Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa

We — a young-20s couple — stayed for 4-nights in January at this resort. As people that have traveled all across the world, here are our thoughts about Sandals Negril. *This will cover: Airport/Shuttle, highlights and downsides, specific things to-do, employee appreciations, and other related notes about our experience. Airport/Shuttle: - The ride is 1.5 hours to 2 hours from the Montego Bay airport. - We used Club Mobay. After speaking with other guests who didn’t use Club Mobay, it seems to have saved us 30-45 minutes of waiting in Customs (arrivals). The only perk was avoiding the long lines, because the arrivals “lounge” is just a bathroom and a bar with small drinks. However, the departures lounge is parallel to an AMEX lounge. Servers, clean bathrooms, and a buffet. - Each 3rd party employee (bag handler at airport, Club Mobay employees, shuttle driver, etc.) expects a tip… So expect to be pestered. Bring a couple of $5s to avoid the rude comments. - The shuttle ride is a roller coaster; sometimes because of the driver’s recklessness, and sometimes because of other drivers’ recklessness. Highlights: - The absolute BEST part of the resort was the beach and the hospitality (more to come on employees later). - The sand was white and soft, and the water was crystal-clear. There was a bit of seaweed that comes ashore each day, but Sandals has specific employees cleaning it up in the morning. This beach is comparable to Saint Marteen and Turks. You NEED to walk the beach daily. - The hospitality of the employees was 10/10. Everyone that walks by will say “Hello” or “Good morning/afternoon,” and we had 0 negative experiences with the staff. - The water sports were awesome: paddle boarding, tubing, snorkeling, kayaking, etc. We did it all each day we were here. - We stayed in a Luxury Level room and found it to be perfect: the location on the resort, the size and cleanliness, and price for it. We aren’t “butler-type” people, so this was plenty and the bathroom was huge. A big shower and a his and hers sink. - There was an easy ability to meet other couples, because everyone is friendly and drinking and up for a conversation. For demographic purposes: The average crowd was 50+ years old and white. - There were lots of daytime activities to participate in, and if you’re staying for less than 6 nights (our 4-night stay was optimal), then you also don’t need to book any excursions. There so much to do here. - And some really great drinks to order: *Always get the drink of the day, Millionaire as a refresher, White Russian or BBC/Mudslide/Dirty Banana for dessert, Fuzzy Cosmo, Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley (with alcohol), Toxic Green, and ask for a fun shot. Downsides: - *As a disclaimer, we loved this resort and would come back; but this is simply for the point of an honest review. - Food: We come from an epic food scene in NYC/DC and all across the globe. So relative to this perspective, the food here wasn’t what we’d come back for. If you’ve been on Royal Caribbean cruises, the food there is better. If you’ve been to a Cheesecake Factory, the food there is better. The reviews that mention the food here is “amazing” are misleading. Stick with a beef or chicken curry patty from Perla, pizza from Bella Napoli, protein from the breakfast buffet, and Barefoot by the Sea for dinner. The late-night eats quesadilla (jerk chicken) is also a good bet. - Nightlife: As a young-20s couple that enjoys dancing and clubs, we wish there was some of it. Considering that this resort is tailored towards an older crowd, we understand that we’re the .1% demographic for this genre of activity. An idea? Maybe partner with a local nightclub and offer a shuttle to go there. We’d pay for that as an excursion. Aside from the desire for clubbing, the night-time games were perfect for a 50s+ crowd: Fire dancing performance, karaoke, and live music. Employee Appreciations: - Rhino from Kimonos: This guy is THE guy. I’ve never met a more fun chef and someone that makes you feel good. We had such a great vibe with him and I wish everyone who was a chef was a Rhino. - Careca from Perla: Careca is incredibly friendly and he taught me the proper way to eat a Jamaican patty (with the bread). I’m so grateful to have met him and I really hope to bump into him again. The perfect Sandals employee. - Shavel from Bella Napoli: “Lil’ Shavel” is so professional and kind each time you come in touch with her. - Delford from Sundowner: We love Delford. When he has a moment and isn’t busy working, he is the best opponent for billiards or Jenga. We shared many laughs and he is such a fun person. - Onikio: Onikio is a really great activities director and such a friendly conversation. He is also a great singer! - Rushaun: Rushaun is such a funny and talented bartender. Sandals is lucky to have him, because wow he made impressive drinks. He should be crafting cocktails at Mar-a-Lago with his skills. Other Information: - The ideal stay for us had been 4-nights. - We weren’t asked for a tip once from Sandals staff, but they’re always appreciated I’m sure. - The beach merchants are peaceful, and respectfully tell them “no thank you” (3 words) and they’ll leave you alone. - Hedonism II (long awaited topic) is directly next to Sandals and separated by only a few trees. You can’t see anything unless you’re really searching! You can easily walk up and down the 7-mile beach, but it starts there and there’s no point to walk over unless you’re interested in more than a walk. - As soon as you get to the resort, reserve all of your dinners at the dining station. It’ll take 5-10 minutes, but isn’t absolutely necessary. Just helpful. - If it’s supposed to rain, then it’ll likely not rain or just rain for 15-minutes. It was supposed to rain our entire 4-night trip, but we only saw a drizzle for 10-minutes. - Bring $50 to spend on the Jamaican economy. You won’t get any more rich, nor any poorer, by spending $50 on wooden carvings to support this developing nation. - As of January 2026, we saw 0 impact of the hurricane at the resort. - Sometimes the bar gets packed, but don’t be rude and stress out the bartenders. The ratio is often 1:6 and they’re nonstop making drinks because of the high demand. Just chill, mon. - Pro tip: Leave your phone in your room the entire time and enjoy the serenity of Negril. Would we come back? Yes. The beach, warmth, and hospitality alone would bring us back to Jamaica. We want to see the world, and Sandals will be the gateway for the Caribbean. Read less

