Hip,hopHi! you are on your way tosandalsfor your honeymoon or romantic getaway. We know you can't wait. We visited Sandals on our honeymoon oh so many moons ago. While we had a great time, there are a few things we wish we had known (such as clothing for theme nights and certain restaurants). Now we are much smarter travelers who have learned a few tricks to find the best price and we havesadtips for first time visitors to Sandals or even the Caribbean. Use these Sandals Resorts insider tips to save money and get the most out of your vacation.
Tips for Sandals Resorts
Our insider tips at Sandals Resorts will help you maximize your time and money during your vacation. By taking a few steps when planning, you can save money, choose the right resort, know when to book or visit, and choose the right accommodations.You can also get some information on what to bring and what to do before and after your arrival to get an idea of restaurant reservations, tour reservations and dive schedule planning.
Tips for planning a visit to Sandals Resorts
Find out how to find the best deal on a sandal holiday
First of all, you want to get off on the right foot (or flipper) by getting the accommodations you want for the best deal. You want to use all the sales and promotions - they can generally be combined - to make the most of your budget. We amphibians of the Caribbean are here to help. Look for 7-7-7 deals, holiday deals that are valid every holiday. And soon you can save some moneyvegetablesby booking through your favorite frogs (that's us!)!
Join Sandals Select Rewards
Be sure to sign up for our free rewards program, Sandals Select Rewards. You can access more offers and earn points that can be used to redeem savings on packages, room upgrades and more. There's even a Sandals credit card that you can use to collect points.
Survey distance from the airport
Whichever location you choose, Sandals includes airport pickup, so that's one less thing to worry about. But you want to prepare for driving. As soon as you leave the airport, you may be ready to start your vacation.
At some locations, the party can start immediately. Some Sandals Resorts are a short 15 to 20 minute trip from the airport, including Grenada (just 5 minutes!) Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, Antigua, Emerald Bay, Barbados and Royal Barbados. Sandals Curaçao is approximately 30 minutes from the airport.
Other resorts can be within a 75 to 90 minute drive, including Ochi, Dunn's River, Royal Plantation, Negril and South Coast in Jamaica, and Halcyon and Regency La Toc in St. Lucia. However, Grande Saint Lucian is a 120 minute drive from the main airport.
Choose the best time to visit
The high or busy season is from December to mid April. Understandably, people from colder climates seek a warm beach escape. As a result, you may have less availability (holidays and peak times, so book in advance). If you feed off the energy of the other guests and want more of a party atmosphere, high season might be for you.
You may want to book out of season to save money and get more physical distance if you're looking for a quieter trip. You can save money by visiting in the low season from May to November. However, you may experience rain or tropical storms (especially in August and September), as June through November is technically hurricane season.
Choose your accommodations based on the level of service you expect
Sandals are all-inclusive resorts where everyone gets the same food, drinks, activities, and entertainment regardless of the room type they book. However, some more expensive properties have a Club Sandals concierge or butler service. A concierge can assist you in making reservations at the resort and you have access to a lounge and special cocktail parties and other events.
With Butler Service, your butler can also make your reservations and escort you to dinner at a reserved and dressed table in an ideal location. Your butler can plan romantic surprises, create bubble baths for you and anticipate your every need. He can fetch the lounge chairs at the pool or beach and serve you drinks or food there while you relax.
A basic deluxe room does not have these services. If you are independent and happy to manage your vacation on your own, a more affordable Luxury room will still make for a great vacation with everything else.
Sign up for scuba diving lessons, tours, and excursions before your visit
Before you even leave home, make some plans for your trip. If you're new to diving, you can sign up for an introductory course before your trip (for a fee). Experienced divers can skip the course. All divers should be sure to visit the dive shop upon arrival to book dives for the week for best availability.
If you want to go on excursions to explore the area, you can sign up for excursions before your trip. These cost extra and vary by resort.
Hopabout theThe sandal extrapage to book tours, spas, scuba diving, golf, photography and more.
Please advise the resort of any dietary restrictions
Another thing to do before your visit is to notify the resort of any dietary restrictions (such as kosher meals) and food allergies. You can do this one month in advance. Send an emailspecialservices@uvi.sandals.comwith your arrival date, booking number, name and the resort where you are going on holiday, so that you can make an appointment with the chef on arrival.
Arrange the airport Tchallenger
Air-conditioned airport transfers areincluded in your sandals vacation. You can ensure your resort transfer is available upon arrival by checking in online athttps://checkin.sandals.com.When you land, go to the Sandals Desk for assistance.
