By Ricky Tyus, Owner, Tyus Tours and Travel
The Truth Travel Correspondent
From the moment Pamela and I stepped onto the property, we were greeted with warm smiles and a welcome drink, making us feel right at home. The resort’s lush landscaping and pristine beaches created a picturesque backdrop for our days of both work and leisure. Each morning, we took time to stroll along the shoreline before diving into our projects, finding that the serenity of the island made it easy to stay inspired and focused. Whether we were savoring local cuisine at one of the on-site restaurants or relaxing in the shade of a palm tree, Sandals South Coast offered the perfect balance of productivity and paradise, setting the stage for unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences
Exotic Blue Mahoe Overwater Villas available at Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast in Jamaica covers 50 acres and offers 380 rooms and suites. The resort is situated on the southwest coast of Jamaica, approximately 90 minutes from Sangster International Airport and 45 minutes from Negril.
View from our Balcony with the Tranquility Soaking Tub
We spent three nights/four days at the Sandals South Coast Longbeach Beachfront Club Level Suite, where we appreciated the balcony tub offering views of both the beach and pool. The ocean breeze combined with a generously sized king bed contributed to a comfortable and relaxing experience.
The first evening commenced with a meet and greet session, followed by dinner at Jasmine’s, a restaurant specializing in Pan-Asian cuisine that was exceptional. Later, we attended a live band performance at Retro Live, presented by the Sandals entertainment team.
Over the Water Bungalows
Sandals South Coast
The following day, we participated in a guided tour of Sandals South Coast, an impressive resort spanning 50 acres. The property features water elements that run throughout the grounds, complemented by a modern design influenced by the ocean’s restorative qualities. Expansive tropical landscapes and the sound of waves create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation, with a range of accommodations including Rondoval Villas, Swim-Up Suites, and Overwater Bungalows, all situated in close proximity to the shoreline. Numerous bars and restaurants, both on land and over the water, contribute to the tranquil environment found along Jamaica’s southern coast.
We dined at Eleanor’s Restaurant for dinner, which required advance reservations and evening attire; the menu showcased Pan-Caribbean cuisine. The quality of both food and service was consistently excellent. Following dinner, we attended a Caribbean Carnival Beach Party featuring fire performers, a live band, tropical dancers, and organized entertainment, all set on the beachfront.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was lively, with guests dancing and mingling under the stars, which perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of the resort. We found ourselves swept up in the energy, sharing laughs and making new friends, all while enjoying the sounds of the Caribbean. The combination of excellent entertainment and the gentle ocean air made it a night to remember, highlighting the exceptional hospitality that Sandals South Coast is known for.
On the final day of our Familiarization Tour (FAM) with Sandals, we proceeded to Negril to tour both Beaches Negril and Sandals Negril. Our initial visit was to Beaches Negril.
Beaches Negril
Situated along the widest expanse of Negril’s renowned seven-mile white sand beach, this resort features the Pirates Island Water Theme Park, which includes eight slides, a meandering lazy river, pirate bucket drops, and a splash deck. Guests can enjoy the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street-themed activities, including daily character appearances, parades, and stage shows. The Kids Kamp & Nursery offers a comprehensive selection of supervised activities, while the Interactive Teens Program provides a dedicated “Trench Town” Teen Center and a coordinator to oversee teen programming. Expansive two- and three-bedroom Together Nest Suites with butler service are also available to accommodate families and groups.
Beaches Negril features 197 rooms and suites across 29 room categories and is located on 20 acres of land. The Penthouse Four Bedroom Butler Beachfront Walkout Suite and the Penthouse Four-bedroom Butler Balcony can accommodate up to 18 guests. Sandals Suite includes personal butler service.
The Beaches Suite Concierge program provides assistance with a variety of requests, including arranging excursions, as well as making restaurant and spa reservations, to ensure all guest needs are met. The Suite Concierge Center is available daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Accessible rooms include a sofa, a writing desk, and a four-poster king-sized bed. The bathroom offers a twin washbasin designed for wheelchair access, a whirlpool tub, and a separate walk-in overhead rain shower that is also wheelchair accessible. Each suite features a large flat-screen TV and has a balcony.
Sandals Negril
Sandals Negril is situated directly on the broadest section of Jamaica’s renowned Seven Mile Beach, offering a refined setting ideal for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary aquatic activities, including water skiing, glass-bottom boat tours, and paddle boarding, ensuring abundant opportunities to engage with the natural surroundings. After a day spent participating in these activities or simply relaxing, it is recommended to witness one of the beach’s acclaimed sunsets before enjoying drinks and dinner.
Chef Garrett Mariott and staff
Sandals Negril features 244 rooms and suites across 19 categories, situated on a 12-acre property. The resort offers Butler Elite, Club Sandals, and rooms designed for guests with physical challenges. The SkyPool Butler Suite with Roof Terrace, located on the fourth floor, provides a spacious living area alongside a separate dining room, a rooftop terrace, and a private skypool.
Also included above is Chef Garrett Mariott. I am pleased to announce that Chef Mariott and his distinguished team from Sandals Negril, whose culinary expertise I have specifically requested for our wedding, will contribute their talents to make our special day memorable.
Cafe De Paris