Sandals South Coast Resort Review For 2024

Overview

Sandals South Coast in Jamaica is a delicate balance of luxury and Caribbean cool, where the sun-soaked beaches and the laid-back Jamaican vibe create a vibrant experience you’re sure to fall in love with.

Here, all worries are drowned in turquoise waters, replaced by a reggae-infused calmness that will allow anyone to just be in the moment. The rooms are private retreats of opulence and comfort, creating a little nirvana to go back to when you’re done sightseeing.

Sandals South Coast is a beautiful love affair with the best that Jamaica has to offer, where every moment feels like a stolen kiss from the Caribbean itself.

Sandals South Coast Review

Room Types	Dining Options	Amenities	Water Activities	Land Activities
Over-The-Water Bungalows	Giuseppe's	3 Beachfront Pools	Snorkeling	Tennis
Rondoval Villas	Jasmine's	Fitness Center	Kayaking	Golf
Swim-up Suites	Cafe de Paris	Business Center	Paddle Boarding	Squash/ Racquetball
One-Bedroom Suites	Eleanor's	Spa	Sailing	Beach Volleyball
Penthouse Suites	Bayside	7 Bars	Scuba Diving	Pool Volleyball
Walkout Suites	Schooner's		Knee boarding	Table Tennis
	Neptune's		Water Skiing	Shuffleboard
	The Jerk Shack			Bowling
	Sushi on the Sand

>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<

Location

Located approximately 2 hours from Montego Bay Airport, Sandals South Coast sits right on a 500 acre nature reserve for a truly private, remote experience. With over 2 miles of beautiful white sand beaches it’s a truly one of a kind resort!

Getting to Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast isn’t exactly close to any airport, but chances are, you’ll be flying into Sangster International Airport located in Montego Bay. It’s one of the busiest airports on the island, and can be pretty chaotic.

However, flights are super easy to find, and depending on how much time you’ve allotted before your trip, they can be quite affordable. While the resort can be anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, what makes me so much more relaxed is that Sandals offers a complimentary transfer.

That means that all you have to do is head to the Sandals desk (or lounge in some cases) once you pass immigration. They’ll take care of everything else for you.

Norman Manley Airport in Kingston is another option, but it’s 3.5 hours from the resort, and I don’t usually find cheaper flights to here so it just doesn’t make much sense.

Rooms

 

There are 15 different room categories, from 2-story villas that sit right over the water, to the Bamboo Palm Room with a balcony and tranquility soaking tub.

– Vincy Overwater 2-Story Villa

– Beachfront 1-Bedroom Butler Villa Suite with Media Room and Private Pool

– Beachfront 1-Bedroom Butler Villa Suite with Private Pool

– Beachfront Butler Villa Suite with Private Pool

– 1-Bedroom Garden Butler Suite with Media Room and Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub

– 1-Bedroom Gardeb Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Lady Palm Club Swim-Up Suite with Media Room and Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Garden Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Bamboo Palm Club Swim-Up Room with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Beachfront 2-Bedroom Butler Villa Suite with Private Pool

– Lady Palm Partial Oceanview Club Suite with Media Room and Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Lady Palm Club Suite with Fitness Room and Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Lady Palm Club Suite with Media Room and Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Bamboo Palm Partial Oceanview Room with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

– Bamboo Palm Room with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

Each feature dark, sophisticated woods and classy neutrals with brightly-colored accents. The rooms are very spacious and each comes with a breathtaking water view, and either a patio or balcony so you have the chance to enjoy the pleasant, tropical air whenever you like.

Best Time to Visit Sandals South Coast

Jamaica generally has a pretty temperate climate, making it a go-to for adventurers year-round. It’s one of my favorite places to go both in the summertime and wintertime, as the season is generally quite dry and paradise-like from July to August, and December to April.

If you’re looking for a nice holiday season vacay, Jamaica is one of the best places I can recommend you. Temperatures generally range from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit every single day of November and December. From mid-December to April, the crowds are the heaviest, so keep that in mind.

June to August are definitely the hottest, and in June you may seem some more rainfall. However, I’d overall say this is the best climate and for whatever reason I see less tourists in these few months.

I’ve found some crazy cheap rooms and flights from May to November, however. While this is technically the rainy season, I’ve been there and it’s generally a drizzle-like rain rather than torrential.

What’s Included at Sandals South Coast?

 An easier question would be what isn’t included at Sandals South Coast!

This was the resort that showed me the difference between a luxury included and all-inclusive vacation.

I’m the kind of person who is absolutely ravenous after flying, and so I really appreciate the fact that they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and anytime snacks every day. Premium liquors are unlimited, so you better believe I was loving life in the swim-up bar and enjoying our stocked in-room bar!

