Sandals Select Membership Has It's Privileges
Starting with your first visit, not only are you on the way to earning a free week at any Sandals resort, but Sandals rewards points are worth 2.5 cents and can cover up to 25% of a new booking.
When used strategically, they’ll unlock real savings, but there are some limits, exclusions, and expiration rules most guests don’t realize until it’s too late. Knowing when to redeem makes all the difference.
Today, we’re going to cover all the rules to help you maximize your savings!
Key Sandals Select facts:
✔️ 5,000 points = $125 off new bookings
✔️ Max usage: 25% of your total room cost
✔️ Can’t be used at the resort—only before travel
✔️ Points expire after 3 years of inactivity
✔️ Higher tiers earn more points per dollar
Hi! We’re Jonathan & Angela, one of the few award-winning Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite advisors who’ve helped thousands of clients earn, redeem, and make their Sandals points count.
Let’s get into how the Sandals rewards system works, the smartest ways to use your rewards, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Table of Contents
What Are Sandals Select Points?
At its core, the Sandals Select Rewards program is Sandals way of recognizing loyalty, and rewarding it in real dollars. The loyalty program is structured to encourage repeat stays by offering points, tiered benefits, and exclusive perks to members.
Bottom line is… The more you return, the more you earn and the more you’re rewarded!
But we’ve learned from many of our clients (and even seasoned travelers) that this program can feel a bit murky at first glance. So today, we’re going to clear that up.
You’re automatically eligible to earn points inside the Sandals Select Rewards program after your very first stay at any Sandals or Beaches resort. There is no membership fee to join the Sandals Select program, making it easy for anyone to become a member and start earning rewards.
There’s no cost, no subscription, and no downside.
Once you’ve completed that first visit, you’ll receive a welcome email and your initial bonus of 5,000 points, worth $125, just for joining. This email will also include your unique rewards number, which you’ll use to access your account and all your member benefits.
From there, every dollar you spend on qualifying bookings earns you points that can be used to offset the cost of future trips. As a Sandals Select rewards member, you gain access to exclusive perks and benefits reserved for members.
But here’s where many people get tripped up: there’s a difference between your points balance and your membership tier.
Think of points as the currency you redeem, while tiers unlock the perks you receive based on how much you’ve traveled or spent with Sandals over time. The Sandals Select loyalty program includes multiple levels, and all Sandals Select rewards members progress through these tiers as they accumulate more stays or spending.
The Sandals Select loyalty program is designed to reward members for their continued stays.
Sandals Select Tiers:
- Member (after 1st stay)
- Coral – 2nd stay
- Sapphire – 25 paid nights or $25,000 (Sapphire tier members earn 1.5 points per dollar spent)
- Emerald – 45 nights or $40,000
- Diamond – 100 nights or $90,000
- Pearl – 250 nights or $220,000
- Ambassador – 400 nights or $345,000
These are also known as Sandals Select levels, and each Sandals Select tier offers increasing benefits and is achieved based on nights stayed or dollars spent. The number of Sandals Rewards Points earned per dollar spent increases as you move up the Sandals Select levels, with higher tiers earning more points per dollar.
Each level offers more valuable benefits: from spa credits and event invitations to private check-in, VIP phone lines, and complimentary private transfers for top-tier travelers. Coral status grants access to exclusive events such as the returning guest dinner.
But again, these are tied to your total travel history, not just how many Sandals Rewards Points you’ve earned.
We’ve seen travelers reach Sapphire or Emerald status just by consistently choosing Club or Butler rooms over the years. Sapphire tier members earn 1.5 points per dollar spent, making it easier to accumulate rewards at this level.
One of our clients even advanced two tiers in a single year by combining a multi-room group trip with a honeymoon extension, a strategy we helped structure to maximize their tier advancement and rewards.
How Much Are Sandals Rewards Points Worth In Dollars?
Let’s get to the number everyone asks us about:
Each Sandals Select reward point is worth $0.025, or 2.5 cents. These reward points are earned through the Sandals Select Rewards program.
In simpler terms:
Points | Value |
|---|---|
5,000 | $125 |
10,000 | $250 |
20,000 | $500 |
There’s a catch, though, you can only use points to cover up to 25% of your total booking cost. So even with a hefty points balance, you’ll still need to pay the remaining portion in cash or credit.
And yes, Sandals Rewards Points can only be used on new room bookings. They cannot be applied after the fact, and they don’t work for excursions, spa treatments, or add-ons while you’re already at the resort.
We had one couple, returning to Sandals South Coast for their 10-year anniversary, who were sitting on 10,000 points. They weren’t planning to go back again anytime soon and worried about “losing” them.
We showed them how to strategically apply those points to unlock a Club Level suite, and they ended up spending less than $2,000 for a five-night stay.
