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Meet The Dive King of the Caribbean

Behind the scenes

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December 15th 2022

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He’s Michael Clarke, Corporate Director of Watersports and The Man Who Has Led Over 140,000 Divers to Get Certified and Discover the Depths of the Caribbean Sea.

Believe Michael Clarke when he says he has the best job in the world. Could there be a more natural fit next to his name than “Corporate Director of Watersports for Sandals and Beaches Resorts?”

A case could be made that Clarke has spent as much time in the tantalizing Caribbean Sea as any person alive. He taught himself to swim in it, snorkel in it, spearfish in it, and to care deeply for it. About five years ago he stopped counting his personal scuba dives at some number well beyond the thousands and he’s helped over 140,000 others get certified to discover the Caribbean underworld. Clarke has done deep dives, shallow dives, wreck dives, drift dives, night dives, wall dives, and dives that are indescribable.

“No two dives are ever the same,” Clarke says.

The word “corporate” in his title might give the wrong impression. Clarke says sitting behind a desk is not in his nature, so he spends as much time as possible on boats, where he can educate younger people about the sea, talk with Sandals and Beaches guests, and elevate the experience for the next groups who will be coming.

Clarke doesn’t even call this a job. “It’s a passion,” he says … with passion.

Keep this in mind: He’s the only English Speaking Caribbean born PADI Course Director - period - at the silver level, who is certified to educate divemasters so they can become PADI dive instructors, and sits at the top 1% of PADI Membership.

His mission? To train other men and women who share his love for the ocean, so it grows exponentially among Sandals guests and in Caribbean communities.

What he really wants to see, without saying it, is more Michael Clarkes.

“I like to look at the faces of people from our Caribbean island right after they pass training,” he says.

“For them it’s a dream realized. They might have thought becoming a divemaster or instructor as being out of reach. I know how good it feels to complete the training because I’m familiar with their backgrounds.”

WATER-BORN

Clarke grew up along Jamaica’s north shore, not far from where a Beaches Resort would open some 20 years later. Something about the water took hold of him and would not let go.

When he went to the beach with his mother, she had to ask other people to swim out and pull her son back to shore when she was ready to leave.

“When her day was done, I felt like mine was just getting started,” Clarke says.

“Being in the ocean was my escape,” Clarke says. “The weight on my shoulders would immediately disappear.”

As a teenager, he found a job at one of the many small hotels that dotted the island’s perimeter. Perfectly, he worked in watersports. Guests learned from the teen where to go for the best snorkeling and kayaking. He always made the experiences so personal.

Clarke thought he knew the sea as thoroughly as a person could possibly know it … until he took his first dive. Deep below the surface, he was introduced to an incredible sight that had always been there, but just out of reach. If it hadn’t been for the scuba tank needing a refill, Clarke might have never left the water.

“From that moment on, I wanted a career in diving more than you can imagine,” he says.

But diving is not a sport he could teach himself. It requires detailed instruction and guidance. This is why to this day Clarke is grateful for the divemaster who led him through the process of becoming a divemaster himself. To advance to the next stage as an instructor, however, he had to fly to the Cayman Islands for his exam.

“When I returned home, I was one of only three Jamaican nationals certified to instruct diving,” he says. “Most instructors would come in from other countries. People like me, who grow up on the islands, know this sea better than anyone. We have a lifelong connection to it. The fact we had to bring divers in from other places didn’t seem right. But what could I do about it?”

It turns out, he would do more than anyone about it.

THE SANDALS CONNECTION

After returning to Jamaica, Clarke worked at a few dive shops, including his own. He wanted more people to know what he knew: the Caribbean Sea is an endless kaleidoscope of living treasures. His bandwidth, however, was limited.

Then he received a call in 2002 from a colleague he’d once worked with at one of the hotels that had closed down. She had accepted a role at a new resort called Beaches Ocho Rios.

“My business was doing well,” Clarke says, “but she said, ‘you need to come and see what we’re doing.’ So, I agreed to look around.”

What he saw at Beaches grabbed his attention about as firmly as his first dive in the sea: a five-star watersports experience for guests with five-star expectations. The resort team had invested in high-end regulators, tanks, boats, and keeping everything pristine — something unheard of at an all-inclusive resort.

He heard about structured training to expand the dive operations, strategies to work with communities to improve the health of the marine environment, and policies of politely teaching guests to “leave only bubbles, take only pictures.”

He noticed something important about everyone leading the conversations: they were all from the Caribbean.

“I could tell this meant a lot to them because they all grew up in the ocean, just like me.”

That meant Clarke did not have to convince anyone about what he had on his mind. They were thinking it, too. “People don’t need to travel to Tahiti, Australia, or Palau. The best diving on Earth is right here in the Caribbean.”

He also knew the best way to showcase it would be with local divers.

“When people come to explore the Caribbean, they want an authentic experience from people who have the islands and the ocean in their DNA. This is fertile ground for that.”

And so, he joined the Sandals and Beaches team, and began to sow seeds.

AN INCREDIBLE SEA HARVEST

Since that interview in 2002, the diving fields have flourished. Clarke is too humble to take credit. The numbers speak for him:

There are now more than 150 home-grown dive instructors at Sandals and Beaches Resorts, leading nearly 30,000 guests every year into the spectacle of the sea amassing over 89,000 dives yearly from a fleet of 26 Newton Dive Boats, which Clarke calls “the Rolls Royce of dive boats.”

“Newton Dive Boats, Luxfer and Catalina tanks, SCUBAPRO and Deep Blue equipment and gear - it's an incredible thing to be able to treat our guests to the very best dive experience.”

“But what makes me most proud,” he says, “is the fact we’re able to turn young, eager nationals with various levels of education into diamonds. They all feel like they have the best jobs in the world.”

They become just like Michael Clarke.

Clarke could work at any dive destination on the planet, but Sandals is home. This is his ocean. It’s why he feels a tingle on his skin every time he’s on a plane descending over the too-good-to-be true waters around Beaches Turks and Caicos, or when he looks from a balcony toward the horizon at Sandals Emerald Bay.

“It never gets old,” he says. “Out there,” he says of the million square miles of Caribbean Sea, “is where I feel alive.”

The Best Snorkeling In The Caribbean For An Exceptional Underwater Adventure!

Island Life

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December 6th 2022

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The islands of the Caribbean are recognized as some of the best vacation destinations in the world. Each island has its very own natural wonders, customs, and culture, which creates a unique experience for anyone who visits them. This is why every year thousands of visitors flock to the Caribbean from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries around the world.

Many of the attractions and adventures in the Caribbean involve the natural habitat of the islands. Snorkeling is no different and many of the beaches offer a unique underwater world with a thriving fish population and coral formations that enhance the experience for snorkelers. During a dive in the Caribbean, you're likely to come across tropical fish like parrotfish, butterflyfish, grout, snapper, and grouper for starters. You might also see sea turtles, seahorses, moray eels, eagle rays, lobsters, stingrays, lots of different types of coral reefs and sponges, and even shipwrecks.

If you want to find out more about the best snorkeling locations in the Caribbean, keep reading as we’ve listed some of the most incredible spots!

12. Jamaica

This island in the northern Caribbean is the third-largest in the region. Jamaica is one of the five islands that make up the archipelago of the Greater Antilles and, as part of its topography, it comprises a few major mountain ranges including the Blue Mountain Range, the Port Royal Mountains, and the John Crow Mountains.

However, despite these impressive features, the island is better known for its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscape. What’s even better is the 600 miles of coastline and vibrant coral reefs in its midst that make Jamaica the ideal location for beginner and more advanced snorkelers. Here are some of the best snorkeling locations in Jamaica:

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Jamaica:

Runaway Bay

Traveling along Jamaica’s northern coast will take you to Runaway Bay, which is a sunny beach just off Ocho Rios. Runaway Bay is regarded as one of the island’s best snorkeling destinations with an active coral reef filled with marine life including sea urchins, creole wrasse, stingrays, and parrotfish. There are a few all-inclusive resorts in the Runaway Bay area that you can stay in during your visit to Jamaica, making snorkeling here super convenient.

Booby Cay (Negril)

Just off the shores of Negril, Jamaica lies the island of Booby Cay. Though it may be quite small, beachgoers can have picnics, go sunbathing, swim, snorkel, and scuba dive along its many coral reefs. Many hotels provide tours of Booby Cay, which can include a fresh serving of fish and drinks and all the snorkeling equipment you’ll need.

Doctor's Cave Beach (Montego Bay)

If you plan on spending time in Montego Bay while in Jamaica, then a visit to Doctor’s Cave Beach is a must This is a small beach off the north coast of Jamaica with shallow waters and fantastic views. Snorkeling in Montego Bay, particularly on Doctor’s Cave Beach, is so much easier due to the calmness of the water. There are plenty of coral formations just offshore that snorkelers can explore. At Doctor’s Cave Beach, you can immerse yourself in the potential healing powers of these waters while swimming among sea urchins, parrotfish, and even stingrays.

Expert tip: There’s lots of great snorkeling in Jamaica, and while on this island you can indulge in a luxurious experience at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica.

11. Turks & Caicos

The Turks & Caicos is a tropical archipelago of about 40 islands and cays found in the Atlantic Ocean. Only about eight of the islands are inhabited. These include Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk, Salt Cay, Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, and Ambergris Cay. These islands are quite popular with the snorkeling crowd as there's quite a bit of marine life to see there regularly.

One of the best places to snorkel in Turks & Caicos is around the Turks & Caicos Barrier Reef. This barrier reef is the second largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and it is home to about 60 coral species and 250 fish species. Other than the Turks & Caicos Barrier Reef, there are other interesting places to snorkel in this region as well.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Turks & Caicos

Bight Reef (Coral Gardens)

One of the most famous snorkeling sites in the Turks and Caicos Islands would definitely be Bight Reef (Coral Gardens) in Providenciales/Provo, which is one of the more populous islands. This reef extends about 107 miles (350 feet) from the shore and it is filled with radiant corals. Marine animals such as butterfly fish, snapper, green turtles, grouper, stingrays, and many others can be found here at Bight Reef.

Smith's Reef

Paying a visit to this barrier reef, located near Turtle Cove in Providenciales, is guaranteed to be one of the most amazing snorkeling experiences you will have. Upon arrival at the beach, you can dive into the water to explore the different coral reef systems, seagrass, and sea beds and swim among fishes such as the revered queen angelfish, barracuda, green turtles and so much more.

Northwest Point Marine National Park

This national park has many different snorkeling sites to choose from, including barrier reefs, sea sponges, caves, and seagrass beds. To fully enjoy a snorkeling trip to this park, you should book a tour with a tour guide that will take you to the best spots and enhance the experience. Be sure to take in the rugged landscape, the wetlands, and the bird life whilst you’re at it.

10. The Bahamas

The Bahamas comprises more than 700 islands and cays. Only about 30 of them are inhabited, but visitors can enjoy so many wonderful and exciting adventures on them. These include day trips to islands like Exuma, historical tours, trips to the beach, and even rum tasting. Snorkeling is also on the list of popular things to do in The Bahamas.

A snorkeling trip can be especially thrilling in The Bahamas. Some of the locations you simply must explore include the Andros Barrier Reef, which is one of the longest coral reefs in the world at 190 miles. It is also the third-largest living organism in the world with more than 164 varieties of coral and fish. We’ve listed below three other snorkeling spots we love in The Bahamas.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in The Bahamas:

Stocking Island (The Exumas)

Stocking Island is an excellent snorkeling destination that is well known for its beautiful coral gardens and lively underwater world. In the waters around this island, you’ll find lots of undersea caves, blue holes, and marine life. All it'll take to get to Stocking Island is a short boat ride from Great Exuma. Aside from snorkeling, the peaceful nature of Stocking Island makes it a great location for a picnic or just relaxing.

Rose Island Reef (Nassau)

A 30-minute boat trip from Paradise Island or a 25-minute boat trip from Nassau will take you to the Rose Island Reef. This is a shallow formation where you’ll get to see lots of tropical fish, sea turtles, barracuda, and stingrays right before your eyes. You can book day trips to Rose Island that typically include lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling. When you're done with the Rose Island Reef, Nassau snorkeling is worth experiencing as well.

Exuma Cays Land And Sea Park (Exumas)

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park stretches more than 176 square miles. It is a marine reserve and the first of its kind in The Bahamas. The land and sea park consist of a wide expanse of reef, cays, and sea, and it is only accessible by private boat or charter. All wildlife within this area is protected, and fishing is prohibited. These protections have, over the years, helped the various species of marine life here to thrive, which can make for the most fulfilling snorkeling experience.

Expert tip: The Bahamas is one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean. If you want the ultimate snorkeling experience on these islands, consider staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas where snorkeling and scuba diving (up to two tanks per day) can be included in your stay.

9. Barbados

Barbados is a Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles that measures only 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Despite its small size, this island is more developed than some of the other Caribbean islands and has a booming tourism sector. The luxury resorts (see this Sandals Barbados review), white-sand beaches, shopping centers, and other attractions make Barbados the ideal place to spend your vacation.

Barbados offers a unique experience for snorkelers. As a coral limestone island, Barbados has several coral formations and has been praised for having some of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. There are also many underwater shipwrecks that can add to the thrill and excitement of snorkeling.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Barbados:

Gibbs Beach

A trip along the west coast of Barbados will take you to Gibbs Beach, a serene, undisturbed location with shady trees, calm waters, and white sands. The clear, tranquil waters create the perfect conditions for snorkelers who are sure to find rainbow fish, cowfish, needlefish, and other intriguing marine life.

Carlisle Bay

This harbor, which is named after a Lord Proprietor of Barbados, is a relaxed spot with one of Barbados’ largest beaches. Carlisle Bay is also part of a marine park that is popular among scuba divers looking to explore the six underwater shipwrecks. If you want to snorkel here, you’re very likely to enjoy exploring this site and seeing all the relics, sea turtles, and manta rays that are often spotted here.

Freshwater Bay (Pile Bay)

To the southern end of Paradise Beach lies Freshwater Bay, also known as Pile Bay. This beach gets its name from the freshwater springs found undersea in this area. Freshwater Bay is popular among anglers and visitors looking to laze around in the sun. Snorkelers are also in for a treat because the shallow waters, colorful fish, and coral formations make it a great snorkeling site, especially for beginners.

Expert tip: Barbados has some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean and staying at an all-inclusive resort in Barbados might be the perfect opportunity to see some of the best ones. At Sandals Barbados, you can book all your dive trips through the resort, which will be helpful as well!

8. U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas are among the group of 50 islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Snorkelers have many options to choose from in this region as coral reefs are found around each of the main islands and near most of the other islets. These include patch reefs, deep reefs, and groove formations.

Each of the main islands offers snorkelers a different experience. Saint Croix, which is the largest of the aforementioned islands, has the best-developed barrier reefs. Meanwhile, the day boats in Saint Thomas take visitors to reefs offshore, while the remote Saint John allows snorkelers to swim among the marine life. This includes trumpet fish, sea turtles and so much more.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in the U.S. Virgin Islands:

Leinster Bay (Saint John)

Leinster Bay, also called Watermelon Cay, is one of the best snorkeling sites on the island of Saint John. It has a diverse marine life that snorkelers will appreciate, thanks to the schools of fish like blue tang, barracuda, and grunts and the presence of seagrass beds and coral. Conch, sea turtles, and stingrays are also plentiful here. Access to snorkeling is simple in this area, either you can pass through the beach or use the cobblestone area nearby.

Buck Island (Saint Croix)

Buck Island is a national park in Saint Croix that spans 167 acres. This area consists of an underwater park and a trail. If you want to visit while in Saint Croix, you’ll have to book a tour with one of the snorkeling companies, granting you access to the wonders of the park and all its monuments that you are then free to discover by yourself. Keep an eye out for needlefish, blue tangs, parrotfish, eagle rays, and hawksbill turtles that have made this park their home.

Trunk Bay (Saint John)

Trunk Bay is a protected beach area in the Virgin Islands National Park. It is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. The underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay is enjoyable and interesting and lets you see the variety of sea life present here including stunning coral, exotic fish, crabs, and spotted drums. Snorkeling here is a good start for beginners.

7. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a tropical, Caribbean island that can be found to the east of the Dominican Republic and to the west of the Virgin Islands. Similar to The Bahamas, this archipelago is made up of smaller cays such as Old San Juan, Culebra, and Vieques, with the previous two being the most popular ones. Although Puerto Rico is most known for its tropical climate, language, and music, it has so much more to offer, like diving.

Puerto Rico certainly is the place to be for snorkelers and scuba divers, no doubt due to its extensive coastline, clear waters, and the distinct marine world that contains a little bit of everything - mangroves, coral formations, seabeds, and tropical fish. Puerto Rico is indeed a snorkeler’s dream.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Puerto Rico:

Seven Seas Beach (Fajardo)

Seven Seas Beach is calm and tranquil and it is located in the eastern town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. It is well equipped with bathrooms and showers and even picnic benches for a fun day out. The warm, shallow waters here are welcoming to sea bathers, and snorkelers in particular will appreciate the view of the coral reefs and sea life. If you choose to go snorkeling here, you might spot some interesting sea creatures among the coral and rock formations on the beach.

Steps Beach (Rincón)

Steps Beach is located in the town of Rincón along the west coast of Puerto Rico. This town is a popular spot for surfing during the winter, but when the tide slows down, the waters at Steps Beach are calm enough for snorkelers to explore. Snorkelers would be interested in the diversity of the underworld here where tropical fish, various sponges, sea turtles, and the Elkhorn Coral Forest can be found.

Escambrón Beach (San Juan)

Escambrón is a charming beach in the northeastern town of San Juan in Puerto Rico. It is lined with palm trees that provide adequate shade while the coral reef formations protect the beach itself. Snorkeling at Escambrón is sure to be rewarding and snorkelers can choose between the calm waters of Playa 8, the main beach, and Playa 9 called Bateria El Escambron.

6. Saint Martin // Sint Maarten

This small island is further divided into two cultural hubs: namely Saint Martin, which is part of the French Republic, and Sint Maarten, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The influence of both of these territories undoubtedly contributes to a unique culture on the island and its language, customs, and rituals.

The diversity of this dual island can be seen in the variety of adventures visitors can participate in. Snorkeling is one such activity with the best spots being easily accessible. This is a plus for those looking to venture off on their own while enjoying a dive vacation here.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Saint Martin // Sint Maarten:

Mullet Bay (Sint Maarten)

Mullet Beach in southern Sint Maarten is a calm beach that is popular among locals looking to enjoy some swimming, surfing, or snorkeling. The wide variety of marine life here makes snorkeling very rewarding. Sightings can include octopus, puffer fish, angelfish, and wrasse. There are lots of fish by the rocks at Mullet Bay, but you may want to be careful because the waters tend to be a bit rough.

Baie Rouge (Saint Martin)

Baie Rouge is located in Saint Martin, which is the French-speaking side of the island. This beach is a beautiful one, with pink sands and turquoise waters. It is relatively remote, giving visitors privacy and alone time. Snorkelers will appreciate the eastern side of the beach, particularly because of the vibrant reefs where you’re likely to see fishes like snapper and blue tang.

Little Bay Beach (Sint Maarten)

Between Simpson Bay and Philipsburg lies Little Bay Beach, a picturesque and slightly secluded spot with gentle waters and white sands. Snorkelers will enjoy a dive experience here that can come with lots of pleasant surprises. The best area to snorkel here is near the Tiki Hut on the left side of the bay. There you’ll find wrecks from helicopters and submarines where marine animals now live.

5. Grenada

Grenada is an English-speaking island located in the southern Caribbean. Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago can be found south of this island, and Saint Vincent can be found to the north. Grenada has two sister isles, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, both smaller islands. There are also many other islets to the north of Grenada that form part of the Grenadines.

This island is relatively untouched in comparison to other Caribbean territories, allowing it to retain much of its natural beauty and awe. Grenada has a rich marine life with plenty of coral reefs that are preserved and healthy. All of these factors add up to quite the incredible snorkeling experience!

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Grenada:

Grand Anse Beach

Grand Anse Beach stretches for two miles and quite a few hotels and resorts in Grenada are located near this beach. Grand Anse Beach is located near the capital of Saint George’s and thus is easy to access. No matter your skill level, you're likely to find a good place to snorkel on this beach. The best time to snorkel here is early in the morning to avoid crowds. During a snorkeling session at Grand Anse Beach, you’re likely to come across lobster, squid, shrimp, and lots of colorful fishes.

Molinere Bay (Underwater Sculpture Park)

In 2006, the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park was installed in Grenada after it was designed by British artist Jason De Caires Taylor. Eight hundred square meters of space was used to accommodate the 75 sculptures. Today, there are guided tours to the sculptures, and scuba divers and snorkelers can enjoy admiring this work of art and the marine animals that frequent this space.

Levera Beach

Levera Beach is part of the 450-acre Levera National Park in northeastern Grenada. This is one of the best snorkeling locations on the island and it gives snorkelers an up close and personal view of coral reefs, mangroves, swamps, and seagrass beds. The influence of the Atlantic means that this beach may be a bit rough, so snorkelers should stick to the swimming areas that have been designated.

Expert tip: Staying at an all-inclusive resort in Grenada can make it easy to have that exceptional underwater adventure you're looking for. Check out this Sandals Grenada review, which will tell you everything you need to know about what guests love at this resort.

4. Antigua

Antigua belongs to a chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea and measures only 108 square miles. Barbuda and Redonda are two other islands in the chain and they are significantly smaller. Antigua has a rugged coastline and together with Barbuda has several beautiful beaches — 365 to be exact. This welcome reality gives beachgoers plenty of options to choose from to suit whichever experience they seek.

Antigua is almost completely enclosed by coral reefs, with the majority of the fringing corals to the east of the island. The north and south coast are surrounded as well, while the west coast has more sandy areas. All of this means that regardless of which part of the island you choose to stay in, you can snorkel at just about any location.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Antigua:

Deep Bay Beach

Deep Bay Beach is located near Saint John’s, the capital of Antigua. The waters of this west coast beach are calm and transparent making it ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving in Antigua. There are a variety of fish there as well as sea turtles you might come across. You’ll also be able to check out some of the shipwrecks that these creatures live in from above, such as the “Wreck of the Andes” that sank decades ago.

Stingray City

Stingray City is true to its name as it is indeed filled with stingrays. These gentle creatures are accustomed to human contact and love to be pampered by snorkelers. To get to this special city while in Antigua, you’ll need to book a boat trip with a local company. The trip will be worth it though, and you’ll love all the marine animals and friendly stingrays you get to see while snorkeling.

Darkwood Beach

Darkwood Beach is another beach on the west coast of Antigua that is known for great snorkeling. Since it is such a quiet beach, you can have a peaceful experience here that includes sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The coral reef off the coast of this beach is interesting to explore, and while snorkeling here you might come across barracuda, sea turtles, and other marine animals.

Expert tip: If you're not sure where to stay for your Antigua trip, consider one of the all-inclusive resorts in Antigua where snorkeling is included!

3. Bonaire

Bonaire is a Dutch island in the Caribbean, which, along with Aruba and Curaçao, forms what is usually called the “ABC” islands. These islands fall within the Kingdom of the Netherlands but are located in the Caribbean in the Lesser Antilles. Bonaire is quite small (about 112 square miles), flat, and has a population of just over 20,000 people.

Bonaire’s capital city is called Kralendijk, which essentially means “coral reef” in Dutch. This speaks to the topography of this island which is mainly made up of coral reefs and seagrass beds in the south. In fact, all the waters surrounding Bonaire, as well as 20 percent of the total landmass of this island, are protected.

Bonaire’s rich coral reef environment makes it a great place to go snorkeling. Below are some of the best snorkeling spots in Bonaire.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Bonaire:

Bari Reef

Snorkeling at Bari Reef in Kralendijk, Bonaire, is bound to be a thrilling adventure. To get to the beach, you would need to enter through another beach nearby. Beachgoers are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the rocky shores. Near the concrete structure in this area, snorkelers will see lots of coral and an even wider variety of fish. These include trumpetfish and bluehead wrasse among others.

Lac Bay (Sorobon Beach)

A 15-minute drive from the capital of Kralendijk will take you to Lac Bay in Sorobon Beach. This bay has very shallow waters and, if you choose to dive here, you’ll need to swim out a bit to get to the best coral area for snorkeling. Once you get there, you will be rewarded with views of striking staghorn coral and sea life such as parrotfish, eagle rays, and flounder.

