Frommer's Review
Local sociologists hailed this massive new resort as the most significant development in the history of Jamaica's mostly undiscovered south shore. The resort opened in 2005, occupying a 3.2km (2-mile) stretch of beachfront, on an 18-hectare (45-acre) tract whose sheer size would have been unthinkable in more richly developed regions of, say, Jamaica's north shore. Ironically, despite its isolation from more populated parts of the country, it's only a 90-minute drive from the Montego Bay Airport, a shorter time than what would be required to drive from that airport to any of the Sandals properties in either Ocho Rios or Negril.
About 75% of the clientele is North American, the balance comprised mostly of Europeans. In preparation for its opening, Sandals interviewed 5,000 candidates for a mere 500 job openings within the new resort. The result is a team of hitherto inexperienced but innately charming locals, specifically trained by Sandals to be attentive and sensitive to the needs of the guests. Know in advance that because of its isolation, you'll probably venture only rarely from the confines of this place.
The layout consists of one very large public area, known locally as "the piazza," the animated site of six of the resort's seven restaurants. In addition to a dining venue that focuses exclusively on buffets, specialty restaurants on-site include eateries devoted to Italian, Asian fusion, Caribbean, grilled items, and steakhouse cuisine. There's also an open-to-view kitchen chugging out confections for an on-site coffee shop and pastry bar. Pools are appropriately theatrical, and lodgings lie within three distinctly individual clusters of buildings (Sandals refers to them as "villages") positioned to one side of the piazza. Their themes are devoted to a blue-painted French decor, a terra-cotta painted Dutch decor, and a red-and-ocher-colored Italian decor. Here, as at other Sandals, the motto is, "You bring the love, we'll provide the rest." A bit corny, but you get the point that the resort is for lovers. Especially conducive to romance is a spectacular piano bar whose angles are deliberately arranged to showcase sunsets.
Facilities:
7 restaurants; 4 bars; 4 pools (plus 3 whirlpools); 2 tennis courts; fitness center; gym; spa treatments; scuba diving and other watersports; car rental; limited room service; dry cleaning; theater; night club
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
