Traveling To Montego Bay
Weather in Montego BayWarm temperatures year-round make Jamaica an exceedingly popular honeymoon destination. Whether youre getting married in the winter or summer, temperatures rarely fall outside the range of 72-90 degrees, so the pristine beaches are always open for soaking up some rays.
Warm winters make Jamaica a popular destination for international travelers in January and February, thus the best travel deals will typically be found in the summer. Just be sure to keep the rainy season, from June until November, in mind.
COVID-19 ConsiderationsJamaicas current protocols are in line with other Caribbean countries, requiring a recent negative COVID-19 test and a travel authorization certificate . Regulations are being reassessed on a week-by-week basis, so be sure to check the current requirements online or with your travel advisor for easy, stress-free travel.
Flights to Montego BayDonald Sangster International Airport makes Montego Bay the easiest Jamaican city for international travelers to visit. The airport is situated along the coast and is mere minutes away from the citys major all-inclusive resorts. Popular airlines like American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United all fly to Sangster, and U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, Houston, Boston, Miami, and Orlando feature non-stop flights.
Dining At Sandals Montego Bay Vs Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Montego Bay has 6 bars and 12 restaurants, many of which overlook the beautiful beach. These include an elegant Old Jamaican restaurant, a seaside bar and grill, Italian, Japanese, a steakhouse, a waterfront restaurant serving international dishes, a sushi bar, a Caribbean jerk shack, a British pub, a casual pizzeria, a Parisian café, and a toes-in-the-sand open-air restaurant serving fresh seafood and local dishes.
Sandals Royal Caribbean has 9 restaurants and 6 bars, including swim-up bars and a piano bar. The 9 restaurants offer a range of world-class dining, including authentic Thai, French haute cuisine, Indian, Italian, and the Caribbean. A casual pizzeria, Caribbean jerk shack, seaside bar and grill, and British pub round out the culinary offerings here.
When you stay at either resort, you have access to all the dining options at the other .
The Best Way To Experience Jamaica
Jamaica is a wonderland of allure and stunning, natural beauty. From scenic cliffs and majestic waterfalls to pristine lagoons and bubbling hot springs, the region boasts plenty of things to do amid a diverse terrain. Relax on a river raft ride along the Martha Brae or zip down a canopy at full speed over ancient sugar mill ruins whatever your fancy, Jamaica offers tours and excursions that satisfy the whims of the most adventurous or the most laidback traveller.
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Weddings At Sandals Montego Bay Jamaica
Did you know you can get a FREE WEDDING at Sandals or Beaches? No, this isnt fake! When you stay at Sandals Montego Bay for 3 nights, you are eligible for a free wedding on the property. We actually know a few people who have gotten married at both Sandals Resorts and the kid-friendly Beaches Resorts which is still all-inclusive, but child-friendly. Want to know a secret? Sandals Montego Bay is just opening a brand new ballroom and conference center so if you want to get married in Montego Bay Jamaica and you have a large crew, there is a great space for you!
Sandals Montego Bay has on-site wedding coordinators, photographers, hair and makeup teams and more, depending on your wants and needs. There is an adorable non-denominational chapel for those looking to get married in a church so that was a nice touch. The chapel could be decorated however you wanted, but was beautiful as-is too. Of course, there is always the option of getting married on the beach at Sandals Montego Bay which is quite a popular option for couples looking to do something special.
We loved that the wedding facilities at Sandals Montego Bay Jamaica offered as much or as little help as you needed. If you wanted to bring your own photographer, that is no problem! Big wedding? Just eloping? There is a Sandals wedding package that is perfect for you! If you are looking to get married at Sandals, we highly recommend looking into the Free Wedding At Sandals Resorts to see if it applies to you!
