Newlywed Shares on Viral TikTok: Sandals Resort Staff Wouldn't Stop Up-Selling During Honeymoon

A Canadian couple's dreamy getaway at an all-inclusive resort turned into a less-than-ideal experience, according to a viral TikTok by a woman known as Sam Doll. Sam and her husband spent almost $5,000 on a three-day stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian, hoping for a carefree vacation without constant interruptions.

Sam, who had previously enjoyed a positive experience at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, was excited about her honeymoon at Sandals. However, her TikTok video, garnering over 6 million views in less than a week, outlined a series of disappointments. Instead of enjoying the amenities, the couple felt "harassed to pay more" as staff relentlessly pushed photo packages and excursions.

In her video, Sam expressed frustration, stating, "Sandals was straight up not a vacation." Despite the hefty price tag for an all-inclusive experience, she felt compelled to navigate persistent sales pitches rather than relax. Even avoiding eye contact with staff in the halls did not deter the constant sales efforts.

Sam attributed the aggressive sales approach to what she perceived as a no-tipping policy at Sandals. Rather than making a scene with management, she chalked it up to workers possibly seeking commissions due to a lack of tips.

The video, accumulating over 650,000 likes and 20,000 comments, highlights Sam's recommendation for Sandals to reconsider its tipping policy. She suggests encouraging tipping and discouraging staff from repeatedly approaching guests who are trying to unwind.

Despite the viral attention, Sam claimed that Sandals had not responded to her negative review. While she might not consider returning to a Sandals Resort, other regulars have reached out with alternative recommendations for future Caribbean vacations.

Business Insider contacted Sandals for comment and clarification on its tipping policy but received no response before publication. In a 2020 blog post, Sandals mentioned that tipping is unnecessary, except for butlers, as it is included in the upfront cost.

Sam's experience serves as a cautionary tale for those seeking an all-inclusive escape, emphasizing the importance of clear communication between resorts and guests to ensure a truly relaxing and hassle-free vacation.

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