Sandals Negril Review: What It’s Really Like & Who It’s Best For
Sandals Negril Beach
Quick Answer
This Sandals Negril Jamaica review covers what the resort is really like, including rooms, beach quality, dining, pricing, and who it’s best for. Sandals Negril is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located on Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica, known for its relaxed casual vibe, long beachfront, and excellent value compared to other Sandals resorts.
While it’s not the newest Sandals property, it’s one of the best options for couples who want a laid-back beach vacation, walkable resort layout, and strong all-inclusive value without paying top-tier Sandals prices.
Sandals Negril at a Glance
Location: Negril, Jamaica (Seven Mile Beach)
Distance from airport: ~90 minutes from Montego Bay
Resort size: Smaller, walkable Sandals
Beach: One of the longest continuous beaches in the Sandals brand
Vibe: Relaxed, beach-focused, social but not a party resort
Best for: Couples who value relaxing beach time over nightlife
My Experience at Sandals Negril
I first visited Sandals Negril in May of 2025. I was on a sprint in which I was visiting every Sandals and Beaches Resort in Jamaica. While it may not stand out as my favorite Sandals Resort in Jamaica, there were definitely some Pros to the property that surprised me, as I didn’t see it elsewhere.
First, it feels more casual than the other Sandals Resorts. It’s smaller and easy to walk the entire resort in a few minutes. There weren’t as many restaurants, but the ones they had were delicious! The grilled flank steak at Brava was hands down one of my favorite meals on the island.
In comparison to the other resorts, this one does have less options for land activities and restaurants. However, the beach is the selling point here! You’ll find many more options in terms of water sports (we took some time to do the aqua trikes and go tubing) and most choose to lounge about most of the day on the beach, as there’s an abundance of great spots with a view.
Sandals Negril Love Sign
Pros & Cons of Sandals Negril
What I Loved
Seven Mile Beach access - If you’re all about the beach, the laid back atmosphere is perfect here.
Walkable layout - Most buildings sit right up against the beach and you can get from one end to the other quickly. This is perfect for those who may have issues climbing stairs or getting around.
Laid-back daytime vibe - It’s quiet at night and super casual during the day. While it’s still a Sandals level resort, it doesn’t feel as ritzy.
Strong value compared to newer Sandals resorts - If you love unique rooms, I was also surprised by the amount of next-level rooms you can snag for a good deal here. They have a good supply of swim-up rooms, private plunge pool rooms, and even Skypool suites!
A Few Things to Consider
Smaller resort = fewer restaurants - If you want a larger range of dining options, this may not be for you. They only have 7 restaurants and a coffee shop.
Limited nightlife compared to Montego Bay or Ochi - If you want an abundant nightlife, you may need to look elsewhere. It’s pretty quiet when the sun goes down.
Longer transfer from the airport - While some Sandals Resorts are minutes from the airport, you can expect a transit time of around 90 minutes from the airport. However, Sandals does provide bus transport!
Sandals Negril Pool
Who Sandals Negril Is (and Isn’t) Right For
I’d Recommend Sandals Negril for…
Couples who want long beach days
Travelers who prefer smaller, quieter resorts
First-time Sandals guests seeking value
Honeymooners who don’t need nightlife
Sandals Negril Is NOT Ideal For
Guests who want late-night entertainment
Couples who prefer massive resort variety
Travelers who want ultra-modern rooms
Arrival, Location & Airport Transfer
Sandals Negril Entrance
After landing at Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport, Sandals Negril is around a 90-minute ride away. Roundtrip transfers are always included. In all honesty, I don’t think the commute was much of an issue. The drivers have always been friendly and you can sometimes snag a drink from the lounge and bring it for the ride. (During my last trip, the staff at Club Mobay sent us away with some Hurricanes and we had a nice nap!)
The airport experience is actually pretty easy with Sandals. Once you grab your baggage and make your way through customs, you’ll find the Sandals lounge in the lobby. They’ll take and tag your bags and mark you for arrival. You’ll then have some time to use the restroom, grab a drink, and rest in the Sandals lounge until your bus is ready. Quick Note: I’ve never waited more than 20 minutes for the bus. They keep them going!