Tips for Once you get to the sandals
To book
Find out if certain restaurants are more popular than others and make dinner reservations upon arrival. The Kimonos table teppan restaurant has limited seating, so it's a good idea to make a reservation. If you want to go diving, book your diving trips before the week of your arrival. You do it yourself unless you have a porter or butler to assist you.
Robbery in the mini fridge
In most hotels, we avoid expensive items in the hotel minibar. Not the sandals. Soft drinks, juice, water, beer and wine are included for you! The higher level room category also includes other drinks.
Borrow a board game
If you want a quiet couple, borrow some board games from the resort.
Discover the weekly events for your visit
Get an idea of the weekly entertainment you can experience at your resort. This way you can pack the perfect outfit that matches the theme. Most resorts have a white party night (chocolate included!) and a Caribbean carnival night. Some resorts offer a talent show. Knowing which nights are fun makes it easier to schedule dinner reservations for other nights.
Things to Bring to Sandals Resorts
Cash and credit cards
While everything you need is included, it's wise to bring cash for souvenirs, butler tips (it's the only tip allowed except for spa therapists and airport baggage handlers), spa treatments, photo packages, and more. Resorts and stores charge US dollars, but you may be able to get change in the local currency. You can exchange dollars at the hotel exchange. In Jamaica and St. Lucia, bring golf money for a golf box (about $15) and a golf cart (about $40). You must present a credit card upon check-in to activate the room brochure (in case you decide to take a tour or change rooms).
Valid passports
Do not leave important travel documents at home. Even check the expiration date of your passport several months before your trip. It can take up to 12 weeks to renew a passport. Each country has its own rules regarding the expiration date of passports. For Jamaica, The Bahamas (for US or UK passport holders), Curaçao and Barbados, the passport must be valid for the duration of the trip. In Grenada and Saint Lucia, the passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry. For Antigua, the passport must be valid for 180 days from the date of entry.
Dive charts and anti-nausea medications
If you have a scuba certification, bring your dive cards. If you're prone to nausea, don't do itglancesto bring medicines. Flora says meclizine works best if you take it the night before a swim so it has time to get into your system. When she takes her meds, she never gets sick.
Sun protection and insect repellent
You'll want this reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen, UV clothing, hats, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF. Apply and reapply sunscreen and use any available shade you can find. The Caribbean sun is very strong. You may want to use insect repellent at night, especially during the rainy season, to prevent bites. We find it easy to travel with repellent towels and bracelets.
Evening meal attire
You men may think you don't need to pack pants for a hot climate vacation, but learn from my mistakes when I was a less experienced traveler. One of my motivations for doing the Sandals Resorts Insider Tips is to save other men from making my wardrobe mistake of packing only shorts and flip flops when we visited Sandals andBeaches (Sandals family version). This meant we couldn't enjoy some of the nicer restaurants with a dress code in the evening. My wife, Flora, was a little disappointed in me.growl!
For the most part, resorts are casual. But there are a few opportunities to dress up, so you want to be prepared. You can search each resort's restaurants in advance to find out which ones have a dress code. Resort chic means long pants and no flip flops, t-shirts or tank tops for men and dresses or dressier clothes for the ladies.
Check out the Sandals dress code:
- Resort Casual (During the day and some restaurants at night) -Shorts or jeans, t-shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and shoes required.
- Resort Elegant (evening wear in some restaurants) -Trousers, Dockers or jeans for men, shirts with long or short sleeves (with or without a collar). Wear shoes or sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops or slippers. Neither hats nor hats.Smart shorts are allowed in some restaurants.
Games (optional)
You don't have to bring your sports equipment, but if you feel more comfortable with it, you can. If you are visiting a golf resort, you can bring your own clubs or shoes. Rentals are available. For experienced divers or snorkelers, you can bring your own mask, snorkel and fins (as well as a buoyancy compensator and diving regulator), but you can also use the resort's equipment and save extra baggage fees. We frogs wear our flippers everywhere we go!
An insulated reusable cup and straw
This is more of a preference, but you can keep drinks cold on the hot beach and seas without plastic.
Your appetite
All your meals and snacks are included at Sandals Resorts. If you want something more or an extra portion, just ask! You can even order a double dessert. No judgment if you come back for a second dinner. Make your own progressive dinner. Afterwards you can enjoy drinks and snacks in a restauranthopto another for dinner and take a walk before visiting a third destination for dessert.
Your workout clothes
Each resort has a gym with equipment and classes. We're not saying you should train on vacation, but it's nice to have the option. You may want to avoid all starters and desserts included!
