Beaches Resorts vs Sandals Resorts
All-inclusive brand comparison · Updated 2026


Beaches Resorts
The family-friendly sister brand to Sandals, offering luxury all-inclusive Caribbean vacations with Sesame Street characters and world-class kids' programs.
2
Resorts
2
Countries
8.35
RF Rating


Sandals Resorts
The world's leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for couples, with 16 beachfront properties across the Caribbean.
17
Resorts
8
Countries
8.33
RF Rating
The Resort Flock Verdict
Sandals is adults-only across its entire portfolio; Beaches is the family-focused sister brand, sharing the same all-inclusive model and high service standards but adding kids clubs, waterparks, and Sesame Street character experiences. If you're travelling without children, Sandals wins on intimacy and romance. For families, Beaches is purpose-built in a way Sandals simply isn't — and its Turks & Caicos flagship is one of the best family resorts on the planet.
Brand at a Glance
| Metric | Beaches Resorts | Sandals Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Resorts Listed | 2 | 17 |
| Resort Flock Rating | 8.35/10 (2 rated) | 8.33/10 (17 rated) |
| Hotel Star Class | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Total Rooms | 943 | 4,639 |
| Adults-Only | 0% | 100% |
| Family-Friendly (Kids Club) | 100% | 0% |
| Beach Access | 100% | 100% |
| Spa | 100% | 100% |
| Destinations | 2 | 8 |
Vibe Profile
Based on the vibe categorisation of each brand's resorts. Percentages show share of that brand's portfolio.
Brand Profiles
Beaches Resorts
What They Do Best
Beaches Resorts is the family-oriented counterpart to Sandals, designed to deliver the same luxury all-inclusive experience for guests of all ages. With an exclusive partnership with Sesame Street, Beaches offers character interactions, themed activities, and entertainment that make it one of the top family all-inclusive brands in the world. The brand has won numerous awards for family travel, including the World Travel Awards' "World's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort" for over 20 consecutive years.
Resort Experience
Beaches resorts feature massive waterparks, kids' camps divided by age group (from infants to teens), and an Xbox Play Lounge. Dining options rival Sandals with up to 21 restaurants at Beaches Turks and Caicos. The inclusive package covers premium drinks, water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and nightly entertainment. Adults aren't forgotten — each Beaches property has adults-only pools, bars, and dining areas for parents seeking downtime. Red Lane Spa services are available for additional pampering.
Locations & Properties
Beaches currently operates two properties: Beaches Turks and Caicos (the flagship, one of the largest resort properties in the Caribbean with 758 rooms across four resort "villages") and Beaches Negril in Jamaica. The Turks and Caicos property sits on the famous 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. Each property offers distinct village areas that cater to different vacation styles, from family-centric to more sophisticated adults-preferred zones.
Guest Experience
Beaches excels at making every family member happy simultaneously. The certified nanny program (included in the rate) gives parents peace of mind while kids enjoy age-appropriate activities. Teens have their own hangout spots with DJ sessions, and tweens get dedicated programming. The Sesame Street partnership goes beyond meet-and-greets to include themed parades, sing-alongs, and character dining. Water sports instruction is available for all ages, and the Pirates Island Waterpark features waterslides, lazy rivers, and splash areas.
Sandals Resorts
What They Do Best
Sandals Resorts has built its reputation as the premier couples-only, all-inclusive resort brand in the Caribbean. Founded in 1981 by Gordon "Butch" Stewart in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sandals has grown to 16 properties across Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Curaçao. The brand is known for its Luxury Included concept, where everything from gourmet dining and premium spirits to water sports, scuba diving, and even butler service is included in the room rate. Sandals consistently wins top awards for romance and honeymoon travel.
Resort Experience
Every Sandals resort delivers an upscale, romantic experience with no wristbands and no buffet-only dining. Guests enjoy unlimited gourmet restaurants (up to 16 per resort), premium liquors, Robert Mondavi wines, and Red Lane Spa facilities. Water sports are a cornerstone — from scuba diving (the only resort chain to offer unlimited certified diving) to paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing. Many properties feature swim-up suites, over-the-water bungalows, and private plunge pools. Butler Elite suites come with personal butler service modeled on the Guild of Professional English Butlers.
Locations & Properties
Sandals operates exclusively in the Caribbean, with a strong presence across Jamaica (5 resorts including the flagship Sandals Montego Bay), Saint Lucia (3 resorts), The Bahamas (3 resorts including the massive Sandals Royal Bahamian), and single properties in Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, and Curaçao. Each resort occupies prime beachfront real estate. The brand also owns Beaches Resorts (family-friendly) and has the "Sandals Select" tier for more affordable options while maintaining high standards.
Guest Experience
Sandals caters specifically to couples — solo travelers and families with children are not permitted. This creates an inherently romantic atmosphere. The brand offers complimentary weddings (Beautiful Beginnings package), making it one of the most popular honeymoon and destination wedding brands worldwide. The Sandals Select Rewards loyalty program offers returning guests room upgrades, spa credits, and other perks. Airport transfers are included at most properties, and the Sandals app allows guests to book restaurants, spa treatments, and excursions before arrival.
Beaches Resorts Resorts
Rating7.7Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
Rating9.0Beaches Negril Resort & Spa
Sandals Resorts Resorts
Rating8.6Adults OnlySandals Montego Bay
Rating8.8Adults OnlySandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa
Rating9.0Adults OnlySandals South Coast
Rating8.0Adults Only