How to Earn Sandals Points: A Tier-by-Tier Breakdown
Earning points is straightforward, but tier level can dramatically influence your rate of return. Members earn Sandals Rewards Points for every dollar spent, and higher tiers allow you to earn more points per dollar.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Tier | Points Earned per $1 Spent |
|---|---|
Select | 1 point per dollar |
Coral | 1 point per dollar |
Sapphire | 1.5 points per dollar |
Emerald | 2 points per dollar |
Diamond | 2.5 points per dollar |
Pearl | 3 points per dollar |
Ambassador | 3.5 points per dollar |
Did you know? Butler-level bookings at Diamond tier earn 2.5 points per dollar. That means a $6,000 trip can return $150 in points, enough for a nice discount on your next stay.
If you book your next stay while you’re still on property, you can take advantage of the Sandals Loyalty & Travel discount (10% off luxury rooms, 11% off Club, and 12% off Butler) plus your standard points, making it one of the smartest ways to stack benefits. The Sandals Select loyalty program allows you to maximize your point earnings and benefits when booking on property, which is something that we love about the program.
One savvy couple we worked with booked back-to-back trips this way and effectively earned enough for a free night within one calendar year, without ever chasing deals online.
How Many Points Do You Need for a Free Week at Sandals?
This is one of the most frequent points of confusion we see, not just from first-timers, but even from guests who’ve stayed at Sandals multiple times. So let’s clarify how this benefit works :
Sandals Select points do not get you a “free week.”
Instead, there’s a separate rewards path where your Free Week Award is earned after you’ve stayed 70 paid nights.
This benefit is tied to your travel history, not your point balance. It’s Sandals way of saying thank you for long-term loyalty, not something unlocked through point redemption alone.
We always explain to clients that Sandals Select points are best used for supplementing a reservation, not replacing it entirely. The real strategy is using points alongside other deals and offers to maximize their value.
How Can You Use Sandals Rewards Points?
This is where many travelers, especially first-time repeat guests, get tripped up. Here’s the real deal on what your points can and cannot do:
You earn Sandals rewards points through each resort stay at Sandals or Beaches, making every visit more rewarding.
Once your points are credited to your account, you can immediately apply them toward a new booking, so you don’t have to wait to enjoy your rewards.
✅ You Can Use Points For:
- Room rate discounts on new bookings onlyStacking with active promotions and other promotions like:
- The 7-7-7 deal (7% off rotating room categories)
- The Loyalty & Travel Desk discount (up to 12% off when booked on-property)
Guests may also request a preferred room number when booking with points, but this is subject to availability and based on the room category. We’ll help you with that!
Points can cover up to 25% of your total booking, so if you’re reserving a $4,000 trip, you could use up to $1,000 in points.
❌ You Cannot Use Points For:
- Spa services, excursions, candlelight dinners, or any resort extras during your stay
- Retail purchases, such as gift shop items, photo shop products, or photo packages
- Combining with certain offers, including the Free Anniversary Night promo or non-refundable instant credit promotions
If you’re not sure how to structure your redemption, our advice is always: book the stay with your points, then use other promos to layer on perks.
Clearing Up Misconceptions
We’ve seen the same questions (and the same mistakes) pop up again and again. Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest misunderstandings we help our clients avoid:
“Can I transfer my Sandals Rewards Points to someone else?”Answer: No. Points are non-transferable. However, if you’re traveling with someone on the same reservation, your points can be applied to that shared booking.
“Do points expire?”Answer: Yes. If your account is inactive for three years, your points will expire. Booking or traveling resets the clock.
“Why can’t I redeem points at the resort?”Answer: Redemptions must be applied at the time of booking through the Sandals website, Loyalty & Travel Desk, or your advisor. They aren’t usable for on-site expenses. You can also manage your points and bookings conveniently through the Sandals app. The travel office at the resort can assist with future bookings and point redemptions.
“Can I pay my whole trip with points?”Answer: No. Sandals allows redemptions for up to 25% of your total booking. So, even with a large point balance, you’ll always need to cover a portion of your stay with other payment.
We’ve had clients learn some of these details the hard way, which is exactly why we walk through point strategy on every planning call.
It’s not just about earning the points, it’s about knowing how to actually use them. Working with a travel agent like us, can help you maximize your rewards and avoid common mistakes.
Worried You’ll Waste Your Sandals Rewards Points?
Here’s the good news: your Sandals Select points remain active for three years after your last qualifying activity. That gives you time to make your next move, even if you’re not ready to pack your bags just yet.
Angela’s Advice: When in doubt, we recommend planning a shorter stay, think four nights at a Club Level room, at a resort that’s easy to reach, like Sandals Montego Bay or Royal Caribbean. Booking a return visit is also a smart way to keep your Sandals Rewards Points active and maximize their value, especially if you schedule it directly at the resort’s Loyalty & Travel Lounge. It’s a smart way to reset your expiration clock and still get value from your account.
