The sexy new swim up suites and river pool at Sandals Montego Bay have been completed, newly renovated butler villas command a gorgeous oceanview and secluded location and affordable entry level and Club Level Rooms are steps from one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. So what’s keeping you from Jamaica mon? For years Sandals Montego Bay has had more returning guests than any Sandals Resort but like all well loved treasures it needed some TLC. Now, with a few million dollars of pampering, the resort is glowing with new life.

Minutes from the airport, Sandals Montego Bay is perfect for sun seekers that want to hit the beach soon after landing. The contemporary, light filled lobby is newly open to the turquoise sea so the moment you arrive you’re tantalized by glimpses of sparking water and beckoned to shed your winter clothes and embrace a barefoot lifestyle. Add a warm Sandals greeting with cool scented towels and tropical drink and you’re off to a great start to a romantic all inclusive honeymoon or vacation.

Beyond the lobby you’ll find a new Islands Routes desk ready book exciting adventures like ziplining or swimming with dolpins, spacious entertainment area and oceanfront bar. Old wood decks have been replaced with tile and incorporate cozy seating areas and romantic firepits overlooking the ocean. Restaurants have also been given a facelift but the big news is the brand new oceanfront river pool with swim out suites, beautiful new butler villas (previously called cottages) and luxurious Millionaire’s Suite. All are stunning and take full advantage of Sandals Montego Bay’s magnificent beach location.

On the left below is the view from the gorgeous new Romeo and Juliet Butler Villas at Sandals Montego Bay and on the right, the view from the all new Beachfront Walkout Club Level Room with Tranquility Soaking Tub. With all the enhancements MoBay is looking like a new resort but some things never change so here’s to the beautiful beach you’ve always loved at Sandals Montego Bay, the warm Jamaica sunshine and adult only all inclusive Sandals Resort service. Woohoo!

Need help choosing the best island or all inclusive resort for you? Have questions about Sandals pricing, specials and deals? We’ve been to all of the Sandals Resorts, guarantee the lowest price and will gladly help you compare Sandals vs Secrets, Excellence and other top quality adult only all inclusive resorts. Our service is free so call or email a honeymoon and all inclusive specialist and allow us to help you find the perfect spot for your next vacation.

For more than a decade Sandals Resorts has named Totem Travel in Seattle a top travel agency. In 2016 Totem Travel was again honored as Best of the Best and the agency continues as the Pacific Northwest’s only member of Sandals’ prestigious Chairman’s Royal Club. Owner Linda Martindell was awarded a Sandals lifetime achievement award and both Linda and Patty are Platinum Level Preferred Sandals Specialists.  In 2016 Linda also became a Sandals Wedding Specialist.

So what does this mean to guests planning a Sandals honeymoon, destination wedding or adult only all inclusive vacation? You can get expert advice, personal service and Sandals’ lowest price from a travel agent that has been to every one of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts. If you are planning an all inclusive vacation, need help deciding which Sandals Resort is best, have questions about a destination wedding or family reunion group, are not sure if butler service is worth the extra cost or what activities can be found on each of the 8 Caribbean islands we hope you’ll call, request a quote or email and allow a Sandals Specialist to help. We offer all the specials and deals you see online and provide personal service at no extra cost.

Sandals Whitehouse was a favorite all-inclusive resort for years, but things change and I’d heard some complaints so last week I flew to Jamaica to check out 10 resorts including all the Sandals Resorts. The verdict? Sandals Whitehouse, recently reopened as Sandals South Coast, is better than ever and gets my vote for best adult only all-inclusive and best Sandals Resort in Jamaica. But best is in the eye of the beholder and there are great Couples and Secrets Resorts in Jamaica as well, so what makes Sandals South Coast #1?