1,000 Steps

This beach gets its name from the steps one must climb to get to and from it. Though it is not 1,000 steps, it does require exercise. However, it is certainly worth the trouble due to the wide array of coral formations, sponges, and fishes found there. So pack your bags, put on some water shoes and start stepping in the right direction.

2. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a small volcanic island located in the Caribbean Sea, nestled between Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This charming island is highly regarded for its amazing landscape, sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and its famous twin Piton mountains. All of these features have transformed this island into one of the leading vacation destinations in the Caribbean.

Saint Lucia’s ecosystems and coral reefs have been well preserved over the years, which has helped protect some of the island’s best snorkeling spots. These can be found all over the country and are suitable for snorkelers of various levels of expertise. Here’s what you need to know about snorkeling in Saint Lucia.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Saint Lucia:

Anse Chastanet

Anse Chastanet Beach is a popular snorkeling spot found in the community of Soufriere where the island’s world-famous Pitons are also located. Since this beach is part of a marine reserve, the sea life is protected and snorkelers get to enjoy this special opportunity. Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced snorkeler, you can have this experience while in Saint Lucia. As you snorkel on this beach, you’re likely to see parrotfish, octopus, flounder, and scorpionfish.

Reduit Beach

Reduit Beach is in the north of Saint Lucia in the community of Rodney Bay. This is a popular commercial and tourist area. The beach here has a relaxed atmosphere and it is popular with both locals and visitors. Snorkelers who are just starting off will enjoy an experience in these gentle waters where they can see tropical fish, crabs, eels, and more.

Marigot Bay

Marigot Bay is a sheltered cove with shallow waters and beautiful scenery. This makes it perfect for a day at the beach whether you'll be spending time with family or the love of your life. Snorkeling at Marigot Bay is relatively easy, so children and beginners can have some safe fun. You’ll discover several large coral formations at the bay's northern end, and enjoy the sight of exotic fish and even seahorses.

Expert tip: Staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia allows you to experience some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Some of these resorts are located on the best beaches on this island.

1. Curaçao

Curaçao is the last island in the “ABC” chain of islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire. This long, flat island has an area of about 180 square miles and it measures only 40 miles from southeast to northeast. Though it is still pretty small, it is actually the largest “ABC” island.

Nevertheless, there is still so much fun you can have in Curaçao, whether it be visiting the amazing beaches, learning about its history and culture, or enjoying its natural attractions. You simply can’t get bored! In fact, its beaches have made it quite popular, and snorkeling is quite common here with many spots available just offshore without the need for a boat. This makes it easy and convenient to go snorkeling during a Curaçao vacation.

Our favorite snorkeling spots in Curaçao:

Tugboat Beach

This beach is named after a tugboat that can be found just 16 feet in the water after sinking more than 30 years ago. Since then, it has become very popular among scuba divers and snorkelers eager to explore the shipwreck. Brain coral, sea fans, snapper, moray eels, and surgeonfish can all be found near these ruins.

Little Knip Beach (Playa Kenepa Chiki)

Little Knip Beach is a small but isolated beach in northern Curaçao in the western part of the country. Its remote location means that it is kept authentic and undisturbed, making it ideal for snorkelers who simply want to explore the waters uninterrupted. You should try snorkeling on the left side of the bay where all the tropical fish like butterflyfish and barracuda, as well as corals like brain coral, sea rods, and sea fingers, can be found.

Klein Curacao

Klein Curaçao or ‘Little Curaçao', as it is known, is a small island situated about six miles from Curaçao. Boat trips take visitors from the mainland to this exclusive hideaway where you can explore, bathe, scuba dive, and snorkel as much as you like. Keep an eye out for bonefish, flounder, hogfish, and other marine life amongst the coral reefs.

Playa Lagun

Playa Lagun is a small cove with a beautiful beach that is popular among local and visiting beach lovers. The rock cliffs add to the impressive landscape of this area while also serving as a home for various fish. Snorkelers also benefit from the variety of sea animals like sardines, snappers, and wrasse.

Good to know: Sandals Resorts’ all-inclusive resort in Curacao just might be the perfect place to stay during your snorkeling vacation in Curaçao.

Experience the best snorkeling in the Caribbean

The Caribbean region is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, marine parks, and thriving marine life. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the ocean from beneath the waves while encountering myriads of colorful and fascinating sea creatures. You might even be able to explore underwater caves and take boat rides out for some of the most exciting reef adventures!

If you choose to go to a top snorkeling destination like Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Antigua, or Grenada (among others), you can stay at a Sandals all-inclusive resort where snorkeling and scuba diving (up to 2 tanks per day) are included! This includes professional-quality dive gear and instruction. There are also lots of other quality inclusions at these resorts like multiple themed gourmet restaurants, multiple bars including swim-up bars, day and night entertainment, land and water sports, and so much more!

Your Guide To The Best Seven Caribbean Islands For Surfing

The Islands

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June 20th 2022

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It has been said many times in surf circles that a board, bravery, and a breaking wave are all a surfer really needs to make the most of any surfing experience. This is true for some of the most popular surfing destinations in the world, like those in Hawaii and California, and it still rings true for relatively lesser-known surfing island destinations in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean islands are known to have amazing beaches with calm waters, which will have many people surprised to find that many of the islands are also great for surfing. Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising at all, what with the consistent trade winds, warm waters, and surf breaks this region is known for. Not to mention how easy it is to get to some of these islands from many states in the U.S., like Florida. Either way, the Caribbean is most certainly a destination that surfers should get more familiar with, and by the end of this post, you’ll see why.

1. Barbados

Barbados is a small island in the southeastern Caribbean. It is near islands like Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Barbados, a limestone island, is without a doubt the best island for surfing in the Caribbean.

Bathsheba Beach

Bathsheba Beach on the northeast coast of Barbados has a reputation for producing world-class waves. It has been praised by several famous surfers who have been fortunate enough to surf here. This area has the potential to form big, steep, and tubing waves - a surfer’s dream. Also, the many surf breaks on this beach, particularly the ‘soup bowl’, definitely help to provide an excellent surfing experience.

If you’re brave enough, you’ll love taking on the ‘soup bowl’. The soup bowl breaks along a coral reef, which causes the waves to barrel in a way that experienced surfers can ride smoothly before the breaking point. Bathsheba is about a 30-minute drive from Bridgetown, Barbados, which is the capital city of this island nation.

Dover Beach

Best beach for beginners. Located an 8-minute walk from Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados.

Barbados is known for its white, sandy beaches with serene and calm waters, but there are some beaches, like Dover Beach, where there are good enough waves to get some surfing in. Dover Beach is less than 20 minutes from Bridgetown, Barbados.

Dover Beach is on the southwestern coast of Barbados and this spot is widely considered the ideal place for beginner surfers. The conditions here tend to be a little calmer than in other surfing spots like Bathsheba.

Expert tip: Surfboard rentals are available at Dover Beach for $30 USD a day or $150 USD per week. Surf lessons are also possible as there are several surf schools on this beach. Lessons cost around $75 USD for 2 hours. Stay at one of Sandals' all-inclusive resorts in Barbados and cool down with unlimited cocktails after (or before) your surf session. Combined, the resorts include 20 restaurants, 11 bars, and a bowling alley - and it’s all included in your stay!

Duppies

Incredible surfing off a Caribbean coast is more than a possibility in Barbados. There are many surf sites to choose from on this island including Duppies on the north coast near Harrison’s Point Lighthouse. When you hear anyone mention Duppies while on the island, keep in mind that they’re very likely referring to the powerful waves that are a consistent feature in this area.

Duppies can be hard to find and it may take a bit of asking around to get there. This area has strong currents, so it is recommended that only more experienced surfers ride the waves here. If you plan on surfing in this area while in Barbados, you may need to paddle out about 100 yards, hanging close enough to the cliffs, ahead of trying the wave. This is necessary to avoid the strong currents pulling you out to a more turbulent and dangerous area that locals have dubbed ‘the Boneyard’. The best way to navigate Duppies is with guidance from local surfers. This site should definitely only be attempted by the more daring and experienced surfer!

Expert tip: When considering the best area to stay in in Barbados, you should choose somewhere that provides convenient access to all the attractions you’d like to see and the beaches you’d like to surf if you’re going for a surf adventure.

The best time to surf in Barbados

The best time to catch great waves in Barbados is in the ‘winter’. This would be winter for other destinations, but not sunny islands like Barbados. Many people escape colder weather by vacationing between the months of November right on through May, and these months also happen to be the best time to surf in Barbados.

Even though there is a surf season of sorts for this island, you can find consistent waves in many parts of Barbados, including Bathsheba, year-round. For spots like the ‘soup bowl’, the best time to surf is during low to mid-tide when you’re likely to find the best waves. Early and mid-morning surf times are most ideal as well. The beach tends to be less crowded and less windy during this time as well.

The best time to visit Barbados overall is mid-December to mid-April, which is also peak season for this destination.

Good to know: Barbadian waters are on average 80°F (27°C) during the year. This means wetsuits are not crucial for a surf session, but surf shoes or some kind of foot covering are recommended to protect you from sea urchins and sharp coral edges.

2. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is high on the list of best surf destinations in the Caribbean. With warm waters year-round, this is one of those destinations where you’ll have lots of beach options for surfing. The exciting surf scene in Puerto Rico will definitely add something special to your experience as you choose from beginner, intermediate, or more advanced surf locations. Surfing conditions in Puerto Rico can range from waves about 2ft high over a mostly sandy bottom, to taller and more intense barrels with reef breaks. It all just depends on where you go. In Puerto Rico, beginners will love Middles Beach in Isabela, while the Gas Chamber in Aguadilla offers a little something for everyone.

The best time to surf in Puerto Rico

You can surf in Puerto Rico any time of year, but the conditions for surfing tend to be best from August through to April. As a general rule, the cooler months (from late fall to early spring) are the ideal time to hit the waves in this sunny destination.

3. Jamaica

Although the island is known and loved for its beautiful beaches, it is not yet known as a great surf destination - but it is. In case you were wondering where Jamaica is located, this island is near Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic in the southern Caribbean Sea. Some of the things that make this island great for surfing are its extensive coastline (635 miles), year-round trade winds, consistently warm waters, and amazing surf sites:

Bull Bay

Bull Bay in Jamaica is also known as Copa Bay. This is where surfing in Jamaica really started to gain momentum - mostly because the first surf school on the island was established here. This surf school, known as Jamnesia, frequently hosts surf camps where you can take surf lessons. With the tagline ‘Home is where the surf is’, the Jamnesia Surf School is still operational and offers surf lessons that cost around $30 USD per hour.

Bull Bay is on the south coast of Jamaica, around 40 minutes from Kingston, the capital. There’s great surfing year-round in this area, and it’s known for long and exciting rides with plenty of reef breaks.

Boston Bay

Another popular surf spot in Jamaica is Boston Bay on the north coast. This area is about 35 minutes from Port Antonio on the northeastern coast. Boston Bay is great for beginners as the waves tend to be a little calmer. Surfboard rentals are available on this beach and there are facilities like changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers as well. Surfboard rentals cost around $15 USD per hour. There’s also a surf shop here for anyone looking to make purchases.

There’s a small entrance fee to get into Boston Bay (about $2 USD), and, while in this area, you can check out the jerk center, the restaurant, or just relax beachside. There’s a gazebo and lifeguards at this beach as well.

Makka Beach

Makka Beach is a surfer’s paradise. This beach is on the southeastern shore of Jamaica in a town known as Yallahs, less than an hour away from Kingston by car. Makka Beach has lots of breaks that make it possible for surfers to have long rides and catch the perfect wave.

Though Makka Beach is on the small side, this area was the site of Jamaica’s first professional surf competition. This competition, known as the Makka Pro Surf Contest, has since grown to be one of the biggest surf competitions in the Caribbean. It is a two-day event that is attended by around 20,000 people annually.

The best time to surf in Jamaica

Jamaica is a great place to surf any time of year thanks to the consistent trade winds around the island. If you want to have the best chance of riding incredible waves while in Jamaica, the best time to go is between December and March when there is a lower chance of rain. During the summertime in the warm months of July to September, you’ll also be able to have a great surf break in Jamaica.

Outside of surfing, the best time to visit Jamaica is between the months of mid-December to mid-April. There’s more going on on the island at this time, and you’ll also be most likely find a lively atmosphere at one of many great all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica to spend some time relaxing at the end of your surf trip.

4. Dominican Republic

Looking to ride some perfect waves during your vacation? Don't look past the Dominican Republic. In this tourist hot spot, there are quite a few beaches where you’ll not only get some exciting surf action but the opportunity to socialize with the locals as well. Some of the best surf locations in the Dominican Republic are on the north coast where you can expect great wind conditions on the regular and even more wave action in the winter months.

The best time to surf in the Dominican Republic

If you’re happy with moderate swells, you’ll find the Dominican Republic suitable for surfing at any time of year. If bigger waves are what you desire, however, you will get the best experience by surfing in the Dominican Republic between October and April. If you are a first-time surfer, you may wish to start with the smaller waves and work your way up to the bigger ones that tend to arise in the winter months.

5. Trinidad & Tobago

Along the north and northeastern coasts of Trinidad, you’ll find some of the best beaches for surfing in the Caribbean. Some of the most well-known spots are near the village of San Souci. In this area, you’ll not only be able to catch some pretty awesome waves, you might even be able to find some surfer-friendly accommodations as well. If you decide to visit sister isle Tobago while in Trinidad, you can find some decent surfing at Mount Irvine Beach. Trinidad & Tobago are good options if you want a vacation that includes kitesurfing too.

The best time to surf in Trinidad and Tobago

The time of year you surf in Trinidad and Tobago will depend on how certain you want to be about the conditions. During the hurricane season (from June to November), surfing is definitely possible, and waves will range from smaller swells to very large swells created by Atlantic hurricanes or storm activity. Generally, the best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago for surfing would be between December and April when the passing trade winds produce more consistent waves along the coast.

6. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a dream vacation destination for many, including surfers. This is an island territory made up of 700 islands and even more cays. If you’re wondering where The Bahamas is located, it is in the Atlantic Ocean very near to Florida. The Bahamas is home to some amazing surf spots which we’ll detail below:

Surfer’s Beach, Eleuthera

The name says it all! Surfer’s Beach in The Bahamas appeals to surfers of all experience levels. This beach is located on the island of Eleuthera, which is to the east of New Providence and the south of Great Abaco. Surfer’s Beach is to the east side of Eleuthera, an island that is only a mile wide, and toward the northern end.

Surfer’s Beach is a little off the beaten path and is about 2 miles long. Once you get to Eleuthera though, you won’t have a hard time finding it as locals can point you in the right direction. The appeal of this beach has to do with beach breaks that are said to be comparable to that of surfing hotspots in Hawaii and Costa Rica. Surfers can expect reef breaks and point breaks here as well.

Elbow Cay, Great Abaco

Great Abaco can be amazing for surfing especially near Elbow Cay, which is a 6-mile long islet off the coast of this island. Elbow Cay is to the extreme north of The Bahamas, and the appeal here, of course, has to do with the many reef breaks that help in the formation of the amazing waves you often get to ride here. You can also expect to have beach breaks near the island’s main settlement, Hope Town.

Rum Cay

Rum Cay is in the southeastern end of The Bahamas, and it is just about 30 miles off the west coast of San Salvador. There’s quite an interesting story attached to how Rum Cay in The Bahamas got its name. This remote island, which is about 30 square miles, is said to have gotten its name when a ship, filled with rum, sunk off the coast of the island. Whether or not there is any truth to this legend, the cay has never quite been able to shake off that reputation. Even still, that unfortunate happening hasn’t hampered the surf scene here at all, in fact, it has continued to grow over the years. There are around 14 surf breaks around Rum Cay which makes it very conducive for fun surf sessions.

The best time to surf in The Bahamas

Generally, the best time to visit The Bahamas is between the months of December and April - especially if you want to participate in the Junkanoo festival. The best surfing, though, can be found in The Bahamas from October to April. This is when you can ride the biggest waves and make the most of the surf season in The Bahamas. If you travel to the islands outside of this time, there’s still a chance of encountering some great waves, but this might be less consistent.

7. Antigua

Antigua is more of a kite surfing destination rather than standard surfing, but it is possible to have some surfing fun on this island. You can start off your surfing expedition in Antigua at Jabberwock Bay where you can find lessons for surfing and kite surfing. The beach in this area tends to have “side on” wind conditions that can make for a safe and exciting surf experience. This beach is a great option for beginners who are learning to surf and also for more advanced surfers who want more space to move around. Overall, you’re likely to catch the best waves on the Atlantic side of Antigua, in the southeast.

The best time to surf in Antigua

While you can find surfable waves outside of this period, the very best surfing in Antigua happens in the cooler months from November to February. You can find nice waves on Antigua's sister island of Barbuda around this time as well.

The best surfing vacations in the Caribbean

There you have it: the best surfing destinations in the Caribbean islands. Where you choose to go will ultimately depend on which island experience calls your name the loudest, but many Caribbean islands promise both great waves and a great time.

Barbados absolutely stands out as one of the best surf islands in the Caribbean. Beginners enjoy the surf at Dover Beach, and more experienced surfers will love the challenge of the Soup Bowl and Duppies. Whatever level you’re on, you’ll have a great time!

The 28 Best Scuba Diving Sites In The Caribbean

Island Life

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September 28th 2022

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The contrast between the peace that comes with scuba diving and the busy, often chaotic pace of regular life draws many people to spend time beneath the waves. The warm and clear waters of the Caribbean are a great place to have an awesome underwater adventure.

Framed by amazing white sandy shores, the Caribbean’s beaches are a great starting point for the best scuba diving experiences. Divers from all over the world travel to this region for its stunning dive sites, which often include ancient wrecks and colorful reefs with vibrant marine life. You’ll likely come across sea creatures that are as fascinated by you as you are by them.

Some of the best places for diving in the Caribbean include The Bahamas, the Turks & Caicos Islands, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, and Grenada. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best dive sites you can find on each of these incredible islands, and what makes each stand out!

Best dive sites in Jamaica

Once you’ve tried scuba diving, you either love it, or you really love it – and that’s the magic of the undersea. In Jamaica, there are many cool dive sites including the Throne Room, Widow Maker Cave, the Arch, and more. We’ve listed some of the most popular ones, but you can check out our full list of amazing dive sites in Jamaica for more.

The Throne Room

Dive level: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Negril

There are nearly two dozen dive sites around Negril, and the Throne Room is among the most highly recommended. Divers love this location because there’s always so much to see, including unique coral formations, stingrays, eels, octopus, barracuda, snapper, and occasionally, dolphins and nurse sharks. The name of this reef is inspired by the throne-shaped elephant ear sponge that is a prominent feature in the underwater cavern (around 60 ft below).

Widow Maker Cave

Dive level: Advanced
Accessible from: Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean

Widow Maker Cave is one of the best dive sites in Montego Bay. The cave is around 35 ft beneath the surface and it extends down to about 80 ft. Its walls are covered with black coral and other types of soft coral. Divers can choose to start their dive from the shallower cave opening or the exit at 80 ft. Sightings here include parrot fish, barracuda, and more. This two-in-one dive is ideal for more experienced divers.

The Arches

Dive level: Advanced
Accessible from: Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean

The Arches and the Caves are fascinating rock structures, and divers often see rays and sharks there. The caves are near shore (just about 10 minutes away) and include two caverns that are connected by a narrow tunnel. Down at the 40-60 foot mark, divers can swim through the Arches, wall dive, and explore the various ledges and overhangs. Expect to see plenty of purple and yellow fairy bassets!

English Reef

Dive level: Advanced
Accessible from: Sandals South Coast

English Reef is great for deep diving and is a top choice for divers who know their way around the water. The reef is quite expansive and ranges from 65 ft to 100ft. Visibility is also exceptional here, right on through to the 80 ft mark. While this isn’t one of the most well-known or talked about dive sites in Jamaica, it’s great for divers who want a bit more of a challenge in their dive.

Best scuba sites in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a diver’s paradise and offers many options for divers, whether they are experienced or just starting off. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most popular sites for scuba diving in Saint Lucia!

Keyhole Pinnacle

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach

Keyhole Pinnacle is the spot you want to go to if you want to experience a dive site that has been voted as one of the top 10 in the Caribbean. There are four intriguing volcanic peaks at this location that are encrusted with gorgonian and other types of coral. You never know what you’ll see at Keyhole Pinnacle, but you’re bound to encounter something exceptional. Sightings often include trumpetfish, grouper, snapper, jack, filefishes, and seahorses.

Superman’s Flight

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach

While the name alone is reason enough to visit this dive site, as luck would have it, Superman’s Flight truly delivers. This area is named after a scene in the movie Superman II and features lots of brightly colored sponges, gorgonians, and a variety of tropical fish. You can start your dive at the base of Petit Piton, the smaller of the world-famous twin mountains in Saint Lucia, which towers at 2619 ft. This can be a drift or deep dive (if you dare) as you explore a wall surrounded by life.

Anse La Raye Wall

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach

The fishing village of Anse La Raye appeals to visitors for many reasons. One of these is the fact that this little community is known for its interesting dive opportunities. The Anse La Raye Wall is one of the most talked-about dive sites in this area. The beauty of the wall can truly be seen at about 60 ft, but you can keep going as deep as 110 ft. You’ll spot all kinds of marine life including Bermuda chubs, spotted drums, jacks, and rays, in addition to sponges and various species of soft coral.

Rosemond’s Trench

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon Beach

Saint Lucia certainly delivers when it comes to unique dive sites, and Rosemond’s Trench is one of these. Many divers who’ve experienced this location label it as a “must-dive” spot where you’ll be able to see underwater valleys, trenches, and a neat little tunnel that leads to a chimney. This isn’t the deepest dive around, but there are lots of species to be spotted including frogfish, turtles, and seahorses. While diving here, look out for the unique coral shaped like the fingers of a hand!

Best scuba sites in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is famed for its world-class scuba diving! With so many great sites to choose from, it makes sense to travel there with a personalized list to start off with. Here are some of the top-rated dive sites in The Bahamas. Once you’re done with these, we’ve got a whole lot more awesome dive sites in The Bahamas for you to check out.

Mahoney Wreck

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Royal Bahamian

With so many islands to choose from, it’s hard to beat The Bahamas when it comes to diving in the Caribbean. Whether divers are looking simply to drift dive in paradise or explore ancient wrecks, they’ll find opportunities to do just that. Mahoney Wreck is one such famous wreck in The Bahamas that is located around 30 ft below the surface close to Paradise Island. The wreck itself is a steamship from the 1800s, and in the vicinity, you’ll spot fish like grouper, angelfish, snapper, grunts, pipefish, eels, and more.

Hollywood Bowl

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Royal Bahamian

There are few dive sites in The Bahamas that are as well-known as Hollywood Bowl. This dive site is near Goulden Cay to the west of New Providence. Hollywood Bowl was even featured in some of the underwater scenes from the James Bond 007 movies made in the 1960s and 1970s. Other big-screen hits filmed there include ‘Splash’, ‘Into the Blue’, ‘After the Sunset’, and ‘Cocoon’. Aside from its movie-worthy ambiance, this is a great location for diving if you want to see a wide range of sea life including blue tang, Bermuda chub, sergeant majors, and more. Snorkeling and SNUBA^® are also popular at the Hollywood Bowl.

Blue Hole

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Royal Bahamian

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Blue Hole is one of the top three dive sites in Nassau, Bahamas. It can be found about nine miles from the eastern end of Nassau, and you may notice that it looks quite a bit like a doughnut! There are coral heads of varying sizes near the top of the hole, and you’ll start spotting sea life just as soon as you dive in. There are some pretty stunning rock formations down below, especially as you dive deeper. Expect to see turtles, stingrays, and occasionally sharks (especially during July and early August).

