5 Best Sandals Resorts for Young & Active Couples

For young couples seeking a romantic stay at an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, a Sandals resort is truly the best choice.

These luxurious resorts are favorites among young couples and honeymooners due to their high-quality complimentary inclusions, majestic beachfront locations, beautiful accommodations, and unlimited gourmet dining as well as premium alcohol. 

Of course, not all young couples are looking for the same things when they book a Sandals stay. So, with this in mind, we’ve included options for all different types of young couples with varying interests.

Whether you prefer a super social vacation with drinks that just keep on coming, or something a little calmer, we can help you find the perfect destination.

Keep reading to discover the best Sandals resorts for young couples!

Sandals Montego Bay

SANDALS Montego Bay: All-Inclusive Resort In Jamaica

The first-ever Sandals all-inclusive resort, Sandals Montego Bay, now has even more ways to enjoy luxury while reveling in the spirit of romance and fun on Jamaica’s coastline. 

Located on the longest, exclusive-access beach in Jamaica, Sandals Montego Bay is often ranked as the best resort for young couples. This is due to the resort’s lively, social atmosphere that attracts guests who know how to party and staff who can keep the party going.

Sandals Montego Bay is known for its vibrant nightlife, which includes a variety of beach parties, DJs, nightclubs and bars, themed nights, pool parties, live music, and other entertainment options.

If partying isn’t your thing, have no fear – Sandals Montego Bay is also one of the best Sandals resorts for scuba diving. For more recommendations, check out the 11 Best Sandals Resorts for Scuba Diving.

Highlights of Sandals Montego Bay

Room Categories

There are 14 different room categories at Sandals Montego Bay, including a variety of beachfront and swim-up suites.

Luxury at Sandals Montego Bay

Our favorite room is the Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub (price: from $813 per person per night). This is the resort’s premiere swim-up suite and most luxurious room. It comes with unobstructed pool and ocean views, a separate living room, two soaking tubs, and, of course, the services of a private butler.

Beach Parties

The beach parties are held once or twice a week and offer a great opportunity for socializing with other guests.

Each beach party usually has a theme, such as Caribbean Night, Masquerade, or White Party. The staff really go all out to create an atmosphere that is over-the-top in the best possible way.

The Liquid Nightclub

Sandals Montego Bay is home to Liquid, a nightclub with a high-energy atmosphere, great music, and a super fun dance floor.

The dress code at Liquid is a bit more formal so make sure you pack accordingly. Liquid usually stays open until 2 am, making it one of the prime late-night venues at the resort.

Picturesque Beach

Sandals Montego Bay Long beach

The famous beach in front of the resort is one of the main reasons to visit. Picture an expansive stretch of sand (pure, white sand that cushions your feet) dotted with palm trees for shade and plenty of sun loungers.

Dining Options

Sandals Montego Bay beach restaurant

There are 12 specialty restaurants for those romantic dinners, as well as six bars, including swim-up bars.

Pools

There are three whirlpools and seven pools at Sandals Montego Bay, including the Main Pool, the Quiet Pool, and the ever-popular Beachfront Pool.

Sandals Montego Bay Beachfront Pool

The Main Pool area is where most of the action happens. It can get a little loud during the day and into the evening so the Quiet Pool is the best place for couples seeking a peaceful, relaxing setting.

The Views

Sandals Montego Bay overwater chapel

Sandals Montego Bay has Latitudes, a stunning overwater bar with incredible sunset views, as well as an intimate, overwater chapel. The chapel is located at the end of a pier and offers an open-air setting, gorgeous views of the ocean, and space for 20 guests.

Stay at 1, Play at 2

Guests can enjoy “stay at 1, play at 2” exchange privileges with Sandals Royal Caribbean, which means you have access to all of the restaurants, bars, and facilities at the other resort.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Sandals Grande St. Lucian: All-Inclusive Resort In Rodney Bay

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located on Rodney Bay, known to have the calmest waters in Saint Lucia. 

Located along the calm waters of Rodney Bay, in Saint Lucia, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is an excellent all-around choice for young couples. 

