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Everyone dreams of taking a relaxing vacation at a beautiful resort in an idyllic island paradise. If you're thinking of chasing that dream at a
Luckily, you may have just stumbled upon the perfect travel checklist for your all-inclusive vacation. To help you ensure you'll have an unforgettable stay, we've compiled a Sandals travel checklist that includes everything you need to know before jetting off to paradise!
Are you ready to have the time of your life?
Insider tip: If this is your first Sandals vacation, welcome to the family! Not sure what to expect? Get the best
Sandals Resorts tips and tricks from the pros!
The complete Sandals travel checklist:
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One of the first things you'll need to do before booking is to check the passport and visa requirements for the destination you'll be traveling to. Travelers with U.S. passports do not need a visa to vacation at any of the
If you are a U.S. ctizen and your passport has expired or will expire soon, you can get it renewed in as little as 24 hours via online U.S. Passport Courier Services.
So... you've reserved a luxurious suite that comes with your own personal butler to spoil you as you enjoy your Caribbean vacation. Fantastic choice! Get the ball rolling by
Expert tip: Some of the most common butler preferences are specific drinks you'll want to have available in the room, what kind of snacks you'd like to get served at a specific time during the day, and any dietary requirements you might have. You can also have your butler make restaurant reservations for you, request breakfast in bed, have food and drinks delivered to your favorite spot at the pool or on the beach, and enjoy in-room dining with food served from any restaurant on-property. You can also read
the most common butler requests at Sandals for more tips.
Love is all you need when you come to Sandals; the rest we're happy to take care of! Don't hesitate to make special requests ahead of your trip, especially if you're coming for a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or even a simple romantic vacation. Sandals guests can make requests for things like flower arrangements, champagne, chocolate-covered fruit platters, and more. To purchase something special for yourself or a loved one, contact Unique Vacations at 1-888-SANDALS.
Guest comfort is at the forefront of the services provided at each Sandals property. The resort wants to ensure
The Caribbean is an incredible destination to visit year-round as the weather is almost always sunny. Even with the odd tropical shower, you can expect warm temperatures throughout the year. Rain showers often pass quickly unless there's larger weather system in the area. Daytime average temperatures for the Caribbean generally vary from 82°F/28°C to 88°F/31°C. The average night time temperature varies from 70°F/21°C to 75°F/24°C.
Good to know: All rooms at Sandals are equipped with an air conditioner to keep everything in your suite at the perfect temperature for maximum relaxation!
It's easy to overthink while packing, and most Sandals guests will still end up packing too much. When heading on an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation, a good rule of thumb is to pack light. A recommendation often heard from seasoned Sandals guests is to pack, and then unpack half of it.
All you'll need for a week-long vacation is one large suitcase and a carry-on. Each person traveling with you should have their own luggage and carry-on, filled with their travel essentials.
You'll definitely want to pack some resort casual options for when you're out and about and a few comfy things for when you're inside your room. Your packing list should include two or three swimsuits along with cover-ups and a few special options for formal nights, theme nights, and restaurants with special dress codes (some restaurants require full-length pants and collared shirts for men, for example). Dress codes are usually included on the information page for each restaurant on the resort's list. Check your resort's list of restaurants right
Expert tip: All Sandals Resorts organize a weekly 'White Night' with a chocolate buffet. Make sure to bring along that all-white outfit! Other things that might come in handy: loads of sunscreen, an insolated mug with a metal straw to keep your drinks cool, beach towel clips (to secure your beach towel to your pool chair), inflatables, and last but not least your good mood. You're on vacation after all!
At Sandals Resorts, the general dress code is resort casual by day, and elegant by night. During the day, shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses, and light slacks are fine to lounge around in. In the evening, you can wear more elegant attire to dine at any of the restaurants at your resort.