Tip: We recommend checking out Club Mobay at the Montego Bay airport for fast-track through immigration and access to the airport lounge. Trust me, it's worth it! Reach out and we can provide more details.
For more information on Club Mobay, check out our review: What is Club Mobay and is it Worth It?
Rooms & Accommodations at Sandals Negril
Room Categories Overview
Before moving on, we need to look at the levels of service found in the different accommodations listed. At Sandals Royal Caribbean, you'll have the choice of three distinct levels of accommodations: Luxury, Club Level, and Butler. The level of service you receive will depend on the room category you select, as outlined in the room guide.
Luxury - The Luxury level is the standard offering at Sandals Royal Caribbean. While you'll still enjoy the resort's signature "no tipping" policy and all-inclusive amenities, you won't have access to the exclusive concierge or butler services.
Club Level - Upgrading to Club Level grants you access to additional services and amenities, including:
A dedicated concierge lounge offering drinks and assistance with booking excursions and making reservations
Exclusive weekly events for Club Level guests, such as martini evenings, shopping trips, and cocktail parties
Daily room service
A room stocked with premium drinks
Click Here for More Information on Club Level Rooms
Butler Level - For the ultimate in personalized service, select one of the room categories that includes butler service. You'll be provided with a cellphone to reach your butler, who will cater to your every need, much like having a personal genie on the beach. Your butler will assist with:
Reserving prime spots on the beach and by the pool
Delivering food and drinks directly to your suite
Packing and unpacking your luggage
Making reservations on your behalf
The 5 Main Places to Stay
The rooms at Sandals Negril are divided up into 5 distinct areas. Some are going to be perfect for that next-level honeymoon experience, while others are known for the budget friendly options. We’ll start at the far end of the resort and work our way across each building below:
Sundowner Building
Sundowner Building
The Sundowner might be my favorite building on the resort primarily because of it’s location by the lagoon. It’s a smaller 2-story building with all-butler rooms, so the rooms here are going to be a bit more expensive. All rooms face the beach and the top floor sport a balcony looking out over the pool. The bottom floor rooms are all swim ups and are my favorites. You can come in from the beach and lounge on the swim-up pool, while having the option to wade out into the lagoon with a drink.
Note: I’m a sucker for a good swim-up room. I personally think it’s the best deal at Sandals, maybe even better than the ritzier options. You always have a personal spot at the pool and your butler will keep you stocked on drinks!
Bamboo Grove Building
Bamboo Grove Building
Skypool Suite in Bamboo Grove Building
The Bamboo Grove building is the newest on the property and houses what I think are the coolest room options at Sandals Negril. Floor 1 has all swim-up rooms and floor two have balconies with a soaking tub. You’ll find that floors 1 and 2 are all club level, which is actually a good deal to find a club level swim-up.
Floors 3 and 4 are butler and the most unique. Floor 3 rooms are butler suites with a skypool, while floor 4 rooms have a skypool AND a roof terrace. If you want a room to celebrate big, these are the ones to check out! However, they can book out quick, so you’ll want to book it well in advance.
Paradise Building
Paradise Building
In my honest opinion, this was my least favorite building. It’s actually closer to the beach than some of the Longshore building rooms, but the room options were less unique. Still, this is an excellent spot to check out if you want something close to the beach on a budget!
In contrast to the buildings we’ve looked at so far, half of the rooms here are on the backside and face the garden. These are all luxury level and come with a lower price tag. All rooms that face the ocean are going to be club level. The ground floor club-level rooms are walkout and the floors above that all have a balcony facing the ocean.
To date, I’ve not stayed in a walk-out room. However, I have talked with several who did love the ability to leave through the back of their room and go straight to the beach.
Longshore Buildings 1, 2, and 3
Longshore Building
This is the area I stayed for a few days while checking out Sandals Negril. Like the Paradise building, this area has many Luxury level rooms with a lower price tag that face away from the beach, with more expensive rooms on the ocean side. You do have the most diverse options here, as Longshore has Luxury, Club Level, and Butler level options.