Here are 5 reasons I choose Sandals South Coast as the best adult only all inclusive resort in Jamaica –

1. The main pool at Sandals South Coast is stunning. It’s the size of a small lake, has a large swim up pool bar, underwater lounges, oversized jacuzzi and beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. At night this pool becomes a shimmering centerpiece for the romantic Italian inspired piazza and glows with underwater lights and tiki torches. There’s a second oceanfront pool with swim up pool bar and jacuzzi and in between lies one of the largest heated jacuzzis in the Caribbean, Bottom line? Pool people have lots of choices all steps from the beach and ocean. That’s the best of both worlds and the best you’ll find at an adult only all-inclusive resort in Jamaica!

2. Beach beach beach. Did I mention the beach? The beach at Sandals South Coast is back and better than ever. The generous expanse of sand provides room to spread out and plenty of lounge chairs for sun worshippers and shade lovers alike. Walkers and joggers have more than a mile to stretch their legs and though the beach is not technically private, no one else has access so your barefoot strolls remain undisturbed. Negril has 7 mile beach but you’ll share it with dozens of resorts, kids, security guards and vendors so in my beach lovin’ opinion Sandals South Coast newly reclaimed beach takes best prize.

3. Tropical weather and bathtub warm water calls for lots of watersports and Sandals South Coast offers complimentary snorkel trips, a glass bottom boat, waterskiing, wakeboarding, stand up paddle boards, windsurfing, kayaks, sailing and scuba diving. Land sports also abound including tennis, squash, basketball, shuffleboard, ping pong, billiards and well equipped fitness center. All land and water sports are free and activities another “best in class” for Sandals South Coast.

4. But what about rooms? Sandals Whitehouse was known for 100% beachfront rooms and every room at the new Sandals South Coast is steps from the beach. So every guest can enjoy an ocean view and soothing sound of gentle waves from their private balcony or patio. The new resort adds beautifully remodeled club level rooms and butler suites where the decor is light and airy and feature walk in showers, soaking tubs, fully stocked in room bar, room service and other luxury amenities.

5. Dining is very important at any all-inclusive resort and Sandals South Coast has 9 restaurants. Whether you crave steak, sushi, seafood, Caribbean specialties, Italian, French, Asian or wood fired pizza you’ll find it and you always have the option to dine indoors in air conditioned comfort or outside in the balmy breeze. Only one restaurant at Sandals South Coast has a dress code and only one requires reservations so you can relax and enjoy an elegant or casual dining experience whenever you’d like. Dining at Sandals South Coast is truly dining your way.

Those are 5 reasons for choosing Sandals South Coast as the #1 adult only all-inclusive resort in Jamaica but there’s more!

• The service is excellent and every employee from gardener to front desk was unfailingly friendly on my recent visit. Chefs came out to greet us, servers burst into song over dessert and bartenders entertained with their usual flare. There is no shortage of fun at this resort.
• Sandals South Coast has amazing venues for destination weddings and groups. Weddings are free, the group program starts with as few as 5 rooms and with a brand new overwater bar and overwater chapel, acres of gardens, more than a mile of beach and indoor capacity to seat 350 this resort is one of the best choices anywhere for a destination wedding.
• The spa is fabulous and the sauna, steam, hot/cold plunge pools are free. Extra special treatments include a one hour couples massage followed by ½ hour soak in a flower filled tub for two. If you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon surprise or wedding gift check it out and don’t forget spa treatments and private candlelight dinners can be part of your honeymoon gift registry.
• Lush gardens overflow with exotic tropical flowers and walkways meander through greenery and along the sparkling sea so strolling the grounds at South Coast is a sensual pleasure. You’ll find couples hand in hand, lingering in a hammock and photographing peacocks and hummingbirds. Sandals South Coast is a place to relax, unwind and reconnect.

I’ve seen hundreds of all-inclusive resorts and in Jamaica like Couples Swept Away, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall and Secrets Wild Orchid, so what makes Sandals South Coast the best adult only all inclusive resort? Beach, pool, food, activities, service and more. Sandals South Coast hits on all cylinders, checks all the boxes and is the best overall choice for many of my clients.