Sandals Montego Bay Jamaica: The Perfect Luxury Couples Getaway
If you are heading to Montego Bay Jamaica and are planning to stay at Sandals Resorts, you are in for a real treat! Sandals Montego Bay is so wonderful and although it is the oldest of the Sandals Resorts properties, it has just been renovated and we could never tell this wasnt a brand new resort unless we were told. Montego Bay Jamaica is such as special place and you are going to just love Sandals Montego Bay!
Fun fact: Victoria has been reading wedding magazines since she was 12 years old. She would always stop and marvel at the joyous couples in the Sandals Resorts advertisements and gaze at the crystal blue water and alleged all-inclusive fun these couples would be having. The wedding magazines would also constantly acclaim Sandals Resorts as one of the best for destination weddings or honeymoons or all-inclusive resorts . We knew family friends who would travel to Sandals every year for two whole weeks. We also know that you can have a free wedding at Sandals and Beaches if you stay for a certain amount of time
Basically, we had never heard a bad thing about Sandals so when we had the opportunity to visit Sandals Montego Bay Resort in Jamaica, we were thrilled and didnt know what to expect. Now, we LOVE cruising, which is a bit all-inclusive in nature, so we werent sure how we would feel about going to a resort in Montego Bay Jamaica and staying there the whole time.
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Most Romantic Spot In Montego Bay
The most beloved attraction for Montego Bay honeymooners is without a doubt rafting on the Martha Brae River. After boarding a 30-foot bamboo raft , couples are treated to a private raft ride guided by an experienced captain. The lush jungle provides a blissfully-romantic canopy with blooming indigenous flowers lining the shores.
The launch point, Martha Brae Rafting Village, is tucked away 20 miles to the east of Montego Bay, but the attraction provides round-trip transportation from Montego Bays resort area. Prior to embarking on your gentle ride through paradise, be sure to visit Miss Marthas Herb Garden. Jamaicans are known for utilizing the islands herbs for healing remedies, and youll learn all about the fascinating practice. Youll be in good company, too, as Queen Elizabeth II and Johnny Cash are just a couple of the icons that have enjoyed the experience.
Expert Tip: Be sure to ask your guide about The Legend of Martha Brae. The generations-old story about how the river is believed to have gotten its name is an enthralling mystery, and theres no better person to tell it than a local!
Close To The Airport Tucked Between Several Other Resorts
Just a 10-minute drive from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the resort is located right off of the main A1 highway. Set back a ways from the road, the gardens and greenery help to provide privacy from the main street, although the neighboring resorts and hotels are visible from the beach and certain other parts of the property. The Montego Bay Cruise Port is a 30-minute drive. While the highway is too dangerous for pedestrians, the resort is a short drive from a number of shops and craft boutiques in the town center, the Hip Strip with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs, and plenty of local golf courses to suit any skill level.
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Scuba Diving In Jamaica
Scuba diving at Sandals truly offers you the very best in equipment, staff and unbelievable dive sites all included! From regulators, BCD’s, masks, snorkels, fins and tanks to state-of-the-art, twin diesel Newton boats and expert guidance from our PADI® certified dive professionals we’ve taken care of everything.
Which Sandals Resort In Jamaica Is The Best
When comparing Sandals Resorts reviews Jamaica, the most important thing to point out is that there is no one best Sandals Resort Jamaica has, rather they are all the best for different needs and styles of vacation or just your personal preference.
When planning your perfect getaway, take a minute to think about what vibe youre looking for and how youd like to enjoy your vacation. Are you looking for a place where you can be secluded and really get away from it all? Do you want plenty of entertainment and a livelier vibe?
If youre looking for a livelier resort, you may prefer the Montego Bay and Ochi Sandals resorts, whereas for something quieter and more secluded some of the other four Sandals Jamaica resorts may suit you better.
All of the Sandals locations in Jamaica get amazing reviews but if youre after the very best Jamaica Sandals resort, then look no further than Sandals Royal Plantation, which is rated #1 of all Sandals Resorts and offers an all-butler suite retreat. Closely following is Sandals South Coast, set amid a beautiful nature reserve.
