One of the perks of being a travel agent is that occasionally(very,very occasionally if you listen to my staff!!) an educational trip to an exotic destination is offered by one of the leading tour operators.Kevin was fortunate to be treated to a week in Jamaica recently,courtesy of Virgin Holidays and Sandals resorts.Needless to say,he had a memorable trip and is keen to pass on his thoughts of the Caribbean to all you prospective customers!
Kevin has produced a wonderful report of his trip,so please read on:
“After meeting the other agents,and Faye and Janet,our representatives from Sandals and Virgin Holidays,we checked in to the news that we were being upgraded to Premium Economy.We were then fast tracked through to departures,with just enough time for some last minute shopping.
As we boarded the plane,it became apparent that we were being directed to the upper deck,once we reached the top of the stairs we were then greeted with a glass of champagne!!We all thought this is the life!!!We had a very smooth flight,time to sit back and relax and watch a movie or two on Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight system.As we landed in Kingston,everyone was excited to reach our first nights accommodation at Dunn’s River.
The immigration process at Kingston was pretty smooth.We then boarded our two mini buses and began our transfer in convoy.As we passedthrough downtown Kingston,it was easy to understand why it has reputation it has and it is fair to say that,a night out in downtown Kingston would be extremely ill advised!The driving in Jamaica is a little interesting,as we were driving in the dark,it was evident that dipped headlights don’t exist in Jamaica so it was time for us to don the sunglasses even though we must have looked pretty silly!
My room at Dunn’s River was a standard room,but it was still very spacious and luxurious.The patio doors led onto a good sized balcony with wonderful views of the sea.Next morning,an excellent hot and cold buffet ended with my first introduction to Jamaica’s most famous saying “yea man”.
After breakfast we boarded our coach to visit Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.This property has a fabulous boardwalk out into the Carbbean sea and is one of the main features.Like all Sandals and Beaches properties,it has its own Red Lane Spa to pamper and spoil you!
Next stop was the Sandals Golf and Country Club,where we got to do some off roading on the golf buggies and hit some golf balls on the driving range.The setting for the course is absolutely stunning.It is ideal for for both beginners and advanced players,and best of all,all green fees are included for guests staying at Sandals or Beaches.
After a very enjoyable morning,it was on to Beaches Boscobel resort for a delicious lunch hosted by the management of this lovely resort.Beaches was a really nice property,it had a very welcoming feel to it,the facilities for children are excellent and it’s easy to see why families have such a grat time there.
Next morning,another beautiful day in Jamaica and just enough time for a quick breakfast before boarding the bus once again for our next stop,Montego Bay.As we arrived at Sandals Royal Caribbean,we were shown the hotel and visited the private island before lunch.This truly is a stunning resort,and the private island with its own swimming pool and jacuzzi is an ideal setting for couples to feel they are in paradise.
I stayed in a concierge room,overlooking one of the beaches.
After lunch,we visited Montego Bay resort,this was the original Sandals resort and while it is the oldest Sandals property,it still retains the high standards of the Royal Caribbean.
Next stop was the Royal Plantation Resort,this is unquestionably Sandals most elegant and stylish resort.Although small,it gives a real feeling of reclusiveness.
In the evening we were treated to a sumptious dinner hosted by the management of Sandals Royal Caribbean.
Next morning,it was time to check out and head for Negril on the west coast of the island.Our home for the next two nights was Sandals Negril Beach.After a buffet lunch we visited Beaches Negril,for me this has the best beach in Jamaica.The facilities at this hotel included a scratch studio for budding dj’s and the facilities for kids were very impressive.There are also several water slides although you don’t get the impression of being at a water park.In a strange way the Beaches concept is able to create a paradise for children and adults alike without being overcrowded.
When we checked in at Sandals Negril,I was given a superior deluxe one bedroom suite which was split level.After another sumptious dinner,we were entertained by a Caribbean brass band who were also talented dancers,it seems Sandals staff are recruited on the basis of talent as well as skill.
Our last full day was free to chill out by the beach and enjoy all the watersports on hand.In the evening we had a barbecue buffet on the beach,during which the guest of honour was Wayne Blackwood,a member of the 1988 Jamaican Olympic Bobsleigh team,immortalised in the hilarious film “Cool Runnings”.Of course,as Ocky White Travel’s winter sports specialist I could not pass up the chance to have my photo taken with this sporting icon!!!!
As we travelled home,unfortunately back in economy this time,there were so many memories.Everyone felt that each hotel surpassed the previous.The general view was that nothing could upstage the Royal Caribbean resort,but Sandals Negril came mighty close.The best beach was Beaches Negril,and the sunsets alone sell Negril by themselves!
Sandals and Beaches resorts pride themselves on exceptional high levels of customer service and luxurious accommodations and in this they easily exceeded expectation.The trip organised by Sandals and Virgin Holidays was well organised and special thanks go to Faye and Janet for making it such a memorable trip.
This was my first visit to the real Caribbean,I know one thing,it will certainly not be the last!”