The two different dress codes at Sandals' restaurants are:
Shirts/cover-ups and footwear are both required for resort casual dining attire, but beyond that, pretty much anything goes! As long as you've covered your swimwear, both men and women can feel free to wear any type of shorts, jeans, t-shirts, or polo shirts they want. All styles of shoes are acceptable, but flats or sandals are advisable if you'll be dining on the sand.
Resort evening attire is a little dressier than resort casual and is only required for certain restaurants at dinner time. This dress code differs a bit for men and women.
Men should wear long pants in whatever material suits them best (yes, jeans are allowed!), and definitely avoid shorts. Top that off with a dress shirt (could be a button-up or polo, with long or short sleeves, with or without a collar), and you're good to go. Shoes should be dressier and closed-toed, so your favorite loafers or deck shoes would be perfect for the occasion!
Women get a lot more leeway with resort evening attire! Ladies, you can wear anything from dresses to rompers to jeans and a nice top. Your shoes don't have to be closed-toed, so heels, wedges, or dressy sandals are great options.
Both men and women should avoid jeans shorts, swimwear and cover-ups, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops, slippers, and hats where resort evening attire is requested.
Expert tip: Dress up nicely and arrange a romantic photoshoot on the beach. Just ask around for the photoshop so you can schedule your photo session once you're at the resort!
Even though everything is included in your Sandals all-inclusive package, you might want to bring along some extra cash. If you prefer not to use a debit/credit card, you can pay cash for additional on-site and off-site activities, such as spa treatments and excursions, or make purchases in the gift shops, photoshops, and the like by charging the expense to your room, then paying with cash at the front desk.
Of course, Sandals accepts most major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Traveler's checks are also accepted at the front desk. If you need to exchange U.S. dollars for local currency, all Sandals Resorts have their own exchange bureau at the front desk. While most merchants in the Caribbean do accept U.S. Dollars (USD), paying with local currency removes the guesswork of converting local currency amounts to USD.
The Sandals mobile app keeps you up to date on the opening times and the menus of the restaurants at your Sandals Resort. You'll also be able to check out available excursions, discover resort activities and access 'the Loop' - an online platform that allows you to voice any compliments, concerns or requests you may have while you are on resort.
The Sandals mobile app is available on iPhone and Android:
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Sandals makes getting to and from the airport a breeze, no matter which island you go to. Once you arrive at the airport of your Sandals destination, you'll be guided toward your transfer vehicle. At that point, you and your belongings will be whisked away to your chosen resort where an amazing vacation experience awaits.
Airport transfers are included in your Sandals all-inclusive package. Sandals' airport transfers bring your directly to your resort and don't stop at other resorts along the way.
Arrival airport: Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay or the Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston. Montego Bay is often the preferred option for guests as it entails shorter transfers.
Where to go after you exit customs: After you pass through customs in Jamaica, proceed to the Sandals desk or lounge where Sandals staff will direct you to your resort transfer vehicle.
Transfer times: Depending on the Sandals Resort you'll be staying at in Jamaica, transfer times may vary. The transfer time from the airport to Sandals resorts in Montego Bay, for example, is about 15 - 20 minutes, while it takes about 75 minutes to get from the airport to resorts in Negril and 90 minutes to resorts in Whitehouse. It takes anywhere from 90 to 105 minutes to get to Sandals resorts in Ocho Rios.
All of the above time estimates are for transfers from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Expert tip: Book
Club Mobay if you're planning to arrive through Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Enjoy fast-track services through customs and immigration, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a special lounge that includes free snacks and delectable cocktails.
Arrival airport: Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) for arrivals to Nassau and the Exuma International Airport (GGT) for Exuma arrivals.
Where to go after you exit customs: Once you arrive at Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, you can easily make your way to the Sandals desk, which is located just outside the Immigration and Customs area. Upon exiting Georgetown International Airport in Exuma, you'll find taxis that can take you to the resort (the cost of your taxi will be covered by the resort!).
Transfer times: About 15 minutes (on either island).
Arrival airport: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) or George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), formerly known as 'Vigie Airport'. Most international flights to Saint Lucia arrive via UVF.