Leave the hair dryer and power adapters at home (if traveling from North America)
There is a hairdryer in every room. You don't need to bring an electrical adapter. Each room is equipped with 110 volt outlets. You can also leave your beach towels at home, they will be provided by the resort.
HappyOur insider tips on Sandals Resorts will help you plan your trip, save money and prepare for a vacationabsolutelygreat romantic getaway.
Related:What are Sandals all-inclusive resorts?
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FAQs
Are tips included at Sandals resorts? ›
You'll be happy to know that except for butlers; tipping is included, and you won't need to shell out any money for tips while on vacation. The resort handles the tipping, and you're free to enjoy your vacay.
Are Sandals employees allowed to take tips? ›Is tipping allowed at Sandals resorts? The tipping policy at Sandals resorts says that most Sandals staff are not to be tipped, because their tips are part of your all-inclusive rate. In fact, if they are caught receiving tips, they could be fired, so be aware of this.
How much food can you order at Sandals? ›Every Sandals resort has multiple gourmet restaurants (from 9 to 16 depending on the location) and every one of them is included. What is this? Not only is all food at Sandals resorts included, but it's also unlimited. This means you can get snacks at any time, and you can order multiple dishes at every meal.
How much do you tip your butler at Sandals? ›How much to tip your personal butler? Guests generally tip 20 - 25 USD per butler per day, depending how well their service was perceived. A butler team serving the Butler Suites consist out of three butlers a day.
How much money should you bring for tips at an all-inclusive resort? ›Some experts recommend that you bring a total of $150 to $200 USD for tips for a 1-week stay. This equates to around $20 to $25 USD per day for all staff members who might help you throughout the day.
Do I tip at an all-inclusive resort? ›How Much Do You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts? For a one-week stay at an all-inclusive resort, a couple should budget to spend about $150 US (or the local currency equivalent) total in tips. This means that you should bring about $20 in small bills with you to spend on tips throughout the day.
Do you tip maids at Sandals? ›In fact, Sandals maintains a no-tipping policy for the majority of its employees. Among them are maids, bellhops, concierge, bartenders, and wait staff, as they are already getting paid for their service.
How much do you tip a private driver at Sandals? ›Therefore, you can tip them for their excellent services. The amount of money you tip can depend on how much luggage you have and how far the resort is from the airport. It's typical to tip valets $5+ and transfer drivers $10-$20, depending on the situation and how long you are in the vehicle.
Are Sandals against dress code? ›No shorts, t–shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops or slippers. No hats nor caps. Can I make reservations for dining or onsite activities before I travel? Reservations for dining (most restaurants don't require reservations) can only be made once you arrive at the resort.
Is laundry free at Sandals? ›Feel free to make use of the laundry and dry cleaning services during your Sandals vacation! This is an optional service, and the price list, as well as laundry bags, are provided in every room.
Do you get free room service at Sandals? ›
Sandals Club Level Benefits
The extra amenities that come with Sandals Club level rooms include free room service from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. so you can easily enjoy a romantic sunset dinner on your private balcony or indulge in breakfast in bed, as well as an upgrade of the minibar to a full-size fully stocked bar.
Having traveled to a number of Sandals Resorts, the majority of the guests are in the range of 30 to 40. My wife and I are in our 60's and feel very comfortable there. We always meet couples in their late 40's through 50's. there is always a nice older crowd, but that is the smaller crowd as a percent of guests.
How much do you tip a massage at Sandals? ›At Sandals Resorts, we have a no tipping policy, as absolutely everything is included. Guests may only tip our wonderful Spa staff or our Butlers if they wish.
How much do you tip for a massage at Sandals Resort? ›Generally, my wife and I tip $10 to $20 for a couples massage. Tours/Excursions: Since the tour guides do not work for Sandals and you are leaving the Sandals resort you can tip them. A few dollars is usually acceptable. You will notice many people will not tip them because they don't realize they are allowed to.
Do I tip the hostess? ›Hostess/busboy: No gratuity expected. These folks sometimes receive a part of all the waiters' tips each night. Coat check: $1 per coat, payable upon retrieval.
What is an appropriate tip for resort housekeeping? ›The American Hotel & Lodging Association suggests leaving a $1-to-$5 tip per day for the housekeeping staff. The tipping range is helpful when estimating your trip budget, but how much you should ultimately tip depends on a few factors (more on this later).
How should I tip at a resort? ›Tipping is not required for someone fixing something broken or bringing something missing. A gratuity of 15-20% should be added if the hotel did not already include a room service charge on the bill. Tip 15-20% of the total beverage tab.
