If you’re counting down the days until your next Sandals getaway (or you just booked and you’re already mentally on the beach—same), this Sandals Vacation Checklist and collection of Sandals Resort Tips — especially helpful if it’s your first visit — will be your go-to before you take off. I’ve packed in all my favorite Sandals resort travel tips for first-timers so you can feel like a pro before you even land. I’ve rounded up all the to-dos, tricks, and little nuggets of wisdom from my own trips so you can focus on sipping cocktails instead of stressing about logistics.
This guide covers everything—pre-trip check-ins, packing hacks, what to expect on arrival, how to score restaurant reservations, and even my favorite cocktails and mocktails. Bookmark this before you go, and you’ll feel like a Sandals pro by the time you land.
A little preparation goes a long way in making your arrival stress-free. Here’s what you should do before you ever leave home:
Online Check-In — Save yourself time at the front desk and check in before you leave at checkin.sandals.com.
Download the Sandals App — This is your secret weapon once you’re on property. You can:
• Use “Gina” (the in-app concierge) to quickly resolve any issues—she’s fast.
• Find menus for every restaurant (and check dress codes ahead of time).
• See the resort map and find your way around like a pro.
• Reserve one restaurant up to a week before arrival so you lock in at least one great dinner spot.
Flight Check-In — Don’t forget to check in for your flights 24 hours before departure.
Customs Form — Fill out your customs form before landing at your Sandals destination to save time when you arrive.
(If you’re still deciding which Sandals resort to visit, check out my post about Sandals St Lucia Grande — one of my favorite spots in St. Lucia for incredible hillside views and private plunge pools.)
Flying into the Caribbean is exciting—but there are a few key things that make the process smoother:
Bring Your Passport — Double-check that your ticket matches your passport and that it’s signed.
Pack a Pen — You’ll need one for customs forms.
Empty Water Bottle — Bring it empty through security, then fill it up at your gate.
Medicine & Valuables — Always keep these in your carry-on.
TSA PreCheck — If you have it, you’ll love it (and if you don’t, it’s easy to sign up).
Blanket or Sweater — Planes get cold, and I like to be cozy.
Backpack — A good travel backpack makes a world of difference. I love this one for staying organized, but this option is also a great pick if you want something slightly smaller.
I usually check a bag because I’m a little extra, but a carry-on will save you time at the airport and eliminates the risk of lost luggage.
When you land, you’ll grab your luggage, go through customs, and then hop on the complimentary Sandals shuttle to your resort. Tipping your shuttle driver a few dollars is appreciated but not necessary (they’re not Sandals employees).
For more arrival info and destination overviews, check out my Caribbean travel guide — it’s packed with tips on which islands pair best with your Sandals trip.
Room Check-In — Rooms are available at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you arrive early, grab lunch, explore the resort, and let the front desk store your luggage.
Credit Card Hold — Sandals will put a $400 hold on your card for incidentals. It’s released after you check out, usually within a day.
Restaurant Reservations — Make reservations for any restaurants that require them as soon as you arrive. Prime times fill quickly.
Sandals has two main dress codes.
Resort Casual — Shorts or jeans, t-shirts or polos. Swimwear must be covered, and footwear is required.
Resort Evening — Dress pants or jeans for men, dress shirts (long or short sleeve), and dress shoes or nice sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, or hats.
Plan your outfits with these in mind, especially if you want to hit the fancier restaurants.
Sandals makes packing surprisingly simple—most of your days will be swimsuits and cover-ups. Here’s what I always bring.
Passport, Credit Card, and Small Bills — You’ll want cash for tipping drivers, porters, and spa staff.
Bathing Suits, Cover-Ups, and Light Dresses — You’ll live in these until dinner.
Dress Clothes for Evenings — Something a little nicer for Resort Evening restaurants.
Sunscreen — Bring your own; gift shop prices are high.
Beach Bag & Good Book — Your poolside essentials.
Favorite Reusable Cup — Many guests bring Yetis or Bubba cups for drinks. I love this Brita one for filtered airport water.
Pool Float — My favorite is this one.
Reusable Straw — They use paper straws on property; bring your own if that’s not your vibe.
Snorkel Gear — They provide gear, but I prefer to bring my own; this is my favorite set.
Underwater Camera — Capture those snorkeling memories.
Bonus Tip — No need to pack shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, or cotton pads; Sandals’ Red Lane Spa provides them in every room.
This is where the fun begins!
Foodie Tip — Order multiple appetizers and desserts. It’s included—try everything!
Beach & Pool Chairs — Get down early and claim your spot for the day.
Snorkeling Trips — These are included, so take advantage.
Wi-Fi — Free and resort-wide. Put your phone on airplane mode and use Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges.
No Tipping — Sandals staff (waiters, bartenders, housekeepers) can’t accept tips, but you can tip butlers, spa staff, and drivers.
Safety Tip — Use your in-room safe for passports, cash, and valuables.
Medical Care — There’s a nurse’s station on property for basic needs.
