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Sandals Resorts vs Beaches Resorts

Today we will discuss Sandals Resorts vs Beaches Resorts.

Sandals Resorts are adults-only and designed for couples, though they aren’t strictly couples-only. Beaches Resorts are for families, with kids clubs and waterparks included. Same company, same all-inclusive setup, so the choice really comes down to who is traveling.

I’m a Sandals and Beaches travel agent, and this is the question I get most from couples who honeymooned at Sandals and now have kids. Here’s how the two compare.

Sandals Resorts vs. Beaches Resorts

Let’s compare Sandals Resorts vs Beaches Resorts and learn the similarities and key differences. 

The History of Sandals and Beaches Resorts

In 1980, a man named Gordon “Butch” Stewart purchased an old hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He didn’t have any hotel experience. But he was an entrepreneur who wasn’t afraid of learning new things.

Mr. Stewart invested millions of dollars into his new property. The very first Sandals resort opened the following year. That resort was the start of Sandals Resorts International, which is the parent company of all these resorts.

This family-owned company has continued to grow since that time, so much so that they chose to begin opening Beaches Resorts in 1997.

The Difference Between Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

Sandals Resorts have always been adults-only resorts. Every guest is required to be at least 18 years old to stay at these properties.

Although Sandals used to be considered “couples only,” they are now simply “couples oriented,” meaning you’ll find lots of honeymooners and couples, but anyone can visit over the age of 18. Once adults became used to the luxurious accommodations, dining options, and inclusive packages at Sandals, they wanted options when they started traveling with their kids.

This reasoning was a big part of why Sandals Resorts International chose to open Beaches Resorts. Beaches Resorts are family-friendly. Kids of all ages will find plenty of activities to keep them busy. And parents will love that they are still getting an all-inclusive resort for all their vacation needs. Sandals Resorts are usually slightly more expensive due to the additional luxury experience that comes with being adults-only.

Beaches Resorts offer the best prices for family packages. However, being all-inclusive, you are going to get the best value at any of the Sandals or Beaches Resorts you visit.

Despite these differences, Sandals and Beaches Resorts have a few things in common. They both offer Caribbean adventures. They are both the perfect place to enjoy any of your Caribbean vacations. And they are all located on some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. So, if you want to stay on a stunning beach for your next vacation, a Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort will be exactly what you need!

Destination Weddings at Sandals and Beaches Resorts

Since so many people choose to have a destination wedding at Sandals Resorts, I thought I would cover this topic early. You can have a destination wedding at Beaches Resorts too. Here are my tips for planning a Sandals destination wedding.

Sandals Resorts are perfect for adults-only weddings. Beaches Resorts are excellent options when you want the whole family to attend the festivities.

Sandals Resorts Locations

There are 17 Sandals Resorts across eight islands. I have a full guide to Sandals Resorts locations if you want details on each one.

• Sandals Grande Antigua – St. John’s Antigua
• Sandals Barbados – St. Lawrence Gap Barbados
• Sandals Royal Barbados – St. Lawrence Gap Barbados
• Sandals Royal Curaçao – Santa Bárbara Curaçao
• Sandals Dunn’s River – Ocho Rios Jamaica
• Sandals Ochi – Ocho Rios Jamaica
• Sandals Grande St. Lucian – Gros-Islet Saint Lucia
• Sandals Halcyon Beach – Castries Saint Lucia
• Sandals Regency La Toc – Castries Saint Lucia
• Sandals Grenada – St. George’s Grenada
• Sandals Montego Bay in Montego Bay Jamaica
• Sandals Negril – Negril Jamaica
• Sandals Caribbean Cay (formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean) – Montego Bay Jamaica
• Sandals Royal Bahamian – Nassau Bahamas
• Sandals Royal Plantation – Ocho Rios Jamaica
• Sandals South Coast – Whitehouse Jamaica

Three of the Jamaica resorts are closed for a full rebuild after Hurricane Melissa. Sandals South Coast is set to reopen in November 2026, and Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay in December 2026. I keep the dates updated on when the Sandals Resorts in Jamaica will reopen.

Beaches Resorts Locations

There are currently two Beaches Resorts open. Beaches Ocho Rios closed in May 2025. These two resorts let families of all sizes really enjoy their time away from home. These Beaches Resorts include:

• Beaches Negril – Negril Jamaica
• Beaches Ocho Rios – Ocho Rios Jamaica
• Beaches Turks & Caicos – Providenciales Turks & Caicos

Beaches is growing. Beaches Turks & Caicos added Treasure Beach Village in March 2026, with 101 new multi-bedroom suites, six restaurants, and a huge lagoon pool.

New Beaches Resorts are also planned for Barbados, Runaway Bay in Jamaica, and Great Exuma in the Bahamas, where the former Sandals Emerald Bay is being converted. See my Beaches Resorts locations guide for more.

Accommodations at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

This all-inclusive company has created luxury resorts since the very beginning. Therefore, you should expect nothing but luxurious rooms at both Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Your inclusive vacation at either of these resorts can include one of the butler suites. I highly recommend booking one of the suites with butler service for your stay. My guide to Sandals room categories explains Luxury vs. Club vs. Butler.

