Mark Sherman

From Aug. 6 to 11 I visited several Sandals resorts in Jamaica. There are now six Sandals properties in Jamaica, including three in Montego Bay, one in Ocho Rios (the Dunn’s River Falls property was recently closed) as well as two other properties in the Sandals family of Brands, ultra high–end, all-butler suites Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios (soon to become re-branded as Sandals) and Beaches Boscobel in Ocho Rios (family resort). Sandals has other properties in Jamaica (Negril and Whitehouse), as well as other islands in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

My overall impression was that Sandals is very deserving of their claim "luxury included", as well as the reputation as one of the most popular chains in the Caribbean. I saw a good overview of the Sandals experience, which, even in the lower end, was quite comfortable and well-maintained. Staff was always eager to please. Service was prompt and polite. Food was always very good to excellent. There is a good variety of cuisine in both buffet and a la carte dining, but not all restaurants are open every day, and reservations are often required. Dress code is never any more than closed toe shoes, long pants (no jeans) and shirt with collar for men, but often even more casual than that. Tipping is discouraged, except for butlers and excursion staff. I would feel confident in recommending any Sandals resort sight unseen.

One thing that is still a little mystifying to me is the number of room categories at Sandals, as many as 23 at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios. Apart from features such as room size and location, there are three main distinctions: 1. standard rooms are called deluxe, premium, or luxury. Furnishings and amenities in these categories differ only slightly, except where renovations have taken place. Sandals properties are constantly undergoing renovations. 2. Concierge rooms feature special greetings and other personalized services, including a stocked in-room bar. 3. Butler service accommodation adds a dedicated butler, available for a variety of functions through a resort-provided cell phone. Each resort will have some variations, and of course top of the line type accommodations that are more spacious and luxuriously appointed. Rooms that are classed as honeymoon accommodations are not exclusively available to honeymooners, and are not necessarily specifically designed for honeymooners.

A few other notes:
Of the two areas I visited, Montego Bay has the nicer beaches. In Montego Bay I stayed at Sandals Montego Bay, which seemed to be less up-to-date than the Sandals Royal Caribbean. The small, least well-appointed Sandals Carlyle is across a lightly used road from a public beach, but close to the “hip strip”, so a good location for those who want to experience the local night-life. There is a shuttle that runs frequently among the three resorts with a short commute time. Guests enjoy stay at one, play at three privileges. Being very close to the airport makes it a short transfer, but also means getting used to noise from airplanes. Ocho Rios is a 90 minute transfer from MoBay.

Beaches Boscobel was about to close for renovations shortly after my visit, scheduled to re-open in late December.

The only bar where I could get a mojito was the main bar at Montego Bay, as they grow their own mint. But there was plenty else to drink. Here's a tip: Ask for the 12 year old rum, otherwise, you’ll automatically get the 3 month old stuff.

Free golf at the Ocho Rios is not free. The green fee is included in your room rate, but club rentals, cart, and mandatory caddy will make it a $100 plus round. Its a nice course for the average golfer. You can't get into too much trouble, and you can find local fruits ready to pick and enjoy right along the fairways.

Popular excursions include a catamaran/ snorkel expedition, climb up Dunn's River falls, and Mystic Mountain, where you can experience the Jamaican Bobsled Ride (sans snow, of course!).

I enjoyed my 6 days in Jamaica, and would certainly go back.