through your butler.
No one wants to be stuck with a 9:30 PM dinner when you’re hungry and jet-lagged!
About the Authors
Jonathan and Angela
Based out of Atlanta, GA Rivage Travel is a boutique travel consultant group dedicated to providing personalized travel experiences. Owned by husband and wife duo Jonathan and Angela, our love for travel brought us together during a trip to Sydney, Australia. Our work is based on over 15 years of professional experience, hundreds of hours of travel industry certifications and training. We've been honored by Sandals Resorts as a top US travel agent with their highest honor of a Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel expert and look forward to using our experience to earn your business today and in the future.