The Complete Guide to Sandos Caracol Weddings
This complete guide to Sandos Caracol Weddings will help you determine if this is the right hotel for your destination wedding in Mexico.
The Sandos Caracol offers affordable destination weddings set in a sprawling, family-friendly all-inclusive resort.
- Where is the Sandos Caracol?
- Our experience with the Sandos Caracol
- Resort Overview
- Pros and cons of the Sandos Caracol
- Rooms and Sections
- The Beach
- Food & Drink
- Activities, Sports and Kids Club
- Exchange Privileges
- What makes Sandos Caracol different?
- Sandos Caracol Weddings
- Sample Wedding Package
- Same-Sex Weddings
- Promotions for Weddings at Sandos Caracol
- Sandos Caracol Wedding Venues
Where is the Sandos Caracol Resort?
Sandos Caracol is located 40 minutes from Cancun airport and only 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen town.
This resort is set in a jungle setting, surrounded by mangroves, tropical foliage, a variety of endemic animals (yes, they have monkeys on the grounds) as well as a cenote.
The resort is huge, set over a large area, and holds close to 1000 rooms, so be prepared to walk!
Our experience with Sandos Caracol Weddings
This started way back in 2007! Back in the day, I (Lisa) was actually the on-site rep there for my Canadian groups and spent hours in the hotel every day.
Everyone on our team has stayed at Sandos Caracol multiple times as well as having planned countless weddings and attended several of our groups there for their events. We know the team and hotel inside out. It is a quick 15-minute drive from our office, so if you need us to check anything out, let us know!
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All of the images and videos are our own, minus a couple that our friends in the weddings department shared with us (credit where credit is due!).
Sandos Caracol Resort Overview
Rooms: 955 rooms over 78 buildings
Adults Only Areas: yes, if you book Select Club
Exchange Privileges: with Sandos Playacar
Room Service: with every room category, except Standard rooms
Wi-Fi: free in the lobby and available in the rooms, except with Standard rooms
Restaurants: 8 restaurants, plus 24-hour snacks
Bars: 10 bars
Kid’s Club: yes, for kids 4-12
Nightclub: yes
Spa: yes
Beauty Salon: yes
Fitness Center: yes
Pools: 3 pools
Water Sports: non-motorized are included as well as a waterslide park
Pros of the Caracol Resort
- Great value for the price
- Affordable wedding packages
- Adults only areas
- Fabulous waterpark and lots of kids activities
- Rooms that accommodate families of 5
Cons of the Sandos Caracol Resort
- The resort is very big and at first, seems too large
- Some rooms can feel dated
- Common complaints are that rooms smell humid
- Beach water access can be rocky
- Mangrove areas can smell musty during rainy seasons
Rooms & Sections
The resort is separated into a few different sections, outlined here on the resort map.
Royal Elite
The Royal Elite area is the building located closest to the beach. On the map, you can see this area outlined in pink. These rooms have upgraded amenities, a VIP bracelet allowing access to extra services, and upgraded bars. All adults 18+ in the Royal Elite area, also have access to the Select Club areas.
Select Club
Select Club is an adults-only area. All guests 18+ can stay in this area, which has its own pool, one restaurant, and an exclusive beach club with waiter service. The rooms are the furthest from the beach. See the yellow color on the map.
Family Area
The family area is all the other rooms. These can be at the far back of the property and run down the length around the water park and to the beach. There is no way to guarantee one area over another. These are separated into various categories ranging from the standard rooms to the Eco Family Suites.
The standard rooms are the most basic but also the least expensive. With many Canadian companies, they may also be called the SuperSaver rooms. They do not include room service, or Wi-Fi in the room, and tend to be the ones in the far back of the property.
The Eco-Family rooms are more modern, have rooms service, Wi-Fi and all come with a king bed and bunk beds.
Families of 5 will wanting to share only one room will want to choose either the Eco Family Suite or the Eco Family Penthouse.
Choosing your room
The reason I bring up rooms first is that not only will the location affect your stay, but they all also offer varying services.
The Sandos is a budget resort and all-inclusive rates can be found for about $100US per person during the low season. This is insane value for the number of services, dining and drinking options, and inclusions.
That said, you cannot expect a 5-star service at that price. If you are accustomed to swankier hotels, definitely pay the extra and get the Royal Elite.
If you prefer the adults-only environment and want a beach club for 18+, then get the Select Club. If you really just want a hotel with a lot of options for not too much money, the other rooms will get the job done and help you stick to a budget.
The Beach at Sandos Caracol
The beach is wide and the sand is soft. You can walk in either direction for miles and although I have not done it, some clients told me that they have made it to Playa del Carmen (it takes about an hour).
The water does have a few rocks on entry, so water shoes are recommended.
Food & Drink
The Sandos offers access to 8 restaurants. Included in these choices are 3 buffets, an international buffet, an Italian buffet, and a Mexican buffet. There are several a la carte options including Asian, steakhouse, Mediterranean, Brazilian, and Vegan as well as a 24-hour snack bar.
