%20copy2_edited.png)
Sandals vs Club Med: Resort Differences & Decision Guide (April 2025)
- Jonathan & Angela
- Apr 30
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Choosing the right all-inclusive resort can make or break your Caribbean getaway. A great resort becomes part of your memory forever; the wrong choice can leave you wondering what you missed out on.
In this guide, we’ll get into the real-world differences between Beaches Resorts Sandals and Club Med: how they compare on luxury, food, activities, social atmosphere, pricing, and more. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic overwater bungalow, an action-packed beach adventure, or an affordable solo escape, you’ll walk away knowing exactly which brand fits your travel style best.
Club Med vs Sandals Comparison
Before we get into the full breakdown, let’s start with a quick resort comparison.
This will give you a quick sense of how Sandals and Club Med stack up in the areas that matter most when planning your Caribbean getaway.
In-Depth Comparison: Sandals vs. Club Med
1. Luxury and Accommodations
When it comes to total luxury, Sandals sets the gold standard for all-inclusive resorts. As someone who's stayed in everything from the Overwater Villas in Jamaica to the Butler Elite suites in St. Lucia, Sandals knows how to create unforgettable romantic experiences. Here you’ll find private pools, swim-up rooms, and personal butlers; it’s truly next-level!
Club Med, on the other hand, focuses more on variety than luxury. Their portfolio includes beachfront lodges, rustic eco-retreats, and even ski resorts in the Alps. You’ll find comfort, but the accommodations often lean more casual than luxurious.
If you’re dreaming of a luxury honeymoon or that once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape, Sandals is hands-down the better choice.
2. Food and Drink Quality
Food is a big part of any vacation, and at Sandals, it's exceptional. Each resort typically offers between 9 and 16 dining options, from gourmet French cuisine to toes-in-the-sand beach grills. Plus, premium liquor (and even Robert Mondavi wines) are standard inclusions, no sneaky upcharges.
Club Med has made impressive strides here, modernizing its menus and offering some à la carte options at newer properties like Club Med Cancun. However, most Club Med resorts still offer only 2 to 4 restaurants per location, and premium alcohol is not always included.
Many travelers worry whether Club Med’s food is "good enough." Based on feedback and my own observations, it’s much improved, but still not at Sandals’ gourmet level.
✅ Verdict: If you’re a foodie who loves variety, creative cocktails, and unforgettable dining experiences, Sandals wins by a wide margin.
3. Activities and Amenities
Now, if you’re someone who needs to do something every hour, Club Med could be your paradise. Club Med shines when it comes to active vacations, we're talking flying trapeze lessons, full circus schools, fitness classes, tennis academies, sailing regattas, and even ski programs at select locations.
Sandals, in contrast, is made for relaxation with optional adventure. You’ll find water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boat tours, all included. For those who want to be pampered, the Red Lane Spa and beachfront lounging are the highlights.
Bottom line: Club Med wins for highly active travelers; Sandals is ideal if you prefer your "activities" to involve a cocktail in hand and the sound of the surf in the background.
4. Social vs Private Atmosphere
Sandals is intentionally designed for couples. Every resort experience is geared toward romance, from double hammocks on the beach to private candlelit dinners. But here's the key: singles are not allowed. Even if you're willing to pay double, Sandals won't accept single-occupancy bookings unless you’re part of a wedding or group function and have received approval from the general manager (we can help).
It's part of their brand identity: a true couples-only retreat.
At Club Med, it's a completely different story. They welcome solo travelers with open arms and cultivate a social atmosphere through their legendary G.O.s (Gracious Organizers). Expect beach parties, communal dining tables, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Concerned about feeling isolated if you’re traveling solo?
Club Med is the better fit for solo travelers or extroverted groups, no question.
5. Diving and Watersports
This is one area where Sandals really separates itself from the pack. As a certified advanced diver myself, I love telling clients that at Sandals, unlimited scuba diving is included for certified divers, a value of hundreds of dollars per day. Their dive operations are five-star, too, with new equipment and professionally trained dive masters.
Club Med does offer diving at many locations, but it usually comes at an additional cost and varies a lot depending on the property.
If scuba diving is a key part of your vacation plans, Sandals easily wins.
6. Affordability and Value
Let’s talk dollars and sense. Club Med is often significantly more affordable, especially for longer stays. We've had couples pay as little as $212 pp/pn a night at Club Med Turks & Caicos, and that included flights. That's almost unheard of for Caribbean all-inclusives, especially for Turks.
Sandals comes with a slightly higher upfront price tag of $225 pp/pn for an entry luxury level accommodation, but you’re paying for premium experiences, top-shelf drinks, included watersports, luxury accommodations, and free scuba diving.
Plus, you avoid hidden costs that sometimes sneak up at other brands.
Value comes down to priorities:
If you want luxury and an easy, upscale experience, Sandals is worth every penny.
If you're looking for social energy, adventure, and affordability, Club Med offers tremendous value.