Where to go after you exit customs: Sandals guests should make their way to the Sandals desk or lounge once they arrive in Saint Lucia and have cleared customs. These points will be clearly marked and visible, so you won't have a hard time making your way there.
Transfer times: It takes up to 120 minutes to get from the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) to Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia. From the George F. L. Charles Airport, you can be at your resort in about 15 - 20 minutes.
Insider tip: Book a
helicopter transfer from the Hewanorra airport to the resort. It'll reduce your transfer time to 15 minutes and you'll get to see the island from the sky. A fantastic way to start your vacation!
Arrival airport: V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
Where to go after you exit customs: Once you've cleared customs in Antigua, head to the Sandals desk or lounge which is conveniently located right outside the Immigration and Customs area. You'll be directed to the transfer area from there.
Transfer times: About 20 minutes.
Arrival airport: Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND)
Where to go after you exit customs: Once you arrive at the Maurice Bishop International Airport in Grenada, Sandals guests should proceed to the Sandals desk or lounge. At that point, you'll receive assistance and be directed to a waiting transfer vehicle that will take you to your resort.
Transfer times: Only 5 minutes.
Arrival airport: Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)
Where to go after you exit customs: Once you arrive at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, go to the Sandals desk or lounge if you will be staying at Sandals. Once there, you'll be greeted by a member of the Sandals staff who will escort you with your luggage to the transfer point.
Transfer times: About 15 minutes.
Airport transfers are included in your all-inclusive Sandals package, but you also have the option to upgrade to a luxury private transfer. To have this arranged, you'll need to call 1-888-SANDALS at least 48 hours in advance or speak to your travel agent for more information. An additional cost is attached to upgrading to a luxury transfer unless you booked a room category that includes that service complimentary.
Once you step out of the vehicle at the resort, you'll be welcomed by smiling resort staff, provided with lemongrass-scented hand towels to refresh you from your journey, and offered a welcome cocktail or glass of champagne to sip as you complete your check-in.
The first thing you'll need to do once you arrive at the resort is check-in if you have not done so already. If you have already completed the
Expert tip: If you're planning to arrive before 3 PM, make sure you have your swimsuits and sunblock somewhere easily accessible (e.g. in a small backpack). This way you can change in the bathroom and slide into the pool even before your room is ready. Feel free to order whatever you like at the bars and restaurants from the moment you arrive!
Tips and gratuities are included with your Sandals package, with the exception of personal butlers and massage therapists. This means that it is not allowed to tip wait staff, bartenders, concierge staff, the entertainment team, cleaners and other Sandals staff as this would have already been factored in with your booking. If you will be staying in a butler-level room, tips to your butler are allowed and encouraged.
Expert tip: Bring small dollar notes for tipping third-party drivers and excursion guides. Tipping your butler? On average, guests tip their butlers about $20-50 USD per butler per day (your butler team normally consists of two or three butlers), but there is no official maximum or minimum amount. Tipping can be done daily or on the last day of your stay and is appreciated, but never solicited.
Feel free to make use of the laundry and dry cleaning services during your Sandals vacation! This is an optional service, and the price list, as well as laundry bags, are provided in every room. Regular laundry is usually returned within 24 hours, while dry cleaning will be delivered within 72 hours once housekeeping is notified.
The tap water at all Sandals Resorts is filtered and drinkable, but complimentary bottles of water will also be stocked in your room and replenished as often as you need. Take your pick and hydrate just the way you like.
Regardless of which Sandals resort you will be staying at, you can pack a little lighter by leaving your hairdryer and iron at home! Both will be included in your room for your convenience. For your other electronics, read on to learn information on electric current at each destination:
- Jamaica: 110 volts, 60 cycles.
- The Bahamas: 120 volts, 60 cycles.
- Saint Lucia: 220 volts, 50 cycles.
- Antigua: 110 volts, 60 cycles.
- Grenada: 220 volts, 50 cycles.
- Barbados: 110 volts, 50 cycles.