For those opting for adults-only Select, that area does offer an exclusive restaurant for breakfast and lunch and then the a la carte restaurants rotate as 18+ in the evenings for those preferring childless dining options.
Activities, Sports and Kids Club
There are a wide variety of activities including non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, a sports bar with pool tables and ping-pong as well as non-stop daily activities and nightly entertainment.
The kids club is available for little one’s ages 4-12 where they can play in a supervised area while the grown-ups get some me time.
Exchange Privileges with Sandos Playacar
As an extra added bonus, any guests staying at Sandos Caracol have access to the sister resort Sandos Playacar. You need to advise the concierge, and access is available every day from 11am through until 11pm. Transport is not included, however, a taxi that fits up to 4 people costs roughly $15 (300 pesos).
The Sandos Playacar has one of the best beaches in the area, an oceanfront splash park, and a pool, as well as several restaurants you can try out.
What makes Sandos Caracol different from other resorts
The jungle vibe, the focus on nature, and the inclusion of the Mayan culture. Wherever you go on-site, you will see wildlife, and birds and the tropical surroundings have been left intact.
The grounds include a real cenote (yes, you can swim), a mangrove area filled with fish and turtles as well as a few small Mayan ruins.
Check out the Xcalacoco show which portrays the history of the Mayan culture through an impressive and entertaining show.
Weddings at Sandos Caracol
The wedding packages at Sandos are built based on 30 guests, so in the case that you will be a much smaller group, or you want something like just a simple ceremony, then you can build your own.
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Starting at $3150 for 30 guests, the value is impressive. The basic 30-person package includes a private wedding ceremony, and a private 3-hour wedding reception with basic decor. With the upgraded package at $4750, you also get a one-hour cocktail party, and a DJ for the duration of your reception and a few other key inclusions.
Here is the sample package that has the most inclusions and is the most expensive:
Seaside Bliss Wedding Package
Cost: $4750US // 30 guests // Additional adults coshttps://holaweddings.com/mexico-destination-wedding-cost/t $79US per person
Need an average destination wedding cost based on more guests or different inclusions? We can help.
Ceremony inclusions: Symbolic ceremony • Ceremony setup as per resort location • Government beach permit (Mountaintop terrace at Sandos Finisterra) • 3 medium-sized flower medallions • Rose petals for the aisle during the ceremony (1 bag) • Sound system and microphone during the ceremony • 1 bouquet and 1 boutonnière, or 2 bouquets, or 2 boutonnières
Private Reception Inclusions: Private cocktail with open bar and appetizers (duration: 1 hour) • Private dinner reception with open bar (duration: 3 hours) • Basic setup and ambient lighting • Sparkling wine for the wedding toast • 3 tier custom made wedding cake • 3 centerpieces • DJ, light, and sound during dinner (duration: 3 hours)
Additional Perks: Wedding organization and personalized service from the wedding coordinators • Steaming service for the wedding outfit (arrival 3 days prior is required) • 1 make-up and hairstyle session (excludes trial) at the Sandos Spa • Commemorative certificate in the form of the “Sandos Wedding Tree” • Couple’s massage at the Sandos Spa (duration: 50 minutes) • Upgrade to next available room category (subject to availability) • Complimentary honeymoon amenities*
Extra Wedding Costs to consider
- Photography and Videography
- Dance floor
- Lighting
- Decor tweaks
- Floral Tweaks
- Outside Vendor Fees
- Wedding Favors
Looking to save on your destination wedding? Check out this blog…
Same Sex Weddings at Sandos Caracol
YES. YES. YES. Not only are they permitted, but you can also get legally married here in the state of Quintana Roo. See more about that here…
Plus, the Sandos is one of the only hotels that actually tweaks the wedding packages to allow for two bouquets, or two boutonnieres and makes an effort to refer to the wedding couple rather than the bride and groom.
Sandos Caracol Wedding Promotions
In addition to the concessions you can earn on the room block, Sandos offers a cash-back bonus based on the number of room nights your group books. With 90 room nights, they will discount $1000 off of your package, and with 180 room nights, you can get $2000 off!
Sandos Caracol Wedding Venues
There are several wedding venues available at Sandos Caracol depending on the vibe you want for your wedding and the size of your group. You can also mix and match venues if you want to have the ceremony in one location and the reception in another.
Need to check a wedding date or venue availability? Get in touch…
Cenote Wedding Venue
This cenote wedding venue is quite unique and available only at the Sandos Caracol. The wooden platform is set over the clear waters and the cenote is surrounded by vegetation.
CAPACITY: 80 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony and Cocktail Hour
Cenote Wedding Venue Tips:
- It is located next to the lobby area, so it is not completely private. However, the wedding team does cordon off the area so no one can walk by.
- If you have a larger wedding party, you may have to consider alternate seating as 80 guests cannot be seated comfortably on the platform.