Our little bit of Jamaican paradise for two weeks. Beautiful beach, delicious food and drink, a room with a view to die for and such wonderful and friendly staff!! Staff were all incredible. But Shout out to Adajo and Izzy who sung so beautifully and soulfully in the Piano Bar while we were round the fire pit; Theresa our smashing housekeeper who made the most beautiful towel ornaments for our bed: Karene who always welcomed us at Bayside; Elaine and Chenil in sales; the amazing Lucien and Chadwick who crewed our speedboat around Negril and beyond and came up to greet us most days and have a chat about the cricket (or lack of for both Windies and England!) and not forgetting the wonderful Britney in Crema who has the loveliest of smiles and greeted us with a mean latte early in the morning! Loved the Caribbean evenings with the Steel Band, Fire Eaters and BBQ on the beach The biggest shout out goes to General Manager Melissa, so friendly and approachable and was clearly adored by her Team! Finally, thank you to the Jamaican people who have come together as one community repairing the devastation from the recent hurricane (s) Read less

We arrived at Sandals Negril Jan 13 th for 10 days , it is our heart and home Sandals . We were not sure what to expect after the hurricane but as always it did not disappoint!!! Better then ever in my opinion ! We stayed in the new Bamboo grove building and it is stunning ! The food was outstanding! Conrad is such an amazing chef and we are so happy he is here ! He goes above and beyond to ensure the guests have the best dining options. I think this trip he outdid himself ! Melissa is a strong and dedicated GM who has truly brought this Sandals to tip top shape ! Her staff respect and love her and it shows ! You see Gm Melissa all over the resort checking on everything and making sure guests are happy and well cared for ! Her staff is well trained in what they are suppose to do which is ensuring that guests are taken care of , all their needs are met and that they feel like they are home which we certainly did ! Staff is outgoing , pleasant , always ready to assist you anyway they can . Some that stand out to us were Lois from Perla , Terry in Bayside , Philip at Sundowner , Chris at piano bar makes the best drinks with a smile , Gayonne from return dinner and royalty is a superstar ! Jamaicans are loving , welcoming and resilient people and it certainly shows at this Sandals !!! So many other staff made us feel so welcome but i cant remember everyones name . This Sandals is top notch with the best entertainment also ! Read less