We recently visited Sandals South Coast and wanted to share our review of the all-inclusive adult-only resort.
Sandals South Coast was named “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort” in the 2019 World Travel Awards and is one of the most affordable Sandals Resorts.
After spending several weeks in Jamacia, we found the resort feels a bit more secluded than other Sandals Resorts in Jamaica since it is on the South Coast. We also think it has the best beach of any Sandals Resort in Jamaica and of any other resort we have visited on the island. The 2-mile stretch of pristine white beach amid a 500-acre nature preserve makes for a perfect destination.
Some of the rooms at the resort have been recently renovated and most of the rooms have been renovated in the last few years, which is a welcome improvement.
The main negative to Sandals South Coast is how spread out it is. Depending on where your room is you might find yourself walking a lot. Additionally, it is far from the airport, requiring a long drive on winding roads.
Getting to Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast is located in White House, along the unspoiled southern coast of Jamaica.
We arrived, made it through security and after checking in at the Sandals lounge were on our way to the resort. The drive to the resort is rough. We took Dramamine before the drive to prepare us for the swerving to avoid potholes and other sharp turns. This is honestly the biggest complaint we had about the trip.
Accommodations at Sandals South Coast
In 2024, Sandals decided to rename the “Villages” at Sandals South Coast. Previously they were known as the Italian, French, and Dutch villages, but are now known as Starlight, Silver Sun, and Longbeach. The Longbeach area was also recently renovated.
We have stayed in the Longbeach building, formerly the French Village, each time we have come to Sandals South Coast.
This area was in dire need of refurbishment and they gutted the rooms and completely renovated them. They extended the patios to allow for tranquility tubs and added a pool at the bottom to create swim-up suites.
We stayed in the Longbeach Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. To create this room they combined two rooms to create a living room and bar area and a separate bedroom with the bathroom.
The bathtub and shower are a real show stopper and there is an additional tub outside.
On the balcony we loved the comfortable couch, perfect for watching the sunset and relaxing. From here you see the waves meeting the beach and hear the fountains from the pool for a very relaxing environment.
While these rooms have been renovated, this is still one of the least expensive Sandals Resorts since there are other rooms that remain affordable, and still have the same inclusions.
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If your budget allows, consider the Rondoval Suites, our preferred choice. These suites in the Rondoval Village feature a private patio with zero-entry access to the river pool, a private plunge pool, spa-style bathrooms, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two. These romantic hideaways also come with butler service.
For the ultimate honeymoon luxury, choose an overwater bungalow, known here as the Blue Mahoe Overwater Butler Villas. These incredible suites are set around a heart-shaped walkway and perched over the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean. They have recently been completely refurbished and also come with personal butler service.
Dining at Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast has 7 bars (including swim-up bars) and 9 restaurants, many of which overlook the beautiful beach. These include Italian, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines; the beachside Mediterranean and Jamaican seafood restaurants; Sushi on the Sand; the Jerk Shack; and a Parisian café.
We had breakfast at the buffet each morning, but since the Longbeach area is so far from the restaurants, in room dining may be a better option.
There is also an a la carte breakfast restaurant.
The newest additions to the dining options are two food trucks. Chick’N Dippers is one of those new food trucks that serves chicken tenders.
This is our favorite spot for lunch. You can choose from fried, grilled or spicy chicken and there are 7 sauces, our favorites being honey mustard and fiah ranch. There are also 4 sides including mac & cheese and jerk seasoned fries.
The other food truck is Taquiero, featuring tacos which can also be served as bowls or quesadillas, and a few sides.
You can also opt for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, in a garden, or on your private patio or balcony.
One of the coolest bars is the Over-the-Water Bar for a refreshing drink surrounded by the Caribbean. You can even laze the day away with your sweetie in one of the overwater hammocks for two!
In the evenings there is a bar specializing in martinis that is perfect for a drink before or after dinner. It’s also a great place to hear the live entertainment that is usually in the plaza below. When we were there, we enjoyed listening to an amazing singer accompanied by piano.