This luxury resort has a sophisticated yet laidback atmosphere with lots of opportunities to be social or to enjoy the company of your partner.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is one of our favorite Sandals resorts overall because the beaches and pools are both fantastic.

Whether you want to play beach volleyball, indulge in luxurious spa services, or relax in a sun lounger, you will have a great time here.

Highlights of Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Overwater Bungalows

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is one of the few Sandals resorts that offers luxurious, overwater bungalows with incredible views of the sea.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Over the Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalow

The Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows are located at the end of a romantic pier and look straight out of Bora Bora or Maldives. You can relax in the soaking tub or lounge in the seating area on your deck.

If you want to check out the water, you can simply dive in from your deck or view marine life through the glass floor panels in your bungalow.

Pools and Dining Options

Sandals Grande St. Lucian pool

There are 12 specialty restaurants and seven bars as well as five pools and three whirlpools!

Notably, there is also a scuba pool and guests can enroll in a variety of PADI-certified scuba programs.

Golf

Guests have access (and complimentary green fees plus multiple rounds) at La Toc Golf Course and Cap Estate Golf & Country Club. However, La Toc Golf Course was temporarily closed so check before you book your trip.

Cap Estates Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole, par 71 champion course that plays to over 7,000 yards.

Due to its water hazards, elevation fluctuation, and strategically placed bunkers, we consider this course challenging, but there are also a variety of tee boxes so beginners can enjoy the course too.

Watersports

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Watersports

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a great resort for watersports due to the comparatively calm waters.

Guests can participate in activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, sailing Hobie Cats, snorkeling, and paddle boarding.

Stay at 1, Play at 2

Guests can enjoy “stay at 1, play at 2” exchange privileges at Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Bay so it’s like staying at three resorts for the price of one.

Beaches

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Beach

The resort is located on a peninsula with two beaches, one of which is considered the most beautiful beach in St. Lucia.

The main beach has soft, white sand and is an excellent place for long, sunset walks.

Sandals Ochi

SANDALS Ochi: All-Inclusive Resort In Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Modern chic and private exclusivity, meet in the heart of Jamaica in a resort that features the best of both worlds. On one side of paradise, discover the beachside Caribbean Riviera with a hot beach club. 

This is an excellent choice for couples who want a social vibe and great restaurants, as well as complete privacy when you want to unwind.

Located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Sandals Ochi offers both a stunning beachfront setting and over 100 acres of sprawling tropical gardens.

While some couples report difficulty sleeping at Sandals Montego Bay due to the party atmosphere, Sandals Ochi has the same fun and social vibe, but it’s easy to get away from the louder areas.

Highlights of Sandals Ochi

Room Categories

Sandals Ochi offers 19 room categories, including stunning beachfront suites with breathtaking sea views and direct beach access.

Sandals Ochi Butler Villas Honeymoon Romeo & Juliet

However, our favorite is the Butler Villas Honeymoon Romeo & Juliet One Bedroom Villa Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary (price: from $523 per person per night). Perfect for escaping after a day by the beach, this sanctuary features a walled-in courtyard with a private pool that separates the spacious living room and master bedroom. It also comes with the services of a private butler.

The Romeo and Juliet suites are designed for couples seeking romance and seclusion, so if you really want to sweep your partner off their feet, book one of these.

Dining Options

Sandals Ochi Sky Terrace Restaurant

Within the Sandals resort community, Sandals Ochi is known for its dining – the variety, the quality, and the ambiance of the restaurants. There are 16 restaurants and 11 bars (that includes three swim-up bars).

If we had to choose our favorite restaurant at Sandals Ochi, it would be The Reef Terrace. Located on the cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea, this open-air restaurant serves Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. The Chargrilled Ribeye Steak has a delicious tamarind reduction – it’s a must-try!

Bars

Gormonde Bar

Sandals Ochi has a variety of curated bars, including Jamaica’s first speakeasy and Latitudes, which is a sophisticated overwater bar with incredible sea views and beautiful lounge furniture.

