Behind the Scenes with Sandals Insiders: Unique Caribbean Adventures
Cast your memory back to last year when an invitation to apply to be the very first ‘Sandals Insiders’ went live. This September, the program launched as a pilot at Sandals South Coast, bringing together three couples who are passionate about all things Sandals Resorts and eager to share that love with the world.
The pilot program helps capture what Sandals Resorts means to guests who have truly grown to love our destinations. With the help of these guests – the Sandals Insiders – we’ll be creating content that resonates with guests already part of our family, and inspires those considering joining us.
Where’s the perfect spot to see a radiant Caribbean sunset? How does it feel to tie the knot at Sandals? How exhilarating is a trip to YS Falls? We collaborated with our Sandals Insiders to help show you!
What does being a Sandals Insider entail?
The role of a Sandals Insider is all about helping us bring the Sandals Resorts experience to life! Over the course of a week spent on the resort, Insiders work with some of the Sandals Resorts team to capture the extraordinary moments, big and small, that they experience during their stay.
Working collaboratively, we capture a vacation itinerary that perfectly encapsulates the resort’s beauty – from excursions to beach time, sampling the cuisine to reconnecting with familiar faces. This also involves taking part in interviews and being on hand for us to capture content as and when special moments occur.
Throughout their trip, the Sandals Insiders capture stunning video and photography, documenting their experience on the resort from start to finish.
Insider trips are all about showing Sandals Resorts through the eyes of those who know them best – our guests!
How were the Insiders chosen?
The Insiders applied through a form shared on the Sandals Official Fans Facebook Group, sharing their resort experiences and top travel tips. After reviewing their stories, three couples were selected based on their unique perspectives and how well they fit the program. We were looking for a variety of interests and experiences, as well as couples comfortable with being filmed and capturing their own moments throughout the week.
How did the first trip go?
The pilot trip took place at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica – a destination very close to one of the Insiders’ hearts, as the trip marked his 10th stay at the resort. The two other Insiders who attended the trip were visiting South Coast for the first time, which allowed us to capture a breadth of content representing both new and returning guest experiences (from first impressions of its swim-up suites to reunions with favorite staff members).
The Insiders were tasked with documenting their experiences throughout their stay. Whether they were enjoying their favorite water sports, discovering hidden gems around the resort, filming a tour of their rooms, or showcasing the delicious culinary offerings, they captured it all. They also vlogged their adventures, including Island Routes trips like the Reggae Catamaran Cruise and a visit to YS Falls, and took to the ocean on a snorkeling excursion with a GoPro in hand.
The Insiders took the time to get to know our team, filming their conversations and joining in activities like mixing drinks at Latitudes° Over Water Bar. They also participated in a voluntourism initiative, venturing out on one of our Reading Road Trips to support literacy at a school funded by The Sandals Foundation.
This packed itinerary aimed to capture the full range of experiences that a Sandals vacation offers while emphasizing the emotional connections that set it apart. From the warm Caribbean welcome upon arrival to the adrenaline rush following an adventurous tour, and the cherished memories of dancing with staff members—these moments become the best souvenirs you can take home.
What next?
You may see our Insiders pop up in some content across our social media channels over the next few months. We hope that you enjoy seeing some of what they got up to – and that it brings back cherished memories of your own trips!
If the pilot program is successful, we’ll look at running it again on an annual basis. We know there are so many members of our Sandals community who have rich stories, insightful tips and exceptional experiences to share – and we’d be honored to consider your applications if we continue the program so watch this space.