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10 things that are NOT included at Sandals

If you’re planning a Sandals Honeymoon or vacation, you probably already know that Sandals Resorts offer many amenities not available at other all-inclusive resorts. That said, what are some of the things that are not included at Sandals? 

Sandals Resorts offers luxury-included (like all-inclusive, but better!) packages with unlimited food and premium drinks, water sports activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, romantic dinners on your own balcony, and more.

But what if I told you there were also 10 things that are NOT included at Sandals? As a Sandals Travel Agent, I’m often asked what is included at Sandals and what is not included at Sandals. So, here are 10 things that are not included at Sandals Resorts.

What is not included at Sandals Resorts?

Before I tell you about the things that are not included at Sandals Resorts, let’s quickly go over what is included at all Sandals Resorts locations.

• Unlimited Gourmet Dining at all restaurants on-property (there are no exclusions)
• Unlimited Premium Alcoholic Beverages
• Daily and nightly entertainment
• Motorized and non-motorized water sports, including sailing and scuba diving
• Airport Transfers
• Wifi
• Land sports such as volleyball
• Golf green fees at select resorts (bring your own clubs or rent them)
• Free trip insurance (although this is temporary!) 

You can see that Sandals Resorts includes many amenities, many of which are not included at other all-inclusive resorts, such as golf, water sports, and premium alcoholic beverages.

Now, let’s look at some things that are NOT included at Sandals Resorts. They may not be deal-breakers for everyone, but it is certainly worth knowing everything before arrival.

1. Outside Excursions

It’s wonderful to stay at Sandals Resorts, but you will likely want to get out and explore when visiting beautiful destinations such as Barbados or St. Lucia.

You can swim with the pigs at Exuma (a bucket list item!), enjoy a zip-line tour, take a catamaran cruise, hike; the options are truly endless.

While tours are not included and will vary in price, you can work with a Travel Agent (like me) or with the Sandals team during your trip to set up the perfect excursion.

Contact me today and let’s start planning your dream Sandals vacation. 

2. Spa Treatments

All Sandals Resorts offer spa treatments at the Red Lane Spa. Unlike most all-inclusive resorts, you can use the spa facilities for free during your stay!

However, if you’d like a massage or any other spa treatment, that, of course, will be an extra cost.

I recommend a beachfront couples massage or the Caribbean Seaweed Body Treatment. Spa products can also be purchased and taken home. Also, the room toiletries are the same products used at the spa!

3. Tipping

You might be thinking, wait, Amy, you said in your Sandals Resorts locations post that tipping was forbidden at Sandals. Well, it is, but there are a couple of exceptions.

First, if you’re staying in a Butler suite, you can and should tip your Butler. You are also welcome to tip for any services at the spa.

If you’re going on any outside tours, tipping there is accepted, expected, and appreciated! So, while tipping isn’t the norm at Sandals, there are a few exceptions!

Wondering how much to tip your Butler? Sandals Recommends a starting point of $20-25 per day, which is extremely reasonable.

Read more about tipping at Sandals here: Everything You Need to Know About Tipping at Sandals Resorts

4. Private Beach Cabanas

Are you dreaming of a beachfront Cabana? You can rent one for the day (or half-day), but you’ll have to pay an additional fee.

Private cabanas also come with a Butler, so no matter what your room type, you’ll enjoy Butler service for the day.

You can only rent private cabanas on property, so make sure to reserve yours early in your trip. It costs about $150 and is well worth the experience, especially if you are not staying in a Butler suite.

Don’t worry; there are plenty of seating options included covered options on the beach and at the pool. These private cabanas are a great splurge but completely optional.

Are you curious about different room types? Check out Sandals Resort Room Categories – Luxury vs. Club vs. Butler to learn more.

5. Exclusive Wine Menus

While Sandals Resorts is one of the few resorts that offers premium drinks, all restaurants have an exclusive wine menu.

You can ask any server to show you the exclusive wine menu. However, most guests will be pleased with the wine selection included in their stay.

6. Shopping

This should be no surprise, but you’ll have to break out your wallet to shop at Sandals Resorts. Remember that resort gift shops often come with a high price tag.

