Dreaming of an all-inclusive Caribbean getaway and trying to decide between Beaches or Sandals resorts? It can be a difficult choice, because both are owned by the same company and offer luxurious beachfront experiences and some of the most inclusions in the industry. However, they tend to cater to very different types of travelers.
Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or an unforgettable family vacation, here’s a clear comparison of Beaches vs. Sandals Resorts to help you choose the perfect fit.
Beaches vs. Sandals Key Difference: Family-Friendly vs. Adult-Only
Let’s start with the most important distinction:
Sandals Resorts are adults-only (ages 18+), designed primarily for couples looking for romance, relaxation, and adventure. Thes are popular for honeymoons, destination weddings, anniversary trips, and couples’ escapes.
Beaches Resorts are family-friendly, welcoming guests of all ages and offering tons of kid-focused activities and amenities. While many adults also choose to visit even if they don’t have kids because of the beautiful settings and fun activities, guests here are mainly families.
If you’re traveling with anyone under 18, Beaches is your go-to. If you’re planning a romantic escape without kids around, Sandals is the way to go.
Beaches vs. Sandals Locations
All Sandals and Beaches resorts are located in the stunning Caribbean, but there is quite a bit of difference in the details. There are many more Sandals resorts than there are Beaches resorts, and they only share one island in common.
Sandals Resort Locations (17 Resorts on 7 Islands)
Jamaica (7): Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Whitehouse
Bahamas (1): Nassau
Barbados (2): St. Lawrence Gap
St. Lucia (3): Castries, Gros Islet
Grenada (1): St. George’s
Antigua (1): St. John’s
Curacao (1): Santa Barbara
St. Vincent & the Grenadines (1): Buccament Bay
Beaches Resort Locations (2 Resorts on 2 Islands)
Jamaica (1): Negril
Turks & Caicos (1): Providenciales
There was a second resort in Ocho Rios, but it has closed. Another Beaches in Jamaica is planned for the Runaway Bay area. There is also a Beaches coming soon in The Bahamas—they are renovating the former Sandals Emerald Bay into Beaches Exuma. A Beaches is planned for Barbados, as well.
Amenities & Activities
There are tons of complimentary things to do and enjoy at every Beaches and Sandals resort, including many that are found at both.
At Both Sandals & Beaches
- Beautiful beaches
- Watersports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving (certified divers only; onsite certification available for a fee)
- Land sports such as tennis, volleyball, and even golf at select locations
- Multiple pools and hot tubs
- Fitness centers and spas (spa services are extra)
- Daily and nightly entertainment
- Optional excursions (extra cost)
Unique to Beaches Resorts (Family-Oriented):
- Onsite waterparks with slides, lazy rivers, and swim-up soda bars
- Kids’ Camps with certified nannies
- Sesame Street™ character experiences
- Xbox Play Lounge, teen clubs, and arcades
- Kiddie pools
Unique to Sandals Resorts (Couples-Focused):
- Overwater bars with hammocks and romantic views
- Private beach cabanas
- Secluded nooks perfect for couples
- Some resorts with private islands
Accommodations at Beaches vs. Sandals
Whether at Beaches or Sandals, you won’t be disappointed in the quality of your room, and you will be spoiled for choice. Every resort offers a wide variety of types and sizes, but Beaches has a much broader range to fit anywhere from couples to small families to large groups. Accommodations are thoughtfully designed and upscale.
Sandals:
- Rooms and suites designed for couples only (king beds only), although there are a handful of options available for groups
- Most have private outdoor spaces
- Views range from garden to pool to ocean
- Poolside and beachfront available, including walk-out; also have swim-up suites
- Club-level rooms and suites available that come with concierge service and room service
- Butler-level suites available that come with top-tier perks including 24-hour in-room dining, private airport transfers, and personal butler service
- Romantic and unique options like:
- Overwater bungalows
- Rondoval Suites with private pools
- SkyPool suites with elevated private infinity pools
- Outdoor and indoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two
Beaches:
- Wide variety of family-friendly layouts; most have private outdoor spaces
- Views range from garden to pool to ocean
- Poolside and beachfront available, including walk-out
- Multi-bedroom suites and villas (up to 18 guests!), some with private pools
- Suites with separate kids’ rooms
- Concierge-level suites for extra amenities
- Butler-level suites also available
Dining & Drinks at Beaches vs. Sandals
You’ll never go hungry—or thirsty—at either resort brand. All meals, snacks, and drinks are included (yes, even premium spirits and Robert Mondavi wines!). Plus, all Beaches and Sandals resorts have multiple dining options and offer a broad range of cuisine types, so there’s something for everyone.