- You need to descend steps to get to the cenote platform.
- The platform is wooden slats, so wedges or heels will be fine but stilettos may get stuck.
Beach Wedding Gazebo
The structure for the beach wedding gazebo is not your typical gazebo. A beautiful setting for a beachside wedding.
CAPACITY: 80 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony
Beach Gazebo Wedding Venue Tips
- Due to the shape of the domes, views of the ceremony could be partially obstructed. 45 guests can see comfortably.
- The sand is soft, so no heels are recommended.
Beach Wedding Venue
If you prefer to get married on the sand and out in the open, there is a beach wedding venue available.
CAPACITY: 100 guests // AVAILABLE: Ceremony, Cocktail, Reception
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Beach Wedding Venue Tips:
- Entertainment Curfew: winter 11 pm, summer 9 pm
- There is turtle nesting on the beach in this area. Therefore, during the nesting months (May through October), the curfew is modified in order to allow this process to occur naturally as artificial light disturbs the process.
- There is a government fee to have events on the beach. This may or may not be included depending on the wedding package you choose.
- Consider extra lighting for a nighttime reception.
- Consider a hard surface dance floor at extra cost.
- Sand is soft, so no heels are recommended.
Rooftop Wedding Venue
The rooftop is a spacious and very private location close to the beach. You get a nice ocean breeze and partial ocean views.
CAPACITY: 100 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony, Cocktail, Reception
Rooftop Wedding Venue Tips:
- Entertainment Curfew: 11pm
- Hard Surface area, so you don’t have to get a dancefloor
- There is access with an elevator for guests that cannot manage stairs.
- It can get quite breezy, so keep that in mind for decor plans and centerpieces, if bringing your own.
Mapache Deck Wedding Venue
The mapache deck is as tropical of a location as you can get. On a wooden platform, surrounded by mangroves, you really get a jungle vibe.
CAPACITY: 60 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Cocktail hour, Reception
Mapache Wedding Venue Tips
- Entertainment Curfew: 11pm
- Many guests worry about mosquitoes and insects since it is surrounded by mangroves. During the rainy season (August through October is peak) there can be more mosquitoes but comments from previous brides have said that it was not an issue.
- Consider string lights as an extra. It makes the ambiance even more magical.
Kapok Tree Wedding Venue
The Kapok Tree is considered a sacred tree for the Mayan people. It is also known as a Ceiba Tree. This location in the very far back property of the Sandos resort and other than the rooftop is by far the most private venue available.
CAPACITY: 100 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony, cocktail hour and reception
Kapok Tree Wedding Venue Tips
- Entertainment Curfew: 11pm
- This venue is far removed and there is a lot of walking involved. Please keep this in mind for elderly guests or anyone with walking limitations.
- If you are changing venues and moving your cocktail hour or reception to another venue, we recommend allowing an hour for your guests to be able to move between venues without rushing.
- Since the venue is in the jungle, there may be mosquitoes or other insects.
- Consider that you will have to add extra lighting for the wedding reception and this will incur an extra cost
Cenote Tortuga Wedding Venue
This is the smallest wedding ceremony venue at the Sandos Caracol. Located in a quiet area of the resort, it is a good option if you want a peaceful, tropical vibe.
CAPACITY: 30 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony
Cenote Tortuga wedding venue tips:
- It is in the jungle, so you may have mosquitoes or insects
- Although the walkway is stone, it is uneven, so shoes you can easily walk in are best.
Back Up Wedding Venues
No one wants a rainy wedding day, but it is good to know what you are in for in the case that happens. The Sandos Caracol has a few different backup wedding locations and in all honesty, they are quite lovely.
INDOOR ROOFTOP AREA
This area is right behind the rooftop terrace. It is completely enclosed, has a full wall of windows, and has air conditioning. It is the larger backup venue.
CAPACITY: 100 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception
Indoor Rooftop Area wedding venue tips:
- This area is carpeted, so you may want to get a dancefloor as an extra
Select Club Beach House
This area is on the second floor of the beach house and can accommodate smaller groups. It has a palapa roof and ocean views, so you still get the tropical vibe of a Sandos Wedding.
CAPACITY: 100 guests // AVAILABLE FOR: Ceremony, cocktail hour, reception
Indoor Rooftop Area wedding venue tips:
- This is a hard surface, so no dance floor required
See a complete video playlist of the venues available for Sandos Weddings
CONCLUSION
We hope that our complete guide to Sandos Caracol Weddings was helpful. If we missed anything, let us know!
Our team is here and happy to assist. (You can get to know our team here…)
With helpful service in English, French, and Spanish, we can help groups coming from both the US and Canada find the best rates and options for your Sandos Wedding.
Still, wondering if this Sandos is the right Sandos for your destination wedding?
When you look at some of these prices they are incredible, especially compared to what a wedding would cost back here in the UK.
Hola Jason, Yes! The prices for destination weddings can be very appealing. If you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to reach out [email protected]
-Lisa