7. PADI scuba certification

Wait, I didn’t contradict myself. At select Sandals Resorts, you can scuba dive for free if you are already PADI certified. However, the PADI scuba certification is not included.

At the time of the last update of this post, PADI certification at Sandals costs about $400/per person.

If you’re not Scuba certified yet, what better place to learn?

8. Photography Services

Sandals Resorts offers a free photo session for every couple staying on property. So, why did I add it to the list of things that are not included at Sandals Resorts?

If you didn’t already guess, you’d have to pay extra to purchase photo packages. However, this is pretty standard for many resorts and should not come as a surprise.

As a Travel Agent with a previous background in photography, I’d highly suggest having photos taken during your vacation!

You have plenty of options from a Sandal’s photographer. Why not capture some memories at some of the most beautiful destinations in the world?

What is happening to Sandals Emerald Bay?

9. Private Candlelit Dinner

If you’ve read my posts about Sandals, I’m sure you know how much I love their private candlelit dinners. Now, that is the ultimate date night!

With a glass bottle of champagne in hand, you can enjoy a private and romantic dinner for two on the beach.

You can choose dishes from any restaurant on-property and enjoy it with your choice of wine. Private candlelit dinners start at $199.

If you’re staying in a Butler category suite, your Butler can set up a private dinner on your balcony or patio. This option is 100% complimentary! Check out Sandals website to see which suite types are available for your preferred dates. 

10. Premium Wifi

Last, and definitely least, on this list of things that are not included at Sandals Resorts: premium wifi.

Yes, Sandals offers free Wi-Fi. However, they also have a premium Wi-Fi service. Do you need it? Most likely not!

Unless you’re doing some serious streaming or all-day video chats (and I hope you don’t do that on vacation), you likely will not need this paid service.

If you’re planning a Sandals honeymoon or vacation, make sure to check out: What is the cheapest Sandals Resort? Are Sandals the best all-inclusive resorts for honeymoons? Which Sandals Resort has the best beach? 

Sandals Resorts at a glance

Where are the Sandals Resorts located? Here they are at a glance:

• Sandals South Coast (Jamaica)
• Sandals Royal Caribbean (Jamaica)
• Sandals Negril (Jamaica)
• Sandals Ochi (Jamaica)
• Sandals Montego Bay (Jamaica) 
• Sandals Royal Plantation (Jamaica)
• Sandals Dunn’s River (Jamaica-opened May 2023)
• Sandals Royal Curacao
• Sandals Barbados
• Sandals Royal Barbados
• Sandals Grenada
• Sandals Grande Antigua 
• Sandals Royal Bahamian
• Sandals Emerald Bay (Bahamas)
• Sandals Grande St. Lucian
• Sandals Halcyon Beach (St. Lucia)
• Sandals Regency La Toc (St. Lucia)
• Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Opened in 2024!)

10 things that are not included at Sandals Resorts

It’s no secret that Sandals Resorts are luxury Caribbean resorts with an extensive list of amenities. But there are still just a few things that are not included at Sandals.

As you can see from the list, many of these exclusions are not surprising. It’s always better to know what to expect before arrival. 

If you’re looking for the best of the best, I’d recommend staying in a Butler suite. Butler suites offer even more amenities than what is already included at Sandals. A butler suite makes for a perfect honeymoon or anniversary vacation. Make sure to contact me to see if a Butler suite is suitable for you. 

Check out the five best Sandals Resorts for honeymoons for my recommendations. 

Book your trip with a Sandals Travel Agent

For the best deals on Sandals vacation, make sure to consider booking in advance. You’ll also want to have travel insurance. Fortunately, Sandals is offering free insurance right now! Check out the Sandals website to see which resorts are available for your dates. 

If you’d like to book your trip through a certified Sandals Travel Agent, contact me! I guarantee that I can add more value to your trip! Likewise, you can contact me if you’d like more information. You can even hold your Sandals room for free while you decide!

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Where are the Sandals Resorts in the US? This is a common question I get and answer here as well as more information on locations of Sandals Resorts.