Bahama Mama

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Royal Bahamian

Located at the end of the Tongue of the Ocean Wall, there’s a wreck about 40 ft below the surface here. It is known as the Bahama Mama and was once a party boat. Bahama Mama is famed for its out-of-this-world shark diving. That’s not the only thing this dive site is known for, however. As this dive site isn’t very far from shore, only a quick boat ride is required before you’re all set to dive. Apart from checking out wrecks like the Bahama Mama and the fully intact Ray of Hope, which is also located nearby, you can spend your time exploring the wall or reefs and looking out for lobster, stingrays, and Bahamian reef sharks.

Best scuba sites in Barbados

You can’t go wrong with a dive vacation in Barbados, especially with sites like the Carlisle Bay Marine Park (listed below), which gives divers the opportunity to see many different wrecks, each with an interesting history, all in one place.

Carlisle Bay Marine Park

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Barbados, Sandals Royal Barbados

Carlisle Bay is shallow and calm, making it popular with wreck divers. Wrecks in the area include The Berwyn, a World War I French tugboat (7-10 ft beneath the surface), the 45 ft Cetrek to the northern end of the park, the 110 ft Eillon (once a drug runner), the Canadian freighter Cornwallis (struck by a German U-Boat torpedo during World War II), the Bajan Queen party boat, and The Barge, which was once a Naval Landing Barge. Other than the wrecks, there’s lots of sea life to see here including porcupine fish, golden spotted eels, and seahorses.

Dottins Reef

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Barbados, Sandals Royal Barbados

Dottins Reef, on the west coast of Barbados, is popular with the dive crowd and is suitable for divers who don’t have a lot of experience. You can gain access to this reef (which ranges in depth from 40 to 100 ft) via Holetown. Even though it’s a great site for newbie divers, more experienced divers can still have a good time swimming with yellowtails, bar jacks, turtles, barracuda, and so much more!

Mount Charlie

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Barbados, Sandals Royal Barbados

Barbados is a coral limestone island, making the underwater scene around the island different from most other islands in the Caribbean. There’s a wide variety of coral to be seen at dive sites like Mount Charlie (off Dover) in Barbados, which is best for skilled divers looking for some adventure. Expect lots of colors and thriving sea life at this outer barrier reef, including snapper, horse-eye jacks, turtles, and barracuda. This dive site is on the deeper end, ranging from 70 ft to 120 ft. It is the ideal dive site for underwater photography.

SS Stavronikita Wreck

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Barbados, Sandals Royal Barbados

Even though it is the most famous dive site in Barbados, diving the SS Stavronikita Wreck can be a bit of a challenge. Once you’re in the water, it’s possible to see the wreck itself starting from the 20ft mark. The Stavronikita Wreck, however, is actually 140 ft beneath the surface. Once a Greek freighter ship, the SS Stavronikita was purposely sunk in 1978 after an extensive fire on board. This is a great dive site to save for last, as it will really feel like the cherry on top of an amazing experience. The SS Stavronikita is about 230 ft from shore.

Barbados has some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. Here are some more amazing scuba sites on the island of Barbados!

Best dive sites in Grenada

Grenada is known for many things, including its amazing beaches and dive sites. Some of the most popular include Purple Rain (listed below), Kohani, and Flamingo Bay. Apart from the ones listed here, there are many more scuba diving spots to enjoy in Grenada.

Purple Rain

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Grenada

Purple Rain is an incredible dive site that has a bit of a romantic feel to it. It got its name from the beauty and precision of the purple creole wrasse that rain down into the area when they are swimming in formation, which they do often. While diving here, you’ll also see lots of colorful sponges, coral whips, and gorgonians, as well as scrawled filefish, black durgon, moray eels, and lobster. This healthy reef spans from 50 ft to near 90 ft, and it is easily one of the most populated reefs off Grenada.

Kohani

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Grenada

Kohani is located off of Point Salines, St. George’s. This is a shallow dive ranging from 20 ft to around 80 ft, and it is a combination of drift and reef dive. The water is usually calm here, but sometimes heavier currents pick up, so that’s something divers need to be aware of. This site is often described as a “natural aquarium” because of all the colorful sea life that can be found here like yellow, purple, and blue sponges. Sand channels can be seen between the healthy and vibrant corals. Sightings here may include scrawled filefish, blue and brown chromis, creole wrasse, and more.

Flamingo Bay

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Grenada

Flamingo Bay is great for both day and night diving. Divers love this location because they’re almost guaranteed to see something they wouldn’t elsewhere … like batfish, long stout sea horses, pipefish, and brindled jawfish to name a few. While diving here, you may also see spotted drums, bar jacks, creole wrasse, yellow tail snapper, chromis, garden eels, lobster, and many different types of hard and soft coral like elkhorn coral, ball, rope, and barrel sponges. The reef at Flamingo Bay ranges from 23 ft to 100 ft, and it is part of the Molinere Protected Seascape. Flamingo Bay is also a popular snorkeling location.

Molinere/Sculpture Park

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Grenada

If you’re a diver, going to Grenada without visiting the Underwater Sculpture Park simply isn’t an option. This relatively shallow underwater sculpture park was created by British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor with the aim of enhancing the Molinere Reef System. Over time, the sculptures made of cement and rebar have blended into the underwater scene and have helped to create new artificial reefs. The sculpture park’s featured structures tell the story of Grenada’s history, touching on culture and some of the things that make the island unique. Some of the sculptures have been damaged by bad weather over the years, but most of them still stand and are worth checking out while in Grenada.

Want to know more? Read our post on the Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada.

Best dive sites in Antigua

Not only is Antigua a truly romantic island destination with resorts like Sandals Grande Antigua that lead the way in love, but it is also a great option for divers who want to experience the best the Caribbean has to offer. We’ve listed a few of the most dived locations, but there are many more dive sites to explore in Antigua!

Mary Kay Reef

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Grande Antigua

Mary Kay Reef is an easy reef to get around, and there are lots of soft coral heads that attract marine species of all varieties. This reef is of the spur and grove variety with a few ledges and undercuts that you can explore as well. Expect to see turtles, lobster, barracuda, and sometimes even stingrays and reef sharks!

Monk’s Head

Dive level: Novice
Available from: Sandals Grande Antigua

With a maximum depth of around 50 ft, Monk’s Head is worth a visit while in Antigua. This is a straightforward dive that is best for divers who aren’t looking for anything too complicated. Monk’s Head is a defined coral knot where you can often see trumpet fish, snapper, parrotfish, creole wrasse, Atlantic spadefish, and southern stingrays.

Rambo’s Reef

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Grande Antigua

If you’re looking for some dive action that’ll keep you engrossed, look no further than Rambo’s Reef. This is a deeper water dive that requires a bit more experience. Explore the ledge while here, which is about 100 ft long. On the way back, take some time to appreciate and explore the valley, and look out for marine life like turtles, lobster, southern stingrays, and fish of all kinds!

Carpenter’s Rock

Dive level: Advanced
Available from: Sandals Grande Antigua

Carpenter’s Rock is a captivating and beautiful dive that’s a must for divers looking for an unforgettable experience while in Antigua. It stands out because of the captivating scenery, and the variety of marine life that passes through. You should try to book this dive on a day with good weather because there’s no mooring here and most dive operators will only go on calm days. Don’t expect this dive site to be crowded though - it’s a still mostly undiscovered gem.

Best dive sites in the Turks & Caicos Islands

The Turks & Caicos Islands are great for vacations centered on romance with a bit of diving or vacations that are all about diving with a bit of romance! Divers won’t want to miss out on scuba diving in Turks & Caicos at these and many other awesome locations.

Amphitheater

Dive level: Advanced
Accessible from: Beaches Turks and Caicos

The Amphitheater is part of the Columbus Landfall Marine National Park, which includes several other reefs. It is one of the standout reefs in the area because it really does have the feel of an amphitheater, which is something profound to experience underwater. There’s a bowl-like formation, with three sloping sides. As you settle in for your feature, you’ll be able to watch fish and other sea creatures as they go about their busy lives. Expect to see creole wrasse, snapper, horse-eyed jacks, blue parrotfish, queen triggerfish, sea urchins, turtles, lobster, and occasionally, reef sharks. Other sightings include elephant ear sponges, orange rope sponges, plate corals, and black coral. The Amphitheater extends a whopping 1000 ft from shore and drops thousands of feet into the deep.

Aquarium

Dive level: Advanced
Accessible from: Beaches Turks and Caicos

Who doesn’t want to feel as though they’re swimming in a life-sized aquarium while diving in the warm waters of the Caribbean? Check that experience off your bucket list with a visit to Aquarium! There, you can swim with large schools of grunts and snapper that seem a permanent fixture near the top of the wall. This dive site has spur and grove type features and includes sand chutes that go through the reef, all the way to the 100 ft point. Other sightings include turtles, nurse sharks, and sometimes grey reef sharks.

Molasses Reef

Dive level: Novice
Accessible from: Beaches Turks and Caicos

As far as reefs go in the Turks & Caicos, the Molasses Reef near French Cay is one of the most pristine. There are many points of attraction here, such as shipwrecks on the shallow end, one-of-a-kind coral formations, and sightings of larger marine life like turtles, spotted eagle rays, and sharks. There’s a vertical wall here that’s interesting to explore for deeper diving. Near the top of the reef, you’ll spot fish like groupers and jacks. One of the most fun things about this dive site though has to be Jojo the dolphin, who seems always to be around and is a thrill to witness!

Shark Hotel

Dive level: Advanced
Accessible from: Beaches Turks and Caicos

The name tells you what to expect, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed at Shark Hotel. This dive site is off Northwest Point, Providenciales, and it is highly regarded by seasoned divers. Lots of reef sharks swim in and out of this area. You may also come across grunts, snapper, and goatfish, particularly at the top of the wall. The wall starts at 45 ft and extends to over 150 ft. This dive is a sure thrill, and not for the faint of heart!

Diving with Sandals Resorts

Sandals all-inclusive resorts are known for their wide range of inclusions, like scuba and snorkeling. Inclusive vacations of this nature appeal to guests who want value for money, especially since diving can get expensive as a standalone. With resorts in Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, and Antigua, Sandals covers some of the best dive locations in the Caribbean - you’re pretty much guaranteed to have some really great dive experiences!

Sandals is a great resort to dive with, whether you’re a beginner who’s planning on getting your PADI^® certification on the property (more on that later), or you've been diving for a while and want to try a new destination with a dive team you can trust.

The Sandals all-inclusive concept equates to pure bliss for dive couples as diving is included in their stay. At all Sandals resorts including Sandals Grenada, Sandals Grande Antigua, Sandals all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia, Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Sandals all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas, and Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados, you’ll be able to dive for free once you’re certified (up to 2 tanks per day). Beaches Turks & Caicos and Beaches’ resorts in Jamaica are also great options for all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean.

What makes Sandals vacations even more amazing is that even if only one person wants to spend all their time diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the property to keep everyone entertained!

Getting PADI^® certified with Sandals

You can either come to Sandals with a love for diving or discover it ‘accidentally’ after completing a certification course at the resort. Either way, you can dive right in at Sandals, and get your PADI^® certification done right at the resort for the regular PADI^® associated cost. Once you’re certified, you can dive for free for the duration of your vacation (2 tanks per day).

If you decide to get PADI^® certified, speed up the process by doing some e-learning before you arrive. Check out some of the comprehensive Sandals scuba diving courses, and Sandals scuba dive sites.

What to do once you arrive at Sandals for your dive vacation

Once you settle in for your luxury-included vacation at Sandals, one of the first things you’ll want to do is check in at the dive shop where you can tweak the details for your dives (if needed), and get familiar with the team. Doing this can give you a better idea of what to expect. You can make arrangements to get your PADI^® Open Water certification here, or if you are already certified, find out about upgrading to a higher dive level.

Want to skip the PADI^® certification process? To scuba dive at the resort, you don’t need to be PADI^® certified! The staff at the dive shop can tell you all about the basic resort scuba course. This usually takes around 3 hours to complete, and then you can dive. Resort certification (unlike PADI^® certification) is only good for your current stay. For future trips, it will be necessary to do this all over again, which is why PADI^® certification is a preference for some divers. Resort certification also has limitations – you can only do dives up to 40 ft in depth.

Diving safely

The only way you should dive is safely! That’s why it’s so important to get certified before you start exploring. Some of the things you can do once you’re past the point of certification include double-checking your equipment before diving in and paying attention to the instructions from your dive team. Once underwater, stay close to your dive buddy, and keep watch for underwater signals. Getting dive insurance also doesn’t hurt!

Dive right into the best scuba diving sites in the Caribbean

When it comes to scuba, the Caribbean does not disappoint – the best scuba diving can truly be found in this region. With so many tranquil and beautiful islands to choose from, it’s not about which island you will go to, but which island you want to go to first!

Endless adventures await…

The 26 Absolute Best Tropical Waterfalls In The Caribbean

Island Life

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December 6th 2021

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Once you’ve been to one of the Caribbean’s refreshing waterfalls, chances are you’ll be hooked. If on the other hand you’ve never been, and you’ve never seen these majestic waterfalls in real life, now’s the perfect time to explore.

The best way to start chasing these beauties is without a doubt by taking a fun-filled vacation in Jamaica. Five out of the seven best waterfalls in the Caribbean can be found on this tropical island country. Other amazing islands with great waterfall attractions include Dominica, Grenada and Puerto Rico.
Have a look for yourself!

1. Ocho Rios Blue Hole

Location: Jamaica

Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios which often makes all the way to the top of the list of fun things to do in Jamaica. The falls at the Blue Hole are around 20ft tall, and when you get there you’ll likely marvel at the mesmerizing flow of the water into the Blue Hole. So beautifully turquoise is the swimming hole at this location that you’ll hardly be able to resist the urge to climb the falls and jump in. As for the rope swing, let your inner Tarzan free!

Good to know: Admission to the Blue Hole is USD$20. Once you get in you’ll have access to all the amenities. There are lockers and bathrooms on-site as well. Some of the best resorts located nearby include Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation (both adults-only) and Beaches Ocho Rios (family friendly).

Picture: Sandals Ochi offers a tranquil and relaxing experience during the day. At night, the resort truly comes alive! You'll enjoy 11 bars — including the Caribbean's first speakeasy — and 16 totally on-trend restaurants at this lush, coneveniently located property.

2. Dunn's River Falls

Location: Jamaica

Considered the most visited attraction of Jamaica, there are plenty of reasons to visit Dunn’s River Falls. This waterfall is 180 ft high, about 600 ft long and impressive to witness. Dunn’s River Falls is extremely popular so there’s usually a good crowd there.

While at Dunn’s River Falls you’ll be able to do a wet climb (through the falls) or a dry climb alongside the falls to make your way to the top. The wet climb is the only way to get to the summit, so if you’re interested in doing that, bring along your swimwear or other quick dry clothing. Wear water shoes or anti-slip sneakers as well.

Aside from hiking, bathing in the falls and climbing the falls, other things you’ll be able to do at Dunn’s River Falls include exploring the tropical garden and waterpark for kids. You can also purchase souvenirs, enjoy local food and relax on Dunn's River Falls Beach.

Good to know: Climbing Dunn’s River Falls without a guide is not permitted.

3. 27 Charcos

Location: Dominican Republic

27 Charcos consists of a series of waterfalls that descend into 27 cool and clean natural pools. These waterfalls are located in the Northern Corridor Mountain Range about one hour from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. As this is a great adventure site, 27 Charcos are a must-see for travellers looking to spend time in a beautiful and peaceful natural environment.

When you get to 27 Charcos, after paying the entrance fee you’ll be able to explore with a local community tour guide. It is possible to climb to the top of the falls and also to jump into some of the pools at this location. If your goal is to see all 27 waterfalls, be aware that this can be a challenge. It is only advised that the most physically fit attempt to do so. Most of the time, the guides here will offer to take you to the first 7 falls, which is an incredible experience in itself.

4. Reach Falls

Location: Jamaica

If you’re on a waterfall expedition in Jamaica, Reach Falls is one of the locations you’ll probably want to see. The main falls at this secluded location in the Montane Forest near Port Antonio is about 25 ft tall and it is striking to see, particularly as the waterfall itself is quite wide.

Reach Falls is said to have first been discovered by runaway slaves. It has since evolved into quite the popular tourist attraction. There are often lots of exotic birds at this location including parrots which you might spot during a visit. In terms of swimming, the natural pool beneath the falls is clear, cool, large and very accommodating. If you decide to get into the water you’ll even be able to get behind the falls and into small, hidden caves near the base of the falls. The water at this location gets quite deep, so life jackets are recommended for anyone who cannot swim.

Expert tip: The rocks tend to be slippery at this location and the currents can be strong as well. Proceed with caution.

5. Mayfield Falls

Location: Jamaica

Mayfield Falls is on the west end of Jamaica and it is easily accessible from towns like Negril and Montego Bay. There’s a USD$20 entrance fee to get into the falls and you can rent lockers to store your stuff while there for just USD$6. A truly diverse natural attraction, at Mayfield Falls you can swim around the falls, hike to a more elevated vantage, explore underwater caves, and dip into natural jacuzzis. When you’re done exploring you can visit other nearby attractions like the Blue Hole Mineral Spring and YS Falls.

6. YS Falls, Jamaica

Location: Jamaica

Next up in Jamaica is YS Falls, which you might even be able to visit on the same day you visit Mayfield Falls. These two attractions are close enough (about half an hour's distance) to warrant a combo tour if you can fit it in with whatever else you have on your schedule for the day.

YS Falls in a nutshell: a series of waterfalls that are incredible to look at and thrilling to dip into. Seven waterfalls are part of the YS collective and visitors love that these cascade into natural pools of varying sizes. It is possible to swim in these natural pools, and there are even specific pools for non-swimmers (more shallow) and deeper pools swimmers can enjoy. There are changing rooms and bathrooms available at YS Falls.

7. Middleham Falls

Location: Dominica

Hiking to a waterfall like Middleham is a sure possibility in Dominica. Wear comfortable shoes and you’ll be well set for this adventure in the south end of Dominica. Just a 20 minute drive from Roseau, the capital of Dominica, this is one of the easier waterfalls to get to on this island.

Most waterfalls provide a cold and refreshing dip, and this one isn’t any different. About 200 feet high, and slightly narrow, you’ll be able to swim in the natural pool surrounding the waterfall at Middleham. Of course, all of this will only be possible after hiking about 45 minutes each way to get to the waterfall at which point you’ll probably be overjoyed at the possibility of sinking into a cool, refreshing and clean body of water.

Good to know: The waterfall hike to Middleham can be challenging in some places. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to this location. Ask questions when making your reservation if you’re not sure.

8. El Nicho

Location: Cuba

If you’re looking for a waterfall where you’ll be able to swim around freely in a beautiful, natural lagoon, then visit El Nicho in Cuba. This waterfall is inside a nature reserve known as the Gran Parque Natural Topes De Collantes. The reserve is along the Escambray Mountain Range in Cuba and it is a great place for adventure.

It will take some hiking to get to El Nicho, 1.25 miles of hiking to be precise. Prep yourself for this walk and as you go along keep in mind just how wonderful it will feel to cool off at this breathtaking waterfall which has many streams. To get into the park you’ll need to pay USD$9, and then you’re free to enjoy the amenities and the tranquil environment.

9. Seven Sisters Falls

Location: Grenada

The Caribbean thing to do is grab some drinks and snacks and even pack a picnic and then head out to a waterfall to spend the day. In Grenada, one of the most beautiful waterfalls you can visit is Seven Sisters Falls. This is a series of 7 waterfalls in Grand Etang National Park that are set a short distance away from each other. To get to the falls you’ll have to be willing to hike about 45 minutes each way, but the experience will for sure be worth it. Seven Sisters Falls is about a 25 minute drive from St. George’s.

Good to know: Water shoes are recommended when visiting Seven Sisters Falls. You’ll need a swimsuit as well, as part of the trek involves wading through natural pools. It’ll cost around USD$2 for entry.

10. Titou Gorge

Location: Dominica

Titou Gorge just might be one of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ve ever been to. At this Dominican waterfall, you’ll have opportunities to dip into natural pools and explore caves as you make your way to the main attraction. You’ll need a life jacket and it will take about 5-10 minutes to swim to the waterfall. Once you make your way into the cave at Titou Gorge, there’s actually a waterfall inside. Keep your camera close to capture all the amazing scenery.

11. Turtle River Falls

Location: Jamaica

Turtle River Falls can be found within Turtle River Falls & Gardens in Jamaica. This attraction was originally known as the Enchanted Garden. At this location you’ll find six waterfalls, tropical gardens, a bird sanctuary, and a koi pond. While at Turtle River Falls, in addition to enjoying the waterfalls you’ll be able to interact with the birds (including an African Macaw parrot and a peacock) and even feed the fishes. There’s an entrance fee of about USD$20 to get into the area, but once you do you’ll be able to make full use of all the amenities.

12. Dark View Falls

Location: Saint Vincent

Expect serenity when you visit Dark View Falls in St. Vincent, twin waterfalls that will definitely catch your attention. These twin waterfalls are around 100 and 200 feet high, and they are located in Chateaubelair.

It’ll be quite the adventure to get to the falls at this location; the path to the waterfalls is a mix of dirt and concrete road, taking visitors over a bamboo bridge and up some stairs as well. You might notice that the bamboo bridge was made with bamboo from the forest where these falls are located — all these little details add to a truly amazing adventure. When you get to the falls after your rainforest walk, you’ll be more than ready to jump in and cool off!

13. La Mina Falls

Location: Puerto Rico

If you’re planning to visit Puerto Rico and are in search of adventure, La Mina Falls in El Yunque National Forest will be a great place to start. Getting to this waterfall involves a hike on one of two popular trails: La Mina Trail or Big Tree Trail. Either one of these will get you to the kind of waterfall refreshment you’re seeking, but if you’ve got the time, definitely try both.

14. Salto Del Caburni

Location: Cuba

Salto Del Caburni or ‘Leaping Caburni’ is another wow worthy Caribbean waterfall. This waterfall is around 62ft high and is in the natural reserve known as Gran Parque Natural Topes De Collantes in Cuba. A hike to this waterfall in the Escambray Mountains in Trinidad, Cuba, takes around 1.5 hours each way, so it is one of the tougher falls to get to in this region. Much like El Limon in the Dominican Republic, it is possible to ride on horseback to the falls, or at least to the closest possible point to the falls. It’ll cost around USD$10 to get into the falls where you can enjoy a serene waterfall experience complete with a spacious lagoon for swimming.

15. Harrison’s Cave

Location: Barbados

Considered one of the wonders of the world with its pure, clear water and flowing streams, a journey into Harrison’s Cave in Barbados will include a chance to see several waterfalls as part of an all-embracing tour. The tallest waterfall at Harrison’s Cave is around 40ft, and there are many natural pools inside the cave as well.

When you get inside Harrison’s Cave, you’ll hear the rush of the streams from the waterfalls, and see several natural pools in various places. As you get up close to some of the more typical and expected cave features like stalagmites and stalactites, you’ll also learn about how they were created, and the role the water flow through this cave played in their development over time.

16. Somerset Falls

Location: Jamaica

The beauty of Somerset Falls is what keeps it high on the list of must-visit attractions in the Caribbean. It is located in Portland, Jamaica, and when you get there you might wonder why you hadn’t heard about it sooner. Enjoy the falls, take lots of photos against the amazing Somerset backdrop, and even hop on a small boat and head up stream to get a closer look at the largest waterfall at this location!

17. Trafalgar Falls

Location: Dominica

Dominica is in a league of its own when it comes to beautiful natural attractions. One of these is Trafalgar Falls in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. At the smaller of the two falls that make up Trafalgar Falls you’ll be able to have a refreshing swim, while an exploration around the tallest waterfall can lead to rejuvenating hot springs. Trafalgar Falls is about 20 minutes from Roseau, the capital of this small island.

18. Carbet Falls

Location: Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe has some of the most impressive waterfalls in the Caribbean and Carbet Falls is one of these. This is a series of three waterfalls located along the Carbet River at the southern end of Parc National De Guadeloupe. As this is the largest national park of the island accounting for 10% of the land in Guadeloupe, this for sure points to the type of experience you’re sure to have at Carbet Falls.

Waterfall number 2 is the easiest to get to at Carbet Falls; a 20 minute walk from the parking lot is about all it will take. It can take much longer to get to the other falls, 3-4 hours for the first waterfall (roundtrip) and 4-5 hours for the third, both ways. After hiking, visitors to Carbet Falls can enjoy natural pools as well.

