Sandals Resorts - Jamaica

[jel0511]

BigDude - That is me you quoted, and yes I've been to Jamiaca myself, but that was 15 years ago when I was in college. Yes, it was scary to me then, and I still hear the same things happening from friends/acquaintences who return from a trip there. I didn't mention my own experiences since it was so long ago, I didn't feel it was relevant as the newer stories I've heard. I agree that Jamaica isn't everyone's cup of tea, but there are some people, you included, who like it there. My favorite island is St. John, and some people don't like it, I happen to love it.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by jel0511
My favorite island is St. John, and some people don't like it, I happen to love it.

I LOVED St. John! We went on a cruise and stopped in St. Thomas. It was my idea to do a side trip to St. John because I heard from a co-worker (whose Grandma had a house there) that it was an amazingly beautiful lsland.

So we did the side trip. Everyone loved it! It was what you'd really imagine a tropical Island to be like. Just beautiful and quiet.

I loved it!

 

[jel0511]

If you loved it for one day, imagine spending 10 days there, it truly is pardise!!!! We always rent a private villa for our stays, since there are only two hotels on the island. The Westin is on a man-made beach (yuck!) and Caneel isn't exactly kid friendly. The private villa rental is great, because you pay basically the same as Caneel, but you end up with a private house, usually with pool and spa. It is the best vacation, and I can't wait to get back. We were just there last November and are either going this November (will cancel cruise) or next summer. You should definately try it, you won't be disappointed!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by jel0511
If you loved it for one day, imagine spending 10 days there, it truly is pardise!!!! We always rent a private villa for our stays, since there are only two hotels on the island. The Westin is on a man-made beach (yuck!) and Caneel isn't exactly kid friendly. The private villa rental is great, because you pay basically the same as Caneel, but you end up with a private house, usually with pool and spa. It is the best vacation, and I can't wait to get back. We were just there last November and are either going this November (will cancel cruise) or next summer. You should definately try it, you won't be disappointed!

We visited Trunk Bay Beach. I thought it was wonderful. Have you ever been to that one? Did you like it?

 

[TwinMom7]

For those of you who responded...I thank you. Sure didn't want to start a debate here!

One of my co-workers spent his honeymoon last summer at the Sandals Ocho Rios and gave it glowing reviews. After reading some of these posts today, I was nervous, but he assured me that there was never a time that they felt threatened or in any danger. The only excursions that they made away from the resort were those planned by the resort. He also stated that they never felt that they were being held "hostage" by the resort.

As for myself, I've traveled to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas in the past four years - and both places had their share of poverty and "rough" areas. We were warned before we went to St. Thomas about NEVER venturing away from the resort at night. We did go into town one night with a group of friends, and had no problem whatsoever.

As of this afternoon, the groom has it narrowed down to the Sandals Royal Caribbean (Montego Bay) and the Sandals Ocho Rios. I know that whichever one he choses, they'll have a wonderful time.

If everyone had as terrible a time as was voiced here in this thread, the island of Jamaica would not have 6 of these Sandals resorts. They must be doing something right!