Sandals Jamaica

Has anyone done Sandals resorts in Jamaica? We're looking at Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, and Negril. I've heard good things and bad. Most people on here seem to do St. Lucia and Antigua but we have frequent flyer miles we want to use for the flights and they wont' cover St. Lucia or Antigua.

We're also considering the Sandals Bahamas but for the same price as a beach front concierge in Jamaica, you only get a balcony or patio with a garden view in the Bahamas.

I'm also wondering what people think about the honeymoon package.
The package is $1800 and you get
Exclusive private transfer from airport with fruit, champagne and chocolate
Private four-course dinner oceanside for two
Breakfast in bed
Rose petal bath for two
Couples champagne massage - 50 minutes
"Me and My Honey Journal" - Scrapbook and Honeymoon photo session*
One Complimentary 5 x 7 honeymoon photograph
Romantic Sunset Cruise (varies by resort—recommend SDR/SGO)
Picnic for two on private offshore island (off-shore island—SRC and SRB) - Each resort has a private place for you to enjoy your picnic - gardens or beach
Massage lesson at Red Lane® Spa

It seems like on our budget, we can do
(1)Jamaica - a balcony with a garden view and get the honeymoon package
(2)Jamaica - the better room with a walk out oceanfront but no honeymoon package.
(3) Bahamas balcony/patio with garden view, no honeymoon package.

Which seems like a better option?

Re: Sandals Jamaica

Ok, so this might not be the direction you wanted an answer in but we just got back from Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica and it was awesome. We had been debating between them and Sandals but I found Couples to be cheaper and including just as much (with better food I've heard). FM me if you'd like more info. I'll be posting my hm pics soon.

Re: Sandals Jamaica

There are a few Sandals in Jamaica. We stayed at the Whitehouse and it was beautiful. Pics in my album. If the package you are looking at is applicable at the Whitehouse, I would take it & RUN. Its new (opened in 2006) and its gorgeous.

Its VERY mellow and relaxing though, so if you want an exciting trip, that's not the place. Its got a great spa & beaches & pool. We spent a day at the Sandals in Negril & it was more of a party atmosphere & a lot more lively. They had jet skiing & its more in the city of Negril. I got more of a party vibe at Negril.

Re: Sandals Jamaica

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Posted by smplynluv

Ok, so this might not be the direction you wanted an answer in but we just got back from Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica and it was awesome. We had been debating between them and Sandals but I found Couples to be cheaper and including just as much (with better food I've heard). FM me if you'd like more info. I'll be posting my hm pics soon.

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Re: Sandals Jamaica

Our friends got married in Negril last year and everyone loved it.

Re: Sandals Jamaica

We did the "test drive your honeymoon" offered by Sandals. For $99 each they flew us to Montego Bay and we spent the day at Royal Caribbean and flew home. It was great for a "beach day"!

The overall Sandals feel is great. The Royal Caribbean resort was just ok. We were talking to the staff and they told us it was their worst property in Jamaica. (Not that that is a bad thing - it was still nice). The resort in Negril is AMAZING!

Overall we liked the Sandals experience and booked the Grande St. Lucian. And they applied the $99 pp to our reservation (YAY Free beach Day!!!))

I don't think the whole honeymoon package is necessary, but FH booked dinner on the beach for us. Save your money and book the "better" room!!!

Message edited 7/11/2008 7:31:37 PM.

Re: Sandals Jamaica

We just got back from Sandals Grande Ocho Rios which is also in Jamaica, it was great. We actually had the lowest level room which had a balcony overlooking one of the main pool areas. It was really nice, had a lot of stuff going on.....although Negril is the only one that has power water sports (water ski, jetski, etc.) that are legit, if that makes a difference to you. We didn't do any of the "HM" package stuff, and we honestly didn't miss it so it wouldn't have been worth it to us, but we're really no frills kind of people...