Hopper Editors - Thu Oct 26 2017
Sandals luxurious all-inclusive resorts are sprinkled across some of the most gorgeous, beachside locations in the Caribbean, and on Jamaica in particular. On this beautiful island of rocky mountains and lush green forests, Sandals has created resorts to suit all moods and tastes, from the quiet seclusion of private coves to the lively atmosphere of Negril’s seven-mile beach. All these resorts are designed for couples, and include fine dining restaurants, brand drinks, glorious nature and gorgeous rooms. Just bring your own romance and relax in the stunning surroundings of Jamaica’s Caribbean coastline.
Located on the golden shoreline of the tranquil tourist town of Ocho Rios, the Sandals Grande Riviera is a newly built resort that pushes the all-inclusive concept to its limits. Along with a gorgeous stretch of sun-kissed beach, the resort operates a continuously running beach club, with pools, a swim-up bar, seven seaside restaurants, and a wood-carved treehouse terrace with sweeping views over the ocean. A few steps back from the seafront are large, lush gardens, with spa-treatment cabanas and a two-storey, cocktail-serving gazebo. And for those desiring a full-strength blend of privacy and luxury, a sprinkling of villas are perched on a green hillside overlooking the sea, with butler service included.
Negril was one of Jamaica’s original tourist destinations, and on arriving in the small town it’s easy to see why, with its picturesque buildings, seven miles of soft white sand and phenomenally warm, clear water. Sandals Negril is infused with the general vibe of the area: it’s a laid-back, carefree resort that puts pleasure first at every opportunity. At the forefront of this is of course the food, and with seven specialized restaurants including seafood, Italian, Caribbean and East Asian, your taste buds are guaranteed satisfaction. This cuisine is combined with unlimited drinks from brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Bombay Sapphire, served across five beautifully upholstered bars. And with unlimited scuba and a host of other activities for the more adventurous, Sandals Negril undoubtedly qualifies as a pleasure-seekers paradise.
Tucked away among the sand and forest just outside Ocho Rios, the Royal Plantation is perhaps the most historic resort in Jamaica, a retreat from the public eye that has been sought out by celebrities such as Noel Coward and Ian Fleming. It consists of only 74 suites, all with stunning views over the ocean and all with personal butler service. The resort is within a short stroll of Sandals’ Ocho Rios golf course, and hosts Jamaica’s only champagne and caviar bar. It is, in short, an exclusive enclave of private comforts, carpeted with green lawns and roamed by exotic birds, where every stress and worry can be dissolved in the slow passage of sunny days.
Sandals brings the familiar tastes and styles of western Europe to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean with their European Village Spa. The resort is split into three distinct villages, French, Italian and Dutch, each of which has its own architecture and selection of shops and eateries. But it’s Italy that inevitably takes center stage, as at the heart of the complex is a grand piazza, lined with bistros, cafes and bars. Add to this beautiful sunsets over the glowing Caribbean Sea, an evening area dotted with extravagant fire pits, and a 500-acre nature preserve among much else, and you begin to understand what draws people halfway across the world just to stay in this exquisite hotel.
Carlyle is the smallest of Sandals’ array of Jamaica resorts, and it makes the most of its intimate size by creating an authentic inn-style ambience, shot through with an attentive attitude which includes 24-hour room service. This quiet seclusion provides a wonderful juxtaposition to nearby Montego Bay, and its famous Hip Strip, loud and lined with tourist bars and restaurants, or even the city’s Downtown, where the locals hang out. But if you’d prefer to remain relaxed within the more predictable environs of the Caribbean all-inclusive resort world, your stay at Carlyle includes access to two nearby Sandals resorts, meaning you can enjoy a total of 16 restaurants along with heaps of activities and entertainment.