Deep Dive: Club Med vs Sandals in the Same Destinations
Bahamas: Sandals Royal Bahamian vs. Club Med Columbus Isle
While Club Med doesn’t have a presence in Jamaica, they do have an incredible property in the Bahamas, Club Med Columbus Isle, so if you're deciding between Sandals Royal Bahamian and Club Med Columbus Isle, here’s what you really need to know.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
We’ve personally stayed at Sandals Royal Bahamian, and it’s incredible. Recently renovated to include brand new dining concepts and room options with beachfont swim-up suites, this adults-only resort offers that polished, romantic luxury Sandals is famous for, right in the heart of Nassau - all within a just 35 minute flight from Miami.
What really sets it apart is the private offshore island, a secluded oasis just a short boat ride away where you’ll find hammocks, a beach club, a Zen spa, and two private beaches to choose from.
At the main resort, you can expect:
Butler Elite suites and swim-up rooms
Gourmet dining at 10 restaurants (French, Caribbean, Italian, seafood, and more)
Premium liquor and Robert Mondavi wines included
Two sky-sized main pools plus the offshore island’s own pools and beaches
Free scuba diving for certified divers
Full access to the Red Lane Spa (services extra, but world-class)
Sandals Royal Bahamian is ideal for couples wanting a refined, boutique-feel getaway with easy access (only about 15 minutes from the airport) and a heavy emphasis on romance, relaxation, and privacy.
Club Med Columbus Isle
Club Med Columbus Isle is a completely different flavor of experience, and honestly, a hidden paradise for active travelers and divers.
Located on the island of San Salvador (a 45-minute flight from Nassau), this resort feels remote, peaceful, and authentically Caribbean. The biggest highlight here is the diving: Columbus Isle sits adjacent to one of the best preserved, least crowded coral reef systems in the Bahamas.
At Columbus Isle, you’ll find:
Simple but colorful bungalow-style rooms (no butlers, no room service)
Two restaurants, one buffet, one à la carte
Outstanding water sports: windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, snorkeling
World-class scuba diving (but diving excursions are an extra cost)
An ultra-relaxed, social vibe, more barefoot luxury than butler service
The trade-off is that while the beach is stunning, the property itself is not as luxurious as Sandals, think charming and rustic rather than polished and modern.
Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
✅ Choose Sandals Royal Bahamian if:
You want full-service luxury with butler options, gourmet dining, included diving, and a romantic atmosphere.
You love the idea of a private offshore island for exclusive beach days.
You want everything included upfront without surprise charges.
✅ Choose Club Med Columbus Isle if:
You’re an avid diver or snorkeler and the reef is your number one priority.
You prefer a more laid-back, low-key Caribbean escape without formalities.
You’re looking for an adventure-focused trip and don’t mind paying extra for diving and excursions.
📍 Turks & Caicos: Club Med Turkoise vs. Beaches Turks & Caicos (Sandals Family Brand)
When it comes to Turks & Caicos, you’re looking at two dramatically different resort experiences, and choosing the right one really depends on who you are and what you’re hoping to get from your trip.
Club Med Turkoise is a true hidden gem for adults who want to visit Turks and Caicos on a budget.
It's adults-only, laid-back, and located directly on one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, Grace Bay. The rooms are very basic (think clean and functional rather than luxurious), you'll only receive two towel sets per room and only two beach towels that can be checked out (coupons), but the real draw here is outside: endless stretches of powdery white sand, a dive center, and a social, lively atmosphere where meeting fellow travelers is part of the fun.
For solo travelers especially, Club Med Turkoise is a rare find, no single supplement during special promotions makes it even more affordable.
The Good: Beautiful grounds, stunning beach, employees are nice. Lots of activities.
The Not So Good: Buffet only meals. There is one shack that serves lunch (burgers, hummus, etc). f you have ANY dietary requirements, this is not the place for you. We had clients once who had to go to a local store, to purchase sugar free bread and dessert.
On the other hand, Beaches Turks & Caicos, part of the Sandals family, is a sprawling, luxury playground designed with families in mind. It's one of the top family resorts in the entire Caribbean, featuring massive waterparks, 21 restaurants, multiple villages modeled after Italy, the Caribbean, France, and Key West, and an endless lineup of kid-friendly activities.
The accommodations here are luxurious, the dining is world-class, and the service reflects the Sandals commitment to excellence.
But it’s important to note: this is not an adults-only experience; it’s lively, energetic, and full of families.
My honest take
If you’re a solo traveler, a couple looking for beach time on a budget, or someone who thrives in a social environment, Club Med Turkoise is your pick.
If you're traveling with kids, want a high-end all-inclusive experience for the whole family, or simply love lots of luxury amenities, Beaches Turks & Caicos wins hands down.
Jamaica: Sandals Montego Bay / Sandals Negril vs. Club Med’s Caribbean Options
When it comes to Jamaica, this one’s an easy decision, because Club Med doesn’t have a resort here.
