Sunrise at Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
An almost total lack of tipping can be one of the great benefits of all inclusive resorts, especially Sandals and Beaches, where tipping is prohibited in almost every situation.
While there is little need to carry cash of any sort when visiting these resorts, there are a few specific exceptions, and since we never want any of our friends or clients arriving in the Caribbean unprepared, following is a quick guide to those exceptions:
At the Airport – this is true across the Caribbean, but particularly at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica where many Sandals visitors arrive. The attendants around the arrival lounges are friendly but pretty insistent on offering their luggage-carrying services. These gentlemen are not Sandals employees and you are in no way obligated to use their services, though we have found them hard to turn them away. If you use them, be prepared to tip! Nothing extravengant is necessary, but they will become notably aggressive if you fail to tip. Use cash.
On the way to the Resort – transfers from the airport to the resort are typically part of the experience at Sandals. Tipping transfer drivers for good service is encouraged. Use cash.
On an Excursion – all-inclusives are the perfect place to settle in and never leave. That said, if you have the urge to see the island, we always recommend using Island Routes. With strong Sandals connections, they have tons of excursions designed just for guests at Sandals and Beaches. Tipping of Island Routes employees for good service is encouraged. Follow the same practices you would at home. Use cash.
Off-Resort – whenever you are off the resorts, follow the same practices you would at home tipping waitstaff, bartenders, tour guides, and other service providers for good service. Use cash.
On-Resort – Sandals and Beaches follow a strict no-tipping policy with 2 exceptions: butlers and Red Lane Spa attendants. Tipping of butlers is not necessary but when good service dictates, it is encouraged. This includes both butlers assigned to you, and in the case of some resorts, those serving the beach or other areas (the beach butlers at Sandals Royal Plantation are especially tip-worthy!). Butlers can be tipped in cash or tips can be added to your bill at the end of your stay. Red Lane Spa attendants can be tipped in cash as well, but inquire first as some Sandals appear to be moving to a service charge on spa bills that includes a tip.
No Tipping Means No Tipping – with the exception of the exceptions mentioned above, Sandals and Beaches employees are strictly prohibited from accepting tips. If caught accepting tips, employees can be fired.
Drop us an email or give us a call for more information.
Let us know when you’re ready to plan that trip,
and never forget to:
Relax…you CAN get there from here!
Hi! I'm Jennifer Newsome and I own and operate Southern Girl Travel with some help from my husband, Mark, and our three kids. This shot was taken in beautiful 