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honeymoon - sandals resorts (jamaica)

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lovehersomuch

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so my gf and i are already thinking about where we want to go for our honeymoon. we have decided upon a sandals resort and the destination is jamaica. they are the best all around deal with all the amenities and activities that are included and we like how its couples only.

i forgot what sandals resort in jamaica we narrowed it down too but i wanted to see what you all thought of sandals for those of you that went to their resorts. more specifically if you have gone one in jamaica thatd be better.. just wanna hear about your experience.

thanks!
 
I haven''t been but we are hoping to go to Sandals Whitehouse.

Have you checked out Tripadvisor?
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Date: 2/14/2008 11:23:23 PM
Author:lovehersomuch
so my gf and i are already thinking about where we want to go for our honeymoon. we have decided upon a sandals resort and the destination is jamaica. they are the best all around deal with all the amenities and activities that are included and we like how its couples only.

i forgot what sandals resort in jamaica we narrowed it down too but i wanted to see what you all thought of sandals for those of you that went to their resorts. more specifically if you have gone one in jamaica thatd be better.. just wanna hear about your experience.

thanks!
Click to expand...
The sandals in the Bahamas is where we originally booked our honeymoon. We are in the process of cancelling it due to the reviews and pictures on Tripadvisor. Make sure you research it completely before booking it. Confirm that the pictures on the Sandals website match up with the visitor pictures on tripadvisor of the real rooms. I''ve heard good things about certain Sandals, but the one in the Bahamas is going downhill.
 
What are you looking for in a honeymoon? How old are you? Have you done a lot of traveling?

Sandals is a lot of things, and it tries to be everything, but there are some things it does really well and some things that are a bit lacking. We stayed at the Sandals Grande in St. Lucia in October and though parts of it were great, parts of it were not. We decided it just wasn''t right for us... but in deciding that, we realized that since we do travel a lot, we''ve been at better places, so their version of "perfection" was a few steps below ours. The food was "meh"... definitely NOT worth the money paid. The room was ok, but could have been better. And everybody, and I do mean everybody there was also on their honeymoon so it wasn''t like we were anything "special". The party atmosphere was more "spring break" than "romantic". We were also almost but not quite a decade past most of the people there. I felt "old" sometimes. (and I''m 30)

We did have a good time for the most part, but I''m not all that excited to go back, which we can because we got 2 free nights as compensation for a bad run-in with an employee on property.

That said, if you''re looking for a big party, it''s great. Everybody talks to you, there are nightclubs, etc... And it is a decent value, but you COULD do better if you went somewhere else. They aren''t the only name in the business.
 
sum~ wow i had no idea that''s what sandals was like. We were thinking of going just for a quick getaway (non HM), but I didn''t know it was mostly 20 somethings (the ads make it seem like an adult, secluded romantic vacation). Sounds more like club med for couples!
 
Two friends of mine went to one of the Sandals in Jamaica and were pretty disappointed. I could check with them to find out the exact location if you want, but I think it was basically the same as sumbride''s experience--that the food was overpriced, it wasn''t terribly romantic (had that spring break feel too), and the amenities weren''t as high quality as they''d thought they would be.

They''re going to Paris for a week next month, to do Honeymoon Part II to try and make up for that one being a let-down, so that should be nice for them.
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Date: 2/15/2008 9:44:52 AM
Author: janinegirly
sum~ wow i had no idea that''s what sandals was like. We were thinking of going just for a quick getaway (non HM), but I didn''t know it was mostly 20 somethings (the ads make it seem like an adult, secluded romantic vacation). Sounds more like club med for couples!
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Seclusion is definitely NOT something I found possible at Sandals. We did try to go swimming alone one night, but DH got a chlorine burn in the pool and we figured out why it was empty. They had just treated it. He was uncomfortable for several days. There are people EVERYWHERE. And even if you''re in your room, the housekeepers are always hovering. We ordered room service for breakfast most days because it was included, and one of them knocked on our door to get our tray because I guess it had taken too long for us to put it out in the hall. What can I say? We were on our honeymoon! Leave me alone!

