Let’s be real—when searching for the best all-inclusive resort, you want to know exactly what you’re getting (and what you’re not). And guess what? Sandals Resorts sets the gold standard for “all-inclusive” because, well, they include just about everything! 🏝️✨
From unlimited gourmet dining 🍽️, to top-shelf drinks 🍹, water sports 🌊, and even scuba diving for certified divers 🤿—Sandals packs in more perks than most other resorts.
But before you pack your bags and leave your wallet at home (which, by the way, you totally could), let’s chat about a few extras that aren’t included in your upfront cost. Some are fun splurges, while others are totally optional—but knowing ahead of time means no surprises! 🚫💸
🚤 Off-Resort Excursions & Tours
Want to swim with pigs in the Bahamas? 🐷 Take a catamaran cruise in Saint Lucia? ⛵ Or climb the famous Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica? 🏔️ These are bucket list experiences—but they aren’t included in your Sandals stay.
✔️ What IS included: Free snorkeling trips, unlimited water & land sports, entertainment.
❌ What’s NOT: Off-site excursions & adventure tours (but Sandals makes booking them easy!).
💆 Spa Treatments & Products
The Red Lane® Spa is a luxurious oasis, offering everything from deep-tissue massages to Caribbean seaweed body wraps. 🌿✨ But these relaxing extras come with an extra cost.
✔️ What IS included: High-end spa toiletries in your room. 🛁
❌ What’s NOT: Massages, facials, and salon services (totally worth it, though!)
💡 Insider Tip: Even if you don’t book a spa treatment, you can still enjoy the spa’s steam rooms, plunge pools & relaxation areas! 🧖♀️
🍽️ Private Candlelight Dinners on the Beach
Yes, every Sandals resort has up to 16 gourmet restaurants, and ALL of them are included. Want two appetizers, three entrées, and dessert? Go for it! 🍰🥂
But if you want a private, ultra-romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, that’s an extra. Expect white-glove service, a personal waiter, and an oceanfront table under the stars. ✨
✔️ What IS included: All restaurants, all meals, all drinks, all the time. 🍷
❌ What’s NOT: Private dining experiences ($199+ per couple).
🏖️ Private Cabanas & Butler-for-a-Day Service
All Sandals beaches and pools are first-come, first-served—and they all come with free plush loungers & beach towels. Want extra pampering? Rent a private cabana with a dedicated butler bringing you drinks, snacks, and cold towels all day. 🍹💆♂️
✔️ What IS included: Beach chairs, towels, shade huts, and bar service. 🏝️
❌ What’s NOT: Private cabana rentals (~$150 per day, with VIP butler service!).
💡 Pro Tip: Didn’t book a Butler Suite but want the experience? A cabana rental gives you a butler for a day!
🤿 Scuba Diving Certification & Wetsuit Rentals
Already PADI® certified? Congrats! You get free daily scuba diving trips (equipment included!). If you aren’t certified but want to be, Sandals offers on-site PADI certification courses—for a fee.
✔️ What IS included: Free dives for certified guests (max. two tanks per day), professional equipment, scuba staff.
❌ What’s NOT: PADI certification, scuba courses, & wetsuit rentals (if needed $10 per dive).
⛳ Golf Caddy & Equipment Rentals
If you’re a golf lover, you’ll be thrilled to know that green fees are included at Sandals resorts with golf courses! ⛳ But there’s a small catch—you’ll need to rent a cart, clubs, or a caddy (because walking all 18 holes in the Caribbean heat? Nope. 🥵).
✔️ What IS included: Unlimited rounds of golf at select resorts (green fees, and transfers at select resorts) 🏌️
❌ What’s NOT: Caddy fees (mandatory), PGA golf lessons, shoe rental, club rentals, golf cart rentals.
🍷 Special Wines & Liquors
Your all-inclusive stay includes premium liquors & six varietals of Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines. 🍷 But if you’re a wine connoisseur, you can upgrade to a special reserve bottle from the Manager’s Wine List—for an extra charge.
✔️ What IS included: Unlimited cocktails, beer, juices, sodas & Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines. 🍾
❌ What’s NOT: Select fine wines & champagnes from the Manager’s Wine List.
💵 Butler Tips & Other Gratuities
One of the biggest perks of Sandals? No tipping required! 💸 Gratuities are included except for a few special services, like your private butler (if you book a Butler Suite), spa staff, and excursion guides.
✔️ What IS included: All tips & service fees (except butlers & spa staff).
❌ What’s NOT: Butler gratuities (Avg. $20-$25 per day, totally at your discretion).
📸 Professional Photo Packages
Want Instagram-worthy beach pics? 📷 Sandals has professional photographers on-site who can capture your best moments, but if you want those high-res shots, you’ll need to purchase a photo package.
✔️ What IS included: Amazing Backdrops & Free Photography Session . 😉
❌ What’s NOT: Professional Photo Packages & prints.
You Don’t Need to Spend Extra to Have an Amazing Time!
Even if you never spend an extra dime, you’ll still have an unforgettable vacation at Sandals. Your food, drinks, entertainment, activities, and even airport transfers are all included! 💃🍹🌊
So while there are a few optional splurges—like spa treatments, private dinners, and excursions—you’ll still be living the VIP, all-inclusive dream without ever reaching for your wallet. 🏝️✨
📅 Ready to book your ultimate Sandals getaway? As a Certified Sandals Elite Specialist, I’ll help you choose the perfect resort, room, and optional add-ons to make your trip extra special. 💕 Let’s start planning your dream vacation today!
📩 Request a quote or schedule your complimentary vacation consultation:
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