Meanwhile, Sandals absolutely dominates the Jamaican all-inclusive scene with seven stunning adults-only resorts across Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, and the South Coast. Each resort offers something a little different, but they all share Sandals' signature hallmarks: luxury accommodations, endless included activities, gourmet dining, premium drinks, and that unmistakable warm Jamaican hospitality.
At Sandals, you also get exchange privileges between many of the properties, meaning you can stay at one and enjoy the amenities of several others, like resort-hopping, but without packing your bags.
Whether you want a beachfront suite at Sandals Negril, a lively atmosphere at Sandals Montego Bay, or a more serene, tucked-away feel at Sandals South Coast, there's truly a Sandals to match every travel style.
Jamaica is Sandals’ home turf. It’s where the brand was born, and their roots show in the exceptional service, the resort designs, and the authentic island experiences you just can’t replicate elsewhere.
Verdict: If Jamaica is on your radar (and it should be, the beaches, waterfalls, and vibe are incredible), Sandals is not just your best option, it’s your only real choice for a true adults-only luxury all-inclusive experience.
Cancun, Mexico: Club Med Cancun vs. (No Sandals Property)
When it comes to Cancun, Club Med wins by default, and honestly, they do a fantastic job here.
Club Med Cancun is one of the brand’s flagship properties in North America, and it’s been thoughtfully updated over the years to cater to modern travelers. It’s vibrant, active, and absolutely packed with things to do.
You can spend your morning taking trapeze lessons, join a salsa class in the afternoon, kayak across turquoise waters, and finish your evening with a crêpe and live entertainment under the stars. It’s all happening here, and if you like a more social, high-energy vibe, you’ll love it.
Rooms are nicely updated too, especially in the newer Aguamarina family area, though the main draw is still the location: a private stretch of beach at the very tip of Cancun’s hotel zone, far from the noise and bustle of the downtown resorts.
Now, Sandals doesn’t currently have a property in Cancun, which surprises a lot of people.
Their focus remains squarely on the Caribbean islands like Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Antigua, rather than mainland Mexico (for today).
Which Resort Brand is Best for You?
Choosing between Club Med and Sandals ultimately comes down to what matters most for your vacation.
If you're looking for a luxurious, worry-free escape where every detail, from butler-drawn bubble baths to candlelit beachfront dinners, is handled for you, Sandals is hands-down the better fit. It's the gold standard for luxury all-inclusives in the Caribbean, especially if you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or just want an incredible couples’ retreat.
From unlimited scuba diving to gourmet dining at up to 16 different restaurants per resort, Sandals delivers a truly elevated experience designed exclusively for romance.
On the other hand, if your idea of the perfect getaway involves adventure, new friendships, a lively social scene, and a little more flexibility in budget, Club Med will absolutely win you over. It’s ideal for solo travelers, active couples, and anyone who wants a dynamic, energetic vibe, without necessarily paying for high-end extras they may not use.
Angela and I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, only the right resort for your style of travel.
With over 15 years of firsthand experience at every Sandals resort and extensive knowledge of Club Med properties, we help our clients pick the perfect fit based on their desires, not just glossy brochures.
Whether you're ready to dive into a luxury Sandals getaway or considering an adventurous Club Med escape, we're here to help you plan a trip that feels tailor-made, because it will be.
FAQs: Questions You Might Still Have
Why doesn't Sandals allow singles even if they pay for two?
At Sandals, everything is designed around creating a romantic, couples-only experience. It’s part of their brand DNA. Even if you're willing to pay the rate for two, Sandals won’t accept solo travelers except under special circumstances, because their focus is on maintaining an atmosphere built specifically for couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways.
If you’re traveling solo, Club Med or another adults-only brand will be a better fit.
Can you find a Club Med without a single supplement?
Yes, and it’s a great option for solo travelers! Club Med Turkoise in Turks & Caicos regularly offers no single supplement promotions, saving solo travelers hundreds of dollars compared to typical resort pricing. It's one of the few all-inclusives where solo guests are not only welcomed but catered to, with lots of group activities and a social, lively vibe.
Is Sandals Butler Service really worth it?
Absolutely, if you love VIP perks and true white-glove service.
Sandals Butler Elite service isn’t just about luxury; it’s about ease. Your butler handles everything behind the scenes: reserving your poolside cabana, delivering room service breakfast exactly when you want it, drawing a bubble bath after dinner, or securing front-row seats for nightly shows. If you're celebrating something special or simply want to be completely pampered, butler service takes your Sandals vacation to a whole new level.
Is Club Med more expensive than Sandals?
Typically, no, Club Med tends to be less expensive than Sandals upfront, especially for longer stays or during their promotional periods. You can often find Club Med packages that include flights for less than the nightly rate at a Sandals resort.
However, keep in mind that Sandals includes far more in their base price, like premium alcohol, gourmet dining across 9–16 restaurants, unlimited scuba diving for certified divers, and no hidden resort fees.
At Club Med, while the base price might look cheaper, activities like diving, premium drinks, spa treatments, and excursions often come at an additional cost. So if you’re comparing total vacation value (not just sticker price), it really depends on what kind of trip you want to have.
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.