My favorite room as the series of 1B rooms facing the ocean. These are Two-Story One Bedroom Butler Suites. On the lower level, you have a living area. On the second floor, you have a bedroom, along with a balcony and soaking tub that faces the beach. Plus, you’ve got that Butler service included! This is a good option to consider if you want something nicer but don’t want to splurge on the Skypool Suites.
Palm Grove Building
Romeo and Juliet Suite
If you want a very nice room that’s also secluded, this is the spot to look in. The Palm Grove building sits on the end of the resort behind the Aqua Center. It’s one of the older buildings, but has some of the nicest Butler suites. All rooms here are Butler level and will be much quieter.
If you want to feel like you can escape to your own little house after an afternoon on the beach, you may consider the RJ room, which is the code for the One Bedroom Builter Suite with a private pool sanctuary. I honestly could forget I was on a larger property here, as it feels like you have your own small backyard with a private plunge pool.
Tips on Room Selection
Best value room categories - Any luxury room in the Longshore or Paradise Buildings
Which rooms are worth upgrading - The RJ room in the Palm Grove Building and any Swim-Up Suite or Skypool Suite in the Bamboo Grove and Sundowner Buildings.
Rooms to avoid - If you want to really get the beach resort feel, I’d recommend splurging a little more for a room that actually faces the ocean.
Restaurants and Dining
Dining Overview
Sandals Negril has eight restaurants and five bars, including two swim up bars. My personal foodie favorites were Perla for Mexican food at lunch and Brava (the flank steak at Brava may be one of the best plates I’ve had at Sandals). In terms of views, Barefoot by the Sea is a must do on the experiences list.
One perk about Sandals Negril being casual is that all restaurants have a casual dress code, which isn’t always the case. I’ve included a note below about what to expect here. Some also require a reservation ahead of time, so I’d recommend knocking that out as soon as you arrive.
Dress Code: Some restaurants require a higher standard for dress than others. Here are the requirements from the resort page.
Resort Casual Attire - Shorts or jeans, t-shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and footwear required.
Here's the rundown on restaurants at Sandals Negril:
Bayside
Bayside Restaurant
Bayside is the main buffet for the resort. It’s open for all meals. It functions as a buffet for breakfast and lunch, then transforms into a Mediterranean restaurant in the morning. I’m always down for a good Sandals breakfast buffet, but I usually skip the lunch buffets. The Mediterranean was good, but I think you’ll find the other dinner options are better. It does help that the entertainment stage is in the restaurant!
Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Breakfast Buffet)
Lunch: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Click Here for Rotating Buffet Menu
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Sundowner
Sundowner
Sundowner (Inside)
This was the only Sandals I’ve experienced with a Sundowner. The restaurant feels like a small house, so the vibe is very unique. Lunch has a combination of Caribbean and traditional foods like burgers or chicken wraps. It’s Caribbean at dinner, so be prepared for some fish! This also was not a favorite of mine in terms of food, but I really liked the creativity behind the atmosphere.
Lunch: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
(Reservations required for Dinner)
Kimonos
Kimonos
Kimonos Table
Kimonos is the Japanese Teppanyaki spot of the resort. It’s only open evenings, but it became a great memory of that trip. You will most likely be sharing a large table with others, so avoid this if you want a more intimate night. We did love getting to meet some of the other couples as we ate.
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
(Reservations required)
Barefoot by the Sea
The beach vibe at this restaurant was one of the most relaxing spots at a resort I’ve experienced. I loved sitting out on the beach with the views of the ocean. This seafood restaurant sits out on the sand and diners can take their shoes off while they eat. The seafood is pretty good too!
Barefoot By the Sea Restaurant
Breakfast: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Dress code: Resort Casual. However, bare feet are permitted.
Bella Napoli
Bella Napoli Restaurant
This pizza spot is open only for lunch hours. I think that the Sandals pizza is always great when you’ve been hanging out on the beach all day. With Sandals Negril being more casual, this definitely fits in at the resort. I was a little disappointed, as I had had the Jerk Chicken Pizza at a different Sandals earlier this year, and the recipe here wasn’t as good. Still, you need to try the Giamaicana with the jerk chicken!
