Direct answer
Sandals Royal Caribbean (Montego Bay) is the best Sandals resort in Jamaica for your January 2027 honeymoon given your criteria.
Why this fits your list
- Location & transfer time: About 20–30 minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) — well under one hour.
- Beach & privacy: The resort has a quieter private beach and also access to a small private island (The Pavilion) that offers a more secluded beach experience with fewer vendors and crowds.
- Atmosphere: Days are relaxed and chill; evenings offer lively options — multiple bars, themed nights, live music and events, plus access to nearby Montego Bay nightlife if you want more energy.
- Room category: Sandals Royal Caribbean offers Club Level rooms (but note Sandals rebrands categories as ‘Club Level’ or ‘Butler’ depending on room). You can book Club-level rooms with upgraded amenities, private lounges, and concierge service.
- Excursions: Easy access to snorkeling trips, boat excursions, and off-resort tours (Dunn’s River Falls, river rafting, reef/snorkel trips) arranged through the resort or local operators.
- Stay length: Perfect for a 4–5 night honeymoon.
Practical notes & tips
- Room choice: For the quietest experience, pick a Club Level room on the private island (Pavilion) or a beachfront Club Level suite in a quieter wing. Confirm whether your chosen room is Club Level vs. Butler Level when booking.
- Book early: January (post-holiday) is busy for warm-weather honeymoons—reserve ASAP to secure Club Level availability and desired room location.
- Transfers: Arrange resort transfer through Sandals to ensure quick pickup and reliable service; private transfers are available if you prefer.
- Excursions: Pre-book popular excursions (snorkeling, Dunn’s River, river rafting) to guarantee spots, especially in high season.
- Dining & nightlife: Sandals Royal Caribbean allows inter-resort access to nearby Sandals/Beaches properties (check current resort access policies), expanding dining and evening options.
- Budget: Club Level adds perks like upgraded in-room amenities and private lounge access—compare Club vs. Butler pricing to match your service expectations.
Other options to consider
- Sandals Montego Bay: Closest to the airport (~10–15 minutes) and very convenient, but more central and busier. Good if transfer time is highest priority.
- Sandals Negril: About 90–120 minutes from MBJ (over your 1-hr limit) but offers the famously calmer Seven Mile Beach and romantic sunsets — only pick if you’ll extend drive tolerance.
Final recommendation
Book Sandals Royal Caribbean, request a Club Level beachfront or Pavilion island room, and secure transfers and at least one snorkeling excursion in advance. Enjoy a mix of quiet beach days and lively evenings ideal for a January honeymoon.