We were also greeted with fresh fruit, sparkling wine, and unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines, which was a wonderfully romantic addition to our stay.

Unless staying in a butler-category room, all tips, taxes, and gratuities come included (as well as round-trip shuttles to and from the airport). I love this because I unfortunately rarely have cash on me and always worry that I’m not tipping enough.

I absolutely love watersports, but I understand that not everyone is a fan. However, “when in Jamaica!”.

Water skiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball – even PADI-certified scuba – it’s all included in the stay. Not just the gear, but actual pro instruction and guidance! This is an amazing opportunity for those who’ve always wanted to try one or more of these sports out but never had the chance to.

Billiards, basketball, both day and night tennis, a 24-hour fitness center, live shows – they’re all included too. Needless to say, there’s not even room to think about being bored!

>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<

Dining Options

 

Giuseppe’s

• Serves: Lunch, Dinner
• Food: Italian favorites
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Not required for lunch, required for dinner

Jasmine’s

• Serves: Dinner
• Food: Asian Fusion/ Asian Specialties
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Not required

Cafe de Paris

• Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Food: Sweet pastries, crepes, coffee, and tea
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Not required for lunch, required for dinner

Eleanor’s

• Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Food: Caribbean comfort and classics
• Dress Code: Resort Evening Attire
• Reservations: Not required for breakfast and lunch, required for dinner

Bayside

• Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Food: Caribbean classics/ buffet-style breakfast and lunch
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Not required

Schooner’s

• Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Food: “Colonial-style” Breakfast/ Seafood
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Required

Neptune’s

• Serves: Lunch, Dinner
• Food: Italian favorites
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Not required

The Jerk Shack

• Serves: Lunch, Dinner
• Food: Jamaican Jerk
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Not required for lunch, required for dinner

Sushi on the Sand

• Serves: Dinner
• Food: Sushi and other seafood
• Dress Code: Resort Casual
• Reservations: Not required

>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<

Entertainment

Bars: There are 4 proper bars, as well as 2 swim-up pool bars at the resort. Latitudes Over the Water Bar is a ton of fun, and has more of a lighthearted, fun-filled vibe. The Dutch Bar, Le Cabaret Bar, and Casa Blanca Martini Bar are all a bit more varied. The Dutch Bar and Le Cabaret are also quite lively, while the Casa Blanca Martini Bar is more upscale and sophisticated.

Parties: Carnival beach party, White Night, amphitheater, Caribbean Night, Talent Night

Live Shows: Fire eaters, dance limbo, live bands

Other: Caribbean-inspired entertainment that showcases the island’s music and culture are going on almost every night. Many encourage crowd participation, making it a great time for everyone.

Amenities

Pools – With 4 pools (3 of which are beachfront), including Jamaica’s largest zero-entry pool, they’re super clean and never feel too crowded. 2 of them are Renaissance-style pools, and all of them offer lounge chairs. My favorites are those that are in the shallower spots of the pools, so I never have to leave the water! My other top choice is the one with the swim-up bar!

Fitness Center – A state-of-the-art fitness center is filled with well-maintained Life Fitness machines, free weights, treadmills, Cybex equipment, with plenty of free fitness classes that include yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics. As it’s open 24 hours, you can workout any time you’d like!

Business Center – With various computers and a printer, along with 5 different meeting spaces, the business center will cover any needs.

Spa – The spa offers just about any treatment you could want, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, and salon services. Here, you’ll also find steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools.

Activities

Snorkeling – Scuba dive with a PADI-certified staff with Newton Dive boats, to explore wildlife and wreck dives

Kayaking/Paddle Boarding – Your expert instructor will take you out on the water to help you improve skills, while also exploring the turquoise waters.

Sailing – Charter a sailboat for everything from a romantic sunset to whole-day adventures that include freshly-made meals and stops on remote islands.

Scuba Diving – Scuba dive with a PADI-certified staff with Newton Dive boats, to explore wildlife (including fish and reefs) and wreck dives

Water skiing/Knee boarding – Enjoy either water skiing or knee boarding with expert instruction to help you begin or refine your skills.

Tennis & Golfing – With one golf course and one tennis court, you can practice your form under the clear skies or have fun practicing on the clay courts under beautiful trees. Golfing at South Coast has some of the best views of the water, too!

