“Welcome home” is spelled out in rose petals on the floor of my sea-facing suite at Sandals South Coast, a bottle of chilled Champagne and two glasses beside it. These touches are part of what keeps guests faithful to the trusted all-inclusive brand.
From the moment you arrive at Montego Bay airport, the attentive Sandals team is there to spoil you, greeting you with a Red Stripe and a smile at its private lounge before driving you to the recently renovated, adults-only resort situated within a lush 500-acre nature preserve in Whitehouse, Jamaica.
Once on-site, there’s no shortage of things to do. Nine restaurants provide plenty of dining variety; I loved Sushi on the Sand for its fresh sashimi and Eleanor’s for Jamaican specialties like ackee and saltfish. At Jamaica’s largest zero-entry pool, trivia games and a swim-up bar keep the party going, while other pools offer a more peaceful atmosphere (whatever vibe you want, the resort has it). Other highlights: an over-the-water bar with hammocks to sit on and watch the fish swim below you, sports including pickleball and scuba diving, and Caribbean-inspired spa treatments.
Butler service is a worthy splurge if you’re looking for a completely hassle-free vacation. Guests are provided a phone to contact their butler with any needs—including booking activities, making dinner reservations, and reserving a spot on the beach. Each one of the resort’s 372 rooms is excellent but the swim-up suites and overwater bungalows are exceptional. Sandals boasts the only overwater bungalows in Jamaica, and the 12 at South Coast are stunning; think private outdoor soaking tubs, glass floor panels, and exclusive in-room dining, ideal for a honeymoon or milestone anniversary. You won’t want to go home.