Sandals Just Unveiled a Major Loyalty Program Evolution: Here's What You Need to Know About Island Insiders Club
- Kira Solomon
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
If you've traveled with Sandals Resorts before, you've probably heard of the Sandals Select Guest (SSG) program. For years, it has rewarded loyal guests with points, tier status, and exclusive perks. Now, Sandals is giving the program a fresh new identity—and adding even more benefits along the way.
Launching July 1, the Sandals Select Guest (SSG) program is officially becoming the Island Insiders Club—a refreshed loyalty experience built around six themes that members told Sandals matter most.
During a Sandals travel advisor update on May 29th, 2026, leadership shared the vision behind the loyalty program evolution:
Every guest should be a member, and every member should feel like an insider.
The good news? Despite the new name and branding, the message from Sandals leadership was clear:
You're keeping everything you already love... and getting more.
What Is Changing?
The biggest change is the name. The Sandals Select Guest (SSG) program will become the Island Insiders Club, featuring a new tropical-inspired look complete with the signature Sandals flip-flop icon.
According to Sandals, members asked for:
More access
Greater value
Better rewards
Recognition
Flexibility
Connection
Community
Exceptional service
The redesigned program was built around delivering those experiences.
What Is NOT Changing?
This is perhaps the most important part. Sandals emphasized that they aren't taking anything away. For longtime Sandals guests worried about losing benefits, the company repeatedly stressed that they'll be getting everything they are used to, but more.
Everything currently earned stays intact:
✔️ Existing point balances remain unchanged
✔️ Point earning and redemption rules stay the same
✔️ Current tier status transfers over
✔️ Lifetime progress is preserved
✔️ Upcoming reservations are unaffected
Why Is Sandals Making This Change?
According to Sandals leadership, the Island Insiders Club is part of the broader Sandals 2.0 vision—an effort to modernize and elevate every aspect of the guest experience while preserving the value loyal guests have earned.
Rather than reinventing the loyalty program, Sandals is focusing on enhancing it through better service, more flexibility, digital improvements, and meaningful moments of recognition.
The emphasis throughout the presentation was clear:
This is an evolution—not a reset.
The New Island Insiders Club Tiers
While the names are evolving slightly, the structure will feel familiar.
Shell (formerly "Select")
First-time guests
Coral
Returning members
Formerly part of the Select Tier experience
Sapphire
Guests beginning to deepen their relationship with Sandals
Emerald
Mid-tier loyalists
Diamond
Superfans
Pearl
Elite VIP members
Ambassador
Ultimate VIP status
Formerly known as the Ambassador Club
Your placement will automatically transfer into the new system.
New Benefits Being Added
This is where things get exciting. Sandals announced several enhancements designed to provide more flexibility and personalized experiences.
1. Access to the Insiders Shop
Available to all tiers
Members will gain access to an exclusive online merchandise collection featuring milestone gifts and limited-edition launch products.
The first 10,000 members are expected to receive access to a special launch T-shirt.
2. Room Upgrade Hotline
Available to all tiers
Guests can inquire about room upgrades for up to 50% off beginning 30 days before arrival, based on availability.
This could be a fantastic option for travelers hoping to elevate their vacation without paying full upgrade pricing.
3. Choice of On-Resort Reward
Coral Tier and Above
Previously, certain credits were automatically assigned.
Now members can choose how they use their reward:
Spa credit
Island Routes Tours credit
Other qualifying on-resort experiences
This adds a level of flexibility many guests have requested.
4. 20% Off the Manager's Wine List
Coral Tier and Above
Members will receive:
20% savings on curated wines
Selections handpicked by resort leadership
Wine lovers, rejoice.
5. Exclusive Insider Events
Coral Tier and Above
Sandals plans to expand:
Insider-only gatherings
Pop-up experiences
Local market experiences
Enhanced events like Dive Week
This may become one of the most valuable additions for repeat guests who love the community aspect of Sandals.