Note: all Sandals rooms have 110 volts outlets, so you'll be able to make full use of your essential items. If you're bringing a ton of gadgets, an extension cord might come in handy.
Sandals goes all out to ensure guests are kept safe during their resort stay, and this includes having a Registered Nurse with daily office hours on the property at each Sandals all-inclusive resort. A qualified physician is also on call for emergencies 24 hours a day at an additional cost. If there is anything about your medical history that you think we should be aware of, please notify Sandals ahead of your arrival.
One of the best things about an all-inclusive Sandals vacation is the variety of gourmet dining options you'll get to enjoy! Feel free to try as many on-property restaurants as you want, but keep in mind that some of them may require reservations. It's best to check out the dining options online before you arrive so you can make your reservations as soon as you get there. You can find the restaurant page for each resort below:
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Depending on whether you've booked a
Rest assured that there are lots of dining options that don't require a reservation, but you're sure to be tempted by a few of those that do!
Make room for a little indulgence on your Sandals travel checklist with plans to visit the spa where a variety of treatments are offered. The
In addition to the spa, you'll have access to fitness centers on the property. At the Sandals
Expert tip: If you absolutely love Red Lane Spa products, you can purchase them from the spa during your stay or order them on
Red Lane's website from the comfort of your home. You can enjoy a luxurious spa day just about anywhere!
The all-inclusive benefits at Sandals extend to scuba diving, which you'll be able to do for free (up to two tanks per day) as a certified diver. Sandals includes top-of-the-line scuba equipment, but you're also free to bring your own. Bring along your diver certification cards, or if you're not already certified, sign up to get this done through your resort.
Each island holds unique secrets beneath the waves!
Good to know: If you have any contraindications to diving, your
PADI medical questionnaire will also need to be signed by a physician before you can dive. You can get this done before you travel or once you arrive (at an additional cost).
Sandals makes it easy for guests to go souvenir shopping or pick up personal items thanks to gift shops located at all Sandals properties. At the gift shops, you can get things like perfume, tobacco, souvenirs, and more. At some resorts, you'll find a luxury boutique with a great selection of jewelry, watches, and many more items from popular brands. If you need help with your purchase, you can get specialist advice while you shop!
On most of the islands where Sandals is located, you'll also be able to access duty-free shopping at the airports and at select stores.
You'll have a great deal of fun at the resort, but don't forget to book one or two excursions to experience the destination as well. It's recommended to book excursions in advance through our partner
There are lots of amazing
Some of the top attractions on offer in Jamaica include:
- Ocho Rios Blue Hole (near Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation)
- Seven Mile Beach (Sandals Negril is located on this beach)
- Mayfield Falls (near Sandals South Coast)
- Floyd's Pelican Bar (near Sandals South Coast)
- Dunn's River Falls (near Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation)
- Appleton Estate (near Sandals South Coast)
- Marta Brae River (near Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean)
- YS Falls (near Sandals South Coast)
- Rose Hall Great House (near Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean)
- Rick's Cafe (near Sandals Negril)
Some fun
Some of the top attractions on offer in The Bahamas include:
- The Swimming Pigs (the original swimming pigs can be found near Sandals Emerald Bay, but there are swimming pig excursions available from Sandals Royal Bahamian)
- Rose Island (a short boat ride from Sandals Royal Bahamian)
- Thunderball Grotto (a short boat ride from Sandals Emerald Bay)
- Blue Lagoon Island (a short boat ride from Sandals Royal Bahamian)
- Cocoplum Beach (near Sandals Emerald Bay)
- Iguana Bitter Cay (a short boat ride from Sandals Emerald Bay)
- Pink Sand Beach (a short boat ride from Sandals Royal Bahamian)
- Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay (a short boat ride from Sandals Emerald Bay)
- Jaws Beach and Clifton National Park (near Sandals Royal Bahamian)
- The historic city center of Nassau (near Sandals Royal Bahamian)
Your vacation in Saint Lucia can be as relaxed or as active as you want it to be. Some of the popular
Some of the top attractions on offer in Saint Lucia include:
- The Pitons
- Tet Paul Nature Trail
- Pigeon Island National Landmark (10-minute walk from Sandals Grande St. Lucian)
- Millet Bird Sanctuary and nature trail (near Sandals Regency La Toc)
- Saint Lucia Verdant Forrest (near Sandals Halcyon Beach)
- Marigot Bay (near Sandals Regency La Toc)
- Anse Chastanet Beach & Reef
- Anse Cochon Beach & Reef
- Soufriere Drive-In Volcano & Sulphur Springs
- Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
You won't run out of
Some of the top attractions on offer in Antigua include:
- Prickly Pear Island
- Stingray City
- Dickenson Bay (Sandals Grande Antigua is located on this beach)
- Donkey Sanctuary
- Shirley Heights
- Pillars of Hercules
- Great Bird Island
- Hell's Gate Island
Tip: Most of these are covered when going on Island Route's
Xtreme Circumnavigation Antigua .
