When it comes to choosing between Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Negril, it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation. Both resorts offer Sandals’ signature all-inclusive luxury, but they each have a distinct atmosphere and unique perks. Let’s break it down to help you decide which is the better fit for your trip.
Location
When comparing the resorts there is a major difference in the location of these resorts that might help you decide which to visit.
Sandals Negril is located along the famous Seven Mile Beach on the western shore of Jamaica. Its location naturally provides an excellent viewpoint for sunsets. It is about an hour drive from the Sangster International Airport.
Sandals Montego Bay is on the northern coast of Jamaica and is only about 3 miles from Sangster International airport. With the proximity to the airport, transfers are a breeze and a very short ride, however, this also means you will experience noise from takeoffs and touchdowns.
Which is better? It really depends on what you are looking for. Sandals Montego Bay is better to get close to the airport while Sandals Negril is better for a more secluded vibe.
Accommodation Costs
Sandals Negril is more affordable than Sandals Montego Bay.
Both Montego Bay and Negril have a variety of accommodation options and cost. In general, a week stay at either resort will cost anywhere from 5,000 USD to 20,000 USD depending on the room type and time of year. It’s always advisable for guests to look for seasonal discounts and offers on the Sandals site as they will run promotions throughout the year.
Room options at Montego Bay vary from a basic garden suite to beachfront, swim up, butler serviced suites. Many of the room options feature a tranquility soaking tub near the patios and are all in close proximity to the private beach.
Rooms at Negril range from traditional type hotel room settings to honeymoon suites with butler service and a private pool. Many of the rooms feature a nice beachfront patio with quick access to the wonderful sunsets at Seven Mile Beach.
Dining
Montego Bay features 12 different restaurants along with 9 additional eateries at nearby Royal Caribbean, which can be accessed by shuttle for free. Guests have so many options for cuisines between Montego Bay and Royal Caribbean; premium cut steaks at Butch’s Steakhouse, seafood at Stew Fish, several traditional Caribbean options at Oleander or Jerk Shack, Italian fare at Cucina Romana or La Tavola, along with various Asian inspired eateries at both resorts.
Between the two resorts, Montego Bay gives you much more variety to enjoy during your stay.
Negril has 8 total restaurants offering a good variety of cuisines; Brava with Spanish tapas, the SunDowner for Caribbean food and Japanese Teppanyaki at Kimonos. Although there is less variety at Negril, the quality is still spectacular.
If you would like more dining options guests also go to Beaches Negril. Keep in mind it is $5 per person per taxi ride to get there.
Beach Access and Activities
Negril is located along Seven Mile Beach. It is a very popular area and the beach is public so visitors can expect walking vendors and an open beach. While it’s not a private setting, Seven Mile Beach is unbeatable when it comes to sunsets and the availability of water activities.
Water sport lovers will enjoy having waterskiing, wakeboarding, hobie cats, paddleboards, and kayaks all accessible and included with your Sandals stay. Scuba is also available for certified divers along with snorkeling equipment and glass bottom boats.
Montego Bay has a private, long beach exclusive to Sandals guests along with access to Sandals Royal Caribbean beach area. Watersports are still just as robust here with waterskiing, wakeboarding, hobie cats, paddleboards, and kayaks along with fabulously clear water for snorkeling.
Overall, I would say they are a tie when it comes to the beaches and activity, but Sandals Negril is less crowded.
Excursions and Activities
Excursions from Montego Bay are plentiful. Guests can book either in advance or directly with Island Routes after their arrival. Montego Bay’s excursions include sunset catamaran cruises, dolphin swimming, atv tours, ziplining, and visits to Dunn’s River. Due to its location, it generally has more of a selection for transfers to and from excursions over that of Negril.
Negril still offers quite a few excursions like catamaran cruises, tours to Rick’s Cafe, the Appleton Estate Rum Tour, deep sea fishing, and snuba adventures.
I would prefer Sandals Negril for activites since you are close to Rick’s Cafe while the excursions near Sandals Montego Bar can take more driving time.
Which One is Best For Honeymooners?
Any Sandals choice for a honeymooner is a great decision, regardless of where. Sandals is dedicated to couples and their overall enjoyment with luxury options, above and beyond service, cleanliness, and entertainment. Negril and Montego Bay are both amazing resorts to spend a honeymoon at. It genuinely comes down to what you prefer and enjoy more as a couple. If you want close proximity to the airport and a wide range of food options, Montego Bay is your best bet. If you enjoy more of a chill vibe and killer sunsets, Negril is the go to!
Final Thoughts
Regardless of which resort you choose, Negril and Montego Bay are both equally enjoyable and the kind of retreat from life that every couple deserves whether that’s on a honeymoon or just a yearly getaway. The level of service that Sandals consistently provides will never fail to impress, no matter which side of the Jamaican island you’re on. Enjoy!