6. VIP Concierge Service Line
Diamond and Ambassador
A dedicated support line staffed by Super Agents will help resolve issues in a single interaction, including:
Transfers
Reservation questions
Service concerns
No more bouncing between departments.
7. Laundry Credit
Ambassador Members
The highest tier receives a new perk:
$200 laundry service credit per stay
A thoughtful addition for guests who enjoy longer stays or frequent back-to-back vacations.
To help break it down, we've created this simple chart to follow:
Enhancement | Available To | What's New? |
🛍️ Insiders Shop | All Tiers | Access exclusive Island Insiders merchandise, milestone gifts, and special "surprise & delight" items created just for members. |
🏨 Room Upgrade Hotline | All Tiers | Inquire about room upgrades at 50% off beginning 30 days prior to arrival, subject to availability. (Launching first in North America.) |
💆 Choice of On-Resort Reward | Coral & Above | Choose between a Spa Credit or an Island Routes Tour Credit through the mobile app before arrival. |
🍷 20% Off Manager's Wine List | Coral & Above | Enjoy a 20% discount on select wines from the resort's curated Manager's Wine List. |
🎉 Exclusive Insider Events | Coral & Above | Gain access to members-only experiences, including special events and local market activities on resort. |
☎️ VIP Concierge Service Line | Diamond & Above | Dedicated VIP Super Agents provide one-stop assistance for all member needs. (Launching first in North America.) |
🧺 $200 Laundry Service Credit | Ambassadors Only | Receive a $200 laundry credit per stay as an added recognition benefit. |
What About The Free Week?
One of the biggest questions advisors asked involved the highly valued complimentary week benefit.
Sandals confirmed that:
The free week benefit is NOT going away.
Additionally:
Tier qualifications remain unchanged.
Tier structure remains intact.
Existing benefits stay in place.
Current point balances remain untouched.
Lifetime status is preserved.
For loyal Sandals guests, this was perhaps the biggest announcement of all.
Launch Timeline
The rollout is already underway.
Key Dates
June 15
Sandals member announcement
Landing page goes live
June 16
Press release issued
Website homepage banners launch
June 29
Resort signage installed
Team member pins distributed
June 30
Tuesday Night Dinner celebrations on resort will unveil Island Insiders Club
July 1
🎉 Official Launch Day
All member placements update
New rewards become active
What Does This Mean for Current Sandals Guests?
If you're already a Sandals Select Guest member, there is very little downside.
Your points, status, and reservations remain protected.
At the same time, you'll gain access to:
More personalized rewards
Greater flexibility
New VIP experiences
Additional recognition
Expanded member events
The overall goal appears to be strengthening the emotional connection guests have with Sandals while preserving the loyalty benefits they've worked hard to earn.
This Is Just the Beginning
Sandals also hinted that additional enhancements are already being explored, including:
More on-property experiences
Expanded digital features
Additional ways to recognize loyal guests
More "Surprise & Delight" moments throughout the vacation experience
Continued member feedback shaping future improvements
The message was clear: Island Insiders Club will continue to evolve based on what guests value most.
Final Thoughts on the Sandals Island Insiders Club
Loyalty program changes often make travelers nervous. Too often, "new and improved" means fewer perks and less value. Based on what Sandals shared during this presentation, the Island Insiders Club appears to be taking a different approach.
They're preserving the foundation of the SSG program while layering in meaningful enhancements that many loyal guests have been asking for.
As a longtime Sandals specialist, I'm excited to see how these new benefits play out in real life—and I'll be helping my clients maximize every one of them.
If you're wondering how the Island Insiders Club impacts your upcoming Sandals vacation or what tier you'll qualify for, I'd be happy to help.
Please note: Benefits and details are based on Sandals' pre-launch presentation and are subject to final implementation on July 1.
Ready to plan your next Sandals getaway?
Contact My Paradise Planner® and let's make sure you're getting every perk and benefit you deserve under the new Island Insiders Club program.