If you are reading this, you probably know that Kate & Company plans Sandals Vacations (full disclosure). In my honest opinion, I would love Sandals even if I didn’t promote them on a regular basis and I do truly love Sandals Resorts and how the experience at each resort is different.
My hubby and I knew we wanted to do all-inclusive honeymoon and Sandals was an easy choice. I don’t even remember us needing to talk about it. Kate planned our honeymoon and it was EASY, but you can read more about that here.
I wanted to breakdown what our trip was like and share my experience with anyone considering an all-inclusive vacation (Sandals or otherwise) and hopefully inspire you to book that dream trip! Below is an overview of our time at Sandals Negril. Some of the things may be resort specific, but you’ll find many of the same amenities across the Sandals brand and throughout the Caribbean Islands.
When we arrived in Jamaica (and got through customs) we went to the Sandals lounge at the airport. There were attendants there who checked us in, labeled our luggage and then it was time to start relaxing! (I’m serious here, there is Red Stripe in their lounge). After that, we didn’t have to carry our suitcases again until we got to the airport after our return flight. That’s right – no schlepping bags all over the place!
From the lounge, you’ll get on a shuttle based on resort (if there are multiple on the island), they’ll confirm your suitcase is scheduled appropriately and off you go!
When you arrive at the hotel there is no waiting in line to check-in – our Kate & Company team does this for you in advance. The entire process is completely relaxing. We were in the club level room type and were greeted with a cold towel and taken to the Club Sandals Lounge where we relaxed, had a drink and were checked in by our concierge.
We were escorted to our room as they gave a brief overview of the resort. Our room was BEAUTIFUL. We were in the Paradise Beach Front Village and our balcony looked right over the beach. The room was really spacious and featured a table perfect for breakfast room service. We also had a full bar stocked with liquor, wine, beer, sodas, juice and waters (refreshed daily, if you can drink that much!).
That night we attended the resort beach party featuring food, music, and dancing. The Sandals entertainment team does a great job at engaging you without you feeling forced (participate if you want to, but no one will make you!) They had several activities each day ranging from cooking demonstrations to volleyball in the pool. All the details were outlined for the next day in a resort newsletter we received each evening for the following day.
Sandals Resort Negril itself featured four pools (one for scuba and one that was attached to the swim-up rooms). While we were there, we had six restaurants to choose from (there are 7 now) as well as room service. Our absolute favorite was Kimonos, Teppanyaki, but we also loved Bella Napoli Pizzeria (pizza whenever you want? Heck yeah!) – but I’ll get into the food another day.
The beach was everything it’s made out to be – a beautiful, white sand beach. The water was really shallow at the resort, which was perfect in my opinion, and it was so warm and calm! Warmer than the pools (West coast people, I know you can appreciate this). The resort has floating lounges to relax with a drink and new friends or you can grab a pool float.
Also at the resort is the full service Red Lane Spa. This is not included, but is so worth it. Even if you don’t opt for a massage or facial, you can still enjoy the other spa features such as the whirlpools and saunas for no additional fees. The resort did also have a gym – to be honest, I didn’t make it there.
Sandals Negril, our resort is one of the more intimate Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, which was perfect for what we were looking for. Each Sandals property really does have its own personality and feel which is why it’s key to work with a planner to be sure you are at the resort which will be the best fit for you and has the needs and amenities of your dreams.