Resort Review: Sandals Negril | Negril, Jamaica

Beachfront at Sandals Negril

What could be better than sitting on the beach and simply relaxing? Last month I was fortunate enough to spend some time in Jamaica and visit several resorts. One of the resorts that was on my list was Sandals Negril. Despite the often overcast sky and occasional bouts of rain, the sprawling resort had many hidden surprises and I left understanding why this resort is one that people visit over and over again.  Located in Negril, Jamaica, Sandals Negril, an adults only resort, is located on Negril’s famous 7-mile beach on the West Coast of Jamaica and is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay.  In case you didn’t know, when you reserve a vacation at a Sandals “luxury all inclusive” resort, transportation to and from the airport is included.  This allows you to start your vacation off relaxed knowing you won’t need to negotiate a cab or shuttle to your destination.

Entrance to Sandals Negril

What is the difference between what most people know to be an all-inclusive resort and Sandals “luxury all inclusive?”  From the Sandals‘ website: “Revel in some of the world’s most breathtakingly romantic beachfront settings at Sandals Luxury All inclusive Caribbean resorts. Choose from an unparalleled array of gourmet a la carte restaurants. Embrace unimaginable luxury in one of our incredibly lavish, innovative and exquisitely stylish suites. Experience for yourselves why, quite simply, the Sandals All Inclusive Luxury Vacation represents an unprecedented new level of supreme perfection.”

Plunge Pool in the Millionaire Honeymoon Suite

Sandals Negril is set on 12 acres of lush greenery and pristine white beachfront with 222 rooms and suites in 13 categories of rooms.  “Relax and enjoy luxurious accommodations, steps from the Jamaican beach, including some of the most unique suites in the world with butler service where you can swim-up to your private patio. Stay at Sandals Negril and indulge in the Caribbean’s ultimate beach resort.” One of the most spectacular  rooms at the resort would be the Millionaire Honeymoon One Bedroom Suite with Whirlpool and Private Plunge Pool.  This luxurious suite with butler service has a large living area and separate bedroom.  With lavish West Indian mahogany-carved furniture, the bedroom has a four-poster mahogany king-size bed and a 40″ plasma television.  The living room has a fully-stocked bar and 40″ plasma television.  The bathroom features double vanities, a walk-in shower, and a whirlpool tub.  But the pièce de résistance would have to be that the suite opens up to a lush private garden that includes a plunge pool and miniature waterfall and an outdoor shower with a private wall to ensure intimacy.  This suite is the epitome of luxury and romance!

When you arrive at Sandals Negril, you immediately notice that you are in a serene and secluded location.  Set amongst lush palm groves, powdery white sand beach, and the calm aquamarine Caribbean, Sandals Negril is a must for scuba and snorkel enthusiasts.  Negril offers some of the best sunsets in the Caribbean as well as a myriad of water sports from which to choose. Choose from Aquatrikes, knee boarding, windsurfing, water-skiing, tubing, kayaking, and of course, snorkeling and scuba diving.  Discover Scuba Diving (Resort Dive Course) for beginners and International Dive Certification are available for an additional cost.  Did I mention that there are three swimming pools and  three whirlpools in addition to the dive certification pool plus pools in the suite accommodations?

Barefoot by the Sea Restaurant

After swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving, you’ll probably be hungry. There’s one thing for certain: You won’t go hungry at Sandals Negril. With seven dining options available, there’s always food to be had no matter what time of day. The majority of the dining options are resort casual, but there are two that require “resort evening attire”: Kimono’s Restaurant, which is a Teppanyaki-style Asian restaurant and Sundowner Restaurant, which is a Caribbean restaurant.  Not in the mood to dress up?  Try lunch or dinner in Barefoot by the Sea, a seafood restaurant where you can eat by the water and yes, in your bare feet!  Other options include Bella Napoli Pizzeria, Beach Grill and Bar, Dino’s Restaurant, and of course, 24-hour room service exclusive for concierge and butler suite categories of accommodations.   But don’t worry if you’re not in one of those rooms as you can still partake of the weekly late night chocolate buffet and c’mon – who doesn’t like chocolate?

Bread station at Bayside restaurant

Not in the mood for a sit down meal? There’s always Sandal‘s signature favorite, the Bayside restaurant and buffet. This international restaurant is open for their breakfast buffet from 7:30 am – 10 am, the lunch buffet is open from 12:30 pm – 2 pm, and dinner is served from 6 pm – 9:30 pm.  With indoor or outdoor dining available and table service for beverages at breakfast and lunch and full service at dinner, this relaxed dining spot is great for a quick meal or to sit and relax with that special someone.  It’s not like a typical buffet with people clamoring food and gorging all around you.  It’s truly a place to sit and get a great meal on your own schedule.  We ate lunch here and the buffet was beautifully laid out with great options including Jamaican specialties like cho cho (chayote) and all of it was ridiculously tasty!

Sandals Negril has five bars/cocktail lounges throughout the resort including the ever popular Swim Up Pool Bar, Piano and Sports Bar, Main Bar, Kimono’s Bar, and the Beach Bar.  While I was there, I was treated to a tasty beverage at the Piano Bar while I sat and took in the scenery.  Few resorts are located as close to the waterfront as this one and so to be able to sit back and relax and just enjoy it was a huge treat. The bright colors abound at this resort where you can admire not only the Caribbean waters, but beautiful flowers, plants, and of course, tropical drinks at every turn.

Entrance to a physically challenged room

I was excited to see that there were, in fact, physically challenged rooms available on property.  These rooms have a built in ramp for entrance to the room, the bed is lower than standard height, there are rails in the bathroom, and the “face basin” can accommodate a wheel chair.  Also available on request are shower benches and extended shower heads.  I also saw ramps throughout the resort, even ones leading to the beach to make it easier for guests to not only get around the resort, but onto the beach as well.  This has not been the case in the Caribbean and any opportunity to allow more people to enjoy a great resort is a good thing in my book.

What exactly is included with Sandals?

• Restaurants and Bars
• Luxurious Accommodations
• Private Offshore Islands
• Free Martha Stewart Wedding
• Unlimited Scuba
• Motorized Watersports
• Top Golf Courses
• Fitness Centers
• Land Sports
• Stay at 1, Play at All Sandals
• Top-Shelf Drinks
• Entertainment
• Beringer Wines
• Airport Transfers
• Tips, Gratuities, Hotels Taxes
• Caribbean’s Best Beaches

Sandals Negril has weekly events such as Martini Hour on Sunday, nightly entertainment including Reggae Fest and Caribbean Night, as well as the Red Lane Fitness Center for working out and Red Lane Spa for relaxing.  No matter where you go on property, you’re destined to enjoy yourself.  I would definitely recommend Sandals Negril for any couple looking for a romantic beach vacation where the beach will plan an integral part of your vacation.  If you’re a water lover, this is the place for you.  You can choose the ultimate in seclusion based on your accommodations or choose to meet and mingle with other guests.  It’s up to you!  Some people balk at the price for a Sandals’ vacation, but when you look at what’s included as well as the quality and value you receive, you’d have to agree that it’s well worth it.

A big thank you to Ritu who took us on this great tour of the property.  Have you been to Sandals Negril?  Pictures of the resort are now up on the Travel Shop Girl FaceBook page. Lots of pics of rooms, the beach, food, and more.  I miss Negril already!