Overwater Chapel

Guests can also enjoy the overwater chapel and overwater promenade.

Sandals Ochi Overwater Chapel

The Serenity Chapel is located at the end of a pier with amazing sea views and was designed to seamlessly blend in with its surroundings.

Although the atmosphere is open-air and intimate, there is enough room for 50 guests. Don’t forget that Sandals resorts offer a free wedding when you stay for at least 3 nights!

Pools

There are seven pools that all guests can use and many of the suites come with private pools.

Ochi Beach Club

Sandals Ochi is also home to the trendy Ochi Beach Club, which has an upscale vibe and is a great place to socialize.

Ochi Beach Club

The beach club features DJs, a swim-up bar, lounge furniture by the sea as well as by the pool, and spectacular views. At night, it turns into an open-air club complete with dancing, good drinks, and even a mechanical bull!

Sandals Ochi BeachDJ

Excursion Options

For an additional fee, guests can participate in a variety of excursions that show Jamaica at its most beautiful.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do: visit the famous Blue Hole, take a catamaran cruise, go bamboo rafting, and island hopping.

There are also combination tours that offer a full day of activities such as visiting and climbing Dunn’s River Falls, horseback riding on the beach, ATV adventures, and ziplining through the jungle.

Golf

Guests receive complimentary green fees, multiple rounds, and roundtrip transportation to Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.

Sandals Ochi Golf

Located 20 minutes from Sandals Ochi, this 18-hole, par 72 championship course is gorgeously lush and located 700 feet above the ocean.

From the back tees, the course measures over 6,404 years, but there are multiple tee options, allowing players of various levels to enjoy Upton Estate.

Glass-Bottom Boats

Sandals Ochi offers glass bottom boats, which provide another way to “sea” Jamaica’s incredible marine world.

Butler Village

For the most luxurious experience possible, guests can book a suite or villa in the Butler Village, which is an exclusive area with top-notch amenities and private butler service for every couple.

Sandals South Coast

SANDALS South Coast: All-Inclusive Resort In Whitehouse

Set along a 2-mile stretch of the pristine south coast of Jamaica, this entire all-inclusive resort has been designed to embrace the coastline. 

Located along Jamaica’s mesmerizing southern coastline, Sandals South Coast is the perfect choice for couples who have never been to a Sandals resort and are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime, all-inclusive experience.

Sandals South Coast was designed to highlight the beauty of water and to allow guests to take advantage of the Caribbean’s blue waters and the resort’s many pools as much as possible. Think overwater bungalows, meandering lagoon pools that look like flowing rivers, swimming pools with sea views, and long sandy beaches.

Although Sandals Montego Bay is technically the flagship resort, Sandals South Coast boasts a variety of luxurious amenities, fantastic dining options, beautiful accommodations, and fun activities that make it stand out.

Highlights of Sandals South Coast

The Beach

Sandals South Coast Beach

The resort is situated on a 2-mile-long stunning beach with bright, white sand that contrasts beautifully with the turquoise waters. 

Village Setup

Sandals South Coast is divided into three distinct “villages”: the Dutch Village, the Italian Village, and the French Village.

As the names imply, each area is designed to fit the European aesthetic of the country it is named after.

Dining Options

Sandals South Coast Jerk Shack

There are nine specialty restaurants and seven bars. Foodies will be particularly happy staying at Sandals South Coast due to the quantity and quality of dining options.

Located in the Dutch Village, Neptune’s offers Mediterranean fare in an atmosphere of casual elegance and is a favorite among young couples. While the Mediterranean Lamb Stew is the signature dish, we think the Grilled Mahi Mahi is the real winner on the menu.

Pools

Guests can enjoy four whirlpools and four swimming pools, including Jamaica’s largest pool (it’s a zero-entry pool that serves as one of the main areas for socializing). 

Sandals South Coast Main Pool

Three of the pools are located beachfront and provide plenty of opportunities to swim even during the rainy months when the sea is rough.

Overwater Bungalows

Sandals South Coast is one of the few Sandals resorts that offers overwater bungalows.

