Sandals South Coast Review (2024 Update)

We recently visited Sandals South Coast and wanted to share our review of the all-inclusive adult-only resort.

Overall, Sandals South Coast, was named “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort” in the 2019 World Travel Awards and is one of the most affordable Sandals Resorts.

Beach area with the watersports

After spending several weeks in Jamacia, we found the resort feels a bit more secluded than other Sandals Resorts in Jamaica since it is on the South Coast. We also think it has the best beach of any Sandals Resort in Jamaica and of any other resort we have visited on the island. The 2-mile stretch of pristine white beach amid a 500-acre nature preserve makes for a perfect destination.

Beach pathway to the overwater chapel

Some of the rooms at the resort have been recently renovated and most of the rooms have been renovated in the last few years which is a welcome improvement.

The main negative to Sandals South Coast is how spread out it is. Depending on where your room is you might find yourself walking a lot. Additionally, it is far from the airport, requiring a long drive on windy roads.

Getting to Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast is located in White House, along the unspoiled southern coast of Jamaica.

We arrived, made it through security and after checking in at the Sandals lounge we were on our way to the resort. The drive to the resort is rough. We took Dramamine before the drive to prepare us for the swerving to avoid potholes and other sharp turns. This is honestly the biggest complaint we had about the trip.

Cat relaxing and welcoming us to the resort while also being disappointed we did not bring treats

Accommodations at Sandals South Coast

In 2024, Sandals decided to rename the “Villages” at Sands South Coast. Previously they were known as the Italian, French, and Dutch villages, but are now known as Starlight, Silver Sun, and Longbeach which was recently renovated.

They still refer to the villages with signage on the resort and the website so I am not sure if the new names will ever catch on, but if you are looking for accommodations you will notice the difference.

We have stayed in the Longbeach building, formally the French Village, each time we have come to Sandals South Coast.

This area was in dire need of refurbishment and the recently gutted the rooms and completely renovated them. They extended the patios to allow for tranquility tubs and added a pool at the bottom to create swim-up suites.

Bedroom of the Longbeach Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

We stayed in the Longbeach Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. To create this room they combined two rooms to create a living room and bar area and a separate bedroom with the bathroom.

The bathtub and shower are a real show stopper and there is an additional tub outside.

On the balcony we loved the comfortable couch, perfect for watching the sunset and relaxing. From here you see the waves meeting the beach and hear the fountains from the pool for a very relaxing environment.

Balcony of the Longbeach Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

While these rooms have been renovated, this is one of the least expensive Sandals Resorts since there are other rooms that remain affordable, and still have the same inclusions.

Bathroom of the Longbeach Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub

If your budget allows, consider the Rondaval Suites, our preferred choice. These suites in Rondoval Village feature a private patio with zero-entry access to the river pool, a private plunge pool, spa-style bathrooms, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two. These romantic hideaways also come with butler service.

Overwater Bungalows from the beach

For the ultimate honeymoon luxury, choose an Over-the-Water Bungalow. These incredible suites are set around a heart-shaped walkway and perched over the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean. They are currently being refurbished so it will be interested to see if they are being updated with anything new or just being refreshed after so many years of wear with exposure to so much sun and water.

Dan petting a cat as he walks by

Dining at Sandals South Coast

Plaza area of the resort where you can find most of the restaurants.

Sandals South Coast has 7 bars (including swim-up bars) and “global gourmet” restaurants, many of which overlook the beautiful beach. These include Italian, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines; the beachside Mediterranean and Jamaican seafood restaurants; Sushi on the Sand; the Jerk Shack; and a Parisian café.

We had breakfast at the buffet each morning, but since the Longbeach area is so far from the restaurants, in room dining may be a better option.

There is also an a la carte breakfast restaurant.

Jasmines Asian CuisineThe Jerk Shack

The newest additions to the dining options are two food trucks. Chick’N Dippers is one of those new food trucks that serves chicken tenders.

New Chicken Tenders Food Truck Lunch

This is our favorite spot for lunch. You can choose from fried, grilled or spicy chicken and there are 7 sauces to choose from, our favorites being honemyoon mustard and Fiah ranch. There are also 4 sides included mac & cheese and jerk seasoned fries.

The other food truck is Taquiero featuring tacos which can also be served as bowls, quesadillas and a few sides.

New Taco food truckOur taco lunch with 4 tacos and a taco bowl

You can also opt for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, in a garden, or on your private patio or balcony.

Appetizers at the Sushi spot

There are several bars including the Over-the-Water Bar for a refreshing drink surrounded by the Caribbean. You can even laze the day away with your sweetie in one of the overwater hammocks for two!

Latitudes, the overwater bar

In the evenings there is a bar specializing in Martinis that is perfect for a drink before or after dinner. Its also a great place to hear the live entertainment that is usually in the plaza below. When we were there we enjoyed listeding to an amazing singer accompanied by piano.

