Caribbean Vacation

Is Sandals Open? Covid Update and Reviews.

October 13, 2020 By Bimmia

Is Sandals open? The simple answer is YES.

Currently (as of October 12, 2020) 11 of the 15 resorts are open.

Here’s the list of all the resorts and their current status.

St. Lucia

Sandals Grande St. Lucian – OPEN
Sandals Regency La Toc – OPEN
Sandals Halcyon Beach – November 1st.

Grenada

Sandals Grenada – OPEN

Barbados

Sandals Barbados – OPEN
Sandals Royal Barbados – OPEN

Antigua

Sandals Grande Antigua – OPEN

Jamaica

Sandals Montego Bay – OPEN
Sandals Royal Caribbean – OPEN
Sandals Negril – OPEN
Sandals South Coast – OPEN
Sandals Royal Plantation – OPEN
Sandals Ochi – November 1st

Bahamas

Sandals Emerald Bay – November 1st
Sandals Royal Bahamian – January 28th, 2021

How is the Resort Experience?

Almost all the guests visiting the resorts, are reporting an excellent experience. Sandals takes guest safety seriously and almost all guest report feeling extremely safe.

Most of the resorts are not at full capacity, but for many guests this is actually a benefit. Reports are that, despite not being at capacity, the resorts appear to be fully, or near fully staffed.

If you are planning to take off-resort excursions, you will find that many of those are NOT available. Many of the watersports are still available. You should check with the resort before booking or arrival about which excursions are available.

Here is one recent review from Sandals Grande St. Lucian:

Besides all the fun in the sun, Sandals takes COVID seriously and has implemented a ton of safety protocols. Employees where masks at all times, hand sanitizer is required to enter any indoor location and rooms and outdoor facilities are sanitized constantly. There are some excursions, but you cannot venture out on your own. The island (St. Lucia) is supposed to start opening up more in the coming weeks. We felt very safe the whole time and kind of forgot about COVID while on the resort.
All of the water sports were a blast and we tried them all. The dive shop is excellent and all of the dive masters and crew were great. I did Lion fish hunting for the first time and it was way more fun than I expected.
TripAdvisor Review

Here are the cleanliness protocols at the resorts: https://www.sandals.com/cleanliness-protocols/

Covid Travel Rules

Although many of the Sandals resorts are open and the experience of the guest who visit appear to be mostly positive, you should acquaint yourself with the particular rules of entry and quarantine of each country before visiting.

For Antigua, Barbados, and St. Lucia you can find the Covid test and quarantine rules here: https://bb.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/ – scroll down and select the country.

Jamaica: https://jm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-jamaica/

Bahamas: https://bs.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Not only are there different rules for each country, but those rules often vary based on which country you are traveling from.

If you are travelling from America, the CDC also has recommendations for each country you are travelling to. I find these travel recommendations to be extremely restrictive, but they are what the CDC recommends. You can find them here.

Sandals Overwater Bungalows: Everything You Need to Know

December 12, 2019 By Bimmia

One of the most exclusive ways to enjoy a Sandals resort, is to stay in one of their incredible overwater bungalows (Sandals calls them Over-The-Water Bungalows). Sandals overwater bungalows are the height of Sandals luxury and in this article we provide you everything you need to know to before you book your dream vacation.

Which Sandals Have Overwater Bungalows?

Sandals now has overwater bungalows at 3 of their resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia.

These bungalows, although expensive, are extremely popular. The 5 overwater villas at Royal Caribbean have no week-long availability for the next year.

Sandals South Coast Over-the-Water Bungalows

Sandals South Coast has 12 overwater bungalows that opened in December 2017. The layout and amenities of each bungalow are the same. One thing to consider when you are booking the bungalow: the bungalows that face the ocean offer more privacy than the ones that face the resort. You can request a specific bungalow if you book far enough in advance.

Inside every bungalow you will find:

Hardwood floors
Vaulted ceilings
Custom crafted king-size beds adorned with soft linens and plush pillows.
A smart TV
A large ceiling fan
glass floor panels and lit water ensure you can enjoy undersea views any time
The spa style bathrooms are equipped with his and hers sinks, and a walk-in rain shower.

Outside the bungalow, your private patio is equipped with:

An extended sun deck
Outdoor shower
Sun loungers
A bistro set for two
Tranquility Soaking Tub
Over-water hammocks.