Dining and Drinking at Sandals:
- A mix of gourmet à la carte, buffets, cafés, and grab-and-go options
- Many restaurants are waterfront or overwater
- Some require nicer attire in the evening such as collared shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes for men
- Wide range of bars include:
- Overwater bars
- Swim-up bars
- Beach bars
- British pubs
- A rooftop bar
- A speakeasy
- A champagne & caviar bar
- A rum club
Dining and Drinking at Beaches:
- Kid-appealing favorites like Bobby Dee’s diner, food trucks, and ice cream stands
- Both buffets and gourmet sit-down dining options
- Some adult-only restaurants
- Bars include poolside, beach, and swim-up bars
- Swim-up soda bars at the waterpark pools for the kids
Pricing Comparison of Beaches vs. Sandals
Pricing at both brands varies depending on your resort, room type, and travel dates. At Beaches resorts, it will also depend on how many people are in your party.
Sandals Pricing:
- Rates are per person, per night, for 2 adults per room
- Most affordable Sandals resort: usually Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Least expensive room at Sandals Ochi currently starts at $199 per person per night.
- Most expensive rooms at Sandals can be upwards of $2000 per person per night.
Beaches Pricing:
- Priced per adult and per child (slight variation depending on age), per night
- Most affordable Beaches resort depends on time of year
- Least expensive room at Beaches Turks & Caicos currently starts at $249 per adult plus $54 per child, per night
- Least expensive room at Beaches Negril currently starts at $304 per adult plus $61 per child, per night
- Most expensive room at Beaches can be upwards of $3000 per adult plus $40 per child, per night
Both brands offer exceptional all-inclusive value, with rates covering:
- Unlimited food and drinks
- Minibars refilled daily, offering water, soda, juice, local beer, and Robert Mondavi wines (full bars with premium liquor and sparkling wine in butler suites)
- Scuba diving and a range of non-motorized watersports (plus motorized at some locations)
- Land sports including pickleball, beach volleyball, and golf at some locations
- Onsite amenities including fitness centers
- Daily and nightly entertainment
- Airport transfers, taxes, tips, and Wi-Fi
Beaches also includes access to all the kid-centered amenities and waterparks.
Weddings & Honeymoons: Which Is Better, Beaches or Sandals?
For weddings, both brands offer magical beachfront settings and a range of packages and venues to suit all tastes and budgets—including free weddings (certain restrictions apply).
Both resort groups also offer free honeymoon packages.
Choose Sandals if you want an adult-only destination wedding or honeymoon, complete with romantic settings and private moments.
Choose Beaches if you’re inviting guests with children—everyone can join the fun, and there are activities for all ages.
Can Kids Stay at Sandals?
Nope! Sandals is strictly 18+, with no exceptions.
Which Is Better: Beaches or Sandals?
The answer to this depends on your travel crew and what you want from your vacation:
| If You Want… | Go With… |
| A kid-free, romantic escape: | Sandals |
| A family vacation with kid activities: | Beaches |
| Overwater bungalows and luxury suites: | Sandals |
| A fun waterpark: | Beaches |
| A Caribbean destination outside Jamaica/Turks: | Sandals |
Conclusion
Whether you choose Sandals or Beaches, you’ll enjoy a fabulous all-inclusive experience in the Caribbean. From gourmet dining and exciting activities to breathtaking settings and luxurious accommodations, both brands offer unforgettable vacations—just tailored to different kinds of travelers.