Tipping at Sandals All Inclusive Resorts

Are you travelling to your first all inclusive resort and it happens to be one of Sandals' incredible locations? If  you booked through me, I would have walked you through all of the tipping policies, but I wanted to share with you today a few things on this platform for those who did not go through an amazing travel agent like me. 

Typically when you travel to an all inclusive resort, I would recommend tipping all of your workers, including your waitstaff, bellhops, housekeepers, and airport transfer drivers.  However,  when going to a Sandals Resort, they have a strict "no-tipping" policy (with a few notable exceptions) once you are on site. The no tipping policy applies to the maids, bellhops, concierge, bartenders, and wait staff, as they are already getting paid for their service. Since employees could get fired for accepting a tip, the best option for everyone’s sake is to play by the rules and not attempt to tip Sandals employees. In this blog post, I am going to break down who you can tip at these resorts, when tipping is appropriate, and how much to tip. I will also share tips on making the most of your tipping experience at Sandals and address other frequently asked questions about the tipping policies.

My first tip for traveling & tipping: Always bring cash! I recommend to my guests to take two different forms of payments - cash and a credit card. A lot of caribbean countries accept US dollars, but if you need to get local currency, it is super easy to do so at your local bank. Always give yourself at least two weeks before your trip for your bank to get the proper cash on site. 

Now, who do you tip? As stated above, when on site at a Sandals' resort - tipping is not allowed, but what about before you arrive on site? A common tipping location is right at the airport! 

Assistant Luggage Services at the Airport

Upon landing at your destination, you are typically greeted by attendants who offer to carry your luggage to your transfers and will help you find the Sandals desk. These friendly folks are not Sandals employees but work at the airport itself. They are very insistent, however you are never obligated to use their services. If you do choose to allow them to help - be sure to tip them! Almost everything these folks make come from tips, so be sure to pay for this service if you opt to use it. I have never experienced this, but some may act aggressively, if you do not offer a small cash payment to them. There is no need to tip them anything extravagant, but a few dollars will do. They provide excellent service and help make your airport arrival more enjoyable.

Transfer Shuttle Drivers

When staying at Sandals, you’ll be pleased to know that the cost of the transfer shuttle from the airport is always included in your room rate. This is one of the exceptions to the "no tipping" policy, as it customary to tip the shuttle driver. I typically recommend around $5.00 USD for your driver, depending on the level of service you receive. Remember that these drivers are typically responsible for picking up and dropping off multiple guests throughout the day, so a little bit of gratuity can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

Taxi Drivers and other Private Transfers

Although the shuttle bus is complimentary for guests, a taxi might be a more appealing option for those who prefer the convenience of private transportation. Keep in mind that in many countries, taxi drivers anticipate tips, so it’s a good idea to have some cash ready before hailing a cab or arranging private transportation.

Now more about the exceptions to Sandals No-Tips Policy. There are three notable times to that you need to be aware of that is you are allowed to tip while onsite at a Sandals property. These three exceptions are: Butlers, Red Line Spa service attendants, and Barbados-based employees.

Butlers

Sandals permits tipping in this category because personal butlers provide a level of service that goes above and beyond what is expected from the standard staff. If you book a room in one of the higher Butler categories, you will be assigned two or three butlers to assist you throughout your stay. While tipping is optional, it is customary to show appreciation for their exceptional service. I generally recommend tipping around $20 per day for your butlers. I do recommend tipping daily vs as the end of your trip, as to better guarantee that the tips will be distributed appropriately to everyone that serves you. This can also come into play if a certain butler goes above and beyond over the others - by tipping daily you can give a higher compensation to those who you wish to do so. 

As always - it is best to tip with cash. You can add tip to your room, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to do so in cash directly to your butler.  

Red Line Spa Employees

Guests are allowed to tip Red Line Spa employees because it’s a 3rd-party company providing an optional service. Red Line Spas automatically include 12.5% gratuities  to their services, but you can increase that if you choose, especially if your employee went above and beyond. 

Barbados Employees

Under Barbados law, Sandals (or any other employer) cannot prohibit tipping. Therefore, Sandals employees based in Barbados can accept tips without penalty. Despite this, Sandals still strongly discourages the practice, but you are allowed to do so and the staff are allowed to accept tips in this country. 

Tipping Off Sandals Resort Property

When you are off Sandals property, follow the same practices as you would at home. It would be best if you tipped non-Sandals service providers such as tour guides, wait staff, bartenders, and others. Always always, cash is the preferred payment method, as many businesses in the area may not accept credit cards. Following these local customs and tipping guidelines will ensure that everyone involved in making your vacation enjoyable is adequately compensated.

Tipping on Excursions

Island Routes (and other excursion companies) is an independent tour company that offers excursions for guests of Sandals Resorts. Their extensive excursion program covers most of the major islands in the Caribbean, with activities ranging from hiking, biking, snorkeling, helicopter tours and so much more!

The company’s policy is to provide excellent customer service, and they do - so it is customary to reward compensation for their incredible service. Cash is the preferred method of payment for these tips. How much you may ask? This depends on the level of service you receive, and how long your tour was, but I would recommend at least $5 per person and to go up from there. 

Are You Ready to Book Your Sandals Vacation?

Shameless reminder - I am a travel agent and I here to help take all the stress away from booking your next vacation! I can help you determine the best time to go to Sandals, narrow down the best resort for your relaxing or romantic couples vacation, or to help you find the best resort for your family vacation (or just describe the differences between the two). Instead of calling a 1-800 number, you will have my direct cell and can call, text anytime with any question. If sandals doesn't sound like the right fit, I have a couple dozen different all inclusive resorts I can recommend. I always want to match you to the perfect resort! 

Oh - and did I mention I NEVER charge a planning fee? My services cost you no additional money :) 

I think it is a good time to also remind you - all resorts build in a compensation fee to who sells the room. So if you are booking direct through Sandals or through an online third party company - you are paying for a service that you are not receiving. 

If you are ready to receive your free, no obligation quote, fill out this form here: Travel Quote Request