19. Argyle Waterfalls

Location: Trinidad & Tobago

Argyle Waterfall is located at Argyle Waterfalls and Nature Park in Tobago, Trinidad’s sister isle. There are several waterfalls in this park and to see them up close you’ll need to walk along a nature trail that is lined with lots of greenery, including cacao and samaan trees. Once you arrive at this nature park you’ll be able to set up a tour with one of the guides who will accompany you along the trail.

The walk to Argyle Waterfall takes around 15-20 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes for the hiking portion of this excursion. As you approach the waterfalls, you’ll see multiple streams of water rushing down from the hills into the natural pools below. There are waterfalls on various levels that you can explore via different trails. Entry to this waterfall is USD$10 per person. Bring along swimwear and water shoes if you plan on swimming.

20. Catarata La Coca

Location: Puerto Rico

The Catarata La Coca waterfall flows down powerfully leaving all who see it in awe. This Puerto Rican gem calls out to anyone who wants to see nature in its purest and most beautiful state. This waterfall is located in the El Yunque National Forest and it is less than an hour away from San Juan. Catarata La Coca stands out for its easy access — the falls are a short walk from the roadside. Once you get there, you can soak in the scenery and later dip into the natural pool at this location. Be prepared to get splashed as the water pummels from the 85 ft waterfall into the natural pool below.

21. Diamond Falls

Location: Saint Lucia

Your journey to finding the best waterfalls in Saint Lucia can begin at the Diamond Falls & Botanical Gardens, Waterfall and Hot Springs in Soufriere. This is one of St. Lucia’s most attractive landmarks and here you’ll find a garden oasis complete with a beautiful waterfall. While in Saint Lucia, if you’re searching for somewhere to relax amid lush, tropical vegetation and even have a chance to soak in hot mineral springs, then the Diamond Falls & Botanical Gardens might be just right for you.

22. El Limon

Location: Dominican Republic

There are many ways to get to El Limon Falls in the Dominican Republic, including on horseback. This 170ft waterfall is in the Samana province of the Dominican Republic. Other than a horse ride, you can also get to this location by hiking around 1.2 miles or get on a tour truck which goes down one of many trails. Once you get to the waterfall, you’ll be able to swim in the natural lagoon and even cliff jump if you’re brave enough. Ask for guidance on where to jump before cliff jumping in order to avoid rocks.

23. Concord Falls

Location: Grenada

Spices aren’t the only thing Grenada is known for. This island has a number of amazing natural attractions including stunning waterfalls. While vacationing on this tropical isle, cool off at the 65ft high Concord Falls for a dose of true rejuvenation.

At Concord Falls you can jump into the natural pool, admire the amazing views, check out the gift shop, or even visit the in-house monkey. Sometimes cliff jumpers use this location, but it is not recommended to do so without a guide. Overall, Concord Falls can be fun for the entire family, and a great spot to take photos as well.

24. Toraille Waterfall

Location: Saint Lucia

Toraille Waterfall bursts powerfully through the greenery of the forest on Saint Lucia’s southeastern side with clear intention. As will be immediately apparent once you get there, this waterfall, as with many others of the Caribbean, exists almost solely to be a source of rejuvenation. Whether to refresh your mind or body, visiting this 26ft waterfall and natural pool will be one of your most unforgettable vacation moments. Toraille Waterfall is just over an hour’s drive from Castries, Saint Lucia. It’ll cost USD$3 per person to get in, and once you do, you’ll have access to all the facilities including changing rooms.

25. Cascade Aux Écrevisses, Guadeloupe

Location: Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe has some pretty impressive waterfalls. One of these is Cascade Aux Écrevisses which is inside Parc National De Guadeloupe. This waterfall is around an hour’s drive from Basse-Terre, the capital of Guadeloupe. To get to the falls, you’ll need to go to the northern end of the national park.
Cascade Aux Écrevisses is great in terms of accessibility — a 5 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to the falls. At Cascade Aux Écrevisses you can swim in the lagoon below the falls and even stand under the falls for a refreshing natural massage.

26. Annandale Falls

Location: Grenada

Grenada’s Annandale Falls are about 15 minutes from the capital St. Georges. This waterfall is around 30ft high and a trip here can make for a fun natural excursion. The vibrant greenery and the opportunity to hike and explore several nature trails at this location is part of the appeal here as is the natural grotto that the waterfall pours into. The peaceful ambiance and raw beauty of this location will draw you in for an admission cost of just USD$2 per person.

Where to go for the best waterfall experience in the Caribbean?

Well, there you have it. The Caribbean’s best waterfalls. Of all of these options, one island that stands out above the rest in terms of the number of waterfalls you can find and the size of them as well is Jamaica. If this will be your first Caribbean waterfall experience, this island will be a great place to start. Not only will you be able to have amazing and varied waterfall experience here, you’ll also be able to stay in one of the most amazing all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica which can mean easy access to waterfalls and other attractions on this island.

Whichever island you choose, the Caribbean is an amazing place to explore and see tropical nature at its very best.

Guide To The Best Rum Distilleries in the Caribbean

Guides & Tours

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July 24th 2018

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Nothing completes a vacation in the Caribbean quite like a cool, refreshing rum cocktail.

And if that drink is served on a white sand beach, with the sounds of the ocean ringing in your ears as you enjoy views of crystal clear waters twinkling in the sunshine, then it’s all the better!

It’ll come as no surprise that the islands so famed for their love of rum are also home to some of the world’s best rum distilleries. In fact, the majority of the rum that’s consumed worldwide is still made in Caribbean rum distilleries.

So next time you're trying out a pina colada recipe or making a rum runner cocktail, tip your glass to the Caribbean.

Let's discuss the history of rum and where you can find the Caribbean's best rum distilleries when you're staying at one of the luxurious all-inclusive resorts available there.

A Brief History of Rum

Rum’s history in the Caribbean goes back hundreds of years. The first recorded rum distillation in the Caribbean is reported to have taken place way back in the 17th Century, when plantation slaves in Barbados made the exciting discovery that one of the byproducts of the sugar refining process, molasses, could actually have another use.

It could be turned into alcoholic drink, through the process of fermentation. The end result was then distilled, to remove impurities, and that process created a palatable and strong drink that was one considered the world’s first rums.

Now, the Caribbean is home to many rum distilleries throughout its islands, you just need to know where to look.

Where to Find the Best Caribbean Rum Distilleries

No matter where you’re headed in the Caribbean, there's high likelihood that you’ll be within reach of a world-class rum distillery, and if you are, we highly recommend that you take the time to visit and enjoy one of the many informative and interesting rum distillery tours available.

Here are just a few of the best rum distilleries in the Caribbean, for a little boozy inspiration:

1. West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados

This isn’t the oldest rum distillery in Barbados, but it’s one of the best ones to visit, thanks to its great beachfront location and top class rum tour.

You’ll find the West Indies Rum Distillery near Brighton, Black Rock, toward the south of the island. The old column and pot stills are still in use here, so visitors can even sample different types of rum and decide for themselves whether they think rum is best when distilled in column stills, or via the more traditional pot stills.

2. Cayman Spirits Company Distillery in Grand Cayman

Have you ever heard of ocean aging? Well if you haven’t, you can’t miss a trip to the Cayman Spirits Company. This exciting rum distillery ages its rum on the ocean floor, no less than seven fathoms deep. That’s where their ‘Seven Fathoms Rum’ gets its name.

This distillery is also behind another spectacular spirit: Gun Bay Vodka. Both drinks are available to try as part of the tour, so we hope you’re thirsty!

3. Hampden Estate in Jamaica

For a real taste of Jamaican history, don’t miss this fantastic Jamaican rum distillery. The Hampden Estate is one of the island’s oldest sugar estates, and its legacy remains a powerful one in the world of rum.

The rum factory in Jamaica is known for its delicious rums, which boast huge, bold flavors and are still distilled via the traditional pot still method. Hampden Estate rum remains the first-choice heavy pot rum consumed in Europe to this day. This historic rum distillery is well worth a visit.

4. River Antoine Rum Distillery, Grenada

Some of the Caribbean’s rum distilleries are held in such high regard that getting your hands on a bottle of their rum is no easy feat.

Grenada rum distillery River Antoine is one such place. The distillery has been producing rum since 1785, but it still doesn’t make enough to meet local demand, so if you want to try their rum, you’ll need to be quick.

River Antoine is still a working distillery, and it employs 80 local people. So, if you want a real, authentic glimpse of life inside a Caribbean rum distillery, this is the trip to take.

At the end of the tour, visitors are treated to a rum tasting with four different drinks to try. Be prepared though, the last rum you’ll try is so powerful that you can’t take it on a plane! The 150 over-proof River Antoine Royal Grenadian Rum is not for the faint of heart!

5. Bacardi Rum Factory in Puerto Rico

Any casual rum drinker will know the name Bacardi. It’s one of the most popular rum brands consumed worldwide. And if you want to find out a little more about how Bacardi is made, you can. You’ll find the Bacardi distillery tours in Puerto Rico, about a 20 minute drive from San Juan.

This huge factory building welcomes visitors through its doors six days a week (it’s closed on Mondays). Venture inside and you’ll be treated to an informative and entertaining tour that gives you a real insight into Bacardi’s history, including the traditional methods of making Bacardi, old Bacardi advertising and tips on how to make the best Bacardi cocktails. Caribbean coffee and rum anyone?

Visit the Caribbean's Rum Distilleries

So, now you know all there is to know about the best rum distilleries in the Caribbean, it must be time to book your next trip!

Consider booking your getaway at one Sandals' all inclusive resorts. Whether you’re headed to Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, Puerto Rico or any of the other beautiful Caribbean islands, we bet you’ll find an epic rum distillery where the doors are open for visitors. We’ll drink to that!

While you are in the Caribbean you should also visit the quirkiest bars in the Caribbean or try some of the six most sensational Caribbean beers.

10 Bizarre, Delicious Foods You’ll Find In The Caribbean

Food & Drink

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April 20th 2018

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Caribbean cuisine is a wonderful melting pot of different flavors, techniques and fresh ingredients, many of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Caribbean foods are also known for their punchy, bold flavors, which are guaranteed to light up your tastebuds.

While some people might describe the dishes we’re about to discuss as weird foods, many others will look upon them fondly, as the staple foods of their upbringing. So, if you’re lucky enough to be traveling to the Caribbean soon, make sure you look out for some of these standout Caribbean delicacies. You won't be disappointed.

We already covered Caribbean street food, the best Caribbean cuisine and herbs and spices in Caribbean cooking. Now, we're going to take a look at something a little different. These are some of the dishes that might seem strange or bizarre to travelers to the Caribbean, but are actually quite delicious.

Iguana Dishes

Those who have travelled to the Caribbean in the past know that many of the islands are home to large populations of iguanas. So it might not surprise you that the reptiles have found their way onto dinner menus.

Iguana meat tastes quite similar to roasted duck. It’s rich and full of flavor. If you’re looking to try cooked iguana, you’ll be most likely to find it at restaurants in Guyana and Trinidad, as well as a few other islands in the vicinity. Typical iguana dishes include iguana stew, roasted iguana and even iguana soup.

Guyanese Black Pudding

One of the most famous Guyanese dishes you’ll come across in your travels is the delicious Guyanese black pudding. This old favorite is made with pigs blood, and can trace its origins back to the UK and Ireland, where black pudding is still a popular choice on breakfast menus. Pigs blood, fat and oatmeal is encased in runners, which are then usually fried before serving.

Rice and Peas

Rice is not out of the ordinary, and neither are peas. But rice and peas is probably not the dish you are imagining. In fact, rice and peas is a dish made with beans, rather than the garden peas that its name brings to mind.

Typically served with jerk chicken, another delicious Jamaican staple, rice and peas is a mixture of rice and pigeon peas, seasoned with salt, pepper, scotch bonnet peppers, onion and thyme. This is actually a very easy Caribbean recipe to make at home as well.

Ackee Food

Ackee is a well-known delicacy in Jamaica. In fact you can’t travel to the island without encountering ackee food. Similar to lychee, ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica. It’s most often found accompanying saltfish, another one of many West Indian foods you absolutely must try. Ackee is also commonly served with poached smoked haddock, or pan-fried with a fillet of fresh red snapper.

Salted Pigtail

You might have heard of the salted pigtail that many travelers encounter when exploring the Caribbean. But will you be brave enough to try it? We recommend that you give it a go, because this is a fabulous Caribbean comfort food that tastes a whole lot better than it sounds. Look out for hearty salted pigtail stews, salted pigtail callaloo or salted pigtail soup. You can’t beat it.

Roast Conch

Conch meat is something you’ll find being enjoyed across the Caribbean islands, but it’s most popular in the Bahamas. Here it appears in many dishes, such as conch fritters, conch salad and a local favorite: roast conch. Best served on the beach with a rum runner or two, this wonderful dish is the perfect way to try conch meat.

Breadfruit

The Caribbean is home to so many delicious, exotic fruits that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. Breadfruit is a great one to try. Not only is it unusual, it’s also really good for you. Jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, breadfruit has been popular with Jamaicans for generations. And, strangely enough, this fruit really does taste like bread.

Green Bananas

We know you have eaten bananas, but did you know you could eat the green ones? In the Caribbean, people often boil up green bananas to make them palatable. Locals also love to slice and then fry pieces of green banana to make banana chips, the perfect accompaniment to your evening cocktails on the beach, especially if you're staying at an all-inclusive resort.

Solomon Gundy

A pate made with smoked red herring, Solomon Gundy might sound a little odd to those not from Jamaica, but it’s a real favorite with locals. The pate is full of big flavors, as it’s made with Scotch Bonnet chillies, onion, thyme and pimento berries. It’s wonderful served on water crackers, as a pre-dinner appetizer.

Jamaican Goat Soup

It’s impossible to explore Jamaica without encountering Jamaican goat soup on a restaurant menu, and when you do, make sure you order it. Also known as Mannish Water, this dish is made with goat’s head, which is a little reminiscent of the monkey brain delicacy of urban legends, but don’t be put off. The goat’s head is full of flavor, and you’ll be so glad you tried it.

Experience Unique Flavor in The Caribbean

So, now we’ve whet your appetite, we hope you’ll enjoy tasting a few of these weird yet delicious Caribbean foods when you travel to the islands. The Caribbean is home to so many wonderful, exotic dishes, so look out for amazing flavors and ingredients you might never have heard of before.

Many of the strangest sounding dishes are in fact the tastiest. Be brave when you order and you might find that it pays to be adventurous.

Did we miss one of your favorite dishes? Do you like your iguana meat cooked differently than the way we mentioned? We want to hear about it. Drop your favorite Caribbean dishes in the comments below.

The Quirkiest Bars in The Caribbean

Island Life

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May 29th 2018

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When it comes to great Caribbean bars, a come-as-you-are vibe and ice-cold drinks trump air-conditioning and fancy fittings every time.

Sure, a waterfront or hilltop location is a big part of the allure, but it’s the warm welcome and barefoot-casual atmosphere that brings party-hearty patrons back. So next time you’re in the mood for a beer minus the brouhaha, check out some of our favorite quirky Caribbean beach bars, no shoes or shirt required.

These are some of the funnest bars in the Caribbean:

Chat n Chill, Bahamas

If you’re in the Exumas, it’d be rude not to sail over to Stocking Island to visit the super-casual bar and restaurant that had made it famous. The Sunday pig roast is a local must-do, but the barn-like beachfront bar is fun any day of the week.

Karakter, St. Maarten

This school bus-turned-bar parked on the sands of Simpson Bay is so close to the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport that locals consider it the unofficial departure lounge. Snag a seat on the wooden deck, have the bartender make a strawberry daiquiri and watch the planes (and your cares) fly away.

Pelican Bar, Jamaica

Made almost entirely of driftwood and reclaimed lumber, this rickety south-coast staple sits on a sandbar about a half-mile from the bohemian village of Treasure Beach. We can’t think of a better place to raise a Red Stripe.

The Sandbar, Turks and Caicos Islands

If you find yourself on Grand Turk, we have two recommendations: Swimming with the stingrays at nearby Gibbs Cay, followed by a rum and coke at this simple but sweet beachfront bar, beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Seddy’s One Love Bar & Grill, British Virgin Islands

Good news: This popular spot on Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay has been rebuilt after 2017’s storms. Even better news: It looks almost the same, down to the plastic chairs and ceiling rafters embellished with old fishing nets, driftwood and weathered buoys.

Which Caribbean bar would you try?

Whether you're craving a rum runner drink or a cocktail with rum and coffee, the Caribbean has options for you. Which of these do you think would be your favorite bar in the Caribbean? Let us know if the comments section below.

The Musical Instruments of the Caribbean Islands

Culture

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January 5th 2018

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Visiting the Caribbean is an experience full of sights, tastes, feelings and sounds. Those sounds, and the musical instruments that make them, are signs of the diverse and vibrant cultural interactions in the region.

These cultures, from Spanish and Dutch traders to native peoples to African descent, all interact in many ways. Like a good spice mix, the musical instruments of the Caribbean all accent each other, and all have their own unique histories, origins and uses.

Drums are some of the most important instruments in the Caribbean. Drums are not only the backbone of music, providing an underlying beat and feeling, but, in the Caribbean, they are also absolutely a part of the cultural history and the current, vibrant regional culture.

Drums can be large or small, portable or stationary, and can accompany a large ensemble or a small trio and most varieties are found in the Caribbean.

These are some of the instruments you may run into if you're visiting an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean.

Buleador

One of the most recognizable drums in the Caribbean is the buleador. This type of drum is essential in the Bomba musical genre. Bomba dates from at least the 17th century, and the buleador is one of the main percussion instruments in that genre. The buleador has a low pitch and is primarily responsible for keeping the rhythm. It is a large, wooden drum that may have African origins.

Steel Drums

Steel drums are another variety of drum that are very important in the Caribbean, and have come to represent the region in popular culture worldwide. These drums, originally made out of steel barrels and developed in Trinidad in the early 20th century, were created in response to a ban on hand drums and bamboo drums, according to The Toucan Steel Drum Band.

Metal drums, known as steel drums or steel pans, produce a multitude of sounds. This is due to the concave shape, which allows the drums to produce different sounds when struck in different places. There are also several different sizes of steel drums, making it a diverse-sounding instrument that is now tied to Caribbean culture and easily recognizable as being from the region.

Maracas

Maracas are another type of percussion instrument, although they are not traditional drums. Generally made from gourds or shells and filled with dried seeds, they make a noise when shaken. They play a critical role in Caribbean music, and most agree that that the maraca originated from Indigenous people in Latin America. Maracas can be made from a variety of materials, and are very portable, making them easy for artists and performers to take with them, or even for visitors to purchase as souvenirs.

Guitar

Guitars are also important in Caribbean music. Guitars are also associated with Spanish culture, and have become, due to this influence, important in the Caribbean. In the Dominican Republic, for example, there is a music genre called Bachata. This genre generally consists of a guitar, bongos and maracas. This genre is popular throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and is closely related to romantic guitar music.

Guiro

Another instrument important in Caribbean culture is the guiro. The guiro is a hollow cylinder with ridges on one side, and a stick is run up and down the ridges, creating an amplified noise inside the hollow instrument. Although the guiro is prevalent through the Caribbean, its history is murky. It may have African origins, but has been adopted by many cultures.

Palitos

Another instrument important in Caribbean culture are palitos or claves, which were probably influenced by Spanish and Latin American culture. These are small sticks that strike a wooden block for a small, handheld percussion instrument. Given the importance of dance music and the prevalence of guitar trios, having handheld and portable instruments is important in the Caribbean. According to World Music Central, palitos are most prevalent in Cuba, but can be found throughout the region.

Musical instruments play an important role in the Caribbean and beyond. They come from the diverse historical origins of Caribbean culture, ensuring that no culture is forgotten or diminished. They also provide entertainment and a distinct sound to the region.

Many of these instruments are native to the region, and all come from a rich and vibrant, as well as diverse, culture that has developed over centuries of intermingling between various existing cultures.

Outside of the Caribbean, in the expat communities in Miami, for example, Caribbean instruments also play a vital role. They bring communities together and provide work for local artists, artisans and entertainers.

Sandals Foundation and Wade's World Foundation Give the "Gift of Game" This Holiday Season
Just in time for the holidays, a deserving  public school in West Little River, Florida is ready to change the game in its community through sports  thanks to Wade’s World Foundation, the charitable organization of three-time NBA champion, Dwyane Wade and the Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Caribbean’s luxury-included resorts’ chain.

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A Second Sandals for Barbados Debuts: Introducing the All-Suite Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Resorts International, the Caribbean’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort company, announces the grand opening of its second resort here, the all-suite Sandals Royal Barbados.  Featuring 222 concierge and butler-level suites, including Sandals’ signature Rondoval, Millionaire Butler, Skypool and Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up suite concepts, the all-new build also introduces three new restaurants, the brand’s first rooftop infinity pool, gentlemen’s barbershop and a four-lane bowling alley.

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Sandals Foundation and Hasbro, Inc. Inspire Joy in the Caribbean with Annual Toy Drive
The Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International, kicked off #GivingTuesday with its annual Holiday Toy Drive benefitting underprivileged children in the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation is once again partnering with Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for children, through this year’s #ShareTheCheer fundraising campaign. 

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Beaches Turks & Caicos is Back and Better than Ever
Following its closure due to Hurricane Irma, Sandals Resort International is thrilled to announce that Beaches Turks & Caicos, the Caribbean’s Luxury-Included® vacation for everyone and family-focused brand, has reopened its doors on December 14th, 2023, offering guests new and exciting features. To see an exclusive preview of the newly reopened Beaches Turks & Caicos, you can visit CEO Adam Stewart’s Instagram page.

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Escape to Sandals for Some Winter Sun
With the clocks going back officially signalling the end of summertime, we can’t help but long for warmer days already. Thankfully for us, the Caribbean sun shines all year long and temperatures are always toasty warm, making this the perfect destination for some winter sun. If you want to leave behind grey skies and blustery days in favour of sun-soaked beaches, then you’re going to want to make Sandals the destination for your next winter break. But which island is right for you?

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The Travel Mom Emily Kaufman Visits the Caribbean
Emily Kaufman, otherwise known as The Travel Mom, and a leading expert in travel since her first television appearance in 1996, made her way to Sandals and Beaches Resorts this past week. She says according to the Caribbean Hotel Association, 32 islands or 70 percent of the Caribbean was not damaged by September's recent hurricanes, including some of the region's most popular destinations such as Jamaica, The Bahamas and St. Lucia where Sandals and Beaches Resorts are located.

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The Caribbean's Best Beaches
It’s no secret that the Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Warm turquoise waters lap against pristine white sands that seem to stretch on endlessly, creating the perfect backdrop for a blissed out getaway. With each Sandals resort perched upon a truly stunning beach, beach bums will be well served by any of our 16 Luxury Included® resorts. Below we’ve picked out some of our favourite beaches in the Caribbean, as well as where best to stay to make the most out of them every day.

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Sandals and Beaches Resorts International Honored by Annual World Travel Awards
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has done it again! The company was honored with 11 prestigious awards by the 24th Annual World Travel Awards. The Luxury Included® Resort Company’s collection of accolades demonstrates its continued commitment to excellence of the brand and its resorts by receiving, once again, the notable recognition of the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand, thus earning this title for 24 consecutive years. Also awarded within Sandals Resorts International’s brand was its newest resort, Sandals Barbados, which received the special honor of Caribbean's Leading Resort 2023.

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Sandals Foundation Delivering Emergency Hurricane Relief
Sandals and Beaches are greatly saddened following the disastrous impact Hurricane Irma has had on the Caribbean and United States this past week. Responding to the utter devastation in Turks & Caicos as a result of Hurricane Irma, the Sandals Foundation has begun delivering emergency relief to the island of Providenciales on Monday September 11. The Sandals Foundation and the team from Beaches Turks & Caicos have partnered with the Salvation Army and the Red Cross to deliver desperately needed food items to victims of one of the most powerful hurricanes in history.

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Our Favourite Holiday Reads
Whether on the plane, reclining by the pool, or lounging on the beach, there’s nothing quite like a good book to pass the time while on holiday. Imagine stretching out in the Caribbean sun, the sea to the front of you, a cocktail to your side, and a book in your lap ready for you to get engrossed in. We’ve handpicked some of our favourite holiday reads that are sure to keep you gripped for the entirety of your Luxury Included® holiday.