How much of a tip should you leave for one night stay at a hotel? ›A general rule of thumb is $3 to $5 per night for budget and midrange hotels, and up to $10 a night for luxury hotels and resorts (or more if the service is really high end).
Should I tip in dollars or pesos at all-inclusive? ›Should I tip in pesos or dollars in Mexico? It's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos. While it might be tempting to leave a few foreign coins as a thank-you, those coins can't be exchanged and won't be of much use to your waiter or tour guide.
Do you tip room service at a resort? ›The standard tipping amount for hotel bartenders and waiters is the same as the rule of thumb for room service: 15% to 20%, depending on how satisfied you are with the service. The AHLA recommends tipping courtesy shuttle drivers and door staff $1 to $2 per person.
Is room service included in all-inclusive? ›
At many all-inclusive resorts, room service is not a luxury or added price -- instead, it's included in the overnight fee.
What time do bars close at Sandals Resorts? ›The Pavilion Main Bar is open until midnight, and Herbie's Piano Bar is active until around 1:00 AM.
Do you leave tip for cleaning lady? ›You're not obligated to tip your housekeeper, regardless of them being with a service or doing an extraordinary job. It's simply a way to show appreciation and recognition for the work they're doing.
Do Sandals resorts provide shampoo and conditioner? ›Toiletries! At Sandals resorts, they provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. These products are from Sandals' Red Lane Spa and can also be purchased at the Red Lane Spa to take home, if you love them as much as we do!
How much do you tip a driver on a free ride? ›Tip 10% to 20% of the Fare
A good general rule of thumb when tipping ride-share drivers is to stay between the 10% to 20% range. “Most rideshare drivers make very little per hour,” said Arden Clise, business etiquette and customer service trainer for Clise Etiquette.
It differentiates outdoor tour guides from motor tour guides and confirms that the owner of the company should be tipped if he or she provides the service (leads the tour). About.com has a Tipping Guide for travelers that further suggests that the tour guide should receive a tip of 10% to 20% of the tour cost.
How much tip should you give a driver? ›A 15% tip is certainly expected at the bare minimum, with 20% to 25% being the norm and 30% gratuity for exceptional service. Of course, you can always leave more if your driver delivers a stellar experience.
Are jeans and sandals OK? ›Since sandals are intrinsically a bit more casual, you can wear them with jeans and a slouchy tee or a flowy tank. Try different outfit combinations to see what fits your style best. If you're interested in rocking this casual style during the sunny seasons we've got you covered.
Is it okay to go for a walk in sandals? ›We wouldn't recommend wearing them on high alpine trails or very technical paths, especially while carrying any weight (when good ankle support and stability is important), but in good conditions, quality sandals with toe protection and decent soles, are fine for walking across all sorts of surfaces.
What are the cons of wearing sandals? ›This lack of support can cause a significant amount of foot pain for the wearer if they choose to wear sandals or flip-flops on a regular basis. Flip-flops and sandals not only do very little to accommodate your feet, but they also provide inadequate support for your ankles.
What is the cheapest time to go to Sandals? ›
One way to save money on a Sandals resort is to travel during the off-season. The off-season is typically from late April to mid-June and then from late August to early November. Rates will be lower during this period, and you can often find great deals.
Does Sandals give you robes? ›Other inclusions:
Robes in all rooms. In-Room Bar stocked daily with sodas, juices, water, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wine, local beer and a variety of spirits. Specially made Club Sandals room key.
Yes, beach towels are provided at no cost by the resort.
How many stays at Sandals for a free week? ›A: Sandals Select Reward members are eligible for a Free Week Award. Members must have 70 paid nights to be awarded their Free Week Certificate to any Sandals or Beaches. Complimentary, unpaid nights do not count towards the free week. The Free Week certificate is awarded at the weekly Loyalty Dinner.
Can you stay in 2 different rooms at Sandals? ›What do you do? You can split it up by staying in two different rooms; one with a lower cost followed by the one you really want.
Can 3 people stay in a room at Sandals? ›1 answer. I'm sorry, but Sandals Brand is for couples (two people in love) and our rooms/suites are equipped with king beds. However, the Beaches Brand is the family arm of Sandals and it's the brand for everyone, (kids, tween, teen & adults) and the rooms/suites sleep up to five persons, thanks much. over a year ago.
Do Sandals resorts feel crowded? ›You Never Feel Like It's Crowded
The point, a Sandals representative said, was that it never feels crowded and you never have to fight over a spot at the pool — because that's lame when you're spending lots of money for a comfortable experience.
