I was recently invited by Sandals and Beaches Resorts to tour their Jamaica properties.  After confirming my flights and receiving my itinerary I had to sit and watch like thousands of other travelers as Hurricane Dean headed directly toward the island.  Fortunately, the storm only skirted the southern coast.  Even tho there was some damage to the southern cities, there was no loss of life and my friends on the island informed me happily that the effects were mild in the resort areas of Montego Bay, Negril, and Whitehouse, where we would be visiting.  It’s my pleasure to submit this report of not only the effects of the hurricane, but also the updates and renovations recently made to the resorts. 

Montego Bay

Driving from the Montego Bay airport and between the resorts, one would be hard pressed to notice any signs of hurricane damage.  The beaches were in great shape with practically no erosion.  Sandals Montego Bay has incredibly wide, white beaches. There were no signs of erosion and the area in front of the new Bay Roc Villas was very inviting.  For those looking for the active lively atmosphere of Sandals Montego Bay and still have the quiet elegance of a private villa – complete with Butler! – this area is perfect. 

Sandals Royal Caribbean was my “home” for 2 days.  We were treated to dinner under the stars and dined at Royal Thai, the restaurant on the private offshore island.  There was a small amount of landscaping that had been windblown, but all island facilities – the beach, the bar, the restaurants, and even the romantic “beds on the beach” were very welcoming guests.

Sandals Inn, the boutique hotel of the Sandals brand, showed only signs of quiet relaxation.  If you’re lucky enough to stay here Cheryl Brown, the general manager, will personally see to it that you feel right at home.

NEGRIL

From Montego Bay to Negril is a scenic one hour ride along the coast thru the villages of Hopewell and Fort Charlotte as well as the bustling town of St. Lucea.  Arriving at Negril Beach the sand is white and the sea is crystal clear and blue.

Sandals Negril experienced a small amount of beach erosion near the upper end of the resort.  No buildings were damaged and only a few of the sea grape trees had lost some leaves.  The beach at the new River Suites was beautiful.  The Sundowner Block at Sandals Negril was formerly the Sundowner Hotel.  Built in the 1950’s it is the oldest building on Negril Beach.  Sandals has recently transformed this block into River Suites with personal zero entry pool access from all lower level rooms.  The upper level penthouse rooms overlook the river pool and beach.  Purely Paradise.

While in Negril we spent a rainy afternoon touring Beaches Sandy Bay and Beaches Negril.  Our short stay was made especially fun by having lunch with Bert and Elmo, two of the Sesame Street characters who “live” at Beaches Resorts.  Later we were guests at a cooking demonstration and got to sample shrimp rundown, a local favorite.

Leaving Negril we headed south again thru more charming villages and along narrow, winding roads.  I must admit there were some “breathtaking” moments on the mountain roadway!  In less than an hour we arrived at Sandals Whitehouse European Village.  This resort is called the “Jewel of the South Coast” and now I know why!

The spacious lobby was gleaming with mahogany.  The walls were covered in tropical themed artwork and all the furnishings seemed to invite you to relax. The quiet atmosphere of Italian courtyards and European restaurants gives this property an air of elegance.

The beach at Whitehouse showed little effects of the recent hurricane.  Soft white sand for ACRES!  The beach is covered with a variety of lounge chairs and hammocks.

I spent 2 nights as a guest at Sandals Whitehouse.  Our first evening we had dinner with the sales manager Glendon Lowe at Guiseppe’s Italian Restaurant.  From the antipasto bar to the tiramisu, we were more than pleased with the artful skills of Sandals’ authentic Italian chef.

The following day we toured the resort and spa.  The Red Lane Spa at Whitehouse is the largest in the Sandals family and offers a wide array of pampering options.  The couple treatment rooms are beautiful and inviting with aromatherapy, soft candle light, and double Jacuzzi tubs.

That evening the main event was a lively beach Bar B Q with local Jamaican food and live music under the stars.  Afterward everyone stopped at the Café de Paris for late night pastries and an espresso.

Everyone said their goodbyes and the following morning we took the scheduled transportation back to the Montego Bay airport. 

It is always difficult for me to say farewell to this beautiful island and her warm, friendly people.  But in my heart I know I’ll SOON COME BACK!