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Southwest Airlines Launches New Flight to Beaches Turks & Caicos
The unbelievably exciting Beaches Turks & Caicos, located on one of the world’s best beaches, features four magnificent villages, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West. Now, visitors looking to escape to the islands will have a new flight option provided by Southwest Airlines. 

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New Live Entertainment Debuts at Beaches Turks & Caicos with Creativiva Caribbean Inc.
Taking a revolutionary step in resort entertainment, Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean’s Luxury-Included® vacation for everyone and family-focused brand of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), has partnered with Canadian-based production company Creativiva Caribbean Inc. to introduce “Voilà”, a series of live cinematic entertainment shows, at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort, Villages and Spa. Launching this month, Creativiva Caribbean Inc. will perform four weekly live productions on the resort’s main stage: Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Jungle Book Live and Dolce Vita.

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Discover the Flora & Fauna of the Caribbean
With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show having us all turning our attention to the beautiful flowers and plant life around us, it got us to thinking about the incredible flora and fauna of the Caribbean. The tropical climate of the Caribbean means you can discover all kinds of plants that don’t naturally flourish in the UK, making it the perfect location for any nature lover to explore!

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Cedella Marley Empowers Women Across the Caribbean With Special Version of 'Could You Be Loved'
­­­Together with Savi and Bankay, three-time Grammy winner Cedella Marley has given rise to a new version of ‘Could You Be Loved’, her father Bob Marley’s classic song. Cedella Marley’s portion of this single’s proceeds will benefit WHOA, Women Helping Others Achieve, a women’s empowerment program in partnership with the Bob Marley Foundation & Sandals Foundation.

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Sandals Resorts Announces New Overwater Bungalows in Jamaica
After the huge success of debuting the Caribbean’s first-ever Over-the-Water Villas in Jamaica and then 12 additional Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Resorts is thrilled to announce twelve new Over the Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows at Sandals South Coast, which are available to book now for travel beginning in November 2023. 

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Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts International Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Founder and Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has been honored with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS), which took place April 26-28, 2023, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.  Burba Hotel Network, the host of CHRIS, presents this prominent award to individuals who have made significant contributions to the hospitality industry over his or her lifetime through their actions, deeds, and great accomplishments. 

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What to Pack for your Sandals Holiday
You’ve booked your holiday, you’ve counted down the days, you’ve told your friends and family and now the day you jet off to the Caribbean sunshine is almost here, but what do you pack? With plenty of your luxury amenities coming included, packing should be an easy task, but here are some reminders of things you’ll want to bring with you:

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BRIDES features Sandals Royal Caribbean's Over-the-Water Bungalows as Honeymoon Destination
Sandals Royal Caribbean recently debuted its overwater bungalows, a first in the Caribbean. Recognized for their seclusion and romance, and of course the thought of floating over the ocean water in a private room, these bungalows "will convince you to honeymoon in paradise."

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The Best Time to Visit the Caribbean
Famed for its brilliant blue skies, hours of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures, the Caribbean’s climate is one of its most attractive features. And while it is true that the Caribbean offers year round great weather, there is some slight variation in the climate which can mean certain times are better to visit than others. Thankfully the weather across the Caribbean is fairly consistent, so if you’re planning an island hopping holiday you should find the weather to be similar across the islands. Read on to find out when the perfect time to visit the Caribbean is for you.

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Sandals and Beaches Resorts Announces New Vacation Planning Program
Sandals and Beaches Resorts recently launched the new Signature Air program. This program allows you to cut out endless online flight searches or waiting around for the best deals and let the Caribbean travel experts handle it. Signature Air guarantees no booking fees, the most convenient flight itineraries available, up-to-date flight information and 24-hour assistance. Plus, the resort element is covered by the Best Price Guarantee. If within 24-hours of booking you find a better deal, you’ll receive a resort credit covering the difference.

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Sandals Resorts Announces New Overwater Bungalows in St. Lucia
 After the huge success of debuting the Caribbean’s first-ever Over-the-Water Villas in Jamaica, Sandals Resorts is thrilled to announce nine new Over the Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, which are available to book now for travel beginning in May 2023.

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Sandals and Beaches Resorts Recognized by U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Ranking
After ranking more than 5,000 hotels around the world, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Sandals and Beaches Resorts as some of the Best Resorts in the Caribbean. Each year U.S. News & World Report identifies the best hotels around the world, including the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico. Making for the most unbiased rankings, both travel expert and guest opinions are submitted and reviewed to name each ranking hotel in its category. Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa received the Gold Badge Award for Best Hotels in the Caribbean, meaning it was ranked in the top ten percentile of luxury resorts throughout the Caribbean. Ten additional Sandals and Beaches Resorts were awarded the Silver Badge Award in numerous cateogries for the Best Hotels in the Caribbean:

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Sandals Resorts Partners with Marriott to Introduce the AC Hotels Brand to the Caribbean
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announced a new partnership with Marriott International, Inc. to bring AC Hotels by Marriott® - the modern, design-driven, lifestyle brand - to the Caribbean.  This is the first partnership between the hospitality companies and the first time SRI will manage a brand it did not create.  The new AC Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica will be the partnership’s debut project and will quickly begin this month, and is slated to open winter 2023.

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A Closer Look at Sandals Royal Caribbean's Over-the-Water Suites
Recently making their debut on December 1st, Sandals Royal Caribbean opened the Caribbean’s first-ever Over-the-Water Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica. And it doesn't stop there... Due to popular demand, Sandals Resortswill roll out additional Over-the-Water suites at new locations throughout the region.  These suites will be unveiled at select Luxury Included® resorts throughout 2023 and 2023, including 12 additional Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean slated to open in March 2023.

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Sandals Resorts International Takes Home Four World Travel Awards
After taking home 15 awards in the Caribbean's Leading categories, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) was honored with prestigious recognition at the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony in the World's Leading categories that were held on December 2, 2023 at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort Maldives. The Luxury Included® Resort Company collected four awards, demonstrating the continued commitment to excellence of the brand and its resorts.

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Sandals Emerald Bay Hosts First Ever PGA Tour
Sandals Emerald Bay, the perfect destination for golfers and beachgoers alike, is excited to host its first-ever PGA tour beginning January 2023. The Web.com Tour will begin in The Bahamas, starting with The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic that will tee off on one of the most scenic oceanside golf courses in the Caribbean. 

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BED BATH & BEYOND® & Beaches Resorts Holiday Every Day Giveaway
Winter is nearly here, and like many, you are probably thinking about warmer days and hitting the beach, or better yet, the Caribbean vacation you’ve been waiting for! Beaches has teamed up with BED BATH & BEYOND to offer the chance to enjoy some quality fun under the Caribbean sun as part of the Holiday Every Day Giveaway.

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The Sandals Foundation and School Specialty Partner to Support Hurricane Matthew-Impacted Caribbean Students
The Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International, has teamed up with School Specialty, Inc. for its Pack for a Purpose® program.  Providing much-needed supplies for the Sandals and Beaches locally-supported schools in the Caribbean, their efforts have also come during the current relief and rebuilding efforts in the region following Hurricane Matthew. 

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The Sandals Foundation Begins Relief Efforts After Hurricane Matthew
After the devastation of Hurricane Matthew, The Sandals Foundation has taken initiative to help our members and neighbors of the Caribbean. Remaining true to its core values - community, education and environment - the foundation has taken this natural disaster seriously as well as getting a start to help those communities begin to repair. 

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Beaches Turks and Caicos brings Country to the Caribbean with the Story Behind The Songs Event!
A Beaches Turks and Caicos vacation may arguably be the best experience you and your family will ever have but add in an acoustic concert on the beach with your favorite country artists and you’ve just described Beaches’ latest LIV+ event!

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Sandals Foundation & Scholastic Fairs Team Up To Help Students Thrive Academically
In a continuing effort to improve student literacy throughout the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation recently announced that it will again team with Scholastic Book Fairs, a division of Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, to donate 25,000 children’s books to students across the islands of the Caribbean through the Sandals Foundation’s Reading Road Trip, an educational outreach program operated by Island Routes Caribbean Adventures. 

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Sandals Resorts is recognised as Hotel & Resort Operator of the year at the 2016 TTG Travel Awards
Sandals Resorts has been presented with the prestigious Hotel & Resort Operator of the Year award at the 2023 TTG Travel Awards, held at the Lyceum Theatre in London on Monday 19th September 2023. The award recognises the Caribbean’s leading Luxury Included® resorts’ continued efforts to deliver excellence in product and service.

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Sandals Resorts International Honored At Annual World Travel Awards
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) was honored with 15 prestigious awards at the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards 2023 Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony held on September 17th, 2023 at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. The Luxury Included® Resort Company demonstrated its continued commitment to excellence of the brand and its resorts by receiving, once again, the notable recognition of the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand, thus earning this title for 23 consecutive years.

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Sandals Resorts Announces Additional Over-the-Water Bungalows in Jamaica Ready to Book Today
Due to the popularity of the Caribbean’s first-ever Over-the-Water Villas, Sandals Resorts announces 12 additional Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean. The new Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow room categories will be available for sale immediately for arrivals beginning February 1st, 2023.

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WeddingMoon Couples Enjoy a Free Wedding, $1000 Air Credit and More!
The Caribbean destination wedding of your dreams awaits you at Sandals Resorts, the resorts made for two people in love! Enjoy a free Beautiful Beginnings wedding and receive complimentary perks for you and your wedding guests, including a dedicated wedding planning dream team from pre-travel to your special day, private functions, plus more! In addition, you can now take advantage of great value with up to $1000 air credit, a free catamaran cruise, and more.

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Introducing the New Overwater Wedding Chapel at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Couples can now say I do at the first overwater chapel in the Caribbean at Sandals Grande St. Lucian! We’re excited to unveil the new Overwater Serenity Wedding Chapel, a unique wedding location at Sandals Grande St. Lucian and a first-ever of its kind on any island in the Caribbean. With spectacular panoramic views of Rodney Bay, this distinct wedding venue can seat up to 20 of your closest family and friends for an intimate and memorable occasion.

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Get WeddingMoon® Ready with Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts, experts in the art of romance and  providing unforgettable bespoke weddings and honeymoons in the Caribbean, is teaming up with the wedding industry’s hottest experts this autumn to host its first ever series of ‘WeddingMoon® Ready’ workshop events.

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Say "I Do" at Sandals Grande St. Lucian's New Overwater Chapel
Looking for the perfect spot to say "I Do"? Sandals Grande St. Lucian has the perfect new unique wedding location, the new Overwater Tranquility Wedding Chapel. Located at the most southwestern point of the resort, the open-air, glass ailed chapel boasts panoramic views of the spectacular Rodney Bay, is the first-ever of its kind in the Caribbean.

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Sandals and Beaches Luxury Included® Honeymoons Offer the Best of Both Worlds
At Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, we offer couples the best of both worlds with the Honeymoon Hop® program for adventure-mooners, plus the option to unwind at our award-winning Red Lane® spa and relax on the best beaches in the Caribbean! It’s just the right mix for honeymooners wanting to dib and dab in a little bit of everything, depending on the mood. So leave your worries behind and spend your honeymoon dedicated to each other.

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The Sandals Foundation Continues to Make a Difference in the Caribbean
Since 2023, the Sandals Foundation and Wades World Foundation have been teaming up to instill in Caribbean youth valuable lessons such as self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance through an athletic initiative called Game Changer. It’s now 2023 and they’re still at it! But this time by refurbishing 2 basketball courts, one in Grenada and one in St. Lucia.

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Sandals Wins Best All-Inclusive Hotel Chain for 2016 TravelAge West WAVE Awards
Awarded for its third consecutive year, Sandals Resort is excited to take home 'Best All-Inclusive Hotel Chain of the Caribbean' from the this year's TravelAge West WAVE Awards.

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Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa Wins Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards
Each year Travel + Leisure asks its readers to cast their votes and weigh in on their favorite hotels around the globe among other various categories. This year a new Sandals took home the name for "Best Resort" in the Caribbean. Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa was ranked number 15 among Travel + Leisure's "Best Resort Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas" category.

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Sandals Barbados: Undeniable Luxury. Inventive Design.
From the well-appointed accommodations to the world-class restaurants, Sandals Barbados is among the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean—here’s why:

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The Sandals and Beaches WeddingMoons® Experience
Discover the Luxury Included® WeddingMoons® experience at Sandals Resorts, the resorts made for two people in love, and Beaches Resorts, the resorts made for everyone. When you get married at Sandals or Beaches, every detail is taken care of so you can celebrate the promise of eternal love in paradise with the brilliant turquoise waters and lush tropical foliage of the Caribbean islands as your backdrop! Best of all, your dream honeymoon begins the moment you arrive in the most romantic settings on earth!  

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Sandals Select: Your Suite Dreams Fulfilled at Beaches Turks & Caicos!
From October 24-28, 2023, we honor you—our loyal Sandals Select Rewards members—at Beaches Turks & Caicos where you’ll be celebrated with exclusive excursions, activities, gifts and events. That’s not all! Enjoy all of the amazing services, amenities and activities of Beaches Turks & Caicos. Even more, choose from an array of luxuriously spacious accommodations like Beaches Turks & Caicos’ newest suite, the Caribbean Honeymoon One Bedroom Concierge Villa Suite.

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Customize your Honeymoon with Romantic Routes Caribbean Adventures!
The Caribbean islands are home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and every Sandals Resort sits directly on one of them. While this is true, we also know that we’re way more than just sand and sea. We know our islands intimately and are ready to let you in on all of the secrets that paradise has to offer with our very own hand-picked Romantic Routes adventure tours for honeymooners.

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Honeymooners Enjoy a Free Package, $1000 Air Credit, and More!
Experience the Luxury Included® honeymoon of a lifetime at Sandals Resorts, the resorts made for two people in love. Honeymooners can take advantage of our free honeymoon package complete with chilled sparkling wine, a special turndown service and a decadent breakfast in bed. Plus, we’ll even throw in an airfare credit and more exciting perks guaranteed to give you the Caribbean honeymoon of your dreams.

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Top 5 Reasons to Book Sandals Barbados
White sand beaches, lush palm trees, and one of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean, Barbados is the ultimate vacation getaway. Whether it's your wedding, honeymoon, or "just because" vacation, Sandals Barbados gives you plenty of reasons to make it your vacation destination:

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Hello Summer! Enter the Ocean Potion B.F.F Girls Getaway Sweepstakes for Your Chance to Win!
Who’s ready for a little fun under the Caribbean sun this summer? Beaches has partnered with Ocean Potion Suncare products to help kick off summer with the Ocean Potion B.F.F Girls Getaway Sweepstakes. Up for grabs is an unforgettable Luxury Included® Girls Getaway to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. This promotional partnership screams summer and is one you don’t want to miss! 

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WeddingMoons® Announces New Wedding Entertainment Options
From fire eaters and limbo dancers to stilt walkers, live bands and beyond, the Caribbean is alive with rhythm! Music and dance flow through every aspect of Caribbean life and that’s why we’ve made it our commitment to bring you even more unique wedding entertainment options. Wrap your wedding celebrations in island charm with each new exciting option guaranteed to leave you and your guests with fun-filled memories that will last a lifetime.

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Marcus Scribner Visits Beaches Ocho Rios to serve as newly appointed Youth Advocate Ambassador
You may know him as Junior on ABC’s hit show, Blackish, or recognize his voice from Pixar movie, The Good Dinosaur.  Marcus Scribner, who visited Beaches Ocho Rios with his family last week, joined Beaches to explore his new role as Youth Advocate Ambassador to the Sandals Foundation., the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International dedicated to improving the lives of those in the Caribbean with a focus on Education, Environment and Community. Marcus was originally inspired by the work of the Sandals Foundation on a recent visit to Turks & Caicos, where he was invited to serve as a Teen Advisory Panelist (TAP) for Beaches Resorts. Being a source of “teen intelligence” Marcus and 12 other TAP members were among the first to pioneer a philanthropic program specifically for teens known as Island Impact. It was during this experience where Marcus became inspired to give back. Through that journey, Marcus  has been appointed as the first ever Youth Advocate Ambassador. From Los Angeles, California to Ocho Rios, Jamaica Marcus set out to o make his very own Island Impact during his visit to Beaches Ocho Rios.

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Little Bites® & Beaches Smiling Together Getaway
Spring has sprung and with warm weather on our mind, we can’t help but think about hitting the beach.  Beaches has teamed up with Entenmann’s®, the makers of Little Bites® muffins to offer snacking families the chance to smile together and enjoy some quality fun under the Caribbean sun, as park of the Smiling Together Getaway Sweepstakes.  

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Sandals Select: Top 5 Reasons to Attend the Spring Chairman’s Golf Invitational in Jamaica
Home to rolling hills, clear-blue waters, and sun-filled days, Jamaica is one of the most enchanting places in the Caribbean. This spring, the sundry island is home to the Chairman’s Golf Invitational from May 13-14! Need more reasons to join us? Here are five:

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It’s Sandals Resorts Week on Wheel of Fortune®!
Sandals Resorts and Wheel of Fortune want you to grab your sunscreen and floppy hat, because Wheel of Fortune’s Sandals Resorts Week is coming to your family room! It’s time to sit back, relax and watch as contestants spin to win their way to the Caribbean.

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Sandals and Beaches Resorts Win PADI award of recognition
Whether it’s your first time diving or you are a professional diver, Sandals and Beaches is the perfect place to strap on scuba gear and take the deep plunge. Through a strong partnership with PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, your next Luxury Included® Vacation can include scuba diving in some of the most beautiful, turquoise waters in The Caribbean. 

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How to keep your makeup flawless in the Caribbean heat
Hot off of the latest series of Lifetime®'s Britain's Next Top Model, internationally renowned make-up artists Lee Pycroft and Katy Nixon joined us back in March on our Facebook page for The Holiday Make-up Q&A.  Here is a roundup of the questions you asked along with all their top hints and tips for looking gorgeous in the Caribbean heat.

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The Holiday Make-Up Q&A with Lee Pycroft & Katy Nixon
Hot off of the latest series of Lifetime®'s Britain's Next Top Model, internationally renowned make-up artists Lee Pycroft and Katy Nixon joined us back in March for The Holiday Make-up Q&A, giving us the low-down on all their best hints and tips for looking gorgeous in the Caribbean heat.

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The Sandals Foundation And Cedella Marley Join Forces And Raise Money for Women in the Caribbean
The campaign has been successful thus far. In its first three weeks, the campaign has raised $30,000 online through crowd funding at crowdrise.com/cedellamarley where the goal is to raise 150,000 for the WHOA program by mid-March. A minimum $5 donation enables the donor to receive a special download code for the campaign song, which is refreshed and a modern version of Bob Marley’s famed “Could You Be Loved” re-recorded by daughter, Cedella, and is at the forefront of the new fundraising campaign.

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A Luxury Included® Retreat for the Senses: Discover Sandals Barbados
Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating islands. With a distinctive melting pot of culture, food and music, the island’s sights and sounds provide the perfect backdrop for romance, while Sandals Barbados accentuates this heavenly setting with impeccable service, amenities, and accommodations. After a $42 million refurbishment, all Sandals Barbados guests can enjoy the ultimate escape sated with romantic accommodations in three unique villages, three swimming pools, seven bars, a beachfront whirlpool, and 11 fine dining restaurants.

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Sandals is Introducing Spectacular Over-The-Water Suites
This year will usher in the Caribbean’s first-ever over the water suites. You heard right  Perched on a deck floating above turquoise waters, these spectacular accommodations, which are in the midst of construction, feature see-through glass floors for ocean viewing, a tranquility soaking tub, an over-the-water hammock for two and a private infinity pool.  Cant' wait? Not to worry. There are plenty of other newly comepleted amntities and accommodations to enjoy while these five over-the-top bingalows are crafted to perfection.

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Sandals Resorts Win 2016 TripAdvisor®’s Travelers’ Choice® Awards
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have more quality inclusions than any other resort on the planet, and guests of Sandals Royal Plantation and Sandals LaSource agree, ranking these incredible resorts among the top 25 all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

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WeddingMoons® Love Nest Suite® of the Month: Sunset Bluff Oceanfront Butler Villa Suite with Private Pool at Sandals Regency La Toc
There’s nothing like a stunning sunset and breathtaking oceanview to welcome you as you begin your new life together as husband and wife. Set 50 feet above the Caribbean Sea on a lush bluff, this amazing two-story Love Nest Suite® is the epitome of romance and perfect for honeymooners! Not only will you enjoy a dip in your very own private pool sanctuary, you’ll also have a butler to anticipate your every need while you sit back, relax and enjoy your Luxury Included® Honeymoon in one of the finest of accommodations at Sandals Regency La Toc, also known as “The Emerald of the Caribbean”.

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Sandals Select Rewards Events: Your 2016 Beaches Reunion Week Getaway
Have you always wanted to enjoy the Caribbean with the whole family? Now’s your chance for the ultimate family vacation! Receive VIP treatment, personalized on-property recognition, memorable gifts and so much more, simply for being a valued Sandals Select Rewards member. Plus, enjoy Luxury Included® services and amenities like unlimited water sports, luxury accommodations, Kids Camp, scuba diving, and more, along with amazing Beaches Reunion Week activities and inclusions!

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Beaches Resorts Promotes Acts of Kindness this #GivingTuesday
As a proud partner of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts is excited to support Sesame Street’s Everyday Heroes Club initiative, a new project that includes online activities, Muppet videos, local events and a social media campaign, all designed to encourage kids and families to engage in acts of kindness.  Sesame Street’s Everyday Heroes Club promotes all acts of kindness, big or small, including helping a friend or a family member; being kind to the environment or to animals; volunteering to help others, and so much more.  Beaches Resorts will be supporting Everyday Heroes Club programs at its family resorts including on-site "kindness mission" activities, badge rewards for guests, social media support with the hashtag #everydayheroes and program implementation at local schools across the Caribbean through the Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International. 

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Sandals’ New Spa Products Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The holidays are quickly approaching and with that comes the season of gift-giving. So what’s the next best present you can gift aside from a Sandals paid vacation? How about a scent, a feeling, a memory that triggers the beauty of the Caribbean through Sandals’ Red Lane Spa? This holiday season you can inspire friends or family to pamper themselves with Sandals’ debut Sanitas Skincare product line.

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Join the Sandals Foundation’s Holiday Toy Drive and Help #InspireASmile Today
You’re invited to participate in this year’s #InspireASmile Toy Drive campaign! Now celebrating its sixth anniversary benefitting underprivileged children in the Caribbean, The Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International, is gearing up for the holiday season and collecting generous donations for its annual Holiday Toy Drive.

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Unique Wedding Locations – All Without a Fee
Dreaming of a destination wedding? At Sandals and Beaches, our picturesque wedding locations are second to none. And, there’s no requirement that you have to get married barefoot on the beach! We’re certain you’ll find plenty of options that will suite your style. Imagine celebrating your special moment with the brilliant turquoise waters or lush tropical foliage of the Caribbean islands as your backdrop!  From beach gazebos and beautiful gardens to private offshore islands and chapels, we offer a variety of unique wedding locations at no additional cost to you.

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There’s still time to Pick-N-Cruise
Guests at Sandals and Beaches Resorts can receive a free Catamaran Tour now until December 20, 2023. For a limited time, guests can ride the aquamarine waters, bask in the Caribbean sun and tour the Jamaican coastline …on us!

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Sandals Resorts International Selects Ultimate Team Member of the Year
Sandals Resorts International recently hosted its seventh annual Ultimate Team Member award Ceremony at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort on Thursday, October 29, 2023. Team members were flown to Jamaica from across the Caribbean and hosted for a week of VIP activities which culminated in a roaring twenties-themed award ceremony. Big congratulations are in order for Maxine Salmon from Beaches Turks & Caicos Villages & Spa , who was named the 2023 Ultimate Team Member!

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WeddingMoons® Love Nest Suite of the Month: The Millionaire Suite at Sandals Regency La Toc
A honeymoon is like no regular vacation. It’s that one special time when you can skip the entry level suite and honeymoon like a millionaire with only the finest of accommodations and Luxury Included® amenities at Sandals Regency La Toc – “The Emerald of the Caribbean”. Set 150 feet above sea level atop a picturesque sunset bluff complete with a breathtaking oceanview, your very own private pool sanctuary and a butler to cater to your every whim, this glamorous Saint Lucia resort will guarantee a honeymoon experience the two of you will cherish for a lifetime.