Sandals are a better choice than flip-flops for seniors because they offer more support and protection. The best designs have soles that extend beyond the toes to protect the toe box and a strap across the back of the heel.
Is Sandals a 5 star? ›SANDALS® Resorts: Caribbean 5 Star Luxury Included Resorts.
What is a good tip for a $100 massage? ›The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20.
Is it rude to not tip for a massage? ›
Do You Tip a Massage Therapist? Although a tip is never required, if your massage is at a spa or hotel in North America, a 20 percent tip is standard if you were pleased with the service. (The exception is all-inclusive spas that have a no-tip policy.)
What is a generous tip for a massage? ›We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is straightforward. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.
Who should you tip at Sandals? ›You'll be happy to know that except for butlers; tipping is included, and you won't need to shell out any money for tips while on vacation. The resort handles the tipping, and you're free to enjoy your vacay.
What is a normal Sandals butler tip? ›Butler tips
You are free to tip separately in these instances for the services provided. How much to tip your personal butler? Guests generally tip 20 - 25 USD per butler per day, depending how well their service was perceived. A butler team serving the Butler Suites consist out of three butlers a day.
If still unsure, you can discretely ask the spa receptionist if tipping is customary for the particular treatment you are scheduled for. Regardless of gratuity standards, tipping is left to the discretion of the client.
Should I tip my flight attendant in first class? ›Tipping has no place in our work.” Nelson says she appreciates the sentiment of the question, but says tips just aren't the way to go if you want to acknowledge your cabin crew. “Our jobs are harder than ever,” she says. “If you'd like to thank your flight attendants, bring a smile or some chocolate.
Should passengers tip cabin crew? ›Regardless of where you're flying from or to, the safest option is not to tip. If you'd like to show appreciation to a flight attendant who provided excellent service, a non-cash gift is acceptable and will certainly be cherished (though we suggest any chocolates or treats be properly sealed).
Why does everyone expect a tip? ›Tipping is supposed to be a reward for excellent service, but studies have shown that the vast majority of people are motivated more by social pressure. Tipping is expected of them, and they don't want to deviate from a long-established norm — especially if other people are watching and possibly judging them.
Do you tip maids at Sandals Resorts? ›In fact, Sandals maintains a no-tipping policy for the majority of its employees. Among them are maids, bellhops, concierge, bartenders, and wait staff, as they are already getting paid for their service.
Do resort fees cover tips? ›While resort fees may include certain hotel services, amenities, and access to different areas, they do not include tips or gratuity for hotel staff.
How much does Sandals pay staff? ›
Sandals Resorts employees earn $60,500 annually on average, or $29 per hour.
Do you tip your cleaning lady every time? ›You're not obligated to tip your housekeeper, regardless of them being with a service or doing an extraordinary job. It's simply a way to show appreciation and recognition for the work they're doing.
How much should you tip room service at a resort? ›Recommended tip for room service: 15 to 20% of your total food bill.
Can you refuse resort fees? ›You cannot simply refuse to pay resort fees, but — just as some hotel employees are occasionally empowered to compensate you — the employee might have authority to remove your resort fee. Just understand that this is the exception, not the norm. And while it doesn't hurt to ask, it helps to ask nicely.
Do resorts have hidden fees? ›Now a common practice among hotels and can vary from $5 to $40 per night. Resort fees are also deceptively hidden under other terms like “amenities fee, “guest amenity fees,” urban fees, ” “good life fees,” ” urban fees, ” “mandatory fees,” or New York mandatory hotel fees.
How much do you tip for a massage at Sandals resort? ›Generally, my wife and I tip $10 to $20 for a couples massage. Tours/Excursions: Since the tour guides do not work for Sandals and you are leaving the Sandals resort you can tip them. A few dollars is usually acceptable. You will notice many people will not tip them because they don't realize they are allowed to.
Can a single person go to Sandals? ›Can I Stay at Sandals Resorts as a Solo Traveler? While you can go to a Sandals Resort as a single person, it's not conducive for solo travel because of the way booking is set up on their website. It requires you to enter a second person at the time of making the reservation.
How much commission do travel agents make on Sandals? ›Sandals and Beaches offer highly competitive commissions starting at 4% across all travel products from luxury suites to private candlelight dinners—Sandals and Beaches offer true luxury all-inclusive getaways.
Do Sandals members get discounts? ›How much is the Sandals loyalty discount? The Sandals loyalty discount is another way of referring to the rewards program discount. Sandals Select Rewards members can get loyalty discounts of up to 25 percent off your room rate at participating Sandals resorts by redeeming their Sandals Select Rewards points.