So what do you need to know before booking a vacation or honeymoon at Sandals South Coast? If you have questions about prices and specials, weather, flights, room choices, off resort tours, scuba diving etc. please call or email and allow Totem Travel’s Sandals Specialists to assist. We’ve been to all the Sandals Resorts on all the islands, always guarantee the lowest price and are happy to help!

A lot has changed since I first wrote about the best Sandals Resort including new resorts in Grenada and Barbados and major enhancements at Sandals all-inclusive resorts on Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia and the Bahamas. So with 15 all inclusive resorts on 7 beautiful islands, which is the best Sandals Resort for a honeymoon and how should you choose a Sandals Resort for your next adult only all-inclusive vacation? Here are our picks for the best Sandals vacation experience.

Best entry level rooms – Whitehouse is the best Sandals Resort for entry level rooms with 100% beachfront locations and lovely ocean views. Every room has a king bed and furnished balcony plus all the features you expect from a luxury resort.

Best suites –Overwater bungalows open soon at Sandals Royal Caribbean and all we can say is wow! These opulent Tahiti style all-inclusive suites are the first of its kind in the Caribbean and come with private infinity pool, overwater hammock, glass viewing window and butler.

Until then, the best suite is the Millionaire’s Suite at Sandals Regency La Toc, the only “love nest” to combine a completely private pool and skinny dippable Jacuzzi with expansive ocean views. These stunning views can be enjoyed from your king size bed, spacious living room, private deck, pool and Jacuzzi. There is even a sliding wall to open your room to balmy tropical breezes. Not sure if an upgraded room at Sandals is worth the extra cost? Read our post on that!

Best food  – We have a tie! Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau offers 10 distinctly diverse restaurants with upscale dining at the Baccarat and Crystal Room, fresh from the sea preparations at Gordon’s on the Pier and casual eateries such as Stew Fish on the private island and pub for late night dining.

Sandals  La Source Grenada uses locally grown “spice island” ingredients in every creative and beautifully prepared and presented meal. The 9 dining options include a classic steakhouse, French, seafood, Indian, Asian, Italian and even coffee drinks and cocktails are enhanced by exotic local spices.

Best service – The best Sandals Resort for service would be Royal Plantation with its intimate 72 room all butler suites. Sandals Grenada is a strong runner up with its handpicked staff and outstanding management team.

Best beach – Sandals Emerald Bay on Exuma has an unbeatable mile long white sand beach where the sand is soft, sugar white, the water a shimmering turquoise and the adult only ambiance super chill with nary a vendor to disturb your sun worshiping, beach walking serenity.

Best pool – The Mediterranean Village at Sandals Grande Antigua takes top honors with its oceanfront fantasy pool, swim up bar, fountains, underwater seating, jacuzzi, comfy lounge chairs, shaded areas and butler attended cabanas.

Best on and off resort activities – The best Sandals Resort for activities is Sandals Ochi. This resort offers numerous land and water sports such as snorkeling, scuba, kayaks and tennis plus special extras like a rock climbing wall and an 18 hole golf course free of charge to guests. Off property you’ll find everything from river rafting, horseback riding and zip lining to Dunns River Falls, swimming with dolphins, ATVs and Jamaican bobsledding.

Best watersports – a tie for Sandals Grande St Lucian and Whitehouse offering on site snorkel and dive boats, waterskiing, tubing, stand up paddle boards, sailing, kayaks and water trikes all complimentary to resort guests and fun for active couples .

Best nightlife – Sandals Royal Bahamian offers the best on and off resort nightlife with nearby casinos and big name entertainment.  Sandals Ochi has the most on property with a nightclub and the Caribbean’s only all-inclusive speakeasy bar.

Best for a destination wedding – Negril is the best Sandals Resort for a destination wedding with awesome sunsets and easy legal requirements plus kid friendly Beaches Negril minutes down the beach. Planning a fall destination wedding? Add Sandals newest resort in Barbados to your list. U.S. Travel and Leisure Reports says fall is the best time of year to visit and Sandals is offering fall wedding groups every 5th room free!

