Sandals vs. Beaches Resorts: What’s the Difference?

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean vacation, you might be wondering whether to choose a Sandals resort or a Beaches resort. Both brands offer award-winning all-inclusive packages with exceptional amenities, but there are some critical differences between the two. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll compare Sandals vs. Beaches resorts across all key factors so you can make the perfect choice for your next Caribbean getaway.

Couples vs. Families: Who is the Target Market?

The primary difference between Sandals and Beaches resorts is who they cater to. Sandals resorts are designed specifically for couples, while Beaches resorts cater to families.

The Sandals Resort Experience

The Beaches Resort Difference

Beaches Resorts are designed with families in mind, offering something for everyone. Kids Camps, Xbox Play Lounges, and Sesame Street characters keep children entertained while certified nannies provide parents with some well-deserved downtime. Teenagers have their own spaces too, including nightclubs and game rooms.

My family has truly enjoyed our Beaches getaway. The kids always rushed to Kids Camp to make friends and try new activities, while Jaimie and I enjoyed some time to ourselves. The beautiful beaches and endless activities brought us closer together as a family.

History and Ownership: How Do Sandals and Beaches Compare?

Sandals Resorts was founded by Jamaican-born entrepreneur Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981. The parent company, Sandals Resorts International (SRI), also operates Beaches Resorts, Fowl Cay Resort, and several private villas. SRI is based in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Beaches Resorts was established in 1997 to provide families with an all-inclusive Caribbean experience. Like Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts is part of Sandals Resorts International (SRI). The company is committed to providing guests with luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and impeccable customer service.

Locations: Where to Find Sandals and Beaches Resorts in 2025

Sandals Resorts Locations (17 resorts as of 2025)

• Antigua: 1 resort in St. Johns (Sandals Grande Antigua)
• Bahamas: 1 resort in Nassau (Sandals Royal Bahamian)
• Barbados: 2 resorts in St. Lawrence Gap (Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados)
• Curaçao: 1 resort in Santa Barbara (Sandals Royal Curaçao)
• Grenada: 1 resort in St. George’s (Sandals Grenada)
• Jamaica: 7 resorts across the island:
  • Negril: Sandals Negril
  • Whitehouse: Sandals South Coast
  • Montego Bay: Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean
  • Ocho Rios: Sandals Ochi, Sandals Dunn’s River, and Sandals Royal Plantation
• St. Lucia: 3 resorts (Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals Regency La Toc)
• Saint Vincent: 1 resort (Sandals Saint Vincent – newest resort)

(Related Posts: Best Sandals Resorts Rankings; Best Sandals Resorts in Jamaica; Sandals Royal Caribbean Review)

Beaches Resorts Locations (3 resorts)

• Jamaica: 2 resorts (Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios)
• Turks & Caicos: 1 resort (Beaches Turks & Caicos)

(Related Posts: Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios; Best Beaches Resorts)

Pricing: What to Expect in 2025

Understanding the pricing structure for both resort brands can help you budget effectively for your Caribbean vacation.

Sandals Resorts Pricing

Sandals Resorts offer a wide range of pricing options depending on location, room category, and season:

• Entry-Level Rooms: Starting from $199 per person per night (Sandals Ochi in Jamaica offers some of the most affordable options)
• Mid-Range Accommodations: $250-350 per person per night
• Luxury Suites and Bungalows: $350-$500+ per person per night
• Over-the-Water Bungalows: Starting from $1,000+ per person per night

Jamaican Sandals Resorts typically offer the best value, with more affordable flights from the US and competitive room rates. Special packages and promotions are frequently available, especially during shoulder seasons (May-June and November).

Beaches Resorts Pricing

Beaches Resorts typically come with a higher price point, reflecting their family-oriented amenities:

• Adults: Starting from $303 per person per night (Beaches Ocho Rios)
• Children: Starting from $37-44 per person per night depending on the resort
• Luxury Family Suites: Accommodating up to 12 guests in multi-bedroom villas at Beaches Turks & Caicos (pricing varies significantly)

Beaches Turks & Caicos is generally the most expensive option but offers the most extensive facilities, including 18 restaurants and a massive waterpark. Beaches Negril and Ocho Rios in Jamaica provide more affordable alternatives while still delivering the premium Beaches experience.