Pros of Sandals South Coast Resort

• Only resort on 500-acre off grounds – you don’t have to worry about it being noisy or the hustle-and-bustle that comes with being in or near a city. It’s truly all about being in the presence of natural beauty, clearing the mind, and enjoying what the resort and beaches have to offer.
• Adults-only – while kids can be a ton of fun, let’s face it – they can also be a bit noisy and it’s just a different vibe when kids are around at a resort. A swim-up bar, for example, probably wouldn’t be present in a pool with kids splashing around.
• 2 miles of white sand beaches – These 2 miles go on pretty much as far as the eye can see. It feels truly like you’ve walked into a picturesque postcard, and it always takes me a day or two for it to really sink in that I’m in Jamaica.
• All rooms include water views – And no, it’s not one of those “water view” rooms where you have to crane your neck out of an open window to see a sliver of sea. Rather, you’ll get prime views of the crystal-clear blue waters without even trying. This was really important to me, and one of the reasons I first ended up booking at South Coast.
• Multiple pools with large main pool – The large main pool is the biggest open pool on the island, which is really saying something, as they have quite a few. There are many other pools, and even when there are a good amount of people around, it doesn’t feel “crowded”. Everything is spaced out nicely, and the pools are incredibly clean.

Cons of Sandals South Coast Resort

• Quite a long drive from either airport – the closest airport (Mandalay Bay) is a minimum of 1.5 hours away, usually clocking in closer to 2 hours.
• Rooms close to the main pool could be noisy – If you book a room close to the pool, during the daytime, it could be a bit noisy. However, it still never gets crazy.

Wedding Accommodations

This is one of the most beautiful places on the island to get married, with an over-the-water wedding chapel, gazebo overlooking the beach or property gardens, and plenty of different wedding packages.

The free wedding package for couples staying 3+ nights includes bridal flowers, table linens, and a wedding cake. However, there are other packages which offer paid options like upgraded flowers, photography and videography, more elaborate decor, and bigger wedding cakes.

FAQs About Sandals South Coast Resort

Is South Coast resort couples only?

South Coast resort is not couples only, but it is adults only. That means that you don’t have to be part of a couple to book here – just have to be over 18!

Is South Coast beach private?

Yes, South Coast resort in Jamaica is located on a 2-mile stretch of private beach. You won’t see random tourists from other part of the island pulling out their umbrellas and towels and setting up shop. It’s all for you and the South Coast resort guests.

Is South Coast a party resort?

No, South Coast resort is not a party resort. You won’t hear music blasting at all hours of the day and night, and people don’t tend to go crazy on the liquor here.

Are there nude beaches at South Coast?

No, there are no nude beaches at South Coast Jamaica resort.

How much does Sandals South Coast cost?

A vacation at Sandals South Coast really depends on several things such as the room category, time of year and how long you stay. You can figure somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500 for a 7 day stay for two people. Sandals is always running specials however, so click here to see their latest deals!

Why is Sandals South Coast so popular?

The South Coast resort is one of the most popular for a variety of reasons. The 2 miles of beautiful beach, over-water bungalows, 9 restaurants, 3 pools in a 500 acre nature preserve  so it’s not hard to see why the Sandals South Coast resort is so popular!

Does Sandals South Coast have a fitness center?

Sandals South Coast has a 24 hours a day fitness center with a wide variety of equipment and classes. There is top-of-the-line Life Fitness weight and cardio equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, stair climbers and free weights.

Optional Tours you can do from the South Coast Resort

Just because the resort is amazing doesn’t mean you can get out to explore Jamaica and try some adventuring. Here are a few that we liked and can recommend you try:

Rick’s Café Sunset Experience

Rick’s Café is one of the most beautiful, charming, breathtaking places on the island. Sitting right on the edge of a towering cliff, it draws in the daredevils as well as those who just appreciate a fantastic view. Voted by various publications as one of the top 10 bars in the world, it’s one of the few places on the planet where you can watch people dive from cliffs while sipping on a mimosa.

Rick’s Café Sunset Experience is a magical excursion that I recommend to everyone who stays at South Coast. You’ll get to have the most quintessential Jamaican experience, watching the neon red and yellow sun illuminate the entire sea in gold. With a laidback atmosphere, friendly staff and locals, and live bands and DJs, it’s a great way to see another type of Jamaica.

YS Falls and Appleton Estate Rum Tour

If you really want to get to know Jamaica, this is one of those tours you just have to go on. The YS Falls and Appleton Estate Rum Tour combine two very different yet very important aspects of Jamaican culture, that you have to see for yourself. While it is an all-day tour, it’s packed full of fun, adventure, beautiful views, and lots of history.

Rum is deeply ingrained in Jamaica, both culturally and historically, dating back to the 17^th century when European settlers arrived on the island. It’s played a huge role in Jamaica’s economy, but also become a symbol of their resilience and fun-loving spirit.

Oh, and the famous Appleton Estate is a huge attraction, where you’ll get to learn all about the rum-making process and of course sample various blends. I loved getting to try the freshly-pressed sugar cane juice and “wet sugar”.