Over the Water Butler Honeymoon Bungalow

The Over the Water Butler Honeymoon Bungalow is one of the most beautiful accommodations available at any Sandals resort (price: from $1,628 per person per night).

Each bungalow is stilted over the water and features a large deck with a soaking tub, plenty of lounging furniture, glass floor panels for viewing the marine life, and a sumptuous master suite.

These romantic bungalows also come with personal butler service and all of the privileges of booking a Butler Elite-level suite.

Swim-up Suites

In keeping with the “all about water” theme, Sandals South Coast has a variety of swim-up suites spread across the three villages.

South Seas Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suite

Our top two favorite options are the South Seas Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary (price: from $771 per person per night) and the Dutch Beachfront Swim-up Club Level Junior Suite with Patio and Tranquility Soaking Tub (price: from $477 per person per night).

The design of the “Rondoval” is quirky without being kitschy and the layout allows for maximum privacy.

On the other hand, the second swim-up option has a more affordable price tag than most swim-up suites and the sea-blue details are really beautiful.

Watersports

Guests can enjoy plenty of activities, including PADI-certified scuba diving and watersports that are not available at every Sandals resort, such as tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.

Wedding Beauty

Sandals South Coast overwater chapel

Sandals South Coast features an intimate, overwater chapel that can accommodate 20 guests and has a modern, chic aesthetic.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the chapel is an overwater bar that was designed to look like a rustic boathouse. The use of natural wood in both buildings gives them a laidback appeal and lets the ocean become the backdrop to your special day or evening.

Sandals Royal Plantation

SANDALS Royal Plantation: Beach Resort In Ocho Rios

The award-winning, all-butler beach resort in Jamaica of just 74 ocean-view suites, is perfectly tucked into a magnificent coral bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Lists of the best Sandals resorts for young couples often don’t include Sandals Royal Plantation and we’re not sure why.

Although it’s not a party place and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, this secluded haven is simply the most romantic Sandals resort. How can it not be a great choice for young couples and honeymoon clients?

At Sandals Royal Plantation, located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, there are only 74 suites, all of which feature ocean views, private butler service, and beautiful furnishings.

Highlights of Sandals Royal Plantation

Private Beaches

Sandals Royal Plantation Beach

Guests have access to two private beaches, which are well-maintained by the staff and raked multiple times a day.

Guests can enjoy valet service at the beach and a team of private butlers are on hand to bring your favorite drinks and snacks.

Dining Options

Couples seeking a delicious meal or afternoon cocktail can visit five gourmet restaurants (French, Caribbean, seafood, café eats, and pub fare) and two bars.

However, if you want more dining choices, you can go to neighboring Sandals Ochi and enjoy all of the restaurants, bars, and amenities at no additional cost.

Intimate Ambience

The resort itself feels more sophisticated and intimate than other Sandals resorts.

Specifically, the buildings, gardens, and beach area blend in especially well together creating a feeling of cohesion that adds to the peacefulness.

Golf

Guests can enjoy complimentary green fees and multiple rounds at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club. For more information about this golf course, check out our entry about Sandals Ochi.

Afternoon Tea

English-style afternoon tea is a service that guests can enjoy daily at Tea Terrace.

Villa Plantana

Sandals Royal Plantation is home to Villa Plantana, a sprawling three-bedroom retreat that comes with a full staff and unbeatable ocean views.

Villa Plantana has a private entrance to ensure you won’t be disturbed and can also be booked as a one-bedroom or two-bedroom stay.

More From Blog

Bryanna and Branden’s Big Day (Oh, and Bo the Dog Too!)

Top 10 Craziest Culinary Experiences at All-Inclusive Resorts

11 Things That Totally Annoy Housekeeping Staff – And What to Do Instead

Thank you!

This feature will be available shortly, we’ll notify you when it’s ready. For now, please take a look at our hand-selected vendors.

Enter to win a free All-inclusive honeymoon

4 days/3 nights at any Sandals resort (airfare not included) 

Login