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Make Bubbles at Beaches Resorts’ Scuba Program for Kids
With more land and water sport inclusions than any other resort on the planet, Beaches Resorts has outdoor activities to fit everyone’s needs. Take the plunge into the Caribbean’s most comprehensive scuba diving program for adults… and kids! That’s right! You and your little ones can suit up and explore the deep blue sea together. The Bubblemaker Experience teaches young divers how to take their first breaths underwater, while under the care of PADI certified instructors.

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Adam Stewart Named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year
For those of you who may not know, CHTA aims to facilitate the full potential of the Caribbean hotel & tourism industry by serving member needs and building partnerships in a socially responsible and sustainable manner.

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Celebrate Your Anniversary with a Free Night at Sandals Montego Bay
With new island-inspired Palms suites, and the incredible value of an exclusive “Stay at One, Play at All” exchange program, Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Considered the flagship of the 15 Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean, Sandals Montego Bay is set along the most pristine stretch of private white sand beach in Jamaica, and provides the perfect backdrop to commemorate your love. Plus, you’ll receive the ultimate anniversary gift from Sandals Resorts… a free anniversary night!

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Guy Harvey Teams Up With The Sandals Foundation and CARIBSAVE
Students in several schools throughout the Caribbean will soon be able to benefit from an intensive marine curriculum as part of a partnership between the Sandals Foundation, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and CARIBSAVE (INTASAVE Caribbean). Dubbed the “Save Our Seas Program,” the initiative was launched recently in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The program will be implemented in 40 schools across the region with an emphasis on developing marine awareness and environmental stewardship.

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Huffington Post Recommends Chasing the Summer at Beaches Ocho Rios
Summer may have ended but sunny skies and days of leisure can be enjoyed year-long at Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica! Just ask travel lifestyle blogger Tara Settembre of the Huffington Post. While most families are adapting to the back-to-school grind, this savvy Mom recommends packing up the kids and jetting to the Caribbean while the busier travel months have come and gone. With lower airfares, competitive accommodation rates and less crowds, fall is a perfect time to ditch the “no-more-summer September blues” and hit Beaches Resort for a Luxury Included® Vacation. Below Settembre suggests that if you’re traveling with kids to visit:

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Conde Nast Traveler highlights Sandals LaSource’s Comprehensive Diving Program
Just a short boat ride away from the Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa lies one of the most popular tourist sites on the Caribbean island of Grenada and, it’s underwater. About 25 feet down in Moliniere Bay, sit 65 sculptures, a collection of submerged art known as the Underwater Sculpture Park. And let’s be real… who wouldn’t want to see an underwater sculpture park?

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Sandals Barbados Wins Barbados’ Best Hotel Spa
Inspired by the beautiful traditions and majestic natural backdrops of the Caribbean, Sandals Barbados’ Red Lane ® Spa experiences are some of the most completely unique mind and body journeys one can image. It's no wonder that this new state-of-the-art spa facility, which has only been open since Janauary 2023, has already been named Barbados’ Best Hotel Spa at the inaugural World Spa Awards. 

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New Restaurants Concepts Coming To Sandals Grand St. Lucian
As part of our Gourmet Discovery Dining program, which is aimed at enhancing the overall quality and authenticity of the food and beverage experience at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts throughout the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International is adding three new restaurants to Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort.

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The Sandals Foundation launches a fundraising campaign to aid storm-ravaged Dominica
The campaign will include fundraising efforts involving guests staying at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, as well as online donations through the Sandals Foundation webpage. However, the pledge to help does not stop there. The Foundation will also be reaching out to all of their trade partners, travel agents and suppliers as well as past donors and team members on the ground across the Caribbean region.

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WeddingMoons® Love Nest Suite of the Month: Sandals Grande Antigua Caribbean Honeymoon Butler Rondoval With Private Pool Sanctuary
Voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” year after year, Sandals Grande Antigua is made for two people in love. As is this month’s featured Love Nest Rondoval Suite, located in the seaside garden oasis of the Caribbean Grove section of the resort. This romantic suite offers the ultimate escape for love birds with its very own private pool sanctuary, private patio and exclusive amenities. Rondovals are one of Sandals Resorts’ most unique accommodations with its chic décor and charming “suite-in-the-round” design for heavenly seclusion.

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Sandals Ochi Hosts All-New Culinary Conference This Fall: Eat, Love, Sandals
Reaching an unprecedented standard in all-inclusive international dining with its 21 restaurant concepts, Sandals Resorts takes pride in delivering the flavors of its Gourmet Discovery Dining to travelers from all over the globe. And since we know how amazing the food really is, we thought we’d cook up new ways to keep you hungry for more epicurean experiences in the Caribbean.

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20 Things That Happen When You Stay at a Sandals Resort
Luxury should be experienced by all because, quite simply, you deserve it! And when it comes to luxury, Sandals Resorts has long been a leader in taking all the stress out of vacationing and allowing all their guests to transition seamlessly into the royal lifestyle. Enjoying the Luxury Included® Vacation experience comes with some necessary adjustments – leaving your wallet at home yet still sampling the best of Gourmet Discovery Dining, enjoying the Caribbean’s pristine waters as your backyard and the list goes on! Trust us; there is much to learn about what happens when you stay at a Sandals Resort.

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New Exclusive Offer: FREE Wedding & Honeymoon!
Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts are excited to offer future brides and grooms a special gift… a free wedding and honeymoon at one of our romantic, Luxury Included® resorts! Perfect for your WeddingMoons® celebration, you can enjoy a free wedding and honeymoon surrounded by the ones you love, set along the best beaches, lush foliage and pure tropical bliss that the Caribbean has to offer.

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Sandals & Beaches Celebrate PADI® Women’s Dive Day
The Caribbean's most comprehensive scuba diving program supported PADI’s Women's Dive Day on July 18th during a weeklong exclusive offer to female guests of Sandals  and Beaches Resorts.

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Exclusive Fall Offer: Free ReTie the Knot Celebration
This fall, swap autumn leaves for powder white sand and lush greenery as you commemorate your marriage amid a beautiful, idyllic setting in the Caribbean…plus it’s free!

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New Sandals Grande St. Lucian Restaurants Bringing More “Bang” For Your Buck!
These distinct additions are making their debut at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, with four new restaurants for guests to enjoy in the near future.  The more, the merrier, right? We think so! For those who travel to the Caribbean in search of some authentic cuisine, The Jerk Shack, open now, offering gourmet authentic Jamaican eats, is the first of the four new eateries at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.  

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Ocho Rios has a new Hotspot: Sandals Ochi Beach Resort!
With a fresh and modern redesign touting Sandals Ochi Beach Resort as the Caribbean Riviera’s trendiest new resort, it is no surprise that the resort’s grand opening was a star-studded event with everything from fire dancers to a magnificent fireworks show that lit up the sky! Guests were delighted to share in the new design aesthetic along with seven uniquely new Gourmet Discovery Dining options, a fresh, trendy Ochi Beach Club, reinvented resort entertainment, and upgraded luxurious accommodations. In attendance for these festivities included Dancing with the Stars star, Mark Ballas, and The Bachelorette’s Desiree Hartsock!

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PADI® Women’s Dive Day
Ladies, here’s your chance to take the plunge in the Caribbean’s crystal clear waters. Dive in a women-only underwater escape at any Sandals or Beaches Resorts and take advantage of a limited time offer. Whether you are a novice or experienced scuba diver, explore the deep blue sea and all its untouched beauty.

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Sally Beauty Beaches & Waves Sweepstakes
Summer is right around the corner and like many you’re probably gearing up for long days in the summer sun or better yet, the Caribbean vacation you’ve been waiting for.  All that fun in the surf and sun can really take a toll on your hair.  Luckily Beaches has once again teamed up with Sally Beauty, the destination for salon-quality hair, skin and nail essentials at beautiful prices, to offer tips on beach beauty care and the chance to win a Caribbean vacation with the “Beaches & Waves” Sweepstakes! 

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Sandals Select: Limited Time Offer - Earn Double Points
Make your Beaches Ocho Rios trip twice as rewarding! Voted the best Family Hotel for Families in the Caribbean, Beaches Ocho Rios offers a myriad of exciting activities and amenities. Plus, as a Sandals Select Rewards member, you’ll earn double points just for doing what you love—vacationing with your family. Enjoy activities tailored for every member of the family, or romantic pursuits for just the two of you…all while earning double points.

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#BeachesTeens are invited to TAP into Beaches Resorts
Beaches Resorts has a reputation of exceeding expectations – from the only live Sesame Street® characters in the Caribbean to Red Lane® Spa treatments catering to the entire family, Beaches has got you covered! And now, we’re taking it a step further with the debut of Beaches Teen Advisory Panel (TAP), which will serve as a forum for teens, providing insight that will create new and exciting teen activities at Beaches Resorts!

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Protecting the Caribbean’s Coral for Earth Day 2015
The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches and expansive ocean – home to some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs. Knowing this, it is no surprise that the Sandals Foundation is dedicated to marine conservation and to celebrate Earth Day, the Foundation has pledged to give this cause a special push!

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Get Your Hashtags Ready for the #SandalsOchi Twitter Party
When there’s a reason to celebrate – Sandals Resorts celebrates! And with the recent re-launch of the trendy Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, which introduced a chic, modern design to the Caribbean Riviera, we have many reasons to keep the party going. This Thursday, April 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST, we’ll be taking the party digital with the #SandalsOchi Twitter party! This is your time to interact with Sandals Resorts and answer all burning questions you may have about Jamaica’s newest Luxury Included® Vacation resort. You can join the party by following @SandalsResorts while using the hashtag #SandalsOchi.  

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Beaches Ocho Rios: Exclusive Offer & Sailing Fun!
Beaches Ocho Rios offers an intimate private beach, a Pirates Island Waterpark, extra large accommodations, and the only all-inclusive golf program for kids. Now, you can also enjoy a sailing experience with Beaches Ocho Rios’ new sailing school! You and your children have a chance to learn to navigate the Caribbean Sea with the Sailing Fun Experience.

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Beaches Ocho Rios’ Kids Club Raising the Bar
While I’m sure there’s no argument that we are all well deserving of the ultimate Luxury Included® getaway, arguably the most worthy of a vacation are parents. From juggling their busy working lives to raising their children – parents work 24/7! So, where should they go? According to USA Today, they should all head to Beaches Ocho Rios, equipped with one of the most comprehensive kid’s club programs among all all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

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Free Anniversary Night at Sandals or Beaches!
Every Luxury Included® Vacation is an exceptional escape featuring the Caribbean’s best beaches, luxurious services and amenities, sumptuous accommodations, and so much more! Sandals, the perfect getaway for two people in love, and Beaches, the ideal retreat for thrilling family vacations, offer unforgettable experiences that will be etched in your mind for a lifetime!

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Sandals Unveils Next Big Thing in All-Inclusive Resorts
To kick off 2023, Sandals Resorts set five New Year’s resolutions – and we plan on keeping all of them! The first of which was to re-open and re-vamp our Luxury Included® resorts, and guess what, we’re right on track. Allow us to introduce you to the Caribbean Riviera’s newest Ocho Rios hotspot – Sandals Ochi Beach Resort!

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USA Today Agrees – Teens Love Beaches Resorts!
When it comes to family vacations, the Caribbean has always been a popular destination for teenagers. With so many choices among Caribbean resorts, where is it that teens are flocking to? According to USA Today, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa is bringing their A game when it comes to attracting and pleasing their teen travelers.

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Grab your Shades it’s Sandals Resorts Week on Wheel of Fortune®!
Sandals Resorts and Wheel of Fortune are bringing the Caribbean fun in the sun right to your family room with Wheel of Fortune’s Sandals Resorts Week. Grab your shades, pull up a lounge chair and tune in all week, April 6-10.

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Celebrity Sightings at Beaches Turks and Caicos
While the calendar says that we have officially started spring, the weather in most places seems to disagree. So where do you go when even the spring air is just a tad too brisk? Well, it seems like celebrities have chosen to find their spring oasis in the Caribbean at Beaches Turks & Caicos, where the sun is shining and the only white in sight are the powder beaches.

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Tune-In to Win a Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® Vacation!
Sandals Resorts and your favorite hit radio stations from across the U.S. want to help you escape the cold and dive into the heart of the Caribbean! Tune in on Monday, March 23rd and Tuesday, March 24th or on Thursday, March 26th and Friday, March 27th as 20 radio stations trade their studios for sweeping ocean views as they broadcast LIVE from Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort in Great Exuma, Bahamas. DJ’s will also provide you with the exclusive chance to win a 4-day/3-night Luxury Included® Vacation to any Sandals Resort, including round-trip airfare for two on American Airlines!

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Double Your Pleasure at Beaches Ocho Rios!
Double your fun for double the points. For a limited time, Sandals Select Guests can earn double points when they book an island getaway at Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Book by May 31, 2023 for travel between September 1 thru November 22, 2023 and bathe in the Caribbean sun along Ocho Rios’ private white sand beach while earning double points!

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Watch & Win a Family Caribbean Adventure with Sprout’s “Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave”!
Ready to get out of the winter cold and into the tropical sunshine with a family adventure in the Caribbean? Well you’re in luck, Sprout and Beaches Resorts have teamed up for the “Pick and Play Sweepstakes”! Sprout, the first 24 hour preschool network, has launched its newest original series, “Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave”, which follows three best friends: Ruff-Ruff, a lovable, instinctive pup; Tweet, a cautious, thoughtful bird; and Dave, an imaginative, quirky panda on adventures that ignite the imagination. This full CGI series features these furry friends on adventures that allow for interactive play between kids and the characters through a companion app experience, bringing everyone closer together by interacting while they watch (available on iOS and Android)!

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Take a Closer Look Into The WeddingMoons® Experience at Sandals Grande Antigua
Set on Antigua's best and most famous beach, Sandals Grande Antigua is a charming seaside garden oasis that is complemented by meandering pathways, swaying palms and cooling trade winds. Upon arrival, you’re steeped into a realm of chic sophistication that unfurls from the hillside to the seaside villas. Relaxing on silky-soft white sands, allowing the warmth of the Caribbean to hug you, it’s inevitable that you’ll create your own fairy tale as you share in the most romantic time of your life. Before you take the plunge, here’s a peek of what you can expect on your Sandals Grande Antigua WeddingMoon!

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Sandals and Beaches Sailing Instructors Get Refreshed with ASA
Stunning waterscapes, sunny weather and powdery white sand define the Caribbean—the perfect backdrop for sailing adventures for beach bums, couples or with the whole family!

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Top 5 Reasons to Attend the 9th Annual Chairman’s Golf Invitational
Home to rolling hills, clear-blue waters, and sun-filled days, Jamaica is one of the most enchanting places in the Caribbean. This year, the sundry island is home to our Spring Chairman’s Golf Invitational from May 14-16! Need more reasons to join us? Here are five more:

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An Engagement Story – Trent & Erica in Grenada
Many couples fall in love with the away-from-it-all appeal of Sandals LaSource Grenada. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this exotic haven comprised of innovative accommodations and stunning views, is the perfect setting for lovers!

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Make a Splash at Beaches Negril’s Pirates Island Waterpark!
Spread over 20 acres of a lush landscape, Beaches Negril embodies the Caribbean’s blissful atmosphere. With stunning ocean views, seven miles of shoreline, endless land and water activities, as well as luxurious amenities for the whole family, there is something for everyone at Beaches Negril.  Nestled on 18,000 square feet along the ocean’s edge, Pirates Island Waterpark provides families with a place to be adventurous; making your Luxury Included® Vacation unforgettable!  Kids and adults alike, rejoice, because the most exhilarating water park in the Caribbean has gotten a whole lot better!

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Cure for the Arctic Blast Blues – A Foodie Vacation to the Caribbean
It’s January and while it may be a fresh new year, the winter season is tired with chilling temperatures and snow-filled days. Sick of the dreaded arctic blast?  What could be better medicine than some travel therapy soaking up the Caribbean sun on the spice island—Nothing, according to Travel Therapy expert, Karen Schaler. Her recipe calls for a Foodie Vacation to Sandals’ newest resort, Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa, where the Luxury Included® resort is heating up the food scene with hot new dining options.

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Top 5 Luxury Included® Activities That Will Warm Your Heart
Every Luxury Included® getaway blends charm, incredible hospitality, and luxury inclusions with the best beachside experiences in the Caribbean. Feel the flutter in your heart with these activities sure to make you feel aglow:

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‘Shark Golf Course’ featured in Golf Digest
Known for its scenic ocean view and challenging fairways, the award-winning golf course at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Tennis and Spa Resort, Emerald Reef Golf Club was featured in the Golf Digest as “one of the toughest tests in the Caribbean.” New and experienced golfers alike can put their skills to the test at the premiere golf course of the Caribbean!

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Sandals Barbados Featured in Fodor's 2015 Go List
Don’t take our word for it. Sandals Barbados is on "Fodor’s 2023 Go List" too! Ranked in the top 25 “can’t miss” destinations, Barbados is not only offering increased access to the Caribbean’s “most British” island with increased flights, it’s also home to Sandals Barbados, the newest Luxury Included® resort scheduled to welcome 2023 travelers as early as January 28th. Evidently, it’s seven gourmet restaurants, Red Lane® Spa and Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up Suites caught Fodor's attention too.  To read what the experts are saying, check out the full scoop below. Their worldwide team of over 700 travel writers brings you the latest, most accurate coverage and wouldn’t steer you wrong:

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Turn up the Heat at Beaches Firefighter Beach Blast
Beaches Resorts is sending a special thanks to all of the brave firefighters for their services with a great offer to take a well-deserved vacation to the Caribbean! Firefighters are invited to heat things up September 2023 as Beaches Negril celebrates the brave spirit of firefighters everywhere with a fun Luxury Included® Vacation designed specifically for our honorable heroes. Get ready for an array of exciting activities on this extraordinary Jamaican getaway!

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Diving in the Bahamas Just Got Better at Sandals Royal Bahamian
The world’s largest single underwater sculpture, ‘Ocean Atlas’ is the newest attraction for Sandals Royal Bahamian guests looking to explore the deep blue sea in Nassau, Bahamas. Now, the Caribbean’s best scuba diving and snorkeling program features two underwater art exhibits with the newest addition in the pristine Bahamian waters.

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Take a Closer Look at Getting It All with Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts continues to lead the all-inclusive movement with even more Luxury Included® offerings at all of our properties throughout the Caribbean. With recent innovations throughout our resorts, we invite you to take a closer look at getting it all! From signature spa concepts to new luxury suites designed for privacy and ultimate pampering, a Sandals vacation aims to exceed our guests’ expectations with special attention to a truly luxurious vacation. When guests ask for immaculate service, Sandals delivers! With our warm Caribbean hospitality and exclusive partnership with the iconic, London-based Guild of Professional English Butlers, you can see the Sandals difference the closer you look. 

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The Sandals Foundation Joins Global #GivingTuesday Campaign To Help Make A Difference In The Caribbean
With the holiday craze in full force, “Giving Tuesday” has become a new and refreshing day of giving back in which charities, families, businesses and communities around the world come together to celebrate generosity. In honor of the #GivingTuesday movement, the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, is encouraging supporters to join the December 2nd giveback campaign and donate any dollar amount to help education in the Caribbean. By participating in the Sandals Foundation #GivingTuesday event, contributors will help re-build the West End Basic School in Westmoreland, Jamaica, one of 55 locally supported schools that the Foundation provides with infrastructural upgrades and educational resources. Studies prove that early childhood education increases the likelihood of graduation from high school and achieving higher lifetime earnings. The student population of West End has increased by 33% since 2010 as a result of the Foundations support and with #GivingTuesday initiative, supporters can help make a huge difference in the life of a child.

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Cheers! Sandals Raises a Glass to a New Partnership and Gourmet Dining
When planning a vacation, what’s at the top of your checklist? Location? Luxury? Dining? Well, Sandals and Beaches offer you all three with a revamped 2023 Gourmet Discovery Dining program that brings a global gastronomic experience straight to the Caribbean! While dining has always been a focus of Sandals’ Resorts,  the recent announcement of a whopping 160 restaurants and 21 tasty culinary concepts – including Classic French, Italian, Japanese, Caribbean and upcoming Steakhouse, Indian, Southern and Tapas restaurants – take guests on a satisfying journey filled with new scents and flavors at every stop!

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USA Today Names Sandals Emerald Bay & Sandals Royal Bahamian Best Adult-Only All-Inclusives!
Winter is rapidly approaching and before you know it cabin fever will begin to set in.  With the hustle and bustle of the holidays heating up we’re sure you’re looking  for that perfect kid-free escape. Recently, USA Today, the nation’s newspaper, compiled a list of the best kid-free, all-inclusive hotels for parents to get away and rekindle their love under the heat of the Caribbean sun. Among the list are not one, but two Sandals’ properties nestled away in the 700 islands of The Bahamas: Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort and Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island.

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Take a Closer Look Into the Sandals & Beaches WeddingMoon® Experience
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean, every WeddingMoon® integrates stunning, tropical views. Whether it’s the wedding or the reception, a picturesque vista is always part of your special day. Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts offer everything you’ll need for a memorable wedding experience, from the attention to detail, beautiful backdrops, unmatched service and Love Nest suites—experience all of this and more once you’re ready to take the plunge. For now, here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect! 

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Sandals Foundation & Hasbro Give A “High Five” This Holiday Season With Annual Toy Drive
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, is gearing up for the holiday season and collecting generous donations for its annual Toy Drive now celebrating its fifth anniversary benefitting underprivileged children in the Caribbean. The Foundation is once again partnering with Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), one of the world’s leading branded play companies and a valued partner of Beaches Resorts, for this year’s “High Five” campaign.

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Social People Doing Social Good At Beaches Resorts’ First Annual Social Media On The Sand Conference
During the four day conference, top mom bloggers (and a dad or two) were invited to sharpen their social media skills through information sessions and encouraged to indulge in the beauty of the Caribbean with their families. After swimming in the crystal clear ocean, getting pampered at the Red Lane® Spa and exploring all that Beaches Turks and Caicos has to offer, guests were invited to attend an educational breakfast hosted by the Foundation’s Director of Programs, Heidi Clarke. The attendees gained an insider look into the non-profit’s core principals which are centered around a commitment to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where the hotel brands’ operate.

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Sandals Resorts Wins Seven Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
Sandals Emerald Bay scored an impressive spot in the Top 10 Best Resorts in the Atlantic, joining the company of breathtaking island vacations across the Atlantic from Bermuda to Turks & Caicos. Located in the heart of a 500-acre nature preserve on the serene South Coast of Jamaica, Sandals Whitehouse returned as a reader’s choice, maintaining its position as one of the Best Resorts in the Caribbean for the second year in a row.

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Luxuriate with a Spa Adventure on Your WeddingMoon®
From exciting water sports and Discovery Dining, to championship golf, local tours and more, there is endless opportunity for romantic moments to be shared together at Sandals Resorts. Pampering treatments at the Red Lane® Spa are among some of the most romantic activities for two people in love with choices from Sandals’ exclusive Scents of Love, From the Heart  or  Champagne Celebration  couples offerings. Inspired by the beautiful traditions and majestic elements of the Caribbean, your Red Lane Spa adventure will leave you feeling renewed and relaxed long after your “I dos.”

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Old World Charm Meets Modern Day Luxury at This Sandals Royal Plantation Retreat
The all-butler, all-beachfront Sandals Royal Plantation sets the tone for enjoying complete luxury and comfort with your significant other. Every suite has been built to look out over the Caribbean Sea, and every suite offers the service of a most hospitable butler who has been trained to the standards of the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

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Sandals and Beaches Dive Centers goes Green
While there is no doubt that diving is the perfect way to explore the Caribbean, the commitment to the environmentis essential to  preserving the dive sites t water lovers seek and enjoy. Honorably,

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Your Favorite Radio Stations Broadcast #LIVEfromBeaches
Beaches Resorts is welcoming 20 top-rated radio stations from across the United States to broadcast their popular shows live from Beaches Negril Resort & Spa. Listeners are encouraged to tune-in to their favorite radio stations now through Friday, October 10th, for a taste of the Beaches Resorts Luxury Included® Vacation experience as told through the DJ’s firsthand experiences. DJs will have the opportunity to sample Discovery Dining at eight diverse restaurants, indulge in Red Lane® Spa treatments during a special VIP “SPArty,” snorkel in the Caribbean Sea with Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, as well as attend a Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip to the local school in Negril. The hosted radio stations will conduct live interviews with Beaches Resorts team members and offer listeners the opportunity to join the fun with exclusive chances to win Luxury Included® Vacations to any Beaches Resort.  