These bungalows also include the follow upgraded services:

Butler Elite service
24 hour room service
Exclusive in-room dining and room service menu
Personal airport greeting
Expedited immigration
Private transfers to and from the airport in chauffeur-driven luxury car
Welcome gift, including branded tote and towel set
Molton Brown bathroom amenities

Sandals Royal Caribbean Over-the-Water Bungalows & Villas

Sandals Royal Caribbean has two different Over-the-Water options. The overwater bungalows and a more expensive overwater villas. There are 12 bungalows and 5 villas. The villas and the bungalows are both located off the resort’s private island. All of the villas face the ocean which provides privacy. The Bungalows surround the heart shaped boardwalk shown in the image above. Some face the ocean while others face the resort.

Villas – opened in late 2016

The overwater villas include the following amenities:

Floating water hammocks
Private glass floors
Private infinity pool with outdoor shower
Sun Loungers
Mahogany king-size beds adorned with soft linens and plush pillows
A smart TV

Villas (and Bungalows) come with the following upgraded services:

Your own personal butler
Exclusive in-room dining and room service menu
Direct resort access via a “Royal Duffy” luxury boat
Personal airport greeting
Expedited immigration
Welcome gift, including branded tote and towel set
Molton Brown bathroom amenities
Exclusive House of Marley sound system
Private Luxury Car transfer in a chauffeur-driven BMW to and from Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Standard transfers will apply for Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).

Bungalows – Opened in 2017

The overwater bungalows are in the same general area as the villa and share many of the same amenities. Perhaps the biggest difference is the villas have a private infinity pool, whereas the bungalows have a soaking tub instead.

Glass vision floor panels
Private outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two
Over-water hammocks.
Hardwood floors
Vaulted ceilings
Custom crafted king-size beds adorned with soft linens and plush pillows
A smart TV
The bathrooms are equipped with his and hers sink and a walk-in rain shower
Outside, your private patio is equipped with an extended sun deck
Outdoor shower
Sun loungers

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Over-the-Water Bungalows

Sandals Grande St. Lucian has 8 overwater bungalows that opened in 2017. These overwater bungalows are located on a man made pier directly off the resort beach. This is a slightly different look and feel than the other two overwater bungalows in Jamaica. However, the amenities are very similar to the other bungalows in the chain.

Sandals Royal St. Lucian Overwater Bungalows - St. Lucia

Amenities include:

Glass floor panels
Private outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two
Over-water hammocks.
Hardwood floors
Vaulted ceilings
Custom crafted king-size beds adorned with soft linens and plush pillows
A smart TV
The bathrooms are equipped with his and hers sink and a walk-in rain shower
Outside, your private patio is equipped with an extended sun deck
Outdoor shower
Sun loungers

All bungalow stays also include Butler Elite service and 24 hour room service.

How Much are Sandals Overwater Bungalows?

Pricing can vary based on which resort you stay at, when you book, when you stay and how long you stay for. That said, a 7 night stay varies between $15,800 and $18,800 based on pricing obtained from the Sandals website on November 10, 2019. That equates to an average nightly cost of between $2,257 and $2,685.

Below are further details on how much Sandals Over-the-Water bungalows cost. The numbers shown below are based on a 7-night stay.

Sandals South Coast	Sandals Royal Caribbean	Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Low Price: $15,800 High Price: $17,100	Low Price: $16,400 High Price: $16,700	Low Price: $17,650 High Price: $18,800

We were unable to determine a weekly cost for the Royal Caribbean overwater villas because there was not a single week available for the remainder of 2019 and all of 2020. The villas appear to be slightly more expensive than the bungalows when comparing shorter (2 night) stays.

Which Bungalows are the Best?

As previously stated, the overwater bungalows at each of the three resorts are almost identical in terms of size and amenities. So, there isn’t one you could say is the best. However, because they are at different resorts, the decision on which overwater bungalow to choose, likely comes down to resort preference.

Our complete review and ranking of all the Sandals resorts may help you make your decision.

Beaches is the Sandals Resort for Kids and Families

February 8, 2020 By Bimmia

Sandals has a line of resorts that are especially designed for and targeted to families. These Sandals owned resorts are marketed under their Sandals “Beaches” brand.

As you are probably aware, kids are not allowed at traditional Sandals resorts.

