The Ultimate Sandals Resort Packing List
Sandals Dunn’s River
Are you counting down the days until your Sandals Resort vacation? To ensure you're fully prepared for your tropical getaway, we've put together the ultimate Sandals Resort packing list. From travel essentials to resort-specific items, we've got you covered!
Go here to check out more on Sandals Resorts. In order to see how to pack for your upcoming stay, check out our blog for full reviews of the amenities and experiences available at each Sandals Resort: What is the Best Sandals Resort for You?
Quick Disclaimer: You’ll probably see a lot of affiliate Amazon links in this page. Don’t worry! These are from my affiliate Amazon store.
Here’s a list to skip down to different sections of items we recommend bringing:
Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
Travel Documents
Passports
First and foremost, make sure you have all your necessary travel documents in order. You’ll don’t want to get held up at any point without the proper documents:
Valid passport - Check expiration dates! Many countries won’t let you travel if your passport expires within 6 months of traveling.
Driver's license or other form of identification
Printed copies of your resort confirmation, flight itineraries, and travel insurance
Resort Voucher - Sandals sends out a voucher for your stay prior to departure date. Be sure to print off a copy and bring it to present to the front desk upon arrival.
Medical insurance card
Copies of your passport, stored separately from the original
Carry-On Essentials
Carry On Baggage
Pack these must-haves in your carry-on bag to cover all your bases:
A change of clothes and a swimsuit in case of delayed luggage
Essential toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) and medications
Electronics, chargers, and headphones for in-flight entertainment
Important travel documents, ID, and credit cards (Never pack these in checked bags!)
Recommended Traveling Products
Here’s a list of all the products we recommend for your flight and travels to a Sandals Resort:
Amazon Basics Hardside Luggage - Once we bought hardshell case luggage, we never went back. Here’s an affordable brand that we’ve enjoyed.
Luggage Tags - Those flimsy luggage tags from the airport tend to tear off. We always utilize these every time we fly.
Garment Bags - If you have some nicer shirts, dresses, or even suits, these are a great place to store them. You can fold it at the middle and put it in your checked luggage, then hang it once you’re in the room.
Cable Organizer - I’ve personally been using one of these for a couple years now. It comes in handy to store all of my charging cords for my phone, watch, GoPro and anything else.
Patagonia Day Pack - If you like to keep a LOT on you while traveling, this thing is for you. I’ve been using a Patagonia backpack for every vacation and love the room it provides.
Adidas Fanny Pack - They are apparently back in style! These have been great for shorter day excursions when we don’t need to carry as much
Clothing, Shoes and Accessories
Sandals Resorts Men’s Clothing
Sandals Resorts Women’s Clothing
Sandals Resorts have a few dress codes to keep in mind. "Resort Casual" attire is required for most restaurants, while some upscale eateries call for "Resort Evening" wear.
Resort Evening Attire - Dress pants or jeans for men. Long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar). Dress shoes or sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops or slippers. No hats.
Resort Casual - Shorts or jeans. T-shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and footwear required.
Here's what to pack for clothing:
2-4 swimsuits and beach cover-ups for pool and beach days
Casual daytime wear like sundresses, shorts, skirts, and lightweight tops
Dressier outfits for evening dining (maxi dresses, slacks, collared shirts)
All-white attire for the resort's famous "White Night" party (check your resort for information on if this will occur during your stay)
Semi-formal outfit if you have any special events during the stay (weddings, formal night, etc.)
Light layers like cardigans or shawls for breezy evenings
Pajamas, undergarments, and workout gear
A few of your favorite outfits from home to feel your best
For footwear, there’s no need to go overboard - a few versatile pairs will suffice:
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for beach and pool time
Dressier sandals, wedges, or loafers for evening wear
Sneakers for excursions or working out
Water shoes for any water sports or rocky beaches (you’ll need these for the famous Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica!)
Accessories are key for taking your resort looks from day to night:
Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap for sun protection
Polarized sunglasses to take in all the tropical colors
Large, lightweight beach bag for toting essentials
Waterproof phone case and wallet attachment for beach days
Simple, versatile jewelry (leave valuables at home)
Recommended Clothing Products
Here are some of our recommended products for clothing and accessories:
Melin Hydro Hats - I bought my first hat last year and love it! While on the pricey side, Melin’s Hydro hats are designed to be out in the sun, sweating and playing in the ocean. They hold up really well.
Mission Performance Cooling Hats - I took one of these on my last to the Caribbean. You may need to wash them after heavy use, but they fit so well and are much more budget friendly.
Chubbies Compression Swim Trunks for Men - These are by far the most comfortable swim trunks I’ve ever owned. Instead of mesh lining, they sport a compression lining inside, so you can use them for sports activities before diving into the water.
