We are often bragging about Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive resorts…but WHY do we love it so much? One of the reasons is they are the MOST All-Inclusive resort out there! Let’s see what that really means!
Are all all-inclusive resorts the same?
No. All-inclusive resorts vary the benefits they include in their all-inclusive vacation package.
The trick is to do your research in advance, as the quality of these options may vary, depending upon the hotel or resort that you choose – some resorts include meals and drinks as part of their all-inclusive package, while other things including tours and water sports must be paid for separately – and that would be no good if you want to go out on a jet ski and have no cash…
With Sandals, some of the all-inclusive perks are 5-star gourmet dining at up to 16 restaurants per resort, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks. Foodies will love this type of all-you-can-eat vacation, especially when you can tell, based on resort ratings, that what you get will be well worth the price you pay. Dining at Sandals includes themed options, which make it possible to give your taste buds a worldwide perspective. At Sandals Ochi for example, you can try cuisines from the Orient, Northern Italian cuisine, Caribbean favorites, and gourmet French cuisine.
Back to your room you’ll find a fully stacked mini fridge, which is free to use 24-hours a day! Sandals also offers unlimited top-notch Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines as part of their all-inclusive experience.
Fancy a drink? Not all all-inclusive resorts include alcoholic drinks as part of the package. Sandals hosts up to 11 bars per resort, available to order your favorite alcoholic and soft drinks as often as you want.
Golf aficionados, your green fees are covered at select Sandals resorts including Sandals Regency La Toc, which features an 9-hole par 33 course, the award-winning Greg Norman designed course at Sandals’ all-inclusive resort in Exuma, Bahamas (18-holes, par 72) and the expansive 18-hole, par 71 golf course at the Sandals resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Sandals recently acquired a new golf course in Saint Lucia, the 18-hole Sandals Golf and Country Club in Cap Estate, which means you can pretty much just play golf and forget about the world during your stay in Saint Lucia. The resort offers free transfers from any of the three Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia to both golf courses, so you don’t have to concentrate on anything but staying on top of your game!
At some all-inclusive resorts (like at all Sandals resorts), tips, taxes and gratuities are included in your stay, so there’s no need to walk with cash to tip servers or other staff while on property. This is something you might want to check the fine print on, before booking an all-inclusive vacation. If you plan on venturing out of the resort however, you should walk with cash, as most vendors do not accept cash or debit cards.
Just as soon as you step out of customs at your destination, you’ll find a Sandals representative waiting to take you to the fully air-conditioned shuttle bus, which will take you directly to your resort. During your departure, a complimentary shuttle will also transport you to the airport. Guests booked in Elite Butler rooms can opt for exclusive Rolls Royce transfers!
Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is everything while away from home, and it is refreshing to arrive at a resort that understands just how important it is to stay connected. At Sandals you’ll find Wi-Fi in your room (in all room categories), as well as in all common areas. The codes are given to you upon arrival, and you’re free to use it for as long as you please.
Know the difference…
You might be wondering about the difference between all-inclusive, and some of the other options available on the vacation market. Here’s a few of the most popular measured up against the all-inclusive product:
All-inclusive vs A la carte
All-inclusive resorts typically cover lodging, daily meals, drinks, gratuities, and other services. A la carte resorts, as the name suggest, allows you to select what you need for your vacation, rather than a combination of services at a fixed price. Often this means you’ll ended up paying more than expected, at the end of your vacation.
All-inclusive vs Self-catering
At most self-catering hotels, resorts, or villa options, you’ll have various facilities made available to you (including kitchenettes or full kitchens), so that you can feel right at home on your vacation. This option means you’ll more or less have to do everything yourself (like doing groceries, preparing your meals etc.), unlike the all-inclusive concept where you can just sit back and relax, having everything done for you.
All-inclusive vs Half-board
Half-board properties tend to include some options and services, and not others as part of your package. For example, two meals, such as breakfast and lunch may be included, but not snacks, drinks and dinner. This is very different from the all-inclusive option where all meals and drinks are included in your stay.
All-inclusive vs Full-board
Full-board means that you can expect most meals to be provided as part of your stay. Some full board hotels charge extra for things like (alcoholic) drinks and snacks, which sets them apart from the all-inclusive hotels and resorts.
What’s Included?
Every Sandals Vacation Includes:
- Luxurious and Unique Rooms & Suites
- Unlimited Meals at up to 16 Fine Restaurants
- Up to 11 Bars per Resort
- Unlimited Premium Liquors
- Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® Wines
- Entertainment Day & Night
- All Sandals Resorts are Adults-Only,Designed for Couples
- Exclusive Butler Service*
- Club Sandals Concierge Service*
- PADI® Certified Scuba Diving
- Unlimited Land & Water Sports
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Centers
- Complimentary Green Fees for Golf**
- Exclusive Exchange Privileges Between Resorts
- Free Non-Stop Round-Trip Airport Transfers
- All Taxes, Tips and Gratuities
- Airport Arrival Lounge in Jamaica and Saint Lucia