Lunch: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Brava
Brava
Flank Steak at Brava
Brava is hands down my favorite restaurant at Sandals Negril. My wife and I still talk about the food here, which is international tapas. Anytime we bring up Sandals Negril in a discussion, one of us mentions the drinks and the flank steak we had after a long day in the sun. Make sure you try this restaurant at least once during your visit. It hits the spot!
Dinner: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(Reservations required)
Perla
Perla
Perla services Mexican and became my second favorite. This is a good place to go when you’re wanting to chow down on good snack food late at night (or at lunch), but you don’t really want the buffet. While not technically a Mexican dish, the way they prepare the Jerk Platter was spicy and delicious!
Lunch: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Late Night: 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Click Here for Late Night Menu
Crema
Crema
Crema (Inside)
I’m normally a black coffee guy, so the Blue Mountain Coffee served around the resort is perfect for me. However, grabbing a special latte is sometimes nice as we come in from the beach, especially with with a bump of rum! I’d recommend the Jamaican, which comes with Jamaican rum cream and a shot of espresso.
Snacks: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Bars
You’ll find 6 different bars spread out across the resort, some of which are inside the restaurants. The popular ones will be the main bar by the lobby, the piano bar, and the swim up pool bar.
If you visit the main bar, one of the bartender has a green off-menu drink you should ask for that she makes. If you’re able to snag one, we definitely loved it!
Main Bar
Pools & Beach Experience
When I visit Sandals, I typically think of large elegant pools. However, that’s not necessarily the case here. Sandals Negril has 3 pools, which are all small. You will find people hanging out at the main pool, especially by the swim-up bar. The other two pools are by the piano bar and the Sundowner building.
Personally, I didn’t spend too much time at the pools here, but I did think the lagoon/pool area by the Sundowner building was a relaxing spot to enjoy some quiet.
Main Pool and Swim Up Bar
Whereas Sandals Negril might have less energy around it’s pools, the trade off is the beach. Sitting on Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach, you really won’t find a spot that doesn’t have a good view. It’s got a beach vibe that’s so much more laid back and less lavish than the other Sandals properties, so if you’re wanting to just rest on the beach all week, this is a good spot.
You’ll need to make sure you catch a sunset here and try out the watersports. Sandals Negril is known for having more water sport options than the others. My personal favorite is the hobie-cat sailboats.
Beach Chairs at Sandals Negril
Sandals Negril Beach
Activities, Water Sports & Entertainment
Water Sports
Aqua Center
As I shared above, you’ll find a ton to do out on the water at Sandals Negril. Here’s a list of everything available:
Aqua Trikes
Underwater Vision (Glass Bottom) Boat
Hobie Cats
Kayaks
Knee Boarding
Snorkeling
Tubing
Waterskiing
Windsurfing
Hobie Eclipse
Scuba Diving*
Paddleboards Wakeboarding
*Daily Scuba Diving for certified divers.
*Discover Scuba Diving for beginners and International Dive Certification available at additional costs.
Land Sports and Entertainment
If doing things together on land is more of your thing, they do have a good mixture of things to choose from. You’ll find that most people still gravitate towards the beach though. This includes board games, giant chess, ping pong, tennis courts and volleyball.
You’ll also find they have a small fitness center tucked away in the back. Every time I went in, it was almost empty, but I’m sure it gets busy earlier in the day.
Red Lane Fitness Center
Evening Entertainment
Sandals Negril always felt very quiet at night. I suppose most people are tired from being out in the sun on the beach all day. Nevertheless, they do have different shows you can find on the main stage or out on the beach most nights. I enjoyed hanging out at the piano bar after dinner.