The Pools at Sandals South Coast
One of the main attractions at Sandals South Coast is all the pools you can relax in. There is one main pool that is one of the largest in the Caribbean with a swim up bar.
This is also where all the entertainment happens with a DJ around during the day and the entertainment team coming by regularly with fun and games.
This is also where you can play pool volleyball, basketball or enjoy the hot tub during the winter months when it might get chilly at night.
There is a very small pool that is rarely used in the Silver Sun (formerly Italian) area.
In the Starlight area there is a quiet pool with a bar that is surrounded by a lagoon that provides pool access to the swim up suites.
In the Longbeach area the pool has been refinished and there are nicer chairs and cabanas. This is a quiet area but it does have a swim up bar, making it very popular thoughout the day. There is also a large hot tub in this area perfect for a night time dip.
The new rooms are surrounded by a pool to allow for swim up rooms.
The Beach at Sandals South Coast
If you want to stay at the beach all day there are so many areas here to choose from. They are mostly very relaxed and laid back.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are sea urchins in the area. We did not spend much time in the sea water so we do not know how comon they are but some people choose to wear water shoes or to snorkel before swimming to see if there are any nearby.
The further you go towards the overwater bungalows or beyond, the quieter the beach is going to be.
Activities at Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast offers a full range of water sports including waterskiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, tubing, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing; equipment and instruction are included.
It has a wide variety of land sports available as well, including day and night tennis in addition to basketball, beach volleyball, pool tables, table tennis, squash, bocce ball, and a fitness center with exercise classes.
Recently the tennis court was refinished and pickleball courts were created. They are used regularly to host pickleball groups.
In the evening there is alway entertainment in some form.
Nearby Excursions
Being on the south side of the island, the resort is not close to a ton of excursions like some of the other Sandals Resorts. I wouldn’t recommend going to Dunn’s River or Montego Bay, as it takes too long
The good news is that the nearby destinations you can go to easily are going to feel more unique and authentic since there will be less people there.
I highly recommend going to the YS Falls. The drive is not very long and you can combine it with an authentic Jamaican lunch, visiting the Appleton Estate for a rum tour, or ziplining as well.
The Red Lane Spa Review
When we arrived at Sandals South Coast, my back was feeling sore. I called the spa as soon as we arrived in our room and made an appointment for couples massages an hour later. I asked for firm pressure and had a great massage.
This sanctuary is set in secluded gardens and offers relaxation areas, a plunge pool, a steam room, a beauty salon, and a yoga/Pilates studio. Services at the spa do cost extra.
What Is Included in the Honeymoon Package at Sandals South Coast?
Another thing that makes Sandals South Coast an ideal place for a honeymoon is the Sandals honeymoon package. Beyond all the usual things included in a stay at a Sandals resort, if you make your trip within a year of your wedding date, you get these honeymoon extras:
- A bottle of chilled sparkling wine in your room to toast your future.
- A special turndown service that includes flower petals on your bed on the first evening of your honeymoon.
- Fresh flowers and a decadent breakfast in bed one morning of your choice.
Nightlife at Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast takes on an even more romantic ambiance at night when beach bonfires and fire pits add to the glow of your love.
Sandals Resorts are all about celebrating. In addition to sipping your favorite cocktail at the overwater bar or singing along in the piano bar, you’ll enjoy daily and nightly entertainment including live shows and theme nights.
Destination Weddings at Sandals South Coast
This resort is perfect for destination weddings. First, the rooms have a variety of price points to accommodate various budgets for you and your guests.
Second is they have an overwater chapel you can get married in.
Wedding packages vary based on the number of guests and the length of stay on resort.
Our Thoughts on Sandals South Coast
We have always enjoyed our time at Sandals South Coast. We think it is perfect for someone looking for a more relaxed vibe that prioritizes hanging around the beach or the pool.
There is a great variety of food and the new food trucks add to that.
We recommend the Starlight buildings since they have been renovated in the last few years and are more centrally located than the Longbeach area.
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