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Bring the Taste of the World to You and Yours with Discovery Dining
With our diverse Discovery Dining program, guests can explore a new part of the world at every meal, all from the most exotic beaches in the Caribbean. Our 156 restaurants bring 19 exclusive culinary concepts and designs to life, demonstrating cultures from every corner of the planet. Discovery Dining at Sandals Resorts brings our guests new sights, sounds and tastes at each meal and the best part is … it’s all included!

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Join Dwyane Wade and the Sandals Foundation and Be A Game Changer!
The Sandals Foundation and Wade’s World Foundation, NBA Champion Dwyane Wade’s charitable organization, have officially opened donations to raise funds for Game Changer, an integrated sports program to benefit youth in underserved communities in South Florida and the Caribbean.

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New WeddingMoons® Inclusions: Manicure & Massage
Indulge in the award-wining Red Lane® Spa at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts and let yourself be pampered with reviving spa experiences. Your refreshing journey begins the moment you step foot into the luxurious facility designed to reflect and evoke the beautiful traditions and backdrop of the Caribbean. Choose from a wide selection of treatments that incorporate natural botanicals, tropically infused aromas, and therapeutic techniques. There’s no better way to prepare and pamper yourselves before the big day, and as an added bonus to brides and grooms, some of the extraordinary Red Lane® Spa experiences are included in your WeddingMoon celebration! 

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Top 5 Luxury Included® Photo Op Locations
What’s better than having the Caribbean serve as the beautiful backdrop to all of your photos? Getting savings! With the services of a professional Snapshots photographer, you’ll get quality photos of your Luxury Included Vacation—plus, as a Sandals Select Rewards member, you’ll receive 10% off your Snapshots purchase! Here are our Top 5 recommendations for the most amazing locations to capture your best moments!

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New Friends, New Adventures at Beaches
There’s no better way to celebrate 10 Years of The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street® than with the ultimate beach party at Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Join all of your favorite Sesame Street friends for the biggest celebration of the year going on right now.

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The Daily Meal Names Sandals Royal Plantation Among “World’s Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Food”
An escape to the Caribbean shouldn’t be just a vacation to the beach, but also a vacation from the kitchen. At Sandals and Beaches, our Discovery Dining program takes you on a culinary expedition around the globe without ever having to leave the resort! With over 140 restaurants bringing 18 unique culinary concepts and styles to life, you’re guaranteed to feast on a variety of gourmet dishes wherever and whenever you want!

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Adventurous Honeymoon in the Caribbean
Begin your new life together in a storybook setting at Sandals and add in just the right touch of adventure with an excursion through Island Routes Caribbean Adventures. With white sandy beaches, blue waterscape, and radiant sunshine, it’s no wonder that the Caribbean is one of the most popular honeymoon hot spots. If you want to relax on the beach, enjoy action-packed adventure tours, or a mix of both, you’ve come to the right place.

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Sandals Resorts Golf Pro, Wesley Brown, Wins First National Tournament
Wesley Brown, Jamaica’s rising professional golfer, is making the islands proud with his first international pro golf tournament win during the NGA TOUR Carolina Summer Series event at Aberdeen Golf Club. A former Sandals Golf & Country Club team member, Brown is sponsored by Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and continues to exude pride for the Caribbean and pay respect to that helped him achieve this milestone.

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Experience The Latest Sandals Resorts With New Instant Air Credits
Sandals has delighted couples in love with the ultimate Caribbean vacation for over thirty years and continues to expand their Luxury Included experience throughout the Caribbean. You can now take advantage of an exclusive offer that makes it even easier to travel to the all-new Sandals LaSource Grenada and enhanced Sandals Barbados with instant air credits. From now until September 1, 2023, book a stay in any room category at these luxurious resorts and you can receive up to $1000 in airfare credit per room, for travel through December 15, 2023.

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Enjoy Caribbean Fun with Our Exclusive Offer!
No place is ripe for adventure quite like the spectacular landscapes and glorious shades of aquamarine found in the Caribbean. Couple that with exotic locales and rich history, the island’s majestic secrets are best experienced with  Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, the World’s Leading Attraction Company. Now, they’re making it even easier to explore with a new limited time offer! 

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Sandals Resorts and Your Jamaican Villas Chefs Win Big at Taste of the Caribbean
When vacationing at Sandals, Beaches, Your Jamaican Villas and Fowl Cay Resort, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable vacation in Caribbean paradise. What’s also a sure bet? You’ll feast like royalty whether you favor authentic Jamaican ackee and saltfish for breakfast, fresh wood fired pizzas for lunch or succulent surf and turf with sparkling wine at dinner. Thanks to our expertly trained chefs, every getaway under the Sandals Resorts International (SRI) umbrella includes an array of tempting culinary options, a necessity for any true luxurious escape.

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SALLY Beauty & Beaches Summer Sweepstakes
What goes better with sun, surf & sand than nail polish, conditioner & moisturizer? SALLY Beauty, the world’s largest retailer of professional beauty supplies, and Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive resort for everyone, have teamed up this summer to offer you the chance to get “summer ready” and hit the beach with the "Beauty & Beaches" Sweepstakes! During July, stop in your local SALLY Beauty and pick up your favorite professional beauty products. Use your Sally Loyalty Club card when you make a purchase and you’re automatically entered for your chance to win a Caribbean getaway for two!

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Ignite Romance With A Candlelight Dinner On The Beach
Warm afternoons spent swaying in hammocks and long walks on the beach are what honeymoon destinations are made of. But what’s a romantic beach getaway without a candlelight dinner? During your WeddingMoon®, reinvent date night and toast to your love in the luster of the Caribbean!

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Win a Getaway to Sandals LaSource Grenada with Islands Magazine
After a long winter, summer is finally here! Sandals and Beaches are partnering with Islands Magazine for their 25th Annual Islands Magazine Reader’s Choice Facebook Photo Contest and giving you the chance to win a romantic Luxury Included® Vacation to the Caribbean.

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Sandals Select: Your 2014 Beaches Reunion Week Getaway
Have you always wanted to enjoy the Caribbean with the whole family? Now’s your chance. Receive VIP treatment, personalized on-property recognition, memorable gifts and so much more, simply for being a valued Sandals Select Rewards member! Plus, enjoy Luxury Included® services and amenities like unlimited water sports, luxury accommodations, Kids Camp, scuba diving, and more, along with amazing Beaches Reunion Week activities and inclusions.

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The Sandals Foundation Partners With NBA Champion Dwyane Wade and Wade’s World Foundation
Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, has announced a three-year premiere partnership with NBA Champion Dwyane Wade and his charitable organization, Wade’s World Foundation.  Together, the two non-profit foundations will launch programs and initiatives to benefit youth in underserved communities in the Caribbean and Miami.

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Sandals Resorts Chairman Receives Prestigious Honor
Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, OJ, CD, Hon. LLD, was honored with the 2023 Invest Caribbean Now Leadership Award on June 4, 2023 at the Harvard Club in New York City. Invest Caribbean Now (ICN), the biggest global summit on the Caribbean outside the region, honored Stewart this year for his investment, commitment and dedication to the Caribbean.  Past ICN honorees have included Sir Richard Branson and Royal Caribbean Cruises International.

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Tune In and Win Your Way to Beaches for a Caribbean Getaway!
Beaches and your favorite radio stations want to help you win your way to the Caribbean! Tune in all next week, June 2 - 6, as 22 radio stations hit the beach and take over the air waves as they broadcast LIVE from Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club.  Listen in as DJs share their own first hand Luxury Included® experiences as they sample Discovery Dining at seven diverse restaurants and indulge in the luxury, service and amenities Beaches is known for.

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Test Drive Your WeddingMoon®
Lovebirds are in for a treat! Discover just what to expect on your big day with a pre-WeddingMoon getaway to the Sandals or Beaches of your choice! On this two-day Luxury Included® trip, you’ll relieve the stress of anticipating the unknown by discussing all the details of your big day with our wedding experts. Knowing what to expect isn’t the only thing that will put you at ease—explore the Red Lane® Spa to discover your favorite wedding-day spa treatment sample delectable cake flavors with a Cake and Champagne Tasting, pose for a photo at your decided venue, and then head over to Snapshots to meet with the photography team. Enjoy a romantic dinner for two, a walk on the beach, a dive in the Caribbean Sea, and so much more! Plus, receive up to a $700 credit once you’re ready to book your Sandals or Beaches WeddingMoon!

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Visit American Girl Stores for a Chance to Win a Beaches Vacation
It’s the summer sweepstakes you’ve been waiting for! A match made in heaven, Beaches and American Girl are partnering to provide you the chance to experience the beauty of the Caribbean with the perfect family getaway.

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Sandals Foundation Enriches The Caribbean With New Crop Of Noteworthy Initiatives
Created five years ago to improve the lives of people in communities where Sandals and Beaches operate, the Sandals Foundation focuses on three major pillars – education, community and the environment. Over the past few months, the organization has continued to enrich the Caribbean through a wide variety of initaitives involving guests, travel agents, travel industry partners, and Sandals and Beaches team members alike. Read below to find out more about these special projects and how you can get involved during your next Luxury Included Vacation.

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Sandals Earns Their Keep in the Caribbean in Honor of Earth Day!
Sandals Resorts across the Caribbean are paying homage to the very land and seascapes that provides the tourism industry with its livelihood—thanks be to Mother Nature! From beach clean-ups in Montego Bay Jamaica to Great Exuma in the Bahamas, Sandals is rallying together not just on Earth Day, but the entire month of April in honor of the company’s annual environment-focused objectives through the Sandals Foundation. 

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Experience Sailing Fun at Beaches
There’s no better place to learn the sport of sailing than at the world’s best sailing destinations of Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Gliding on the Caribbean Sea, you can now participate in an introductory sailing experience program through the renowned American Sailing Association when taking a Luxury Included® Vacation at Beaches Negril, Beaches Ocho Rios and Beaches Turks & Caicos.

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Gear up for Sandals Spring Reunion Week – April 21 -25, 2014
Sandals Select members are in for a treat this spring as Sandals Resorts across all 6 islands plan activities for this year’s Reunion Week. Sandals Select members get to enjoy one week dedicated to nothing but fun events and activities just for being a member of the best loyalty program in the Caribbean.

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Win a Beaches Caribbean Vacation For Your High School Grad!
They grow up so fast! It was just yesterday they were learning how to walk and now you’re getting ready to send them off to college… but before they go, Beaches  and Tiny Prints are partnering up to provide you with a chance to experience the beauty of the Caribbean with your grad before they’re gone.

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Travel + Leisure Uncovers “Secret” Fowl Cay Resort
With thousands of islands calling the Caribbean home, there are a dizzying number of hotels for sun-seeking travelers to choose from. If you’re longing to avoid the crowds to find true peace and quiet, Travel + Leisure is here to help! The travel mag recently rounded up “Secret Caribbean Hotels,” and included Fowl Cay Resort on their expert list.

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Beaches Offers the Best in Family Volunteer Vacations, According to USA TODAY
While discovering the Caribbean together at Beaches delightfully involves splashing in the waves with loved ones or whizzing down waterslides, there are some activities you may have not considered that could afford a bigger impact on your family than the entire vacation in itself. Those are the “voluntourism” initiatives conducted through the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Beaches’ parent company, Sandals Resorts International.

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Island Routes Takes AWE TV On A Caribbean Adventure
A Sandals Resorts  or Beaches Resorts Luxury Included® Vacation is never complete without getting acquainted with the culture and beauty of the Caribbean island you’re visiting. That’s why AWE TV is taking viewers on a virtual adventure known as “Vicarious Escapes,” showcasing  the very best, off-the-beaten-path excursions that have made Island Routes the World's Leading Caribbean Attraction Company for five years running.

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TravelTelevision.org Takes A Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches, seeks to help fulfill the promise of the Caribbean community through investment in sustainable projects in education, environment and community which improve people’s lives and preserve our natural surroundings. While the Sandals Foundation team works hard on a number of projects throughout the year, you might know that there is also a way you can also get involved during your next Luxury Included® Vacation.

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USA Today Names Beaches One Of The Coolest Places To Pop The Question
With bright orange sunsets, inviting ocean and exotic surroundings, the Caribbean is the perfect place to pop the question. While this fairytale setting is certainly enough to woo anyone, it never hurts to think outside of the box when planning that special moment. USA Today recently rounded up the coolest places to propose in the Caribbean featuring unique locations and ways to set you on that road to saying “I do” in paradise.

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Red Lane® Spa Heats Up With Renewed ‘Scents of Love’ Couples Massage
Just in time for February, the month of love, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are turning up the heat at our award-winning Red Lane® Spa by introducing a new spin on its famed Scents of Love Couples Massage treatment.  You and your loved one can rekindle your flame (literally), as your spa relaxation specialist takes you on an aromatic journey of romantic  connection—all while capturing the true essence of the Caribbean.

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Glow Like Never Before On Your WeddingMoon®
Revitalize your skin with botanical products and essential oils native to the Caribbean! Offering an array of skincare products geared toward making your skin silky smooth and glistening, these beautifying Red Lane® Spa items will make your spirits soar and help create the perfect glow for one of the most special days of your life!

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Sandals Foundation Stays Busy Supporting Caribbean Community with New Initiatives
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continues to spearhead its mission of bettering the Caribbean region through community, education and environmental outreach. Each year, the Foundation elects a number of projects to be taken under its arms and funded through donations and fundraising events by generous donors and volunteers. Recently, the foundation made a significant impact in the Caribbean by providing free health care to thousands of adults and children in Jamaica, hosting teacher workshops encouraging environmental preservation, and promoting debate clubs in schools. Read below to find out more.

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Sandals Select: The Results are in for Best Kiss of 2013
Your kisses of love filled the Sandals Resorts Facebook page over the last few weeks. Now, it’s time to find out which kiss stole the hearts of all the Facebook voters! With the Caribbean coastline and the offshore island of Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica serving as a dreamy backdrop, a kiss between the newly wed, atop a rustic boat, took the grand prize!

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Post Your Picture of Love
From classic pictures and romantic wedding photos to daring and adventurous snapshots, your beautiful beginning at Sandals or Beaches could earn you a feature on the Sandals and Beaches Wedding Blog. Maybe it's a colorful place setting you want to show off, the elegant dress, a lively wedding reception with the Caribbean sun setting behind you and your guests, a passionate kiss shared between you and your significant other – or a combination of all four - your photos could make you the star of an award-winning blog!

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Sandals Foundation Thanks You for Giving Back to the Caribbean
The philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, The Sandals Foundation, would like to express its gratitude to all the travel partners, donors, volunteers and team members who were instrumental in making 2023 a success!  The foundation’s work would not be possible without everyone’s donations, time, hard work, service and commitment.

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Sandals’ Mixologists Master Creative Cocktails in the Caribbean
The key to making the most of your vacation is kicking back and casting all your cares aside and what better way to do that than by sipping on a made-to-order tropical concoction while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the Caribbean?

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Vote for the Best Kiss of 2013!
 Kisses at midnight. Seashore smooches with the Caribbean coastline serving as a dreamy backdrop. Kisses aboard a rustic boat, and more kisses shared amid the romantic locales of Sandals Resorts. We need you to help us pick a winner! Now’s your chance to vote for the Best Kiss – visit the Sandals Resorts Facebook page now until January 13, 2023 to weigh in on which Sandals Select Rewards member shared the best smooch of 2023.

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Behind The Magic Of Sandals’ Spectacular Weddings
Sandals Resorts latest video channel webisode “Spectacular Weddings at Sandals Resorts” takes you behind the craft of its wedding planning process, from keeping a pulse on the latest trends and considering the smallest details, to providing an abundance of knowledge and resources where only the Caribbean sky is the limit.  And in true Sandals Luxury Included® style, having a personal wedding planner is yet another offering at Sandals Resorts that is not only included but delivered in the highest standard.

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New Free WeddingMoon® Nights Offer
Dreaming of the perfect wedding in the Caribbean with all your loved ones in tow? Well Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are making it easier to plan your ultimate destination wedding with its Free WeddingMoon® Nights special offer.

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20 Reasons Why Beaches Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s Best All-Inclusive Family Resort by Islands Magazine
When it comes to an all-inclusive family vacation, you can’t beat having fun under the Caribbean sun. Islands Magazine, an authority in tropical and exotic vacations around the world, recently visited Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club. Executive Editor, Robert Stephens took a trip to the resort with his 9-year-old daughter and raved about this perfect family getaway including the non-stop fun and our Beaches Resorts team members, your family away from home.  After experiencing all the activities and amenities the resort has to offer, from the hot and delicious pizzas at Bella Napoli Pizzeria to the exhilarating waterslides of Pirates Island Waterpark, they named our Luxury Included® Resort “Jamaica’s Best All-Inclusive Family Resort.”

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Sandals Foundation Helps To Save Jamaica’s Fishing Industry
Fishing is the lifeblood of many communities throughout the Caribbean. From fishermen to boat builders, an entire industry depends on the health of the ocean. Unfortunately, over the past thirty years, climate change has taken a negative toll on the seas, resulting in decreased fish populations, coral bleaching and much more. As part of its commitment to environmental preservation, the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, joined The Caribbean Fish Sanctuary Partnership Initiative (C-FISH). Through this project, partners aim to strengthen community-based fish sanctuaries (marine reserves or no-take-zones) by providing resources, training and alternative livelihood opportunities across the Caribbean.

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Sandals Launches Discovery Dining iPad App
Sandals Resorts has launched an exclusive Discovery Dining iPad App to give you an in-depth view of all of the culinary experiences offered at our resorts throughout the Caribbean. Along with details on all cuisines offered, you will be able to see 360° views of the resort restaurants as well as read chefs’ bios and watch videos on Discovery Dining with our Culinary Ambassador Chef Walter Staib.

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Sandals Barbados Welcomes Its First Guests
Sandals Barbados, the newest addition to our Luxury Included® resort portfolio, opened its doors last week to much fanfare. Newlyweds Eva Kowalski and Thomas Ulewicz from Chicago, IL were the first to check-in to the property, greeted by the newly appointed General Manager of Sandals Barbados, Josef Zellner. These lucky guests were among the first to experience the finest amenities and accommodations along one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.  

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Share The Luck with the Sandals Foundation Holiday Toy Drive
Tis the season for giving and Sandals Resorts International is giving everyone who loves the Caribbean a chance to join them in giving back to the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, is gearing up for the holiday season and collecting generous donations for its annual Toy Drive, benefitting underprivileged children in the Caribbean. The Foundation is once again partnering with Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), one of the world’s leading branded play companies and a valued partner of Beaches Resorts, for this year’s “Share the Luck” campaign. Through this campaign, when consumers donate to the toy drive, thereby making it a lucky holiday for children in the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International will in turn “share the luck” by entering them for a chance to win a Luxury Included® Vacation to paradise.

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Red Lane® Spa Introduces New Skincare Product Line
As you envision all of the elements of your dream island getaway—gorgeous white sand beach, the aroma of fresh gardens and salt water, the taste of tropical fruits, the warmth of the Caribbean sun, the sounds of crashing waves and sea breeze—imagine the spa experience that all of these ingredients would create. When it comes to pampering, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been spoiling guests with the use of botanical and indigenous ingredients for years, capturing the true essence of the Caribbean at its Red Lane® Spa, the signature spa concept available exclusively to our resort guests.

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Experience the Caribbean’s Ultimate Scuba Diving Adventure
Warm waters teeming with exotic and tropical sea life make the Caribbean an alluring scuba diving destination for beginners to veterans alike. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time taking the plunge, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are ready to serve as your guide. With over 510 dive sites spanning Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahams, and Turks & Caicos, and more being added soon in Grenada, every Luxury Included® resort offers knowledgeable staff, reliable equipment and unforgettable wonders to see. Best of all? It’s all included!

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Your Authentic Caribbean Vacation Awaits at Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua
With 365 beautiful white-sand beaches around the island, it’s no wonder why Antigua has been considered paradise by many. This charming island is full of natural splendor, scenic views and rich in European culture making it one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean. And with all of the inclusions available at our all-inclusive Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua, you’ll be able to experience the island for yourself.

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Listen & Win During Our LIVE Broadcasts At Sandals Regency La Toc
Want to escape with your loved one on a much needed vacation?  How about whisking your sweetheart away to The Caribbean’s Most Glamorous Resort…Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in Saint Lucia?  All you have to do is tune in to your favorite radio station this week for your chance to win a Luxury Included® Vacation to any Sandals Resort! 

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Spice Up Your Corn With the Flavors of the Caribbean
Spicy Corn Relish

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Plan Your Next Meeting at Sandals Resorts
When planning your next meeting, take a cue from the experts and look no further than the islands of the Caribbean as your perfect destination. Breaking away from the office is a great opportunity for staff to think outside the box and combine a little R&R with education and enrichment. Everyone knows Sandals Resorts is made for couples in love, but did you also know it’s a great place to host meetings of even the largest groups? Recently, Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine featured Sandals Resorts and learned how adding sun, sand and water to your next event is the ideal recipe for making meetings fun again.

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Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch Coming to All Beaches Resorts
It seems as though Beaches Ocho Rios was not enough for Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch as he is making his way through the rest of the Caribbean!  The popular Sesame Street character will be joining the rest of the cast at both Beaches Negril Resort & Spa and Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa this fall.

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Sandals Emerald Bay: Paradise Within Reach
Sandals Emerald Bay is merely 40 minutes by plane from south Florida, so you can feel worlds away island hopping to picturesque islets and cays, diving, fishing, and yachting. With a tranquil backdrop and lavish activities including the Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole, par 72 championship course, regarded as one of the best in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure Golf; one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Bahamas; seven unlimited fine dining restaurants including the acclaimed Italian restaurant Il Cielo; and the extraordinary service of the butlers, this resort is one of the most alluring resorts in all of the Out Islands. Plus, Sandals Emerald Bay is now even more accessible with Delta Airlines’ new route from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Explore the Underwater World with Sandals and Beaches
A Luxury Included® Vacation at any one of our Sandals Resorts andBeaches Resorts has it all including some of the most luxurious rooms and suites in the Caribbean, world class dining including premium drinks, and some of the most scenic beaches in the world. Though relaxing is part of any great vacation, new experiences are just as important. Our scuba program is one of the best in the Caribbean and will allow advanced and novice divers to experience something new every day in the Caribbean’s best dive sites.

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June Suite of the Month Royal Village Honeymoon One Bedroom Villa Suite
The legendary Balmoral Club was once the vacation hot spot in the Caribbean for 1940’s high society, celebrities and even royalty including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.  This illustrious club has been transformed through the decades and today is known as Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island. The resort remains an oasis of European grandeur that brings back the elegance of a bygone era and where guests are still treated like royalty.   Tucked into the serene gardens of this resort, you’ll find The Royal Village where you can hear lovebirds in the morning and witness butterflies fluttering in vibrant tropical blooms. This royal garden setting, away from the hustleand bustle of the resort, is home to spacious Villa sanctuaries decorated in pale tones and dark mahogany furnishings with private patios or balconiesperfect for a honeymoon in paradise. As part of your royal treatment, you’ll also receive 24-hour room service, VIP Rolls Royce or Mercedes Benz airport transfers and exclusive dining at Gordon's on the Pier, where butler level guests can dine on steak and seafood under the stars.  This suite is one of the highlights of our Love Nest Luxury Suites, designed specifically for love birds looking for seclusion and romance.  

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Sandals Foundation Supports Caribbean Community with New Initiatives
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continues to spearhead its mission of bettering the Caribbean region through community, education and environmental outreach. Each year, the Foundation elects a number of projects to be taken under its arms and funded through donations and fundraising events by generous donors. Recently the foundation made a significant impact in the Caribbean by spreading cheer to local children with the supply of new playground equipment, recreational supplies and classroom computers as well as enhancing the local healthcare facilities for its residents.