What’s Included (and What’s Not)
What’s Included
I always say that Sandals takes all-inclusive to the next level. You’ll get so many things included that aren’t typically provided at other all-inclusives, such as transportation from the airport and watersports. I’ve listed several of them out below:
Food & drinks
Water sports
Entertainment
Transfers to and from the airport (including the Sandals lounge in the airport upon arrival)
Tips & gratuities (excluding butlers/massages)
Click Here to Learn More About Everything Included at Sandals
What Costs Extra
While almost everything is included, there are still a few things you’ll need to budget for in some cases:
Red Lane Spa
All massages and spa packages will come at an extra cost. You'll want to make sure you tip! My wife and I almost always plan for a massage on day 1 before we get sunburned, which ends up helping us get relaxed at the beginning of our trip.
Excursions
Island Routes Kiosk
Catamaran Cruise
Island Routes is the official provider of excursions for Sandals Resorts. You can go to their booth and schedule something. In Negril, Rick’s Cafe might be one of the more iconic options with an experience you won’t find at home. You can dine at this restaurant while watching nearby cliff divers.
Add-Ons
Some add-ons, like candlelight dinners on the beach, are considered an extra service and come with a cost.
Butler Tipping
You’re not allowed to tip anyone on the resort, except the butlers. I’ve shared in this blog more information on how much you should budget for butler tips.
Sandals Negril vs Other Sandals Resorts
Sandals Negril vs Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast and Sandals Negril are both known for their beaches. However, Sandals Negril is a lot smaller and laid back. Negril has more water sports, but South Coast definitely has more beach. At South Coast, I felt like it was always easy to find a quiet spot, as it’s a much larger resort.
Sandals Negril vs Sandals Montego Bay
Whereas Sandals Negril is laid back, Montego Bay is very lively. I found that the crowd at Montego Bay was a bit younger and there were more options for food and activities. Sandals Montego Bay is right by the airport, but the trade-off is that you hear those planes every few minutes!
Sandals Negril vs Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Royal Caribbean is also small, but has a regal feel. It feels like you’re walking into a European village towards the front of the resort. Royal Caribbean also has a private island, with a dragon boat that constantly shuttles people there and back. In contrast, Negril prides itself mostly on it’s beach and casual atmosphere. In short, if you still want something small but a little more upscale, Royal Caribbean might take the cake.
Final Verdict: Is Sandals Negril Worth It?
Sandals Negril Sunset
Who will love it - If you want a more casual experience on the beach that’s quieter at night and less lavish that some of the other resorts, this is perfect for you. You’ll have an amazing beach to rest on, tons of water sports, and access to drinks and food all day!
Who should look elsewhere - If you want more food options, a larger resort with more nightlife, or something that feels more upscale, you may want to check other resorts. Sandals Dunn’s River is the newest and nicest of the brand in Jamaica. Sandals Ochi has 16 restaurants and more to do at night. Sandals South Coast still has 2 miles of beach, but also more offerings around the resort.
Planning Tips & Booking Advice
Best time of year to go - The sweet spot when they are busy is from January to May, as you’re out of hurricane season. My personal favorite month is May. It’s not to hot yet, but it’s still warm.
Best room for value - The Paradise Beachfront Walkout Club Level Room (WB) is one of the cheapest rooms that still has a great view of the ocean. You’ve also got the ability to walk right out to the beach from your patio. Plus, you’ll have all the club level amenities. It averages around $371 pp/pn.
Using a Sandals travel advisor - As a Sandals specialist, I can help you find the perfect room that fits your budget and ideal experience. Reach out and contact me below! I’m happy to help you plan the perfect vacation!
FAQs About Sandals Negril
-
Yes! Sandals is known as an adults only resort. However, I will share that you’ll sometimes find people traveling together that are not couples.
-
No. The package you see on the website is the resort only. However, you do have the option to bundle flights with your Sandals booking!
-
You’ll have free transportation from the airport. The bus ride is usually around 90 minutes.
-
On honeymoons, you want to celebrate big! I’d say it can be good for honeymoons, depending on your personality. However, if you’re doing this, I’d recommend one of the upscale rooms, like the Skypool Suites or the Swim-Up Suites.
-
I loved it! It wasn’t too large, but we definitely always found a good spot, and the views were great!
