Sandals Montego Bay
Love Love Loved It!!!!!! My husband and I have visited Jamaica many times, and were so very excited to stay at the Sandals Montego Bay. An easy breeze through immigration and customs, and then on to the Sandals welcome center just outside of customs. We were refreshed with a cold Red Stripe while checking in and awaiting our bus. While waiting for the bus, we met a gentleman who asked us to follow him. We were brought out to the Sandals Mercedes!! With no special perks or room category, we were given this amazing opportunity!! One very nice air conditioned private car ride and in about 10 minutes we were at our resort!!! We were brought to a nicely appointed air conditioned room with cold towels and sparkling wine for the check in process. Another 10 minutes we were on our way to our room. We were booked into a deluxe room category, which is above the restaurants with no balcony and were upgraded to the sea view category. That was so nice!! We have visited many other Sandals properties and they go out of their way to take care of you. Although, we were advised not to totally unpack as we would be getting another upgrade tomorrow.Tomorrow came and we were upgraded to the Bay Roc Villas in a Honeymoon Beachfront Suite with a Butler. This was very; very nice since it was a total surprise to us!! Just a little information on the room category though…..we did not have a balcony. We were on the second floor, with a small staircase leading to our room on the back side of the Bay Roc over looking the gardens. Not all of the Bay Roc room categories have balconies or patios. Beautiful windows to look out of, but if you are a balcony person just something to be aware of. This room had a fully stocked mini bar with top shelf liquors and a refrigerator that was stocked daily. Our room had one of the biggest beds I have ever seen! Double sinks with granite tops in the bathroom with an oversized jetted whirlpool tub and separate double shower and private toilet facilities. Our butler made all of our dining requests come true.
Since this property is only 10 minutes from the airport it can be noisy. After the first day I hardly noticed it. Only if you were in a conversation, you would have to stop until the plane went by. The planes take off and go right over the resort, this only happens from about 9am to 5pm and not all the time. Three to four planes in the morning and maybe 4 to 5 planes in the afternoon. Everyone waves good-bye to the airplanes as they are leaving, and we are staying!
Dining at Sandals Montego Bay was absolute heaven! The first night we ate at the Oleander Room, where we did not leave hungry and were treated with the most sincere Jamaican charm. The second night we were able to get reservations at the Royal Tai at the Sandals Royal Caribbean. Just catch the shuttle that runs on the hour over to the Sandals Royal Caribbean and we were there. We were able to enjoy their bar and play a game of pool while waiting for the Royal Tai water shuttle. Upon arriving on the private island we were greeted with a refreshing Caribbean beverage and shown to our awaiting tables. Sandals photographers were on hand to capture the moment for you, but if you are staying at another resort you have to travel back to the Sandals Royal Caribbean to see your picture. I have to say Sandals does a beautiful job with their photographers and the photos, I always purchase pictures before I leave. As the appetizers came to the table, the wonderful aromas from the kitchen surrounded us. Each course was served with care and the wait staff attended to our every need. We were given time to explore the island after dinner and have another drink at the bar. The island has a beautiful pool area with a swim-up pool bar as well as au natural bathing section on the backside of the island. This was by far our best dining experience.
The next night we had reservations for Tokyo Joe’s (Asian fare). Again, the food and service was simply amazing. You pick your meat or meats, then the veggies you like and off to the chef where he prepares your dish for you right in front of your eyes. Not only delicious but soooo much fun! Great service and wonderful deserts! Our photos from this experience turned out beautifully.
The 4th night it actually rained just after we left the beach and continued for about 2 1/2 hours. There was some thunder and lightening so we opted for a nap before dinner. When the rain stopped we headed for the English Pub called Cricketer’s. Again, we were not disappointed. This adorable Pub was just what we needed. Games of all sorts going on different TV’s and a fun happy atmosphere with a menu that fit. We had some yummy sandwiches, kicked back and watched a game.
On our final night we attended the returning guest dinner. This is something we really look forward to! We get to meet almost all of the supervisors and learn how things work at Sandals. The staff members look to their returning guests for feedback and ideas. Its always an amazing menu and we always love to thank the chef who prepared such a wonderful dinner for all of us. After dinner there is some sort of evening entertainment. We really enjoy when they bring in local talent, however the playmakers do a great job as well.
This is not a stuffy resort, very upbeat and fun. They really just want you to laugh, kick back and enjoy! There were couples of all ages at this resort. We never felt like we were too old. We attended most evening shows, but being in the sun all day, and the theater is not air conditioned, we went back to our room. There were many TV channels to choose from and the reception was wonderful.
Sandals Montego Bay has an amazing beach! They truly have a very long stretch of beach area with several marked off areas for swimming. The sand is powdery white and the water an aquamarine blue. On the beach they have built “Beach Beds”. These may be rented by guests of Sandals no matter what room category you are in. So if you do not have special services in your room category you can definitely pamper yourselves by adding this feature. The beach beds are elevated over the water with linen fabric draping all sides, a thick mattress bigger than a king size bed for sunning with a roof. These may be rented from 10am to 5pm for $100 and includes lunch served to you, a cooler with your favorite beverages and a personal concierge. They do have another package for an additional amount that includes the above features plus a candle lit dinner on the beach. We didn’t try any of these but we were very tempted. Either sitting in a beach chair or actually in the water the beach was our little slice of heaven.
There is very little seaweed in the ocean and the warm Caribbean water made us very happy each and every day! Sandals’ owns the beach portion but not the water, so you will find Jamaican’s about ankle deep in the water trying to sell souvenirs. Just a friendly “no thank you” and they leave you alone. I made sure my bag and the chair I was sitting in was far enough up on the beach so that I would have nothing to worry about. There are Sandals security guards constantly up and down the beach as well. If you do shop with them, be aware they do ask you to get them drinks. Sandals highly discourages this behavior.
While staying at Sandals Montego Bay we saw several weddings each day and they were done with such style. We Also took advantage of the free shuttle service and looked at the 2 other Sandals properties in Montego Bay as well. The Sandals Inn was very small and quaint. Again, with typical Sandals style, we were greeted very warmly and with true Jamaican charm. Sandals Royal Caribbean is a beautiful resort as well. I personally am a beach person so I am absolutely in love with Sandals Montego Bay and can’t wait to go back!!!
To book your perfect Jamaica vacation contact the travel agent below!
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Laurie Randich
Certified Travel Specialist
~Travel Leaders~
1163 E Ogden Ave Suite 717
Naperville, IL 60563
630-355-8821/1-800-848-2780
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Tags: adults only, all inclusive, caribbean, jamaica, Montego Bay, Sandals Inn, Sandals Montego Bay, SANDALS RESORTS, Sandals Royal Caribbean, spa