Furtalk Women’s Sun Hat - My wife brings these on every beach trip. Here’s a fun version she’s tried on from Amazon.
ESR MagSafe Phone Case and Magnetic Phone Wallet - These two items in combination were a game changer for me! I hate carrying extra things around the resort with me, when all you need is your phone and room key. This connects them to fit in one pocket as I move around the resort.
Silicone Wedding Rings for Him and for Her - While Sandals Resorts are very safe, you are traveling to another country. We never feel comfortable wandering in a foreign country as a tourist with diamond rings on our fingers. This is a good substitute for a few days while you’re away.
Toiletries and Medicine
Toiletries
The Caribbean sunshine is no joke! You’ll need some protection from the sun and bugs. Ward off sunburns and pesky bugs with these essentials:
Plenty of reef-safe sunscreen (we love Ocean Potion!)
Aloe vera or after-sun lotion to soothe any sunburned skin
Insect repellent wipes or spray (Bullfrog Mosquito Coast is a favorite)
SPF lip balm to protect your pout
While the beach shop has everything you might forget, it’s much more expensive. Don't waste suitcase space on full-size products. Pack travel-sized versions of your go-to toiletries and medicine:
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
Hair styling tools and products
Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
Mini first-aid kit with bandages, pain reliever, antibiotic ointment, etc.
Basic medicine - Ibuprofen, Benadryl, etc. It’s cheaper to have this on hand then have to purchase at the Beach Shop!
Recommended Medicine and Toiletries
Here’s a list of some budget friendly toiletries, sunscreen and medicine you can purchase directly from Amazon:
Sunbum Sunscreen - Many of the Caribbean islands require you to use compliant sunscreen, as to avoid damaging the reefs. This specific sunscreen has been a staple on our trips and meets all the requirements.
Sunbum Face Stick - Our kids only let us use this for their faces. This specific sunscreen face stick happens to meet the Caribbean requirements as well!
Electronics
GoPro Camera
While an all-inclusive resort vacation is the perfect time to unplug, you'll still want to pack a few key electronics:
Smartphone, tablet, laptop, and chargers
Portable power bank or charging cube to stay powered on the go
Camera, memory cards, and extra batteries (GoPro for adventures!)
Waterproof camera case or dry bag
Power adapters and converters if traveling internationally
Cameras for pictures or video footage
Our Recommended Electronic Products for Packing
Anker Phone Chargers - I just bought this exact one this year. I carry it because the charging cube offers both a USB-C and regular USB outlet.
Anker Nano Power Bank - What do you do when you’re traveling and run out of charge? This thing has saved me several times when I’m out of country and the battery runs out on my phone or GoPro.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch - We all want great pictures, but we can’t exactly take our phones in the ocean. These pouches let you keep your around your neck and protected in the rivers and oceans as you explore.
GoPro Hero 12 - For those travelers who want to get great videos while on excursions or swimming in the ocean, these waterproof action cameras are great! I’ve been using one for a couple years now and capturing footage like never before. It’s a great way to bring home memories and share with your friends and family.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - This camera is honestly a game changer. For those into YouTube and vlogging, these camera come with a gimbal that gives you smooth movement and filming.
Extras & Add-Ons
Whole Face Snorkels
On top of the essentials listed in this article, we’ve come up with a few extra products that we don’t leave home to travel without. Check them out below, as well as see why we love them:
Beach Towel Clips - Clip these on your towel and beach chair to hold your chair and everything else in peace.
Full Face Snorkel Mask - Sandals will definitely provide snorkeling gear for your excursions. However, if you want to snorkel apart from that at your leisure, these masks are so much easier to use.
Pedialyte Powder Packets - Throw these in a glass of water to combat dehydration (or hangovers).
Tide To GoPen - Because no one likes a stain on the middle of your white shirt in the evening.
Downy Wrinkle Release Spray - No one wants to iron on vacation. These little bottles will spray out the creases in your clothes after you take them out of the suitcase.
About $200 in Small Bills - It’s true. You don’t tip at Sandals. However, there are a few things that you will need some cash for tipping outside of the regular resort amenities (Butlers, Massages, Drivers for transfers, Excursion operators, Golf caddies).
Closing Thoughts
With this ultimate Sandals Resort packing list, you'll be well-equipped to relax and enjoy your vacation at Sandals! Remember, the key is to pack light, breathable fabrics that can easily mix and match. And most importantly - don't forget the sunscreen!
If you’re looking into a vacation at Sandals, we’re happy to help. If you’ve already booked, but haven’t paid in full, you’ll qualify for our free concierge service! At Coastal Compass, we’re Sandals Resorts experts who can help you ensure your vacation will be great before you leave. Click “Contact Us” below and we’ll reach out shortly.
