Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Vibe: Relaxed luxury and a peaceful private island with optional access to livelier sister resort
Best For: Couples who like to take it easy and honeymooners
Overview
Sandals Royal Caribbean is a charming adults-only all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, that is perfect for couples seeking both tranquility and activity.
It is a little smaller and more laidback than some other Sandals locations, but guests here enjoy full exchange privileges with nearby Sandals Montego Bay, which has a livelier atmosphere plus more dining, entertainment, and recreation options.
What makes Sandals Royal Caribbean stand out is its exclusive private island—a tropical escape featuring two beaches, a pool with swim-up bar, an excellent Thai restaurant, and romantic overwater bungalows.
Arrival
Getting to Sandals Royal Caribbean is incredibly convenient. It is located just about 10 minutes from Sangster International Airport and, like with all Sandals resorts, airport transfers are complimentary. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed at the Sandals airport lounge before boarding a shuttle that whisks them directly to the resort.
Accommodations
Sandals Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of room categories to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re seeking luxury at an affordable rate or the height of opulence, there’s something for everyone:
Luxury Rooms
These are the entry-level rooms but they are still quite nice and come with all the Sandals inclusions, except for room service. However it does have an inroom minibar stocked with water, juice, soda, local beer, and Robert Mondavi wine. Guests who want room service should book a club or butler level room.
We stayed in the Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Junior Suite, a tranquil retreat set slightly away from the beach. Spacious and modern, it featured a private balcony with an oversized soaking tub.
Even the lowest-priced luxury rooms feature furnished patios or balconies with outdoor soaking tubs.
Club & Butler Level Rooms
Upgrading to club or butler categories gives you perks like room service, concierge or personal butler service, and access to the Club Sandals lounge. You also get more with the minibar—club rooms add premium liquor, and butler rooms have full bars with premium liquor and sparkling wine added.
Club rooms include room service from 7am to 10pm, and butler suites offer it 24 hours.
Room Highlights
Newly renovated and added room options at Sandals Royal Caribbean include:
- Beachfront Club Suites with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tubs
- Beachfront Butler Suites with Private Pools
- Beachfront One-Bedroom Skypool Butler Suites with rooftop terraces
Other top choices are the swim-up suites and beachfront walkout suites.
Overwater Bungalows
The crown jewels of the resort are the Overwater Bungalows, located on the private island and set over the Caribbean. These luxurious accommodations include:
- Private decks with soaking tubs, loungers, and overwater hammocks
- A glass insert in the floor to see marine life below
- 24-hour in-room dining
- Personal butler service
- Private water taxi service to and from the main resort
Some even feature private infinity pools.
These bungalows are popular for honeymoons and special celebrations, offering an unmatched romantic experience. (Note that they are undergoing renovations that are expected to be complete by December 2025.)
Activities & Amenities
While the overall ambiance is relaxed, Sandals Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of activities to keep you entertained:
Beaches & Pools
- The main resort beach features soft white sand with areas for both activity and relaxation.
- The private island has two beaches, including one that’s clothing optional.
- There are 8 pools and several whirlpools across the property. The main pool is lively, with music and entertainment, while the Crystal Lagoon Village features a serene lagoon pool.
Water & Land Sports
All watersports are included, such as:
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Windsurfing
- Hobie Cat sailing
Land-based options include:
- Beach volleyball
- Tennis
- Croquet
- Bocce ball
- A well-equipped fitness center
There’s also a full-service Red Lane Spa (services are extra).
Entertainment
Nightly entertainment includes:
- Themed parties
- Live music
- Beach bonfire parties on the private island with fire dancers
You can also venture into Montego Bay or take the free shuttle to the nearby Sandals Montego Bay for a livelier nightlife scene.
Excursions such as catamaran cruises, ziplining, or waterfall tours are available at an additional cost.
Dining & Drinks
Sandals Royal Caribbean offers a variety of diverse and high-quality dining.
Top Onsite Restaurants (9 total)
- Royal Thai – Located on the private island; serves authentic Thai cuisine in a romantic setting
- Bombay – A favorite for rich and flavorful Indian dishes
- Spices, Bella Napoli, The Mariner, and the Jerk Shack – Popular casual and international options
Additional Dining at Sandals Montego Bay
Guests also have access to 12 additional restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay. Top picks include:
- Soy Sushi
- Tokyo Jo’s (Asian fusion)
- The Oleander Room (Caribbean with a sunset view)
Bars
Enjoy drinks at any of the 5 bars onsite, including a lively swim-up bar and a traditional British pub. Sandals Montego Bay adds 6 more bars to the mix.
All drinks—including Robert Mondavi wines and top-shelf liquors—are included.
What’s Included at Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Royal Caribbean is fully all-inclusive. Your rate covers:
- Gourmet meals & snacks at all restaurants
- Unlimited nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks including premium spirits and Robert Mondavi wines
- Inroom minibar (replenished daily)
- Scuba diving & watersports
- Land sports & fitness center access
- Daily & nightly entertainment
- Airport transfers (roundtrip)
- WiFi
- All tips, taxes, and gratuities
- Full access to Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Royal Caribbean Cost
Sandals Royal Caribbean can be one of the more affordable Sandals resorts, often with rates as low as $207 per person per night for the entry-level Caribbean Poolside Luxury Room with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. (Room prices vary throughout the year.)
Prices range from there up to more than $2000 per person per night for the swankiest suite, the Overwater Villa with private pool. Beachfront Skypool butler suites currently cost $639 per person per night, beachfront walkout butler suites currently start at $389 per person per night, and Crystal Lagoon club level swim-up suites are $274 per person per night.
Is Sandals Royal Caribbean Right for You?
If you’re looking for a romantic, conveniently located all-inclusive beach escape that offers both peace and excitement, Sandals Royal Caribbean is a fantastic choice. The unique private island, world-class dining options, and luxurious room choices (especially the overwater bungalows) make it stand out.
While it’s more low-key than some other Sandals properties, the ability to visit Sandals Montego Bay lets you tailor your experience—quiet and cozy one day, lively and energetic the next.