FAQs

Is there a dress code for the ceremony & reception?

Dress to impress in cocktail attire or opt for a smart casual look – whether you choose to channel your inner royalty or embrace the relaxed charm of a laid-back linen suit, the choice is yours! Our primary goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and confident in their attire. Expect to capture those memorable moments, as we will have a photographer and videographer on-site. The cocktail hour and reception will take place on the beach, so come prepared to kick off your shoes or bring along a pair of flip-flops for sandy strolls and dancing under the stars.

 

I'm feeling generous! How can I help women & children on this trip?

We are feeling the same way! There are two great options for us. If you have extra room in your suitcase, you can Pack for a Purpose. This link will let you see some much-needed items that local schools and women's clinics have requested. The staff at Beaches Resort will guarantee they end up in the right hands. 

www.packforapurpose.org/destinations/caribbean/jamaica/beaches-negril-resort-spa/

Want to meet local children and help them with reading skills? Book a Reading Road Trip to a local school starting at $35/person and spend two hours reading and engaging with children ages 3-7. This adventure is only available on Thursdays.

https://www.islandroutes.com/caribbean-tours/jamaica/negril/9709/reading-road-trip-negril

 

What time zone is Jamaica in? 

While Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time, they do not observe daylight savings. In October, you will plan to use Central Sandard Time. 

 

Are there any other packing tips?

1. Everyone should bring a pen on the plane. You will have forms to fill out before you deboard, and you do not want to be asking strangers to borrow theirs. 

2. Have a change of beach clothes in your carry-on. When you arrive, they will take your luggage for you, but you may arrive at the resort hours before your room is ready (check-in is at 3 pm.) Have a change of clothes to hit the beach or hang out at the resort. 

3. Sand flies cannot be avoided in Jamaica. Please pack repellent. Repellent, aloe, and sunscreen are sold at a huge markup at the resort. 7 days in the sand will lead to some chaffing, so pack some BodyGlide.

4. Bring cash. Beaches is all-inclusive. Tips and Gratuities are strictly prohibited for all staff except personal butlers and spa employees. You may have booked a room with a personal butler OR you might rent a cabana that comes with a personal butler for the day. From my research, if you have a Butler level room, it's best to tip at the end of your stay, and you would base it on how much you used your butler. You may have more than one on rotation, so you can specify what you are tipping each one. It seems $20 per day is the norm. If you rent the cabana, tip at the end of the day.

No Butler? Still, Bring cash. You may want to purchase from some of the non-Beaches (cash-only) vendors that come to the resort. You may also want to tip spa employees, airport baggage handlers, private car drivers, or off-resort excursion guides.

5. During the day, the dress code is simple enough that I don't feel the need to explain. I know you all dress appropriately. Shoes and swim coverups must be worn in all restaurants. 

*Person who knows who they are- No offensive language or graphics are allowed on clothing =)

6. After 6 pm "resort casual" is the dress code for most restaurants. This is defined as not overly casual or revealing. This may include board shorts for men or sundresses for women—just no beachwear, flip-flops, or athletic clothing. 

7. At least two restaurants have a slightly more formal dress code for dinner. The Venetian and Kimonos require "resort evening attire", slightly more dressy than resort casual. Men are expected to wear long pants, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes, while women should wear dresses, skirts, or dressy pants. 

8. Pack a white outfit. One night a week the resort hosts a party where everyone wears white. 

 

Is there anything we should know about the resort?

1. Book your off-site excursions and other activities on your app before arriving. Some do this 3 to 4 months in advance.

2. Complete check-in on your Sandals app or online after you make your final payment and before you arrive. You will need to update your flight plans (so they can arrange pick-up from the airport.) They will also require a credit card on file for incidentals. A $400 hold will be placed on your card, it will go back onto your card at check out.

3. Beaches Resort is about a 1.5-hour drive from the airport.

4. Check-in is at 3 pm. Check-out is at 11:00 am. If you arrive before check-in or your flight departs much later than check-out, they will hold your luggage so you can spend time by the sea.

5. Take a resort tour. Tours are offered once per day, so go on day 1 or 2 to ensure you don't miss out on anything. 

6. Book all of your dinner reservations the day you arrive. You can even go to more than one restaurant in one night!! Also, book all included activities (ex. snorkeling, glass bottom boats) at the Aqua Center the day you arrive.

7. We will be there during the "rainy" season. I have learned that we may have 15 minutes to one hour of rain daily. So, it's like going to Florida.