Important Note: Total vacation cost for families will naturally be higher than for couples simply due to the number of travelers. However, Beaches offers significant value with reduced rates for children.

(Related Posts: Cheapest Sandals Resorts; Cost of a Sandals Vacation)

Amenities: What’s Included at Each Resort Type?

Both Sandals and Beaches resorts operate under a comprehensive all-inclusive model, but there are notable differences in their amenity offerings.

Shared Amenities at Both Resort Types

• All-inclusive dining and premium beverages
• Multiple swimming pools and swim-up bars
• Free airport transfers
• Day and night entertainment
• Land and water sports
• Tips and gratuities are included at Sandals Resorts
• Excursion options through Island Routes (additional cost)

Sandals-Specific Amenities

• More upscale, couple-focused dining experiences
• Romantic settings like private candlelit dinners
• Butler service in higher-category rooms
• Couples-focused activities and entertainment
• Tranquility soaking tubs for two
• Adult-oriented nightlife and entertainment
• Over-the-water wedding chapels at select locations

Beaches-Specific Amenities

• Family-friendly waterparks with multiple waterslides
• Kids Camps with certified childcare professionals
• Sesame Street® character experiences and themed activities
• Teen-friendly spaces including Xbox Play Lounges
• Family-sized accommodations (up to 12 people)
• Kid-friendly dining options and buffets
• Choo-choo trains at select properties
• Surf simulators at Beaches Turks & Caicos

Accommodations: Room Categories and Options

Both resort brands offer a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.

Sandals Room Categories

Sandals resorts feature luxurious accommodations designed for couples:

• Luxury Rooms: Entry-level accommodations with resort or garden views
• Club Level Rooms: Enhanced amenities including Club Sandals lounge access
• Butler Elite Suites: Top-tier accommodations with dedicated butler service
• Specialty Accommodations: Including:
  • Swim-up Suites
  • Skypool Suites with private infinity pools
  • Over-the-Water Bungalows (at select resorts)
  • Rondoval Suites (unique circular villas)
  • Millionaire Suites and Villas

Beaches Room Categories

Beaches resorts offer diverse accommodations for families of all sizes:

• Standard Rooms: Comfortable accommodations for smaller families
• Suites: More spacious options with separate living areas
• Family Suites: Specifically designed for families with children
• Villas: Multi-bedroom accommodations sleeping up to 12 guests (perfect for multi-generational vacations)
• Luxury Options: Including butler-serviced suites similar to those at Sandals

Dining Experience: Restaurant Options

Culinary experiences differ significantly between the two resort types while maintaining high quality across both brands.

Sandals Dining Experience

• More intimate, couple-focused dining settings
• Up to 16 restaurants per resort
• Fine dining options including French, Italian, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine
• Private dining experiences available
• 11 bars with premium liquor at most locations
• Room service available in higher category rooms

Beaches Dining Experience

• Family-friendly dining environments
• Up to 18 restaurants at Beaches Turks & Caicos
• Kid-friendly menu options and buffets
• 11-18 restaurants depending on the resort
• 5-14 bars serving both adult beverages and kid-friendly options
• Similar cuisine variety to Sandals, but with more casual options

Water Sports and Activities: What’s Available?

Both resort brands include a wide range of water sports and activities in their all-inclusive packages.

Sandals Water Sports

• Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers
• PADI certification courses available (additional fee)
• Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing
• Water skiing and wakeboarding
• Professional instruction included
• Snorkeling trips

Beaches Water Sports

• All the same water sports offered at Sandals
• Additional family-friendly features:
  • Pirates Island Water Parks at all locations (featuring up to 11 waterslides)
  • Surf simulator at Beaches Turks & Caicos
  • Kid-friendly pools and splash areas
  • Family snorkeling adventures

Golf and Land Sports

Golf enthusiasts have options at both resort types, with some key differences.