One of the best things about choosing Sandals is that no matter which one you decide is the best Sandals Jamaica resort for your vacation, you have full exchange privileges at all of them .
Ill guide you through which in my view are the best Sandals Resorts for each of the following categories, too.
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Dozens Of Activities And Amenities
The resort itself is enormous, with six pools, three whirlpools, and a long stretch of beach. Although the beach and water aren’t as impressive as those found in Negril, it’s still lovely and lined with free loungers and umbrellas. Cabanas require a fee on the beach, but they’re free around the pool. A wide variety of water and land sports are available, including snorkeling, sailing, waterskiing, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, tennis, croquet, and billiards. Scuba lessons are offered, and divers that are already certified can dive unlimited for free. The Red Lane Spa provides a large assortment of treatments, and guests can also have their massages on the beach. Saunas and steam rooms are free to use. A modern fitness center has a good array of equipment and free classes.
A stage and entertainment area host a variety of events, including talent shows, live music, cocktail parties, and theme nights. The wedding lounge can help guests plan their special day or anniversary events, and there is a chapel on-site, as well as several gazebos and ceremony sites to choose from. Additionally, the resort offers laundry and dry cleaning services, photographers, gift shops, and money exchanges. Guests who wish to visit the restaurants, bars, or activities at the nearby sister resorts, Sandals Inn and Sandals Royal Caribbean, can do so for free. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
Sandals Montego Bay Resort Jamaica Airport Pick Up
Arriving into the Montego Airport was quick and easy and immigration was surprisingly fast. If it is your first time to Montego Bay Jamaica, you will be pleasantly surprised at how nice and relaxed the airport really is. We didnt feel rushed at all and everything went smoothly upon our arrival into Montego Bay Jamaica. Actually, the Jamaicans ran the most efficient immigration we have ever come across and had every single window open which made for a quick experience.
After we left baggage claim we were greeted by an airport employee who asked which resort we were staying at and we said Sandals Montego Bay and were immediately handed to a Sandals Resort employee and brought just steps away to the stunning Sandals Montego Bay Airport lounge.
The lounge at the Montego Bay Jamaica airport was stocked with beer on tap, water, and other types of alcohol for couples to indulge in as they waited for an airport transfer. We were booked in a butler suite so if you book a room at the butler level, you will receive a private airport transfer. We were instructed to leave our luggage with a luggage tag as we went into the lounge and to just relax until our shuttle to Sandals Montego Bay Jamaica arrived.
We waited less than 10 minutes for our private transfer to arrive and the car was stocked with waters and sun shades to keep you cool in the Jamaican heat.
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True Beachfront Resort Where The Party Never Stops
The very first Sandals has been masterfully reimagined to be the most modern, open-concept, 5-Star Luxury Included® beach resort. Innovative and luxurious, Sandals Montego Bay is adults-only and nestled along the unending shoreline of the most exclusive, private white-sand beach in Jamaica, where offshore reefs create the calmest waters for leisure swims. Discover a chic and casual oasis, mere steps from the water, evoking a carefree spirit of romance and luxury. Our spectacular open-air lobby with magnificent sea vistas captures the island ambiance. Theres a new Over-the-Water Bar, and new Over-the-Water Chapel for an over-the-top experience. Enjoy even more of the best all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay with exclusive play privileges at nearby Sandals Resort. At Sandals Montego Bay, the fun never stops and the beach never ends.
Unlimited Play & Complimentary Green Fees
Jamaicas lush landscape and awe-inspiring coastlines with sweeping views of the sea and mountains create a dramatic backdrop for the perfect golf holiday. Featuring some of the finest golf destinations in the world, Jamaica is home to the Jamaica Golf & Country Club Sandals 18-hole course that rises 700 feet above sea level in the verdant hills of Ocho Rios.