Grenada, that spicy island in the Caribbean, is a top choice if you're looking for a destination where you can relax and set your mind at ease. Even with the laid-back living, you won't have a hard time finding
Some of the top attractions on offer in Grenada include:
- Palm Tree Gardens
- Levera National Park
- Sandy Island
- Seven Sister Falls
- Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park
- West Indies Beer Company
- Royal Mount Carmel waterfalls
- House of Chocolate
- Belmont Estate
- River Antoine Rum Distillery
There are many
Aside from its incredible dive sites and the historic
Some of the top attractions on offer in Barbados include:
- Hunte's Gardens
- Carlisle Bay
- Bottom Bay
- Saint Nicholas Abbey
- Animal Flower Cave
- Bathsheba Beach
- Mount Gay Distillery
- George Washington House
- Harrison's Cave
- Crane Beach
You'll be amazed by the bright color and Dutch-style architecture on this magical little island!
Some of the top attractions on offer in Curacao include:
- Klein Curacao
- Dolphin Academy Curacao
- Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
- Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
- Serena's Art Factory
- Landhuis Chobolobo
- Cas Abao Beach
- Shete Boka National Park
- Handelskade
- Kura Hulanda Museum
The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals, and it is involved in many projects around the world. The Foundation works closely with neighbors, civic leaders, employees, travelers, and partners to fulfill various initiatives. Some of the programs that guests can contribute to include Pack for a Purpose, Reading Road Trip, and more.
Find out more about
Sadly, all good things must come to an end - until your next Sandals vacation anyway!
Once you've come to the end of your Sandals vacation, you'll need to check out of your room by 11 AM. If you have a late flight, you can check out, leave your luggage with the resort staff and continue to enjoy the ocean blues and views for a few more hours! You'll still have access to all restaurants and bars.
Sandals' comforts extend to departure time. If your resort has a departure lounge, you can get cozy in the lounge once you've checked out. In the departure lounge, you'll find comfy couches, large-screen TVs, and changing facilities with showers ... everything you'll need to enjoy your last few moments in paradise.
Yes. Most Caribbean islands include departure taxes for visitors to their shores. Luckily, this tax is already covered in the cost of your ticket with most airlines, so you won't need to think about shelling out extra cash for this at the airport.
There is just no substitute for the Sandals experience! Enjoy a late-night chocolate buffet and dance under the stars. Feel your troubles melting away as you're pampered from head to toe at the Red Lane Spa. Rediscover your romance as you dine by candlelight with the sound of crashing waves in the background. No matter which resort you choose, you're sure to have the time of your life!
To learn more about planning a Sandals Resort vacation, contact one of our Vincent Vacations Representatives directly, or call 1-888-976-0061
Vincent Vacations is an award winning travel agency. As a Preferred Sandals Travel Agency, we serve clients all over the US.
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How to become a Sandals travel agent!
Click on a location below to learn more. We recognize that vacations are not just an investment, but often the highlights of our lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to ensure you have the best experience.
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