Sandals Resorts Comparison

Sandals Royal Caribbean versus Sandals Royal Plantation

Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Royal Plantation are both located in Jamaica and part of luxury couples all inclusive resort brand: Sandals.

Sandals all inclusive resorts are designed for couples. Sandals resorts include more than typical all inclusive resorts. One big difference is that Sandals resorts include diving for certified divers.

Here’s how Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Royal Plantation differ:

Size: Sandals Royal Plantation is much smaller. It’s a very small boutique style resort where all rooms are assigned a butler.

Distance to the Airport: Sandals Royal Caribbean is much closer to the airport - about a 15 minute drive. Sandals Royal Plantation is located in Ocho Rios - about an hour and a half drive.

Dining: Sandals Royal Plantation has four restaurants. Sandals Royal Caribbean has nine restaurants.

Exchange Privileges: From Sandals Royal Plantation, you can take the included shuttle to Sandals Ochi. This is a huge resort with sixteen additional restaurants, a large, fun swim up bar and pool, and a small beach area.

From Sandals Royal Caribbean, you can take the included shuttle to Sandals Montego Bay. Sandals Montego Bay has a small swim up bar and twelve restaurants.

Pools: Sandals Royal Plantation has a very small pool. No swim up bar. Sandals Royal Caribbean has a few pools including a swim up bar.

Beach: Both resorts have small beaches. The beach at Sandals Royal Plantation was featured in the movie Cocktail for the beach bar scene.

Rooms: Sandals Royal Caribbean has the advantage on rooms. You’ll have a lot more choice in room categories including swim up rooms and over-the-water bungalows. Many of the rooms at Sandals Royal Plantation do not have balconies.

Unique Features: Sandals Royal Plantation has a lovely afternoon tea and an amazing French Restaurant. Sandals Royal Caribbean has a private island and over-the-water bungalows.

Take a tour of Sandals Royal Plantation:

Take a tour of Sandals Royal Caribbean:

Which is my favorite?

Sandals Royal Plantation. I think you get the best of both worlds here. You can head over to Sandals Ochi if you want more restaurant choices, an active pool scene or more active nightlife. Or you can stay at Sandals Royal Plantation for quiet relaxation. I love that all rooms get a butler. I didn’t miss a balcony as much as I thought I would.

What do you think? Which resort would you choose?