Sandles or Beach resort

[floridaminnie]

We've been looking at going to a Beach resort in Jamaica next summer. It sounds wonderfull, especially with everything included. Has anybody been? How was it?

 

[#1Mouse]

We went to a Sandels Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It was Adults only and all inclusive. We loved the resort and we were very happy with the accommodations, food, activities. Having everything included was great. Leaving the resort was another thing. While the country has the makings of being beautiful it was run down, dirty and not much to do except Dunn's River Falls. I have heard that Sandels now has family resorts. If you're looking for a relaxing vacation and wanting to stay at the resort, I think you will love it. The resorts do have planned excursions that you can go on (usually an extra cost involved) Shopping trips, horseback riding etc... I would reccommend going on the resort planned excursions instead of going by yourselves to see or do something outside of the resort.

 

[Big Dude]

Jamaica is beautiful and there are many many things to do as long as you that they exist. I will be going with my family (wife and 3 children 13, 12 and 4 years old). We stay right outside of Montego Bay in a place called Sunset Beach Resort and Spa. This resort is not a 5 star one but I find that you get the most bang for your buck. It is All Inclusive and they have a wonderful kids club. My latest trip report can be found Here

Since I assume you have never been to Jamaica, I would suggest hooking up with a local (the local I use is in that trip report) Leeanne is the person I use and her website is Here

You will see so many options of things to do that they cannot be done on 10 trips to Jamaica. You will undoubtedly hear horror stories from people who had an unpleasant experience but most of the time they will be stories that they heard from others who heard from their uncles cousin etc. The big resorts (Beaches, Sandals etc) and cruise ships want to keep all of your money for themselves so they will come up with the "oh, you don't want to leave the resort" line. Take OUR tours, buy from OUR gift shops.

The best way to see the REAL Jamaica is to explore and a local guide is the best bet. If you have any specific questions, please e-mail or PM me and I'll be glad to chat with you.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[floridaminnie]

Thanks for the replies. Sorry it took so long to say thank-you, just got home from being out of town. I'll check those websites out Big Dude! Thanks again!

 

[winniedapooh]

Went in 85 and again in 86 to Sandles in Montego Bay and loved it. Adult only and we could do as much or as little as we wanted. The food was xecellent adn they treated us like royalty. I will never forget laying about on a lounge chair and sunbathing and the feeling of waking up and watching the sun going down while just laying there and feeling totally relaxed.....also where I developed my love of frozen strawberry daiquiri's (sp?) lol

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My DH and I go to a Sandals resort every year. Mostly, in Negril Jamaica and we love it. We visited the Beaches resort in Negril while we were at Sandals last Dec. It is very nice! We took our DS then 2yo to Beaches Turks and Caicos 3 years ago. Now that place is awesome! Its a little more expensive than Jamaica though.