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Mostly Modern Rooms With King
Sandals Montego Bay has a whopping 27 room categories to choose from, ranging from the entry-level and underwhelming Caribbean Deluxe Rooms all the way up to Beachfront Swim-up Honeymoon One-Bedroom Butler Suites w/ Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub. Most rooms have a modern design with neutral hues and pops of blue, but several still have a colonial-style design with dark mahogany wood, earth tones, and old-fashioned artwork. They’re well-maintained and attractive, and all but the Caribbean Rooms have whirlpool tubs on their terraces. On the downside, those lower-category units only have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, instead of the separate showers and tubs that are typical for a hotel of this caliber.
Standard amenities consist of king-size beds, air-conditioning, minibars stocked with water, soda, beer, and Robert Mondavi wine, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, and flat-screen cable TVs. Marble bathrooms have hairdryers and quality toiletries. Club-level rooms offer additional amenities like access to the Club Sandals lounge, private orientation, free Wi-Fi, a dedicated concierge for help with reservations and activity bookings, free room service during select hours, and in-room bars, Butler-level suites have free 24-hour room service and the best views.
Jamaican Culture & Considerations
LanguageThe official language of Jamaica is English, and Montego Bay follows suit as the second-largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean. The local spin on English is known as Jamaican Patois, but its simply an English-based creole language with West African influences. It wont take newlyweds long to pick up enjoyable local expressions like tanks , jus a word , and a how much fi dis? .
SafetyThe majority of Montego Bays best resorts, attractions, and restaurants are located along the coast, and the area is safe for couples to enjoy. Just keep in mind that it is indeed an active city, so be aware of your surroundings if venturing inland and arrange private transportation or tours ahead of time.
Locals are known for selling a variety of handmade goods and tour guide services, but saying a quick no tanks or no thenk yuh will more than suffice if youre not interested.
TippingUnlike the United States, tipping in Jamaica is more of a courtesy than a requirement. Jamaicans dont typically tip at restaurants or for services, but a 10-15% tip is customary at popular tourism destinations like Montego Bay.
Some all-inclusive resorts have a no tipping policy when enjoying their standard amenities, but tipping for extra services like personal butlers and private beachfront dining is highly encouraged. Jamaicans are a generous people, and tipping to show your appreciation will go a long way!
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A Negril Beach Vacation For Families
Negril invented “chill” so get ready to embrace the laidback spirit at this lowrise allinclusive family resort perched along Jamaica’s famed Seven Mile Beach. From the moment you enter the openair lobby you’ll be caught up by fresh ocean breezes and the vibrant colors of the West Indies. Bringing the outside in, this allinclusive resort and spa in Negril, Jamaica is always open to the breathtaking beauty of the tropics. The vibe here is totally carefree and about spending time with those you love.
Political Parties And Elections
Jamaica has traditionally had a , with power often alternating between the and . The party with current administrative and legislative power is the Jamaica Labour Party, after its 2020 victory. There are also several minor parties who have yet to gain a seat in parliament the largest of these is the .
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Sandals Montego Bay Vs Sandals Royal Caribbean
Posted on Last updated: August 1, 2022
Home»All-Inclusive»Sandals»Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean
Jamaica is a magical island filled with natural beauty. A lush mountainous interior with rainforests and waterfalls gives way to pristine white sand beaches lined with sparkling clear Caribbean waters.
There are 7 beachfront Sandals Resorts in Jamaica this article will compare Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean. Both of these adults-only all-inclusive resorts offer the romance and luxury that couples have come to expect from Sandals, as well as many of the same amenities, and they have similar ratings on TripAdvisor and Google.
So how do you choose which Sandals is best for you? This article will help you decide between Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean for your romantic Jamaican getaway.
Sandals Montego Bay has a long stretch of white sand beach, plenty of watersports, and a lively social scene. Its located near the more intimate Sandals Royal Caribbean, which is known for its private island and gorgeous Over-the-Water Bungalows. The good news is, even though you have to pick one resort to stay at, you can enjoy all the amenities and restaurants of the other !