The Pools at Sandals South Coast

One of the main attractions at Sandals South Coast is all the pools you can relax in. There is one main pool that is one of the largest in the Caribbean with a swim up bar.

The main pool swim up bar

This is also where all the entertainment happens with a DJ around during the day and the entertainment team coming by regularly with fun and games.

The main pool in the morning

This is also where you can play pool volleyball, basketball or enjoy the hot tub during the winter months when it might get chilly at night.

There is a very small pool that is rarely used in the Silver Sun (formerally Italian) area.

In the Starlight area there is a quiet pool with a bar that is surrounded by a lagoon that provides pool access to the swim up suites.

The Longbeach pool (a little bit cloudy after the hurricane)

In the Longbeach area the pool has been refinished and there are nicer chairs and cabanas. This is a quiet area but it does have a swim up bar, making it very popular thoughout the day. There is also a large hot tub in this area perfect for a night time dip.

Cabannas around the Longbeach poolNew swim up suites in the Longbeach Area

The new rooms are surrounded by a pool to allow for swim up rooms.

The Beach at Sandals South Coast

If you want to stay at the beach all day there are so many areas here to choose from. They are mostly very relaxes and laid back.

Beach at Sandals South CoastView of beach from the Lattitudes Bar

One thing to keep in mind is that there are sea urchins in the area. We did not spend much time in the sea water so we do not know how comon they are but some people choose to wear water shoes or to snorkel before swimming to see if there are any nearby.

Sign Warning about Sea Urchins

The further you go towards the overwater bungalows or beyond, the quieter the beach is going to be.

Activities at Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast offers a full range of water sports including waterskiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, tubing, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and Hobie Cat sailing; equipment and instruction are included.

Water Skis availableNew pickleball courts

It has a wide variety of land sports available as well, including day and night tennis in addition to basketball, beach volleyball, pool tables, table tennis, squash, bocce ball, and a fitness center with exercise classes.

Recently the tennis court was refinished and Pickleball courts were created and are used regularly to host Pickleball groups.

Pickleball equipment if you dont bring your own

In the evening there is alway entertainment in some form.

Nearby Excursions

Being on the South side of the island the resort is not close to a ton of excursion like some of the other Sandals Resorts. I wouldn’t recommend going to Dunn’s River or Montego Bay.

The good news is for the nearby destinations you can go to easily are going to feel more unique and authentic since there will be less people there.

I highly recommend going to the YS Falls. The drive is not very long and you can combine it with an authentic Jamaican lunch, visiting the Appleton Estate for a rum Tour, or Ziplining as well.

Island Routes catamaran

The Red Lane Spa Review

When we arrived at Sandals South Coast, my back was feeling sore. I called the spa as soon as we arrived in our room and made an appointment for couples massages an hour later. I asked for firm pressure and had a great massage.

This sanctuary is set in secluded gardens and offers relaxation areas, a plunge pool, a steam room, a beauty salon, and a yoga/Pilates studio.

What Is Included in the Honeymoon Package at Sandals South Coast?

Another thing that makes Sandals South Coast an ideal place for a honeymoon is the Sandals honeymoon package. Beyond all the usual things included in a stay at a Sandals resort, if you make your trip within 30 days of your wedding date, you get these honeymoon extras:

A bottle of chilled sparkling wine is elegantly arranged in your room to toast your future.
A special turndown service that includes flower petals on your bed on the first evening of your honeymoon.
Fresh flowers and a decadent breakfast in bed one morning of your choice.

Nightlife at Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast takes on an even more romantic ambiance at night when beach bonfires and fire pits add to the glow of your love.

Sandals Resorts are all about celebrating. In addition to sipping your favorite cocktail at the overwater bar or singing along in the piano bar, you’ll enjoy daily and nightly entertainment including live shows and theme nights.

Destination Weddings at Sandals South Coast

This resort is perfect for destination weddings. First, the rooms have a variety of price points to accomidate various budgets for your and your guests.

Second is they have an overwater chapel you can get married in.

Wedding packages vary based on the number of guests and the length of stay on resort.

Our Thoughts on Sandals South Coast

We have always enjoyed our time at Sandals South Coast. We think it is perfect for someone looking for a more relaxed vibe that prioritizes hanging around the beach or the pool.

There is a great variety of food and the new food trucks add to that.

We recommend the Starlight buildings since they have been renovated in the last few years and is more centrally located than the Longbeach area that was more recently renovated.

After learning what makes Sandals South Coast do you think it is the best Sandals Resort for you?

Need more honeymoon inspiration? Here are a few recommended articles:

Sandals South Coast vs Sandals Royal Caribbean
Best Honeymoon All-Inclusive Packages
Best Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica
Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World