People have asked me if Sandals all inclusive in the Caribbean is good value or not and is it really worth it?

At the moment when prices are high and we have the cost of living crisis, even the most discerning 5star travellers are looking for value.

 

So let’s take a look…

SANDALS VALUE FOR MONEY

I recently quoted for a 14 night package for 22nd June 2023, at Sandals Antigua. This is a high end five star resort set on Antigua’s best beach. The price was £3499 per person based on two people from Gatwick – does this seem a lot to you for a holiday in Antigua?

Let’s break it down……

The flights alone on British Airways were £640pp in economy and private transfers would be £80 return for a car.

So that leaves – around £2819 per person for 14 nights 5star All-Inclusive accommodation in Antigua. That is £201 per night per person.

So how much would you expect to pay for a 5star beachfront hotel in Antigua? For just the hotel you would probably think at least £150 per person per night. Leaving just £50 for everything else.

I actually did a search and the best value 5star beach resort of similar standard on these dates was actually coming in at £230 per person, per night at the Carlisle Bay. So that is already more than Sandals and just bed and breakfast. Although this was a late booking so availability was very low for the whole island on these dates, but you get the idea.

So, in this case, for less than the Carlisle Bay, or any other similar 5star beach hotel in Antigua, you also get – all your meals, which include fine dining (How much would a dinner in a high end restaurant in Antigua set you back – maybe £50pp?) You also get lunch included as well as a range of snacks throughout the day. Then the big saving is the drinks. Not only are all drinks included, you have the choice of premium brand spirits and beers and fine wines whenever you want. Then on top of that you get all the free activities that Sandals offer. Free golf and free scuba diving among other things.

So when you break it down, Sandals does offer exceptional value and without compromising on luxury and service. The price you pay for the holiday really is all-inclusive with no hidden extras.

WHATS SO GOOD ABOUT SANDALS

Amazing beachfront locations in Caribbean – All of the Sandals locations were picked specifically for the amazing white sand beaches.

Adults only resorts with lots of character and style – So if you are planning on taking your kids then you are out of luck. On the plus side, couples and groups will love the quiet serenity of a resort without any kids screaming and jumping in and out of the pools all day. So great for a relaxing and romantic trip or a honeymoon.

Luxurious rooms and suites at all hotels – The resorts boast some amazing and unique accommodations. Many have walk out terraces with private pools. Recently they have added over-water villas you usually only find in Bora Bora or the Maldives to some of their resorts.

Ultra All Inclusive – As mentioned above, the dining options are impressive with a wide range of top quality restaurants serving gourmet meals and with fine dining options. Chose from a wide range of quality fine wines to have with your meals or pick from a selection of premium brand spirts and beers. There are lot’s of included activities as well that you would normally expect to pay extra for. Scuba diving, water skiing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding. On land you have plenty more to keep you busy, with fitness classes, tennis and golf just some of things things included.

Exceptional service – The service from Sandals is top notch with plenty of friendly staff to help with your every need. A lot of the rooms come with butler service as well.

WHATS NEW AT SANDALS

There are two brand new Sandals resorts to choose from this year.

Curucao, a tiny island in the Leeward Antilles remains an unsung sanctuary of natural beauty and wildlife. The brand new Sandals Royal Curucao is spread across 44 acres of the protected Santa Barbara private estate and sits majestically on the stunning Spanish Water Bay. The resort is bringing a new level of all-inclusive luxury to this little gem of an island.

Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica is opening this month. Set as you would expect on a stunning white sand beach, it is also as the name suggests close to the beautiful Dunn’s River waterfalls. A must-see if you visit this part of the World.

Over the last few years Sandals has been adding more and more of the over-water villas. So popular in places like the Maldives and Bora Bora, these romantic villas perched on stilts over the crystal clear Caribbean see are a big hit with Sandals guests. Relax in your private infinity pool or in the overwater hammock. Or enjoy watching the marine life through the glass floor of your villa. You will find these now at Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast in Jamaica and Sandals Grand St Lucian in St Lucia.

SANDALS SALE

Sandals are always offering promotions and savings – At the moment there is a current sale on until 23rd June – Save up to £400 off a booking

You will find Sandals Resorts in – Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Curucao, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Lucia – so plenty to choose from.

CLUB MED ALL INCLUSIVE

Another great All-Inclusive specialist is Club Med ‘the original All-Inclusive specialists’ . They have some lovely All Inclusive resorts in amazing destinations in the Caribbean like Turks & Caicos, Guadeloupe and Martinique plus popular favourites like Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Mexico.

Why Club Med rather than Sandals – They are generally priced a little lower, although many of the resorts are 4star so not quite as luxurious as Sandals. Plus many of them are family friendly so you can take the kids. The activities are different and you have unique stuff going on like circus and trapeze school.  There are lot’s more destinations around the World to choose from, not just the Caribbean. You have other tropical destinations like the Maldives and Mauritius, faraway destinations like China and Brazil and places closer to home in Europe. They also do all-inclusive ski resorts. Want an over view of Club Med holidays – here you are.

If you need help and advice choosing your next Sandals resort or Club Med offerings – Just ask Paul