Best Caribbean Island vacations- Couples vs Sandals- rated and ranked according to reviews

photo by Loren Sztajer	via PhotoRee

The best Caribbean island vacations for couples can be a rather subjective list. If you want a special place for the two of you to spend a luxurious honeymoon with privacy and resort staff catering to your every whim, there is a Caribbean island vacation for that. The Caribbean is in my opinion, the best place in the world for romantic vacations with your loved one. I spent my honeymoon there with my wife and we're going back next month again to celebrate our anniversary.

Most times when people are looking for the best Caribbean island vacation for couples, they are thinking of an all-inclusive vacation. The Caribbean islands that are renown for the best all-inclusive couples only resorts are Jamaica,the Bahamas, Saint Lucia and Antigua. So lets take a look at what those islands have to offer you and see which is the best fit.

Since Couples and Sandals are major players when it comes to couples only all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, we'll be looking at their properties. These two resort companies spend heavily to advertise and are well known names in the industry.

In Negril, Jamaica there is Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away Negril, Sandals Negril Beach Resort And Spa.

In Montego Bay, Jamaica there is Sandals Carlyle Inn, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island.

In Ocho Rios, Jamaica there is Couples Sans Souci, Couples Tower Isle, Sandals Grand Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, and the new Sandals Royal Plantation.

In the Bahamas you have the Royal Bahamian and Emerald Bay.

In Whitehouse, Jamaica (south side of the island) there is Sandals Whitehouse.

On the island of Saint Lucia is several more all-inclusive couples resorts. In Castries, St. Lucia there is Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals La Toc Golf Resort& Spa, Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort.

There is also a Sandals on Antigua called Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa.

photo by Loren Sztajer	via PhotoRee

As you can see the bulk of the couples only all-inclusive couples only resorts are on the island of Jamaica, although Cancun actually has more.

Making a determination as to which is the best Caribbean island vacation destination for couples I did some research of traveler's reviews. This I believe will give you the best unbiased rating and ranking of all the Couples and Sandals resorts in the Caribbean. So here they all are ranked best to worst.

1. Sandals Royal Plantation

2. tie between Couples Negril and Couples Sans Souci

3. Couples Swept Away, Negril

4. Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica

5. 3 way tie between Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, Sandals Carlyle Inn and Couples Tower Isle.

6. Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island

7. Sandals Montego Bay

8. Sandals Halcyon Beach

9. Sandals Grande St. Lucian spa & Beach Resort

10. Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort

11. Tie between Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa and Emerald Bay

12. Royal Bahamian

13. Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa



Sandals Royal Plantation is one of the premiere couples all-inclusive resort destination in the Caribbean. It is a small hotel that used to be a Beaches resort, but it has been totally remade as a world-class luxury resort. With only 77 rooms you can Enjoy the all-Butler experience at Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica! Keep in mind that rates are usually about half price in the off season of June through October, I have a banner link on the right hand side of the screen about a special of 65% off + 1 night free that Royal Plantation is currently offering.

Aside from Royal Plantation, Couples appears to have the overall better properties as their 4 properties are all in the top 5.

If you take the averages for each resort area you'll find that overall the best resorts are in the following locations.

1. Negril - overall resorts average rating of 66% excellent.
2. Ocho Rios - overall resorts average rating of 65% excellent.
3. White house - resort rated excellent by 64%.
4. Montego Bay - overall resorts average rating of 61% excellent.
5. St. Lucia - overall resorts average rating of 58%.
6. Bahamas - overall resorts average rating 52.5%
7. Antigua - resort rated excellent by 50%.

photo by dubdem sound system	via PhotoRee

Based on these figures it is easy to see why Negril is consistently rated as one of the best Caribbean vacation destinations for couples, with Ocho Rios close behind, and I'm finding the best deals at these places on Book It. Based on these reviews, it certainly appears that Sandals may need to improve their properties on St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Antigua.

Go here to see which Caribbean all-inclusive couples only resorts are rated in the top 10 overall. I have also separately rated and ranked Sandals resorts here.

I hope the aggregating of these reviews and ranking them helps you to plan your best Caribbean vacation! Don't forget you can Find Last Minute Deals at hotels.com!

P.S. If you'd like to keep posted on my research about the best Caribbean vacations, be sure to use the buttons to "Follow" on Twitter or "Like" on Facebook, plus then I'll know what I'm writing is helpful to you. Thanks!