Beaches Resorts are all inclusive resorts for kids from Sandals. They have tons of amenities especially designed for families. Sandals has a total of three of these kid-friendly resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos.

The resort in Turks and Caicos has recently re-opened after damage from hurricanes.

Here is what is included in your all-inclusive Beaches vacation:

Luxurious and Unique Suites
Unlimited 5-Star Global Gourmet^™ Dining at up to 21 Restaurants per Resort
Exclusive Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks^® Wines
Unlimited Premium Liquors
Up to 15 Bars per Resort
Entertainment Day & Night
Kids Programs with Certified Nannies
Exclusive Butler Service (some rooms)
Beaches Concierge Service (some rooms)
The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street^®
XBOX Play Lounge
PADI^® Certified Scuba Diving
Pirates Island Waterpark
Unlimited Water Sports
Unlimited Land Sports
State-Of-The-Art Fitness Centers
Complimentary Green Fees for Golf (Only at Beaches Ocho Rios)
Free Non-Stop Round-Trip Airport Transfers
All Tips, Taxes and Gratuities
Free Wi-Fi in all Rooms and Public Areas
Exclusive Airport Arrival Lounge in Jamaica
Caribbean’s First Advanced Certified Autism Resorts

Beaches Turks and Caicos

Here is what Sandals has to say about the Turks and Caicos Resort:

Dive into a one-of-a-kind, unbelievably exciting Beaches all-inclusive Turks & Caicos vacation for the whole family. his amazing all-inclusive resort features a 45,000 square-foot waterpark; five magnificent villages, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West; a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; 10 impressive pools, endless fun activities for everyone, from tots to tweens and teens, featuring Sesame Street^® characters, the Xbox Play Lounge and a sizzlin’ teen disco—all located on Grace Bay, voted the World’s #1 Best Beach by TripAdvisor Travelers.

Our Advice:

If what you are looking for is a spectacular beach and crystal clear water, this is the resort for you.

The resort has a 4.5 / 5 rating on Trip Advisor

Beaches Negril

Here is what Sandals says about Beaches Negril:

The moment you walk into Beaches Negril, you officially enter a carefree zone. Negril is the place where “laid back” was invented, and that vibe is totally contagious. Before long, you’ll be footloose and cheerful in a paradise where everything is included. When you’re located on the widest stretch of Negril’s famous 7-mile Beach, the best place to be is at the water’s edge. That’s why we’ve even put a waterpark there. Everything you can possibly imagine is beachside at Beaches Negril — from lively pools to restaurants and bars. Seek adventure, relax, or do both. It’s all about spending time with those you love… any way you want.

Beaches Ocho Rios

Here is what Sandals says about Beaches Ocho Rios:

Beaches Ocho Rios has something for everyone in the family. If you’re game for “surf & turf,” from a huge action-adventure waterpark to championship golf for the whole family, look no further than Beaches Ocho Rios all-inclusive resort, voted among the Top 10 Best Beach Resorts by Parents magazine. Twenty-two acres of lush tropical gardens, a gorgeous private white-sand beach, seven gourmet restaurants, five fantastic swimming pools, a dedicated scuba practice pool and an entire ocean of watersports are just a few of the places & things to explore.
If you’re looking for a family beachfront getaway with an intimate private beach, a Pirates Island Waterpark, extra large accommodations, the only all-inclusive golf program for kids and near Jamaica’s best attractions, Beaches Ocho Rios is for you.

Barbados bungalows: SAVE on Bungalows in Barbados

November 6, 2019 By Bimmia

A bungalow is a type of house, with varying meanings across the world.

Common features to many bungalows include being detached, low-rise (single, or one-and-a-half story), and the use of verandas.

We have put together a list of Barbados bungalows:

Sunset Crest Barbados – A selection of bungalow homes in Sunset Crest Resort. Walking distance to beaches, shopping, and dining.

Inchcape Villas – A collection of Barbados bungalows near Silver Sands Beach on the south coast of Barbados.

Calypso Rentals – Broad selection of traditional Barbados bungalows and cottages, even traditional chattel houses. Rates from under $100/night and up.

Sea U Guest House -Located on the less developed and more rugged west coast of Barbados, Sea U has a selection of bungalow style accommodations.

White Lillies – 3 bedroom bungalow located on the west coast of Barbados. Walk to beach. Home has a Jacuzzi.