Camo Clothing — Don’t bring it; camouflage is restricted to military in many Caribbean islands.
Scuba — Make sure you stop by the dive desk as soon as you arrive because spots fill up fast! If you’re certified, you get one two-tank dive a day (except travel days) and all the gear’s included (just a small fee if you want a wetsuit). Not certified? You can do a quick resort course or even get fully certified while you’re there for a fee. Wreck and night dives cost extra but are totally worth it.
Whether you like them spiked or virgin, here are my go-tos.
Cocktails — Hummingbird, Jamaican Smile, Cool Runnings, Yellow Bird, Mango Lassi, Bob Marley, Purple Rain, Ball & Chain, Cannon Ball, BBC, Dirty Banana (and don’t be afraid to ask the bartender to “surprise you”).
Virgin Drinks — Miami Vice, Mango Mojito Smoothie, any flavor daiquiri or margarita, Mango Piña Colada, Pineapple Mojito, and Painkiller with mango and grenadine layered on the bottom.
Your departure day will be straightforward—just remember these Sandals Resort Tips before heading home.
Check-Out but Keep Playing — You’ll need to check out of your room by 11:00 AM, but you still get full access to all the Sandals facilities — the beach, pools, restaurants — until it’s time to head to the airport. The front desk will happily hold your luggage so you can grab lunch, relax by the pool, and soak in every last moment of paradise.
Airport Process — You’ll go through the foreign airport like normal.
U.S. Re-Entry — When you land back in the States for your connection, you’ll collect your luggage, go through customs, re-check your bag, then go through security again before heading to your next gate.
I hope this guide helps you feel completely prepared for your trip. Whether it’s your first or fifth time, these Sandals resort travel tips for first-timers and my ultimate Sandals vacation checklist before you go will make your getaway seamless from the airport to your first cocktail.
If you want to pre-book excursions, spa services, or take advantage of on-site discounts for your next trip while you’re there, let me know—I can help transfer the booking so I can keep watching for additional discounts.
You’re about to have an amazing vacation. Order the extra dessert, claim the best beach chair, and soak it all in—you deserve it. And if you’re dreaming of that picture-perfect turquoise water, Sandals Antigua is always a solid pick.
Thinking about the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata for your Virgin Voyages excursion?🌊 Important context: I am not a thrill girl. Roller coasters make me queasy. And I still loved this.
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are like a 5/10 intensity. Adventurous but very doable. Guided. Safe. Not extreme.
You can choose your comfort level and that’s what makes it so good.😍
#damajagua #puertoplatacity #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #waterfalls #adventure
If you’re docking in Puerto Plata and don’t want to book an excursion, this is such an easy way to spend a few hours. You can walk straight from Taino Bay. It’s flat, manageable, and felt safe with a really good mix of colorful photo ops and actual city energy.
If you only have 1–2 hours, prioritize:
📍 Umbrella Street
📍 Pink Street
📍 Centro Histórico
Have more time? Add the Malecón de Puerto Plata. Into history? Stop by Fortaleza San Felipe. We were there during La Vega Carnival, which made everything feel extra lively, but even without a festival, I’d still recommend this route.
It’s simple. It’s realistic. And it gives you a look at Puerto Plata beyond just the cruise port. 🌴✨ Save this for your next stop.
#travelling #puertoplata #dominicanrepublic #downtownpuertoplata #travelitinerary
If you’re cruising into Taino Bay, here’s what you actually need to know. I was genuinely surprised. It’s clean, modern, and way more built out than I expected. Shops, photo spots, a lazy river, restaurants you could easily spend a few hours here without feeling bored.
I left for an excursion, but coming back and spending the afternoon inside the port was actually… nice. Easy. Low stress.
If you want adventure or deeper culture, leave the port. If you want a relaxed day? You truly don’t have to. Save this for your Puerto Plata stop & read the full blog now! 🌴
I wouldn’t recommend @virginvoyages to everyone…🫢
If you’re Googling who Virgin Voyages is really for, you’re probably wondering if it fits your travel style, or if it’s just great marketing. I’ve sailed multiple times, taste-tested the ship (for research, obviously), and paid attention to the details that actually matter.
Here’s the honest answer, no cruise brochure fluff. Head to my blog to read more about planning your trip!🚢
#travelling #travelvlog #cruisevlog #cruiseship #virginvoyages
Day 2, Puerto Plata… waterfalls, city walks, and zero rush.🌴
Port day in Puerto Plata and we truly packed it in waterfalls, wandering through town, and actually having time to explore. One thing @virginvoyages does so well? Long port days. No sprinting back to the ship. No watching the clock all day.
Dinner at Extra Virgin tonight (yes, included). Fresh pasta, made to order, a menu that feels like a real restaurant not cruise food. No constant upsells. No nickel-and-diming. Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi… it’s all just handled.
You really start to see what you’re paying for and what you’re not. Ending the night with Scarlet Night! Full day out. Full night in. This is the sweet spot.✨
Virgin Voyages Cruise Vlog | 📍Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