This will allow you to focus on having fun and relaxing. All the rooms at these resorts offer flat-screen TVs, spacious rooms, outside spaces, and room service. At Sandals Resorts, you may want to consider one of the swim-up suites for privacy. These swim-up rooms will definitely take your romantic getaway to the next level.

Which Sandals Resorts have overwater bungalows?

Certain Sandals Resorts offer overwater bungalows too. Here’s which Sandals Resorts have overwater bungalows.

Dining Options at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

Some of the restaurant options are the same at Sandals and Beaches Resorts. You will find options like Jerk Shack, Soy Sushi Restaurant, British Pub, and Dinos Pizzeria Italiana at almost every resort. On my Sandals Resort Locations and Beaches Resort locations posts, I discuss restaurants at both. 

Beaches Resorts offer casual menus plus casual dining options. This is perfect for families with younger kids and picky eaters. However, Sandals Resorts have numerous gourmet restaurants too. These restaurants will ensure your anniversary celebration, honeymoon, or other special occasion is as perfect as it can be.

Amenities at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

Beaches and Sandals Resorts offer plenty of amenities as part of your all-inclusive experience. The best part is there are quite a few quality inclusions, so you won’t feel like you are paying a lot and receiving nothing in return. In addition to your inclusive dining experience, you will get the following:

• Free airport transfers
• Free premium alcoholic beverages and other drinks
• Access to swimming pools, swim-up bars, and hot tubs
• Day and Night Entertainment
• Free land sports
• Access to championship golf courses at select resorts
• Access to the fitness center
• Access to a private island at some of the best Sandals Resorts

You can check out 10 things that are NOT included at Sandals to learn what is not included, but, spoiler alert, it’s not much!

Water Sports at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

Water sports are also included in your stay at Sandals and Beaches Resorts. You will find all the popular options, like Hobie cats, scuba diving, water skiing, and paddleboarding. All of these activities will be available down at the white-sand beaches on the Caribbean Sea.

At Beaches Resorts, there are other water activities to increase the fun during your family vacation. All the Beaches Resorts have the Pirates Island Waterpark. This water park offers water slides, a lazy river, a swimming pool, and a splash pad complete with water cannons.

If you want to visit the largest of the Pirates Island Water Parks, you must go to Beaches Turks & Caicos. You will find a surf simulator there. It will be perfect for practicing your surfing skills.

Kids’ Activities at Beaches Resorts

Okay, so Beaches Resorts are the only place you will find kids’ activities. Going on a family vacation doesn’t mean you need to spend every waking minute with your kids, and Beaches Resorts makes it easy for you to escape for an hour or two for adult time or a trip to the Red Lane Spa for spa treatments.

During that time, your kids can attend the kid’s camps. Younger kids will be thrilled with the Sesame Street Kids Camp. They can meet their favorite characters while participating in numerous fun activities. Teens will love the Xbox play lounge, game room filled with arcade games at Trench Town, and Club Liquid. Certified nannies can provide childcare during your Beaches vacation too.

This may be the perfect option if you want a night out with your spouse. The kids can go to bed on time. And you can still dance the night away.

Are Sandals Resorts kid-friendly?

Excursion Options at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

Excursions at either of these resorts are not part of your all-inclusive package. However, heading out on one can really enhance your beach resort vacation! Imagine heading out on a jeep safari, ziplining adventure, or scuba diving excursion. As a travel agent, I can help find the excursions you love to do and add them to your itinerary.

Sandals vs Beaches: which should you pick?

Pick Sandals if:

• You’re traveling without kids
• It’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or babymoon
• You want a quieter resort

Pick Beaches if:

• You’re bringing kids of any age
• You want childcare included
• You’re traveling with a big group or multiple generations

Sandals vs Beaches FAQ

Are Sandals and Beaches owned by the same company?

Yes. Both are part of Sandals Resorts International.

Did Royal Caribbean buy Sandals?

Royal Caribbean announced in September 2026 that it is buying a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts International. The Stewart family is still involved, and Sandals and Beaches are keeping their names. Nothing changes for existing bookings.

Can kids stay at Sandals?

No. Every guest has to be 18 or older. More on that in are Sandals Resorts kid friendly.

Can couples without kids stay at Beaches?

Yes, but expect a lot of families. If you want adults only, go with Sandals. And no, Sandals is not couples only.

Is Sandals or Beaches more expensive?

It depends on the room and the resort. Beaches rooms sleep more people, so the total is often higher, but kids clubs and nannies are included.

What is not included?

Excursions, spa treatments, and a few extras. Here are 10 things that are not included at Sandals.

Sandals Resorts vs Beaches Resorts

I hope this post about Sandals Resorts vs Beaches Resorts answers all of your questions! If not, please leave questions in the comments or contact me! 

For the best deals, make sure to consider booking in advance. You’ll also want to have travel insurance – which is reasonably priced through Sandals! Check out more when you find out if your dates are available. 

I am a Sandals Travel Agent and would love to help you plan the perfect honeymoon or vacation! You can contact me if you’d like more information. 

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