Sandals Golf Options

• Free green fees at select resorts:
  • Sandals Ochi (Sandals Golf & Country Club)
  • Sandals Regency La Toc (9-hole course)
  • Sandals Grande St. Lucian (access to Sandals Golf & Country Club)
  • Sandals Royal Plantation (access to Sandals Golf & Country Club)
• Transfers to golf courses included
• Equipment rental available (additional fee)

Beaches Golf Options

• Free green fees at Sandals Golf & Country Club from Beaches Ocho Rios
• Transfers included
• Junior golf programs available

Kids Activities: Family-Friendly Options

The difference in children’s activities represents one of the most significant distinctions between the two resort brands.

Sandals Kids Activities

• None – Sandals is strictly adults-only (18+)

Beaches Kids Activities

• Kids Camps for all ages (0-17)
• Certified nannies and caregivers
• Sesame Street® character experiences
• Pirates Island Waterparks
• Xbox Play Lounges
• Teen nightclubs and game rooms
• Kids-only pools and splash areas
• Family-friendly entertainment
• Water sports instruction for children

Weddings and Honeymoons: Special Occasions

Both resort brands excel at catering to special occasions, but with different target audiences.

Sandals Weddings and Honeymoons

• Specialized couples-only experience
• Over-the-water wedding chapels at select locations
• Various wedding packages (including free wedding option with longer stays)
• Honeymoon-specific amenities and packages
• Anniversary celebration packages
• Adult-only celebration environment

Beaches Weddings and Honeymoons

• Family-inclusive wedding options
• Beachfront wedding locations
• Similar package options to Sandals
• Accommodation for wedding parties with children
• Multi-generational celebration options
• Family honeymoon packages for couples with children

Which is Better: Sandals or Beaches?

There is no clear winner in the Sandals vs. Beaches comparison – the right choice depends entirely on your travel party and preferences:

Choose Sandals if:

• You’re traveling as a couple without children
• You’re planning a honeymoon, wedding, or romantic getaway
• You prefer an adults-only environment
• You’re looking for a more romantic, intimate atmosphere
• You have 17 different resorts to choose from across the Caribbean

Choose Beaches if:

• You’re traveling with children or as a multi-generational family
• You need family-sized accommodations
• You want extensive children’s activities and amenities
• You’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly all-inclusive experience
• You’re considering one of their three family-focused resorts

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandals and Beaches Resorts (2025)

1. Do Sandals and Beaches have the same owner?

Yes, both Sandals and Beaches resorts are owned by Sandals Resorts International (SRI), founded by Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981. The company continues to be family-owned and operated.

2. Which is more expensive, Sandals or Beaches?

On a per-person basis, Sandals and Beaches have comparable pricing at similar room categories. However, since Beaches accommodates families, the total vacation cost is typically higher due to multiple guests. Children receive reduced rates at Beaches Resorts.

3. Can children stay at Sandals Resorts?

No, Sandals Resorts are strictly adults-only (18+). Families with children should book at Beaches Resorts instead.

4. Which Sandals Resort offers the best value in 2025?

Sandals Ochi in Jamaica typically offers the most affordable starting rates (from $199 per person per night), making it an excellent value option while still providing the full Sandals experience.

5. What is the best Beaches Resort for families with young children?

All three Beaches Resorts cater exceptionally well to young children, but Beaches Turks & Caicos offers the most extensive amenities, including the largest waterpark, 18 restaurants, and five distinct villages to explore.

6. Do I need to bring cash for tipping at Sandals or Beaches?

No, both Sandals and Beaches have a strict no-tipping policy (except for butler service and spa treatments). All gratuities are included in your all-inclusive package.

7. What’s the best time to visit Sandals or Beaches Resorts?

For the best combination of good weather and lower rates, consider traveling during shoulder seasons (May- June or November). Peak season (December-April) offers the best weather but higher prices and more crowds.

8. Are excursions included at Sandals and Beaches?

While many activities are included on-property, off-property excursions through Island Routes Caribbean Adventures are available at an additional cost at both resort types.

9. Do Sandals and Beaches offer payment plans?

Yes, both brands offer payment plan options to help spread the cost of your vacation. These plans typically require a deposit at booking, and the final payment is due 45 days before arrival.