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Discovery Dining: Savor The Flavor of Seaside Dining
Fresh seafood is just one of those cuisines you can’t get enough of, and the Caribbean has always been the best place to eat it.  At Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts you can discover Seaside Dining and savor fresh seafood infused with local flavors while marveling at breathtaking vistas of the ocean…what a combination!   

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Celebrate Father's Day with Stride Rite® and Beaches Resorts
Beaches Resorts has partnered with Stride Rite®, the leader in premium children’s footwear, to celebrate dads this Father’s Day with a specialLuxury Included® Vacation giveaway.  Enter now through June 16th for your chance to win a family vacation to the Caribbean in the Stride Rite® Embrace Your Family Giveaway.  What better gift for dad this year?

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Radio DJ ReTies The Knot In Paradise
Whether celebrating your first year as husband and wife or celebrating a golden anniversary, there is nothing as romantic as saying “I do” all over again amid the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Caribbean.

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The Sandals Foundation Takes On The "Caribbean Challenge"
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continuously works hard to promote conservation of the Caribbean’s natural habitat. Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International and President of the Sandals Foundation, recently attended the Caribbean Summit of Political and Business Leaders in the British Virgin Islands to engage with fellow activists and discuss a plan on how to preserve their beautiful islands through marine and coastal conservation. 

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Vacation like a VIP with our NEW Club Sandals
Everyone wants to feel, live or vacation like a celebrity on occasion. The glamour, the pampering, and the VIP service; it’s an experience we all want to indulge in, especially during an exotic escape to the Caribbean. Starting June 1, Sandals Resorts is offering our concierge level guests a taste of this high-life with the introduction of Club Sandals, an exclusive new club that is redefining the concierge experience. From the moment you arrive to the moment you depart you will be treated like a VIP with every need being tended to and every worry taken care of. You will feel like a star by the end of your vacation.

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ISLANDS Readers Vote Sandals & Beaches Best All-Inclusives
Sun-seekers and beach lovers have flocked to Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts throughout the Caribbean in search of one thing—the vacation of a lifetime; a place where they can expect all the luxuries to be included and where they know the service will be top-notch. Because Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts deliver exactly that, ISLANDS magazine readers have voted the adult-only paradise known as Sandals Resorts as their number one pick for “Best All-Inclusive,” and the family haven known as Beaches Resorts as their number two pick in this year’s “Best of the Caribbean” feature.

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Beaches Resorts Deemed Best Teen Program by USA Today
While the Caribbean is renowned for providing unforgettable vacations for couples in love, it also provides endless opportunity to have fun in the sun with your entire family! USA Today recently featured Beaches Resorts in their summer travel guide to The Best Family Vacations under The Best Caribbean Beach Resorts and also lauded Beaches Resorts for featuring the Best Teen Program at all three of its resorts, located in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.

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April Suite of the Month-Portofino Penthouse
Live “La Dolce Vita” while partaking in the sun and fun of the Caribbean at the Six Star Diamond Award-winning Italian Village located in the exquisite Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.  Among one of the four villages at Beaches Turks & Caicos, the Italian Village brings the essence of the Italy to life, from the fountains and statues to the cuisine. It’s as if you were staying on the Italian Riviera, but with an endearing Caribbean vibe. Linger over marvelous food and conversation at Mario’s restaurant. Stroll along the piazza for some leisurely shopping. Lounge by the luxurious Italian inspired pool with magnificent statues and fountains just steps from the beach.

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The Sandals Foundation Celebrates Marine Awareness Month
In an effort to promote marine awareness during the month of April, the Sandals Foundation reached out to over 2,000 local students and Sandals Resorts guests to share the importance of the preservation of marine life and expose some of the unique aquatic ecosystems in the Caribbean. Through visits to local schools across the islands of Antigua, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, as well as voluntourism experiences integrated into Sandals Resorts’ Reunion Week, the Sandals Foundation continues to spearhead its mission of bettering the region through community, education and environmental outreach.

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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Café de Paris
You’ve just had a delicious meal at one of our world-class restaurants and you’re in one of the most beautiful settings in the Caribbean; nothing could be better. Well, maybe just one thing. You could use a sweet treat to wrap a bow around your already stellar Discovery Dining experience. Where do you go for such a treat while at a Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort? The answer is by making your way to our own little piece of France, Café de Paris.

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Sandals Foundation Sees To A Healthy Community & Planet
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continues to spearhead its mission of bettering the Caribbean through community, education and environmental outreach. And thanks to the various efforts just this past month, the Foundation is proud to report on a number of successful initiatives and events which have made an impact on the local community and environment. Here’s a look at some of the exciting examples of how the Sandals Foundation continues to make a difference: 

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Perfect Honeymoon Destination: Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia, voted one of the Top Islands in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler, is an ideal destination for honeymooners.  From the fiery passions of its ancient volcano, to the serene abundance of its national rainforest and the blissful charm of Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia casts a spell of romance at every turn.  It is a place so filled with natural splendor that everywhere you look your eyes fall upon yet another glorious sight.

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Top 5 Ways Military Families Can Save at Beaches Resorts
Between coordinating schedules and picking the perfect destination, planning a family vacation can be a challenge, particularly for short-handed military families. Perhaps the most difficult task is finding a vacation that gives you everything you and your family want at a great price. At any of our three Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, you will be able to vacation in some of the most spectacular resorts in the Caribbean while keeping extra change in your pocket by taking advantage of these Top 5 offerings:

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Win A B.F.F. Girls Getaway with Natural Health
Spending a weekend in the Caribbean bonding with your best friend is something all girlfriends would all love to do, which is why Beaches Resorts has partnered with everyone’s favorite healthy-lifestyle magazine, Natural Health, for a “B.F.F. Girls Getaway Sweepstakes.”  You can win a 5-day, 4-night Luxury Included® vacation to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa for the popular Beaches Friends Forever (B.F.F.) Girls Getaway which takes place every year in paradise!  The winner will enjoy a weekend with their best girlfriend receiving a welcome goody bag filled with special treats, and participating in exclusive B.F.F. activities such as a Private Catamaran Cruise, a Beach Bonfire PJ Party, a Jewelry & Wine Soiree and so much more!

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About.com Readers Name Sandals Grande Riviera Caribbean's Best
Sandals Resorts is proving once again to be a fan favorite! About.com recently awarded Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort “2023 Favorite Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort” in their Readers’ Choice Awards. Over 13,000 readers voted this “pioneer in upscale all-inclusive travel” their favorite and we can’t thank you enough. Other categories in the Caribbean Travel awards included best beaches, attractions, bars and even rum.

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Book Your Escape to Sandals LaSource Grenada Today
Sandals Resorts is getting spicier this December with the opening of Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa, the fourteenth Sandals Resort in the Caribbean. Making its home on the exotic Spice Island, the resort will offer the highest level of luxury with an unprecedented look and feel. Offering elaborate accommodations, nine global gourmet dining options and a state-of-the-art Wellness Center, you will have a hard time deciding which you love discovering more, the new alluring destination of Grenada or Sandals’ latest lap of luxury.

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Newlyweds Can Give Back at Sandals Resorts & Beaches Resorts
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have unique way for couples to celebrate their weddings, honeymoons or WeddingMoons® while at the same time giving back to the Caribbean community.  Recently the Boothbay Register Newspaper featured, a story about one of our of Sandals newlyweds, Valerie (Augustine) and Tabor Young of Boothbay Harbor who married at Sandals Grande Riviera and were a true inspiration to everyone.  In lieu of gifts for their wedding, they requested that all their guests donate items they could bring down to the island to give to the community.  Here is what the lovely couple had to say about their touching request: 

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"Like" Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts on Facebook!
With the launch of the all-new Grand Pineapple Resorts Facebook page, it’s now easier than ever to stay up-to-date on the latest news and happenings from Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. A part of the Sandals Resorts family, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts offer an authentic Caribbean vacation experience for everyone in Negril, Jamaica and Antigua, including accommodations, all meals and snacks, unlimited beverages, non-motorized watersports, entertainment and more.  These two all-inclusive resorts provide a great, affordable vacation on the some of the Caribbean’s best beaches.

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A Perfect Honeymoon Destination: Antigua
There is a place in the Caribbean unlike no other. An island whose dimensions span only 14 miles in length and 11 miles in width but has 365 beaches! That’s right, a beach for every day of the year.  Antigua is a destination where you will find your very own secluded piece of Paradise.  

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Vote For Sandals Grande Riviera in the About.Com Readers Choice Awards
Sandals Resorts is thrilled to announce that Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort has been nominated as a finalist for the Caribbean Travel All-Inclusive category in the About.com Readers Choice Awards. Five nominees have been selected for each category, and the winner will be decided by About.com readers. To show your love for the Caribbean’s grandest resort, please vote for Sandals Grande Riviera!

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Sandals Resorts Honored by U.S. News & World Report
Sandals Resorts has been recognized again for being among the best hotels in the world. Every year, U.S. News & World Report selects the top places to stay in the United States and the Caribbean. This year, every Sandals Resort is featured on their lists, while four of these Luxury Included® resorts earned a prestigious Silver Badge Award.

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Sandals Next Destination Makes Nat Geo Traveler?s Best Trips 2013
For more than 30 years, Sandals Resorts has made a name for itself among beach lovers for its exotic and tropical locations.  As a Caribbean-based hotel company, we  are always proud and excited to show our guests the real Caribbean, and so we knew our next foray to a new destination would have to be just as captivating, if not more.  This is why we are honored to call the Caribbean island of Grenada our next home.  Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa will be no exception to the Sandals standard of gorgeous white-sand beaches and warm Caribbean hospitality.

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A Perfect Honeymoon Destination: Jamaica
There is a magic to Jamaica that is as soul-stirring as a sunset.  Wherever you go in this enchanted paradise, you will find natural beauty so stunning, it will take your breath away.   Jamaica is home to a magnificent landscape of rolling mountains lined by endless white-sand beaches, covered by lush foliage and crisscrossed by streaming rivers and cascading waterfalls.  The beaches in Jamaica are truly spectacular, from secluded private coves to Negril's world-renowned seven-mile stretch of powdery white sand, all looking out onto the ultra-clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean.   There is only one resort company in Jamaica that can give you everything that Jamaica has to offer plus more, and that is Sandals Resorts.

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Sandals Resorts Featured In Redbook Magazine
Sandals Resorts was featured in the January 2023 issue of popular women’s magazine, Redbook, as part of their exclusive Wedding Dress Challenge. Readers are encouraged to get fit, healthy and kick those bad eating habits in an effort to get back into their wedding dress size! When readers enter the challenge they will instantly be entered to win a 5-night Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® Vacation to Jamaica…what better place than the Caribbean to show off that new beach body? Redbook is helping readers get back into shape with weekly tips from their trainer, nutrition checklists, and plenty of motivation and support!

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Sandals Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer across the Caribbean
While people everywhere were busy shopping and wrapping presents for loved ones, the Sandals Foundation was working hard to organize their annual holiday toy drive. Their efforts paid off and the Sandals Foundation is pleased to announce another successful event! Thanks to the goodwill of generous donors and valuable partner Hasbro, Inc., thousands of children all across the Caribbean received special gifts with nothing but smiles on their faces.

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Sandals Grande St. Lucian - Surround Yourself in Luxury
Looking for a unique and exotic honeymoon destination?  Look no further than Saint Lucia.  Boasting a drive-through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19,000 color-splashed acres of natural wonders, Saint Lucia's exotic beauty truly captures the luxuriant allure of the Caribbean. From the distinctive twin peaks of Les Pitons to the translucent turquoise sea that frames it all, Saint Lucia dazzles the eye as it seduces the body and spirit. Experience a honeymoon full of natural splendor and romantic vistas when you travel to a Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia.  The uniqueness doesn’t stop here, Sandals provides this very experience at Sandals Grande St. Lucian by offering the most exceptional accommodations to honeymooners with The Rondoval Suits. 

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Discover the Caribbean Night Life at Sandals Resorts
When planning a Caribbean vacation to one of the luxury all-inclusive Sandals Resorts most people envision relaxation. Exotic beaches, refreshing tropical cocktails, and warm summer breezes are what you expect most of your days to consist of. Many are looking for peace and quiet, and at Sandals you will most definitely be able to enjoy this. 

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The Sandals Foundation Spreads Goodwill throughout the Caribbean
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, participates in a variety of projects throughout the Caribbean every year. Whether supporting community, education or environment initiatives in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Antigua, Saint Lucia and Turks and Caicos, the Sandals Foundation takes every project enthusiastically under its arm, garnering financial support through donations and fundraising events. Here’s what the Sandals Foundation has been up to recently:

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Sandals and Beaches Scuba Offers for 2013
With 2023 fast approaching, it’s time to start planning vacations for the New Year. Most of us will take traditional vacations, but if you’re in the mood for something a little more out-of-the-ordinary, then a luxury all-inclusive dive vacation in the Caribbean may be exactly what you’re looking for.

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Banish Winter Blues at Fowl Cay Resort
As temperatures drop, people everywhere are itching for a sunny escape to the Caribbean. This past Sunday, New York Post recognized Fowl Cay Resort as an ideal place to beat the winter blues in the ultra-remote chain of Bahamian out islands known as the Exumas. When a hotel room just won’t cut it, the private island gem known as Fowl Cay provides an intimate and luxurious experience with six exclusive villas perfect for families of all ages to enjoy.

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Perfect Time for a Family Getaway
Thanksgiving is nearly here and it’s time for delicious food and quality time with friends and family. Now most of us have deeply rooted traditions like visiting Grandma’s house, having the whole family over for a big Thanksgiving dinner or just spending it with close friends; but sometimes, we all need a little break from the ordinary. So this year, when you’re sitting around the dinner table, why not plan a Thanksgiving Family getaway to one of the many beautiful resorts and villas we have to offer in the Caribbean.

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Coming Soon: Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa
Sandals Resorts has plans to make a new home in the sand on the island of Grenada, per the resort company’s recent announcement last Thursday, November 9, 2023.  Located on the exclusive Pink Gin Beach surrounded by the azure waters of the Caribbean, the former LaSource Resort will soon become the fourteenth Sandals destination.  Joining the Luxury All-Inclusive Resort collection, the newly introduced Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa will offer a variety of 200 guestrooms, private cottages and bungalows, many of which will be concierge- and butler-level suites, including the brand’s signature Rondoval suites.

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Duppy Tales of the Caribbean
Telling ghost stories on Halloween can be spooky yet intriguing. Throughout the Caribbean, ghosts, or duppies, as islanders call them, are believed to have haunted plantations, graveyards, and popular hangouts of yesteryear. Some people believe the duppies still haunt many places today. With its colorful and turbulent history, it’s no surprise that tales of the supernatural abound throughout the Caribbean. Here are just a few of the well-known duppy tales of the islands:

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Unique Wedding Location ? Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
There are many unique places that Sandals Resorts has to offer brides and grooms for their destination wedding.  One spot in particular offers something real special that most other resorts in the Caribbean do not have, and that is a Private Offshore Island! This particular island is located in the beautiful island of Jamaica, in Montego Bay to be precise, and is part of the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island.

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Spice Things Up With Vacation Extras
Visiting the Caribbean is a treat in itself. Vacationing at a Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts is even better. You can experience some of the most breath taking beach front settings, unparalleled dining options, stylish suites, and supreme perfection all at your disposal! Although you may be looking to relax on the beach with a refreshing tropical cocktail, there are options available to further enhance your vacation experience.  Whether you’re looking for more adventure, romance or relaxation we have vacation extras to spice things up.

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Sandals Foundation Continues To Make A Difference
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continues to spearhead a variety of programs to better the Caribbean. Whether focusing on education, the environment or the community, the Sandals Foundation’s initiatives always aim to alleviate challenges in the region. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation identifies a number of projects each year in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Antigua, Saint Lucia and Turks and Caicos to be taken under its arms and funded through donations and fundraising events. Here’s what the Sandals Foundation has been up to recently: 

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Sandals Partners With Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum
You asked for it, you got it!  Appleton is back!  Two iconic Caribbean brands, Sandals Resorts and Appleton Rum renew their partnership to offer guests the best of the Caribbean.

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Top 6 Ways to Enjoy A Little Bit of Paris in the Caribbean
Several Sandals Resorts & Beaches Resorts highlight what’s best of not only Caribbean culture and lifestyle, but also bring to light European charm, including the allure of France. Here are a few ways you can enjoy a little bit of Paris in the Caribbean:

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Sandals and Beaches Win Big at World Travel Awards
Ball gowns and bow ties dazzled the terrace of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa on September 14, 2023, as leading travel brands from across the Caribbean and America, gathered for the annual World Travel Awards’ Caribbean and Americas Gala.  This year’s red-carpet ceremony, dedicated to honoring the very best in travel and known as the “Oscars of the Travel Industry," was quite a feat for Sandals Resorts International, taking home an impressive 12 awards—the most awards ever won by the resort company in one year. 

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Customize your Dream Destination WeddingMoon® with Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts, the industry leader of destination weddings and honeymoons, offers the only fully- customizable destination Weddingmoon®. Now you can personally design your dream wedding and have the Caribbean's best beaches and lush gardens as your perfect backdrop.  Make your Sandals Weddingmoon as unique as your love by choosing from a myriad of colors and special wedding touches chosen by you, to make this celebration as special and unique as your love - after all, it's Your Wedding, Your Style.

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Fowl Cay Named as One of the Best Villas in the Caribbean
We think our private-island resort Fowl Cay, in the beautiful Exumas chain of islands, is a hidden gem – and apparently so do the special investigators from Oyster.com.

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National Geographic Diver Program at Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Resorts, equipped with the Caribbean’s most comprehensive dive program, continues to offer its guests more unique dive experiences, which is why Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has introduced its National Geographic Diver Program.

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Beaches Resorts are World's Best Family Hotels by Travel + Leisure
It's another perfect day here at Beaches Resorts, as Travel + Leisure Magazine just announced that two of our resorts hold the top two spots for Top Family Hotels in the Caribbean in their annual World's Best Awards.

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Unique Destination Wedding Locations ? Sandals Montego Bay
Are you looking for a unique location for your destination wedding?  With 14 different locations to choose from, Sandals Resorts offers the most romantic places in the Caribbean for you and your loved one to exchange vows.  At Sandals Montego Bay, we provide our brides and grooms with the option to have their nuptials in a traditional wedding chapel.

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Channel 5's THE BACHELOR features Sandals Emerald Bay
Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic holiday experience in the Caribbean, so it is no surprise that the stunning Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas has been chosen as the setting for the climax of the second season of Channel 5’s hit show The Bachelor. Episodes 9 and 10 will air on 24 and 31 August respectively and will see ‘Bachelor’ Spencer Matthews jet off to the Bahamian paradise of The Exumas for a Luxury Included® stay at Sandals Emerald Bay, accompanied by the three girls who have made it through to the show’s finale.

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Top 5 Reasons to Honeymoon in the Caribbean
After you’ve gone through the months of experiencing the excitement, exhaustion, and stress that comes with planning a wedding, escape to a Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean – a perfect honeymoon location with none of the hassle and all the fun. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, the Caribbean has it all! Check out just a few reasons why the Caribbean is a great honeymoon spot:

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Mama Mia! Sandals Royal Caribbean Gets A Taste of Bella Napoli
The long anticipated pizzeria at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island is officially open for business. Bella Napoli is located next to the resort’s already famous Mariner Seaside Bar & Grill and is a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.  The wood-fired pizzas and al fresco dining will make you feel like you’re in a historic Italian Piazza.

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All Aboard! Beaches Turks & Caicos Offers Train Travel for Kids
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is now offering guests a fun and unique way to explore our award-winning Providenciales resort – through an exciting train adventure!  Visitors can get a lay of the land at the tropical resort via choo choo train, as they travel through the grand piazza of the Italian Village, the charming chateaus of the French Village, and the picturesque gardens of the Caribbean Village.

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The Great-Tasting, Healthy Caribbean Fruit
On your next trip to one of the Caribbean islands, you might notice a heart-shaped, spiky fruit hanging from the trees. This is soursop, an exotic island fruit with a sweet and delicious creamy pulp.

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Get Inspired: Infusing the Sounds of the Caribbean into Your Destination Wedding
If you’ve dreamed of walking down the aisle and dancing the night away to the sweet sounds of the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts can provide you with an amazing variety of entertainment options so authentic and unique, you’ll be able to create the perfect ambiance for your exotic destination wedding.

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Splash in to Summer at Beaches Pirate's Island Waterpark
Summer is here which means school is out and the kids are ready to play! Why not take a trip to one of our luxury all-inclusive Beaches Resorts® where you can combine family with fun. In addition to all the activities we have lined up for all of our younger guests, we offer one of the largest waterparks in the Caribbean, Pirate’s Island Waterpark.  Kids can cool down, splash around and play by their own rules. Pirate’s Island offers an adventure that allows kids to let loose with gigantic geysers, water cannons, huge waterslides, whirlpools, and lazy river journeys. We even have the Caribbean’s only surf simulator creating waves perfect for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. It is the ultimate water adventure for kids of all ages.

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Top 10 Spots for a Candlelight Dinner
Choosing the perfect place for a romantic candlelight dinner is simple. Picking just the right hotspot to celebrate your special occasion is even easier in the Caribbean. A spot near the beach, or overlooking the undulating hills and mountains are ideal; and hotspots abound at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. Here are our top picks:

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Sandals Royal Caribbean Team "Welcomes Home" the Benfeys
Sometimes the people one encounters while on vacation make it that much more special.  In honor of Labour Day, an annual holiday celebrated by many Caribbean nations this month to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers, we are pleased to share a testimonial from Sandals Select Rewards Platinum members, Pete and Alice Benfey, about some of the special people who help to make vacations at Sandals Resorts so memorable and unique.  The Benefey's tell us what they admire most about the team members at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica…perhaps you have met some of these team members during your travels to the Caribbean.

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Discover Lively Up Coffee at Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Sandals Resorts & Beaches Resorts are proud to serve Lively Up Coffee at all of our locations throughout the Caribbean. Click to watch the video below to join Sandals Resorts Culinary Ambassador Chef Walter Staib discover where Lively Up Coffee comes from, and just how it travels from Jamaica's famous Blue Mountains to your coffee mug.

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A Look Back At Giving Back: Impacting 80,000 Lives & Counting...
Since the inception of Sandals Resorts International's philanthropic arm in 2009, The Sandals Foundation has impacted 80,000 lives across the Caribbean through more than 100 community programs, and raised more than $1.5 million for programs supporting education, communities and the environment. With the celebration of its third year anniversary this past month, the Foundation renews its dedication and continuous promise to channel 100 percent of its funds into the Caribbean region.

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The Sandals Foundation is Coloring The Caribbean Green
Sandals Resorts International's philanthropic arm, The Sandals Foundation, kicks off this year's World Earth Day celebrations with a number of green initiatives scheduled to begin on April 19th. In honor of making our planet a better place, everyone's getting involved, from Sandals Foundation team members and resort guests to local students of the foundation's adopted schools. Throughout the month of April, staff, visitors and young people will be gathering throughout the Caribbean to engage their local communities and make a difference in their environment for this year’s World Earth Day.

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A Sandals Resorts Culinary Journey with Chef Walter Staib
We invite you to join us on a culinary journey throughout our Caribbean destinations in a cooking demo series hosted by Sandals Resorts' own Culinary Ambassador, Chef Walter Staib. Sandals Resorts offers guests gourmet cuisine from around the world including fine Italian fare served at the upscale Il Cielo, a Ristorante Italiano exclusively at Sandals Emerald Bay. We begin our journey in the out-island chain of the Bahamas, referred to as The Exumas. Here you will discover the flavors of Tuscany found right in the Caribbean. Click below to watch Sandals Emerald Bay’s Executive Sous-Chef Ivan, joined by Chef Walter Staib, prepare one of Il Cielo’s delectable signature dishes, the “Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Panzanella Salad". 

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Sandals Foundation Added to Wedding & Honeymoon Gift Registry
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are proud to present a very unique way for couples to celebrate their weddings, honeymoons or WeddingMoons® while helping members of the Caribbean community at the same time.  A new addition to Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts online registry program, powered by Honeymoon Wishes, now gives couples – and their family and friends alike – who are celebrating their joyous occasions the opportunity to give back through a donation to the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. 

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