Best value – Sandals Whitehouse where every room is beachfront. Sandals Regency La Toc where you can get gorgeous views and private pools without spending a fortune and Sandal Ochi for low starting prices and the most affordable butler service.

Which Sandals Resort is the best for you? That may depend on travel dates, weather patterns, wish list and budget but if you’ll call or email we’ll help you choose the best Sandals Resort for you. We’ve been to all the Sandals Resorts and stayed in entry level rooms, Club Level and Butler Level suites. We’ve also been to Couples, Secrets, Excellence and other adult only all-inclusive resorts. So if you have questions or need help please call. We are here to help!

Shocking news, but in this day of online discounts you can find Sandals Resort vacation packages at a lower price through Totem Travel than online. True, Sandals advertises a $35 incentive for booking online but they don’t always offer the best price on packages and Totem Travel, a Preferred Sandals Agency, can beat www.Sandals.com, Expedia and Orbitz while offering personal service and expert advice.

As the owner of Totem Travel and one of three Sandals Specialists, I sat down this morning to plan a client’s trip and do the research necessary to ensure I offered the lowest price while maximizing time at the resort using a reasonable air schedule. In the end I beat www.sandals.com by $303 along with Kayak, Orbitz and Expedia for the identical package (screen shots are available).

How can Totem Travel offer a lower price on Sandals Resort packages than online and be 100% in compliance with Sandals no discount policy? It starts by working closely with our clients to establish goals, then we add a few decades of travel industry experience, the flexibility to shop all channels for airfare and resort, and the willingness to spend the time and go the extra mile for our customers.

We can’t always beat the other guys but we always meet or beat them and guarantee the lowest price on all Sandals vacation packages. So here are 5 reasons to work with a travel agent and Sandals Specialist rather than book online when you plan a Sandals honeymoon or all inclusive vacation.

1.       We will find the best deal.

2.       We will point out what’s important, good and bad.

3.       We fix problems so you don’t have to.

4.       We make it simple!

5.       If your dream doesn’t fit your wallet we’ll suggest options that do.

We already talked about Totem Travel’s guarantee for the lowest price on a Sandals Resort package so I’ll elaborate on the other advantages of working with a travel agent that specializes in Sandals Resorts.

Unlike Sandals’ reservation staff we will point out good and bad features of a resort, room category or island. No need for days on Trip Adviser or elaborate spread sheets comparing unfamiliar destinations and confusing room names. We have been to all the Sandals Resorts and go back every year so will share what you need to know not just what you asked about. Plus we don’t work for Sandals so won’t hide the bad stuff!

Sandals does a great job and the vast majority of guests are highly satisfied with their all inclusive vacation experience but problems happen and we have clout with management to get them resolved if they affect your trip. We also pamper our clients and understand this is all about you, so whether your arrival is delayed, you have a special room request or need a gluten free vacation we can help. Totem Travel is a Preferred Sandals Agency, recognized as “Best of the Best” every year at Sandals Travel Agency Recognition awards and we’re members of Sandals’ prestigious Chairman’s Royal Club. In the photo below Patty is wearing the short black dress accepting one of several awards at this year’s ceremony. (I was on safari in Africa but more on that later!)

We love Sandals Resorts but many consumers are confused by the advertising, fine print, conflicting resort specials and what their final cost will be. We give you a simple bottom line price and guarantee there is nothing offered online, at the resorts or emailed to repeat guests that we can’t offer. We even guarantee the lowest price after you book. We also make it easy to choose the best resort, decide if a butler suite is worth the cost or plan a destination wedding. So let’s keep it simple and work together to find your dream vacation.

We sell a LOT of Sandals honeymoons and vacations but we sell other adult only all inclusive resorts and destinations as well. So if your dream doesn’t fit your budget we can suggest something that does whether in Fiji, Mexico or Hawaii. So what’s keeping you? Call or email a Preferred Sandals Specialist at Totem Travel today!

P.S. The newest resort, Sandals Barbados, opened yesterday to glowing reviews.