One couple we worked with had nearly 35,000 points sitting unused, unsure if they’d return soon. We helped them book a quick winter escape to Sandals South Coast, applying their points toward a midweek stay.
They spent just $1,200 out-of-pocket for a Club Level beachfront room. They came back rested, requalified their points, and told us it was one of their favorite trips to date. win-win!
Can You Use Sandals Rewards Points for Group Travel or Gifts?
We’re often asked if points can be transferred or gifted. The short answer is no, your Sandals Rewards points are tied to your personal account and can’t be transferred to someone else. Only members of the Sandals Select program can use points for their own bookings.
But there are still smart ways to use them with others:
If you’re traveling as a couple or with family, rewards members can apply their points to their portion of the group booking.
Planning a destination wedding, reunion, or birthday trip? You can book your room as part of the group and use your points to offset your share. As a Sandals Select member, you can enjoy exclusive benefits when booking group travel.
Use the “Share the Love” Referral Program
Sandals allows you to refer new guests, and when they book their first trip, you’ll earn 10,000 points per referral, up to 50,000 points per year (that’s $1,250 in value). The referral program applies to both Sandals and Beaches resorts, which are part of the Sandals family.
And your referred friends? They get bonus points too on their first booking.
We recently helped a couple who brought three friends along to Sandals Grenada. They walked away with a huge point bonus just for sharing their advisor link, and their friends were thrilled with the added perks of experiencing a beaches vacation or a Sandals or Beaches vacation together.
Have questions on how to do this? We’ll help!
Angela's Insider Advice: When to Redeem and When to Save Your Points
Over the years, we’ve seen clients either hold onto their Sandals Rewards Points or use them too soon.
Here’s how we approach this with our clients:
If you’re close to reaching a higher tier in the Sandals Select Rewards program, consider waiting to redeem your points. Achieving a new tier can result in special recognition which includes added perks, like upgrades and discounts at the Red Lane Spa.
When to Redeem:
Your expiration date is less than 18 months away
Room rates are high, and your points can offset peak-season pricing
You’re ready to upgrade from Luxury to Club or from Club to Butler, points often bridge that gap beautifully
When to Hold Off:
You’re close to hitting the next tier (especially Sapphire or Emerald)
You plan to book on-property through the Loyalty Desk, which often includes stacking benefits that multiply your total savings
It’s low season, and cash rates are already steeply discounted (better to pay in dollars and save points for higher-value stays)
Every situation is different, which is why we guide each of our clients through their options during the planning process.
We don’t just book trips, we build strategies that make every point you earn count.
How to Maximize the Value of Sandals Rewards Points
Maximizing your Sandals Select points isn’t just about having a high balance, it’s about knowing when and how to redeem them. Higher-tier members also enjoy exclusive perks like discounts at the Red Lane Spa, invitations to special events, and a recognition gift to celebrate their loyalty.
Here’s where we start with every client:
Book Onsite for Bigger Returns
If you’re at a resort and considering another trip, don’t wait to book it later. The Loyalty & Travel Desk offers up to 12% off future stays, depending on your room category:
10% for Luxury
11% for Club Level
12% for Butler Level
Loyalty program members can also visit the Travel Lounge to book future stays and access exclusive benefits right at the resort. One of the special perks for loyal guests is the returning guest dinner, an invite only event where you’ll connecting with managers and other repeat visitors.
And yes, these discounts can be combined with your Sandals rewards points, making this one of the most valuable strategies in the program.
Combine Wisely (Where Allowed)
Here are a few combinations that can work in your favor:
✅ 777 Room Deals: These weekly rotating promos offer 7% off select categories and can often be layered with loyalty points.
✅ First Responder or Military Discount: A 10% savings for eligible guests. These can sometimes be applied in conjunction with points.
❌ Anniversary Free Night: This particular promo cannot be used alongside Sandals Select points or credits.
Angela’s Travel Tip:
We advise leaving a small balance on your reservation until just before the final payment deadline.
That way, if a better promo or room becomes available, you still have the ability to switch rooms or resorts. This approach has saved our clients hundreds, sometimes even on the same booking.
Final Thoughts: Are Sandals Rewards Points Worth It?
Yes, but only when used with intention.
If you travel once, forget to enroll, or never plan to return, the program probably won’t add much to your experience.
But if you’re someone who falls in love with the Caribbean, as many of our clients do, and finds themselves coming back to Sandals year after year, these points can unlock meaningful savings and upgrades.
We don’t just book rooms. We help you:
- Optimize your points strategy
- Identify the best time to redeem or hold
- Stack deals that most travelers don’t know exist
- Avoid missteps that lead to lost perks
As a Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite agency and the Top Sandals Travel Agency in the U.S., we bring over 15 years of direct experience to help you find the perfect resort, room category, and itinerary.
Our services are completely complimentary. No planning fees. No upselling. Just the insight of two advisors who know these resorts inside and out.
