Beaches vs Sandals, What’s the Difference?

Sandals vs. Beaches Resorts – A Comprehensive Comparison

You are looking for that perfect all inclusive Caribbean vacation and have probably seen that Sandals and Beaches vacation photos of the amazing swim up suites, or pool bars and tropical blue waters.  It’s can be difficult to figure out Sandals vs. Beaches and what each resort offers.  I want to help you pick the perfect Caribbean all inclusive resort.

Let me start by explaining what Sandals Resorts are.  Sandals Resorts are for couples in love.  This is how you will hear Sandals resort staff talk about what the resorts are.  This means it’s not for singles, it’s not for families, and it’s not for kids.  Sandals Resorts are All Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for couples.  They make for the perfect resort for a destination wedding, a honeymoon, or just a quick couples vacation.

Now Beaches Resorts are for families.  Beaches Resorts are also like Sandals resorts because they offer all inclusive Caribbean Resorts and the same level of service you will find at a Sandals Resort.  You will find water parks, and kids clubs, and kiddy cocktails, Sesame street characters and more at Beaches Resorts.

So this should help you choose between Sandals vs Beaches.  If you are taking your family you would book a Beaches Resort.  There are currently three Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean that you can book.  Sandals has 18 resorts in the Caribbean that all offer romanic get aways.

Both Sandals and Beaches Resorts are owned and operated by the same parent company, so you will see similar restaurants, service, activities, room accommodations, etc between both resort brands.

Sandals Resort Locations

Beaches Resort Locations

Beaches Resort has three resort locations.  Two of the Beaches Resorts are located in Jamaica, which most of the time makes for a fairly affordable flight for a family vacation to a Caribbean island.  The other Beaches Resort is in Turks and Caico.  Beaches Turks and Caicos is the largest and what I personally think is the best Beaches Resort.  It’s not the best because it is the largest of the three, but because it has the most to offer for activities, largest included water park, and what I would consider the best beach.  The down side is that flights to Turks and Caico can be expensive at times.

Of the two Beaches Resorts in Jamaica I like Beaches Negril as my first choice and then Beaches Ochi.  I have a full review of all three Beaches Resorts, and also the advantages to each Beaches Resort location.

Before booking a resort, look over each Beaches Resort Map here.

What Amenities are at Sandals and Beaches Resorts?

Both Sandals and Beaches Resorts have shared amenities between both of them, such as all-inclusive dining, pools, and water sports.  YOu will find more romantic settings and things like on the balcony soaking tubs at Sandals Resorts, where you will find more family and kids activities at Beaches Resorts.

Beaches Resorts will have kids clubs, kids programming, buffets and food and drinks that kids like.  Beaches Resorts also will have all inclusive water parks with things like slides, lazy rivers, surfing simulators, splash areas and more.

What Room Accommodations are at Sandals and Beaches?

Beaches and Sandals Resorts both have entry level accommodations and also both have high end suites with butlers.  The main difference between Beaches and Sandals Resorts is that Beaches will have rooms that sleep more than two people.  Beaches Resorts will have rooms / villas that can sleep up to 12 guests.  These villas are fantastic for multi generational family vacations.  Sandals Resorts are focusing on the luxury options while there are more diverse choices at Beaches.

Both Beaches and Sandals have a wide variety of room types for different budgets at both resorts.  You don;t have to book the highest level suite at Beaches or Sandals to get special access to resort amenities.  Everyone gets access to the pools, dining, bars, and onsite activities.  You can stay in a private villa at Beaches Turks and Caicos that sleeps up to 12 people or stay in the French Village at Beaches in a standard room category that sleeps four and say a great deal of money.  Both rooms at Beaches give you access to the same resort and resort activities.

Is Sandals or Beaches Better for Weddings and Honeymoons?

For a Destination wedding it’s hard to beat Sandals Resorts for weddings, the exclusive over-the-water chapels and romantic settings are perfect for a Caribbean Destination Wedding.  There are 18 Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean to choose from.  I also just made a Sandals Resort Destination Wedding video that covers every Sandals Resort Wedding Options and prices.  I have included the Sandals Wedding video in this article.  It is surprisingly affordable to have a destination wedding at Sandals.

If you are going to have kids at your wedding and at the resort, you will need to book a Beaches Resort.  There are three Beaches Resorts (two in Jamaica and one in Turks and Caicos).  A Beaches Resort Wedding is just as romantic as a Sandals Wedding and Beaches offers beach front wedding and reception areas that are stunning.

What is the difference in Dining at Beaches vs Sandals?

Both Beaches and Sandals Resorts have similar dining and even the exact same restaurants at some resorts.  The main difference is that Sandals Resorts will have dining that is more romantic and seating for couples where Beaches Resorts will have dining for families, larger tables, kids buffet items and even lower counter tops and small kids seating areas.  Both resorts have fantastic food and friendly staff.

How much does Sandals and Beaches cost?  – Price Comparison

You can spend the same amount at either Sandals or Beaches Resorts.  Sandals offers less expensive options because there are 18 different Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean and I always have a special offer going on for at least a handful of Sandals Resorts.  Also with 18 Sandals Resorts you have better options on airfare to the different Caribbean islands.

Beaches Resorts are also very popular and can book up quickly with only 3 Beaches Resorts.  Also your total cost can be more at Beaches Resorts just because it’s for families and you will have more people traveling in most cases than if just two people went to Sandals.

I would read my guide on the Best Sandals Resort and also my guide on the Best Beaches Resorts to help you decide which one is right for you.

Kids Activities at Beaches resorts and Sandals

Beaches Resorts have a focus on Kids Camps, Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street, and teen-friendly amenities.  There are water parks at all three all inclusive Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and in Turks and Caicos.  These resorts I would say are like an all inclusive Disney World in the Caribbean.  With amazing calm beaches, so many swimming pools, kids activities, loads of dining options, everyone in the family will have a fantastic vacation.

Sandals Resorts are for couples and kids are not even allowed at Sandals Resorts.  But Sandals has no lack of activities.  Water sports, gold, Scuba Dining are just a few of the things you would pay a high price for at other resorts, and these are included in Sandals Resorts.  There are certain Sandals Resorts that have golf courses and specific ones I like for scuba diving too, so please reach out to me and I can help you decide on a Golf vacation or scuba vacation Sandals Resort destination.

 Does Sandals and Beaches have Excursions?

Both Sandals and Beaches have tours and excursions available through Island Routes.  These are island tours, catamaran cruises, swimming with the pigs, sting ray encounters, swim with dolphins, waterfall hikes, etc.  These are off property excursions that are not part of the resorts all inclusive activities.  Now Sandals and Beaches does have some on resort activities like snorkeling, golf, paddle boards, hobicat sail boats, and more.  You can book the Island Routes Excursions at Sandals and Beaches Resorts when you arrive, but I would recommend booking them before as some tours can book up quickly.

Is Sandals or Beaches Better?

I know this is the question you have.  Which resort is better? Sandals or Beaches Resort.  I would say both resorts are very similar with just a different focus on the guests.  If you are a couple looking for an all inclusive vacation in the Caribbean then any of the 18 Sandals Resorts are a good fit for you.  If you are a family looking for an all inclusive family vacation in the Caribbean than any of the three Beaches Resorts are a great fit.