Charlotte Harris, Sandals Jamaica

I wasn’t sure where to go this year, knew I wanted sunshine, all inclusive, some nice beaches and a bit of luxury so I went to Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica and it was an excellent choice. I think you would find it hard to find a friendlier island in the Caribbean.

Within around 45 minutes of touching down in Jamaica we were in our hotel with a drink in hand, just a short less than 10 minute transfer takes you to the hotel. The hotel is so close to Sandals Montego Bay you have the exchange privileges so could use the facilities and restaurants at both, after a few days relaxing on the beach and sampling the restaurants at Royal Caribbean which include a lovely Thai on a private island which the hotel provided a boat to, made it feel extra special and the food was so good we went there twice.

There are lots of different room categories at each resort, my room was one of the lead in but had a large balcony overlooking a small quiet swimming pool, four poster bed and a fully stocked mini bar which was kept topped up the whole time, they also had swim out rooms and rooms on the beach with large tubs on the balcony and even their own butler for that extra special experience.

I ventured over to Montego Bay to see what that had to offer. Highlights included Latitudes an overwater bar which is perfect to watch the sunsets and even an overwater wedding chapel along with restaurants including a steak house, sushi bar, Italian and French. The beaches at both resorts were beautiful, a smaller more intimate feel at Royal Caribbean and a larger stretch of sand in Montego Bay, each one perfect to soak up the sun and sample the extensive cocktail menus!

Outside of the resorts Jamaica itself is beautiful; the people are warm, welcoming and full of energy, always with a smile on their face, even when it rains they call it ‘liquid sunshine’. Along with its breath taking beaches the island is full of diversity, you can visit the famous Dunns River Falls, ride on a Jamaican Bobsled in the rainforest, sample some Appleton’s Rum on a Rum Estate Tour and even visit Nine Mile the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley.

I enjoyed Sandals so much I have booked Sandals Grenada for next year for my wedding! Sandals offer a free wedding when you stay 3 nights or more so I was easily persuaded and the 12 month countdown has begun!

Charlotte Harris, Branch Manager Winscombe