Honeymoon Review
Sandals Caribbean Cay [2026]
Formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean
Not to be confused with Royal Caribbean Group's 2026 deal to buy 50% of Sandals. Read what that means.
Mahoe Bay, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
Temporarily Closed
Currently closed for rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa. Sandals has scheduled the reopening for December 18, 2026. Check current status on Sandals.com.
Our Verdict
Our #1-rated Sandals resort — and from December 18, 2026 it reopens as Sandals Caribbean Cay. The private offshore island with overwater villas, Thai restaurant, and water taxi service creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Combined with 21 dining options via exchange with Montego Bay, this is the pinnacle of Sandals luxury.
Quick Facts
Rooms
229
Room Categories
24
Acres
15
Airport
10 min from Sangster International (MBJ)
What Makes Caribbean Cay Different
Private Offshore Island
The only Sandals resort with its own island — featuring overwater villas, a Thai restaurant, and Zen garden.
Overwater Villas with Infinity Pool
Glass floors, floating hammocks, private infinity pool & Jacuzzi, outdoor shower — the most premium overwater experience in the Caribbean.
British Heritage Touches
Daily afternoon tea service, British Pub, and a blend of Caribbean warmth with English sophistication.
Best Room Categories for Honeymooners
Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Villa with Infinity Pool (OWV)
Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow (OWB)
Beachfront Skypool Butler Suite (RSKY)
What's Included (All-Inclusive Breakdown)
Included
- 21 combined dining options
- Thai restaurant on private island
- Afternoon tea
- Scuba diving
- Water taxi to island
- Premium drinks
- WiFi
- Tips & taxes
What Costs Extra
- Spa treatments
- Off-resort excursions
- Photo packages
Honest Assessment — Pros & Cons
Best For
Luxury couples seeking the ultimate overwater experience on a private island with butler service, water taxi, and international cuisine.
Skip If
You're on a tight budget or prefer a large, sprawling resort — this is intimate and premium-priced.
How Caribbean Cay Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandals Royal Caribbean becoming Sandals Caribbean Cay?+
Yes. The resort reopens December 18, 2026 as Sandals Caribbean Cay — the same Montego Bay property with a new name and a reimagined design, dining lineup, and private-island experience.
How do you get to the private island?+
Via a water taxi that runs continuously throughout the day. It's a short, scenic ride from the main resort.
Is the overwater villa worth the premium price?+
For a honeymoon? Absolutely. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that couples describe as unforgettable. The glass floors, private pool, and island setting are unmatched.
Can I dine at Sandals Montego Bay too?+
Yes! The 'Stay at One, Play at Two' program gives you access to Sandals Montego Bay's restaurants — 21 combined options.
Resources for Planning Your Caribbean Cay Trip
All Sandals resorts in Jamaica
Compare Caribbean Cay against every other Sandals property on the same island.
Read guideAll 17 Sandals resorts ranked
See exactly where this resort lands in our 2026 overall ranking.
Read guideBest Sandals resort for honeymoons
Our opinionated honeymoon-specific ranking across the entire Sandals network.
Read guideOverwater bungalows guide
Photos and butler details for every Sandals overwater villa.
Read guideSandals butler service explained
What butler-tier rooms actually include — and whether it's worth it.
Read guideHoneymoon budget guide
Plan your total honeymoon budget, line by line.
Read guideResort match quiz
Compare this resort against your personalized top-3 matches.
Read guideBook Sandals Caribbean Cay
Luxury couples seeking the ultimate overwater experience on a private island with butler service, water taxi, and international cuisine.