After, head on over to the beautiful YS Falls with the rest of your private party, where you’ll get to see and even take a dip in the clear, green falls. The rope swing was a favorite, and before long you’ll get hungry and need to go take a delicious lunch break at a local restaurant.

Reggae Sunset Catamaran Cruise South Coast

I’ve had a few people ask me, “What’s one essential activity you have to do while in Jamaica?”. Every time, I answer them the same way: “You have to get out on the water – especially during sunset”. There are tons of tours out there that offer this, but the Reggae Sunset Catamaran Cruise South Coast is my favorite.

It’s a few hours long, and is a million times better in atmosphere, views, and company than you’d likely find at a restaurant. I actually really enjoy taking it before dinner, so you can get a few drinks and appetizers in you, and dance them off before getting back to shore in time for a proper meal. Starting off at 3 pm, you’ll be picked up right from your hotel and brought over to the private dock at The White House (in Jamaica, not DC).

By this time, the weather is perfect, with a nice, warm breeze blowing through your hair, a live DJ on board playing some popular local reggae with some fun international tunes. The boat will head out to the famous Scott’s Cove where you’ll get to watch the glowing sunset shine across the water, and even take a dip, if you’d like!

I found the catamaran to be well taken care of, spacious, and with plenty of different spots to sit and kick back while watching the 360-degree views of Jamaica and its natural beauty.

Jamaica ATV, Zipline, Jeep Safari and Mineral Bath Adventure

South Coast is a fantastic way to enjoy the finer things in life, relax, and take it all in. However, I highly recommend getting out there into the fresh air and natural wonder that Jamaica has to offer. The Jamaica ATV, Zipline, Jeep Safari and Mineral Bath Adventure tour is perfect, packing your day full of different kinds of adventures!

This combo tour lasts less than 6 hours, which is the perfect way to spend a day and still be back in time for dinner! I always say that this is a tour for all backgrounds and experience levels, so don’t worry if you’ve never been on a zipline or ATV before. Starting out with a convenient pickup right from your hotel, you’ll be taken first to the zipline experience.

Once there, you’ll be given expert instruction, safety gear, and then set off between 8 different towers, with some reaching up to 60 feet high! Zip through the rainforest and race others before grabbing a snack and refreshing drink. Then, buckle up for a wild ride on a Jeep safari, where you’ll get to go with trained wildlife reserve guides who’ll show you all kinds of local plants and animals.

After seeing critters including iguanas, tortoises, snakes, birds, and crocodiles, you’ll break for a delicious lunch and then get onto an ATV or buggy ride. Zoom over the dirt trails of the wetlands before finally relaxing those muscles in a cool mineral bath!

Dolphin Encounter & Dunn’s River Falls Experience

As one of the most intelligent (and arguably one of the cutest) creatures on the planet, it makes sense why we’re so drawn to dolphins. Of course, most people don’t have access to these sweet and silly creatures. However, when staying on South Coast you do – so long as you take the Dolphin Encounter & Dunn’s River Falls Experience Tour!

This 5-hour tour starts off with you being picked up right from the resort, so you don’t have to worry about separate transportation and meeting points. Usually, the tour will start in the morning so you can spend the day out in the wilderness enjoying the natural landscapes of Jamaica. As you ride out to Ocho Rios, your guide will tell you and your party all about the dolphins and what you can expect.

Once there, you’ll learn from an expert even more about the stunning bottle-nose dolphins, and watch them swim around in deep water. If you’d like, you’ll even have the opportunity to “ride” the dolphin belly-to-belly, which was just an incredible experience. We even got to shake hands, kiss, and hug!

After that, take a break and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant before getting back out on the nature trail. Your guide will keep an eye out for all kinds of local animals and point them out to you – there are plenty of exotic birds and iguanas, but you may come across a croc, too! I absolutely loved climbing the 600-foot falls and zooming down the 40-foot water slide!

It was a great way to get some exercise while learning and seeing this other side of Jamaica I wouldn’t have had the chance to, otherwise.

Horseback Ride South Coast

Are you short on time, but would still like to try something different than what you normally do on vacation? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see what it’s like to ride a horse? Whatever the case may be, I highly recommend you try the Horseback Ride South Coast Tour.

Clocking in at just 1.5 hours, it’s the perfect amount of time to learn how to ride a horse and calmly trot along a gorgeous remote beach right on the South Coast. The stallions they have are absolutely beautiful, but even more sweet and well-trained. Our guide was super friendly and helpful, offering guidance and answering any questions we had throughout the experience.

Ride through a secluded trail, with the wonderful tropical breeze blowing through your hair. It was a fantastic way to enjoy the crystal-clear waters nearby, and we even got to enter the warm waters with our sweet horses!

>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<