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.