Sandals Negril - Full Resort Tour
Coastal Compass | Matt | Negril, Jamaica
Overview
Sandals Negril sits on Jamaica's famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril. When you think Sandals Negril, think beach — it's the defining feature of this property. A smaller, more intimate resort compared to others in the Sandals portfolio.
Arrival Experience
- Sandals lounge included at the airport upon arrival
- Complimentary roundtrip airport transportation
- Fresh cold towels on arrival at the resort (Matt's smelled of mint)
- Standard check-in at the lobby
- Club Sandals and Butler level guests check in upstairs at the Club Lounge with dedicated concierge service for the stay
Lobby Area — What's Here
To the right (through the back of the resort)
- Gift shop: Sandals and Jamaican souvenirs, clothing, general store items (note: prices may be marked up)
To the left (through the buffet area)
- Island Routes — official excursion provider for Sandals and Beaches resorts; can advise and book if you haven't already. Notable area excursion: Rick's Café with cliff diving
- Loyalty Lounge — across from Island Routes; book future Sandals vacations at a possible discount before you leave
- Photo Shop — resort photographers are stationed throughout the property; photo shoots can be scheduled; purchase your photos at the end of your stay
Accommodations — The Five Buildings
Sundowner Building
- Located at the far end of the resort
- Two stories, all butler suites, all rooms face the ocean
- Bottom floor: swim-out rooms connecting to a small lagoon area
- Top floor: penthouse suite
- Matt's pick for best building location on the property
Bamboo Grove Building (Newest — built 2023)
- All rooms face the ocean with great views; adjacent to a pool and bar
- Floor 1: Club level swim-outs (rare at Sandals — a notable perk)
- Floor 2: Club level with balcony and tranquility soaking tub
- Floors 3–4: Sky pool butler suites
- Floor 3: Swing out on the balcony
- Floor 4: Extra rooftop level for sunbathing
Paradise Building (Oldest; under renovation as of 2025)
- Back rooms: luxury, garden-facing
- Front rooms: all club level (no butler rooms in this building)
- Top floors: balcony rooms
- Bottom floor: walk-out to ocean
Longshore Buildings (Three buildings; houses majority of resort rooms)
- Back rooms: luxury, garden-facing; a few with partial ocean view on the side
- Front rooms: club level and butler rooms
- Standout: 1B rooms — two-story butler suite with bedroom on top and upper balcony
Palm Grove Building
- Small building at the far end; handful of butler suites only
- Most popular room: Romeo and Juliet Suite — highly sought after, private secluded outdoor area with personal plunge pool
Dining — Eight Restaurants + Bars
Bayside
- Lunch: buffet
- Dinner: French à la carte; overlooks the ocean
- Evening: adjacent to the main stage for entertainment
- Recommendation: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Bella Napoli (Pizza)
- Lunch only; wood-fired pizza
- Recommendation: The Giamaca — Jamaican jerk chicken pizza (better than it sounds)
Perla (Mexican)
- Lunch only; beachfront with ocean views
- Menu includes quesadillas, shrimp tacos, fried chicken sandwich, and jerk chicken
- Recommendation: The jerk chicken
Sundowner (West Indian)
- Beachfront; open for lunch and dinner
- Lunch has more variety; dinner requires reservations (smaller restaurant)
- Casual dress code
- Recommendation: The Snapper — their signature dish
Kimonos (Japanese Hibachi)
- Dinner only; reservations required
- Casual dress code
Barefoot by the Sea (Seafood)
- Beachfront, right on the sand; no reservations required
- Open for breakfast and dinner
- Breakfast: variety of items; Dinner: seafood focused
- Recommendation: Steamed mussels and chorizo — their signature dish
Brava (Tapas)
- Dinner only; reservations required; casual dress code
- Recommendation: Solomillo a la pimienta — marinated pork tenderloin with Jamaican pepper sauce
Crema (Coffee Shop)
- Open throughout the day for coffee, lattes, and snacks
- Recommendation: The Jamaican — espresso made with Jamaican rum cream; also the Mexican
Bars
Main Bar — behind the lobby, overlooks the ocean
- Ask for Sasha's special green drink if she's working
Swim-Up Bar — attached to the main pool, catty-cornered from the main bar
Piano Bar — further down the beach; open layout right on the beach; pool tables; large lounge area with couches; good for groups
Spa — Red Lane Spa
Located at the far end of the resort behind one of the main buildings.
Included in your stay
- Cold plunge
- Steam room
- Sauna
Additional cost
- Massage packages (including couples massages)
- Beauty treatments (mani-pedi, etc.)
Tip: Book spa services in advance through the Sandals app or online before you arrive.
Fitness & Land Sports
Red Lane Fitness Center
- Treadmills, bikes, free weights, weight machines
Land Sports & Activities
- Tennis court (across the street)
- Volleyball court
- Lawn chess, shuffleboard, pool tables scattered around the resort
Pools — Three Total
Note: Pools are smaller than at some other Sandals resorts.
Main Pool — by the lobby; lively with music; swim-up bar and main bar nearby
Piano Bar Pool — includes a jacuzzi; lights up at night; quieter in the evening hours; good for a nighttime soak
Sundowner Pool Area — swim-out rooms from the Sundowner building feed into the lagoon here; elevated whirlpool overlooks the area; Matt's pick for most beautiful pool setting
The Beach
- Sits directly on Seven Mile Beach — one of Matt's favorite beaches across all Sandals properties
- Pristine ocean view, beach runs the full length of the resort
- Smaller total beach footage than larger properties like South Coast
Water Sports
Sandals Negril is known for having more water sports than most other Sandals resorts. All included unless noted:
Aqua trikes, kneeboarding, windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, scuba diving (up to twice daily for PADI certified guests), tubing, paddleboards, kayaks, water skiing, wakeboarding
Note: Non-PADI certified guests can take a certification class in the scuba pool for an additional cost.
Weddings
Sandals Negril is a popular destination wedding resort. Main ceremony locations:
- The beach — open beach ceremonies on either side of the main gazebo
- The gazebo — centrally located on the beach; commonly used for receptions
Quick Reference — Matt's Top Picks
| Category | Pick |
|---|---|
| Best building | Sundowner (location + lagoon) |
| Best pool | Sundowner pool area (most beautiful) |
| Best restaurant dish | Steamed mussels and chorizo at Barefoot by the Sea |
| Best pizza | Giamaca at Bella Napoli |
| Best coffee drink | The Jamaican at Crema |
| Best bar move | Ask Sasha for her green special at the main bar |
| Most unique suite | Romeo and Juliet at Palm Grove |
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