Sandals & Beaches Resorts: Not Your Average All-Inclusive

With luxurious accommodations and a laundry list of included perks, Beaches and Sandals Resorts really are the gem of the Caribbean Islands.

Finding the right beach vacation destination is so much more than palm trees and sprawling white sands. It’s about finding the island and resort that best fit the wants and needs of your group.

Whether you’re in the market for a romantic couples escape, lively bachelorette weekend, or multigenerational family reunion, the perfect combination of amenities, dining, recreation and clientele are what makes the difference between memorable and unforgettable.

No destination is one size fits all, but we’ve found that “all-inclusive” means something more when it comes to Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Sandals and Beaches properties are nestled across ten islands in the Caribbean. From Jamaica to St. Lucia to Turks & Caicos, each resort is fit for a postcard with tropical paradise around every corner.

They may vary in size, but each property is equipped with bars and restaurants in the double digits, serving up 5-star dining options with international flair to satisfy even the most eclectic “foodie” palates. Less adventurous eaters have nothing to fear, though. You’ll still be able to find the comforts of familiar homestyle dishes, without sacrificing quality or ambiance.

Similarly, both Sandals and Beaches are home to a host of island-inspired recreation and amenities, almost all of which are included with your resort package.

Use these vacations as an excuse to try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding and various other water sports. Or, stick to your land legs with a pickup game of basketball, beach volleyball, bocce, shuffleboard, etc. You can even grab some friends and hop on the pickleball bandwagon!

At Beaches, you’ll be able to cater to the little ones even more with tech lounges, kids camps, and Sesame Street character experiences.

When they say they’re all-inclusive, it’s not just the dining and activities.

Once you step off the plane, a Sandals or Beaches representative is ready to welcome and transport you right to your resort. Airport transfers are always included, and take even more pressure off your arrival and departure day – leaving more time and energy to enjoy the perks of the resorts.

So, what’s the difference?

When browsing island destinations, you might not know which brand is right for you.

The beauty of these resorts isn’t just in the scenery. When it comes to Beaches vs. Sandals, you don’t have to choose between luxurious or accommodating. So many offerings are the same – from recreation to dining and even Butler service – that it could be as simple as what type of group you’re traveling with.

Couples looking for a quieter, more secluded and romantic getaway will likely find any of the Sandals destinations more to their liking. Even groups traveling for weddings, couples golf getaways or professional retreats will likely prefer Sandals for the adult clientele and atmosphere.

On the other hand, Beaches is more suitable for kid-friendly vacationers, multigenerational groups, sports teams, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or family reunions. These resorts offer rooms with two beds versus the standard king in most Sandals accommodations.

Magical Vacations Travel Owner and President Michele recently experienced her first visit to Beaches Resorts, traveling to Beaches Turks & Caicos with her sister-in-law in early May.

Having stayed with Sandals in the past, we were eager to find out how Michele felt the two types of properties compared.

The pair arrived at Beaches Turks & Caicos via complimentary airport transfer and checked into a partial-ocean view room with two queen beds in the resort’s Caribbean Village. They spent their girls’ getaway lounging on the ocean, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.

“You could do nothing all day or stay busy and do activities and excursions all day,” she said. “It’s up to you and what you are looking for in a vacation, but they offer it all.”

Michele was quick to add that the quality of service, along with dining and amenities, were top notch. She loved the flexibility of not needing a dining reservation, which meant more lounge time and less rushing to meals.

Did you know? Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer luxurious 5-star dining options, but you make the rules with flexible menus, mealtimes and dietary accommodations.

And when it came to other guests, Michele was admittedly surprised by the balance she found in comparison to Sandals.

“I have to say I was expecting tons of kids – and there were kids – but I also met a bunch of couples that were there without their children just because they love the property and island so much,” she said.

The pair did meet families with young children, but also plenty of couples and even a group of ten ladies celebrating a college graduation together.

Michele’s first Beaches experience was especially unique because her past trips to Sandals were at markedly different styles of resorts. Beaches Turks & Caicos is the brand’s largest property, and known for its lively atmosphere, compared to the quieter Sandals Emerald Bay, where she visited earlier this year.

Her only regret from the trip was that she didn’t stay longer to take in even more of the resort.

“I’d book at least five nights,” she said, “there’s just so much to do and enjoy!”