Sandals Montego Bay, established in 1981, holds the distinction of being the very first Sandals Resort. Located just a few minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort has undergone several multi-million dollar renovations, maintaining a modern and fresh feel while preserving its original charm. It is particularly noted for its extensive private white-sand beach and vibrant atmosphere, catering primarily to couples seeking relaxation and romance.
The Original Sandals Resort with Modern Renovations
Historical Significance
Sandals Montego Bay is where it all began, being the very first sandal resort of the entire chain established in 1981 by Butch Stewart. This makes it a flagship resort for the brand.
Extensive Renovations
Despite its age, the resort feels modern and fresh after its renovations, including a major renovation in 2019. Guests who visited prior to these updates note a significant improvement, with one reviewer stating, "I didn't always love this resort... But, fast forward a few years, and a major multi-million dollar renovation of the entire property, and my tune had drastically changed... I LOVE THIS RESORT." All rooms have been renovated, and new restaurants have been added.
Truly All-Inclusive Experience
Comprehensive Inclusions
Sandals Montego Bay offers a genuinely all-inclusive experience, meaning guests don't have to worry about spending a ton of extra money for food and drinks anything like that it's already all included. This extends from drinks from juices and water bottles all the way up to premium liquors and you know any kind of cocktail.
No Tipping Policy
A notable policy is no tips no problem. Tipping is generally never required at any property, with exceptions only for butlers or spa services, which can be handled via card, eliminating the need for cash once on property.
Manager's Wine List
While house wines and premium alcohols are included, a manager’s wine list is available at all restaurants for an extra cost for those desiring some extra fine dining at the table.
Overwater Cabanas
Private thatched-roof cabanas on the beach or overwater cabanas are available for an additional cost, offering butler service for the whole day.
Proximity to the Airport
Convenient Transfers
The resort is only a 5 minute shuttle ride away from Sangster International Airport (MBJ), making for a quick trip from the airport. This allows guests to get your vacation started right away.
Airplane Noise
The direct proximity means guests will hear every departing flight from the airport. While this does bother some guests, it is typically limited to 11am to 4pm and most guests didn't notice it after they got used to it or find it becomes white noise. Staff even encourage guests to wave and say bye to the planes as they are taking off it is so close.
Accommodations
Room Categories
Sandals Montego Bay offers 24 different room categories, ranging from luxury room (standard) to club level room and the top level butler room.
Butler Suites
These are the most luxurious, offering white glove service and direct access to butlers via a provided phone. Butlers can bring you breakfast in bed, handle all dining reservations, provide 24-hour room service, and surprise guests with favorite snacks and drinks.
Club Level Rooms
Guests at this level have access to a Club Lounge where they can check in and get assistance with reservations. They also receive room service that will come for a certain period (until 10pm)
Modern Room Features
Many rooms, especially the newer ones, feature retractable glass wall that leads right out onto a private patio, oversized soaking tub for two, fully stocked bars with several different alcohols and spacious bathrooms with rain showers.
Extensive Dining Options
Variety of Restaurants
The resort boasts 12 different restaurants covering diverse cuisines like steak to Caribbean Italian Asian, including sushi.
Exchange Privileges
A significant perk is complete access to all the amenities and restaurants of the nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean. This includes an additional 9 restaurants, 5 bars, and 8 pools, bringing the total dining options to 21 different options to choose from. A complimentary shuttle runs between the two resorts.
Reservation Policy
Most restaurants do not require reservations, with the notable exception of Butch's Steakhouse. Reservations for Butch's open daily at 2pm for same-day dining. Butlers or Club Lounge staff can assist with these.
Favorite Dining Spots
Popular choices include Oleanders (Caribbean, family-style, great sunset views), Soy Sushi Bar (especially the Champagne Lobster Roll), Tokyo Jo's (Asian wok station), and Butch's Steakhouse. The Cricketer's Pub (traditional English pub) offers amazing food fish and chips and best dessert on property, though it is slated for conversion.
Café de Paris
Offers specialty coffee, crepes, and pastries and ice cream starting at 6am to 10pm.
Resort Activities
Largest Private Beach
Sandals Montego Bay sits on one of the largest private white sand beaches in Jamaica, which is very long. This means you'll notice that it is very long and not a very deep resort pretty much everything happens directly off the water.
Beach Vibe
The beach is divided into sections, offering both lively vibe areas with beach volleyball, and games plus a bar and quieter areas for relaxation.
Water Sports
A wide range of complimentary activities are available, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, scuba diving for certified divers, wakeboarding, tubing, and waterskiing.
Land Sports
Day and night tennis, beach volleyball, and a fitness center are included. The resort also features four different courts that you can play pickle ball on.
Pools
While a beach focused resort with not a very big pool, there are 7 pools to choose from including a lively pool with a swim-up bar and DJ, a quiet largest pool with daybeds, and lagoon pools along the buildings with swim-up rooms.
Excursions
Island Routes, Sandals' own excursion brand, offers various off-site tours like catamaran rides, Dunn’s River Falls, the Blue Hole, and the Luminous Lagoon.
Romance & Weddings
Adults-Only, Couples Focused
Sandals Montego Bay, like all Sandals properties, is adults-only and designed specifically to provide a romantic atmosphere for couples.
Wedding Venues
The resort offers several wedding venues, including an Overwater Chapel with a glass aisle (additional cost), a traditional chapel, and overwater gazebos for vow renewals. Kids are not allowed at Sandals Resorts, so family vow renewals with kids would need to be at a Beaches property.
Reconnection
The brand philosophy highlights vacation as emotional and an investment in those memories, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with your spouse having a great time with a loved one and finding a way to really reconnect and recharge yourself.
Notable Mentions
Over-the-Water Bar
A popular spot with "360-degree views of the ocean plus overwater hammocks for two. It's described as the absolute best place to watch the sunset from.
The Loop
A great addition to Sandals/Beaches via their app, allowing guests to communicate requests, complaints, suggestions and compliments to management for quick and efficient resolution.
Rajie Special
A custom drink created by bartender Rajie at Butch's Bar, featuring Tia Maria, Bailey's, and espresso.
Club Mobay
Recommended for guests arriving at peak times to expedite arrival and departure through customs at the airport.
Snorkeling
While not as vibrant as some other Caribbean locations, the snorkeling here it's pretty good with staff attracting fish with food, and you can even snorkel here right off the beach.
In summary, Sandals Montego Bay offers a luxurious, all-inclusive, and romantic escape, leveraging its historical roots and prime beachfront location to provide a memorable experience for couples. Its comprehensive offerings, coupled with continuous renovations and the added benefit of exchange privileges with Sandals Royal Caribbean, solidify its position as a top choice for a Jamaican vacation, particularly for those who prioritize beach relaxation and a wide range of dining and activity options.
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