At the north end of the beach, near the Grand Lido, this hotel lies on the best beach of any Sandals in Jamaica (the sands at the Sandals in Whitehouse are a possible contender). True to the chain's all-inclusive concept, this resort occupies the middle ground between the more refined Swept Away and the raunchier Hedonism II.
Guests get the full impact on arrival (after being whisked here via air-conditioned bus from Montego Bay's airport), as the stone-columned lobby with mosaic-inlaid flooring opens to a grand pool with a swim-up bar, always lively with partying guests. Handsome midrise buildings stretch along the fine beach, lit at night for romantic walks. Grounds are cramped, but the palm-shaded lawns, clipped to perfection, and music piped in from hidden speakers add to the squeaky-clean feel. Smiles abound from the super-friendly personnel at this happy-go-lucky resort.
The main dining room, Bayside, spreads onto a beachfront terrace and serves predictable international fare. The all-day menu attracts constant attention, but it is the stunning aquamarine vistas that make a lasting impression. Specialty restaurants include a beachfront outlet for Mediterranean tastes with a buffet
of finger foods and a heavily Italian menu (think made-to-order pasta, veal and tiramisu); the Sundowner, a Jamaican-Asian fusion restaurant with a dress code; and Kimono's, a reggae-inspired Japanese teppanyaki house with a sushi bar. A separate poolside grill keeps comfort food within reach. Just about every night is theme night, with the usual Roman, Carnival, pirate, formal and oldies bacchanalia. Piano and karaoke bars and game rooms provide merriment for those who prefer togs to togas.
In addition to four lighted tennis courts, recreational facilities include air-conditioned squash and racquetball courts, as well as two whirlpools set into two of the three pools. A lazy river sweeps guests sipping umbrella-tucked drinks down its pleasant current. The swim-up bar provides convenient refills, and the padded chaise longues support nap breaks. Diving is complimentary, and diving lessons are given for an extra charge. The less energetic tune in to TVs in the piano bar or relax at the full-service spa that remains the one to beat in town. Its golden stone marble and colorful Jamaican artwork instigate relaxation before the treatment even begins. The beach is narrow, which makes for intimate sunbathing. The hotel has a fitness center, dive shop, and volleyball and basketball courts.
Although this place is devoted to pleasure, not business, meeting space has audiovisual equipment and can hold up to 20 people. Internet access is available if desperately needed.
Briskly air-conditioned guest rooms come comfortably fitted with mahogany furnishings, floral fabrics and designer colors. Standard in all are TVs with Internet access, phones with data ports, coffeemakers, safes, handsome dark wooden king poster beds, plush linens, area rugs atop tile floors, smallish desks, combination baths, thick towels and hair dryers. Toiletries are only provided at check-in, forcing guests to ration them during their stay.
Standards are on the two lowest floors facing the garden, and premiums in the same location add vanity areas. In a separate building, luxury rooms showcase balconies facing the garden. Rooms on the beach draw top dollar and provide either patios or balconies. Villa suites are all beachfront and feature wet bars, stocked minibars, four-poster beds surrounded by surprisingly romantic mosquito nets, large marble baths, robes and spiral staircases to sleeping lofts. Some units are a long walk from the central areas, but these offer extra privacy. The Sundowner block houses honeymoon 
rooms, also found in cottages. All concierge rooms and suites enjoy round-the-clock room service, and honeymoon suites provide personal butlers. The newest options provide direct access to the lazy river, and others boast flat-screen TVs among their luxuries.
Management and staffers exemplify Sandals' upbeat approach to ensuring guests' pleasure. Even the maintenance staffers tip their hats to guests while tending to the botanical beauty here. Smoking has recently been barred from most interior spaces of the hotel. All the ingredients are here for a great vacation and, unlike at many Negril hotels, constant renovation keeps this place up to international standards. Couples may be more stylish, but the staffers here, as well as the experienced management, make this place an alternative worth considering. There is no minimum stay, but discounts start with three-night packages.Editor Notes:
Editor's Notes
This resort opened eight Plantation Suites in April 2008. The suites feature West Indian-themed decor, private plunge pools and outdoor showers and gardens.
