The couples-only Sandals Royal Caribbean, near Montego Bay and just minutes from Sangster International Airport, was the very first overwater bungalow resort in Jamaica and indeed the first overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.
The concept was an immediate success and the Sandals company soon followed with more at Sandals South Coast (also in Jamaica) and then, a little later, came their first overwater bungalows in St. Lucia.
Sandals Royal Caribbean though was the groundbreaker, or well…water breaker, in this region, and we found standards high. extremely high from the beginning.
It is a high-end luxury, all-inclusive paradise with a private island (where the overwater bungalows are to be found), top-of-the-range facilities, superb food and drink, and consistently great service.
It also has a tremendous location: getting to most overwater bungalow resorts usually involves a long journey from an airport.
But here we are, tantalizingly, not much more than 5 minutes drive (via the resort’s private shuttle) from Sangster International.
Pro Tip: Book Sandals VIP Airport Fast Track service as an add on. This is where you their representative whisks you through the border formalities. It’s really worth it.
Private Island Luxury: Infinity Pools & Glass Floors
We have a great range of accommodations to choose from here – from standard rooms & suites to, of course, overwater bungalows, which offer varying levels of space and luxury to suit most budgets.
Their overwater bungalows, attached to a gorgeous little private island, were the Caribbean’s very first and set the standards high from the very beginning.
We found them sleek, modern, and luxurious, and come with outdoor terraces, large glass floor panels, romantic spa bathrooms with bathtubs, and there’s an outdoor bathtub and shower on the terrace.
They also have a wealth of mod cons, plus 24-hour room service with an exclusive in-room dining menu.
As you will see on the booking page they are divided into two categories – those with infinity plunge pools and those without.
Those with the private pools will cost you quite a bit more but they are also far larger than the standard bungalows, with an enormous outdoor deck, and in general, have much more of the wow factor.
Booking Information & Availability
Check availability and prices at own website (Sandals) here, or at Expedia.com here.
Note: Like most luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean the overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean are incredibly sought after – you should reserve your stay as soon as possible. You are allowed free cancellation on most bookings.
Note 2: As with all Sandals Resorts there is a minimum stay of three nights.
How to Score Sandals Last Minute Deals
In order to fill gaps in occupancy (if they have any) due to cancellations etc., we find Sandals sometimes offers discounts on last-minute stays, generally one free night on stays of 3 or 4 nights if booked up to a few weeks in advance. Check for any last-minute deals here.
All-Inclusive Dining: From Fine French to Thai Flavors
We found a great choice of food and drink outlets at Sandals Royal from casual eateries and lively bars to elegant fine dining restaurants, serving French, Thai, Caribbean seafood, and international cuisine.
If that somehow isn’t enough you can also jump on the free shuttle to Sandal’s two other Montego Bay resorts where even more choice awaits, all of which is included in your all-inclusive package.
Snorkeling, Red Lane Spa, & Butler Service
The resort has seven swimming pools, including two swim-up bars, five jacuzzis, and a small but utterly gorgeous stretch of private beach.
We found there was live entertainment most evenings at various places around the resort; beach parties, live music shows, and cultural performances.
The all-inclusive package allows us access a great range of water sports – snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, etc., etc., and on dry land, beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, shuffleboard, and table tennis.
There is also a fitness center/ gym at the resort and their luxurious, South East Asian-themed Red Lane Spa offers a range of high-quality health and beauty treatments.
The staff at The Royal Caribbean have a relaxed, friendly manner but are efficient and dedicated – we found their private butlers in particular received great praise from guests.
Location: Five Minutes from Montego Bay Airport
Just five miles from Montego Bay and Sangster International Airport (you will be whisked to the resort within minutes by private shuttle), the resort sits by the blissfully calm waters of Mahoe Bay.
There are regular shuttle services to Montego Bay and the shops, bars, and restaurants of the main tourist area, the so-called Hip Strip.
High-end shopping can also be had at Whitter Village, Montego Bay’s very modern outdoor shopping mall, just a ten-minute walk from the resort.
Verified Guest Reviews & Testimonials
“Customer service was exceptional! Friendly people everywhere. We had a great time! The food was great, and we loved the option of eating and touring both Sandals resorts! We will be traveling back again soon!….”
“Exceptional. I loved everything about the hotel, well worth it for the money you are spending….”
See all the reviews right here
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