For us it was mostly 20-somethings. That may change depending on the time of year, I don''t know... but I think if you want a relaxing get-away, find another resort!
 
we are in our 20s.. ill be 26 and she will be 24 when we get married. i had no idea this is how sandals is... we wanted something romantic, some seclusion, but def do not want that spring break feel. we''ve been traveling a lot domestically and went to the bahamas etc in the past...

i think we are trying to go somewhere that is tropical in the carribbean/jamaica - what resorts do you all recommend if sandals is not the right choice?

thanks!
 
See...that stinks. I want something right in the middle. I like a good party and to meet new people, but this is our honeymoon so I want an exotic, romantic place also. I''m sure we will meet other couples no matter where we go and I suppose the casino and one bar is enough party for me! I think I can survive without a huge party atmosphere! ha

Plus this place is just too beautiful to pass up. We can go to Cancun for a party any time.

http://www.grandislevillas.com/content/gallery/Photo-Galleries/default.asp
 
Date: 2/15/2008 10:33:57 AM
Author: Courtneylub
See...that stinks. I want something right in the middle. I like a good party and to meet new people, but this is our honeymoon so I want an exotic, romantic place also. I''m sure we will meet other couples no matter where we go and I suppose the casino and one bar is enough party for me! I think I can survive without a huge party atmosphere! ha

Plus this place is just too beautiful to pass up. We can go to Cancun for a party any time.

http://www.grandislevillas.com/content/gallery/Photo-Galleries/default.asp
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Wow that place looks really really nice.
 
Date: 2/15/2008 10:45:49 AM
Author: LegacyGirl

Date: 2/15/2008 10:33:57 AM
Author: Courtneylub
See...that stinks. I want something right in the middle. I like a good party and to meet new people, but this is our honeymoon so I want an exotic, romantic place also. I''m sure we will meet other couples no matter where we go and I suppose the casino and one bar is enough party for me! I think I can survive without a huge party atmosphere! ha

Plus this place is just too beautiful to pass up. We can go to Cancun for a party any time.

http://www.grandislevillas.com/content/gallery/Photo-Galleries/default.asp
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Wow that place looks really really nice.
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I know!! Thanks! So excited. We get our own personal golf cart to cruise around in to the other beaches, the Four Seasons, etc.

Sorry to threadjack!
 
any resort in jamaica that you all recommend?

also any positive experiences from a sandals resort?
 
DH & I had our destination wedding & honeymoon at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica & we couldn''t have been happier. It''s a relatively small resort & was very peaceful. The food was fantastic, the rooms were lovely, the beach was beautiful & the resort employees were fabulous. It''s all-inclusive so there was plenty to do while we were there, but there''s no pressure to be active so if you want to just hang out on the beach, that''s ok too. They have nightly entertainment & I believe there''s now a nightclub (new since we were there in ''06). There were a few other weddings when we were there, but I didn''t get the feeling that everyone was on their honeymoon. We''re in our early 30''s & fit right in.

Let me know if you have any questions & congrats on your upcoming wedding!
 
Date: 2/15/2008 11:46:21 AM
Author: BrightSpot
DH & I had our destination wedding & honeymoon at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica & we couldn''t have been happier. It''s a relatively small resort & was very peaceful. The food was fantastic, the rooms were lovely, the beach was beautiful & the resort employees were fabulous. It''s all-inclusive so there was plenty to do while we were there, but there''s no pressure to be active so if you want to just hang out on the beach, that''s ok too. They have nightly entertainment & I believe there''s now a nightclub (new since we were there in ''06). There were a few other weddings when we were there, but I didn''t get the feeling that everyone was on their honeymoon. We''re in our early 30''s & fit right in.

Let me know if you have any questions & congrats on your upcoming wedding!
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this couples resort looks really nice!! i was looking at their rates and it looks like its well over $500 a night.. is that around what you paid?

this is why ppl probably go to sandals because it is a lot cheaper...
 
We got a discount from our travel agency, but I believe, depending on the time of year you travel, rates could still be $400-ish/night.
 
Date: 2/15/2008 10:32:50 AM
Author: lovehersomuch
we are in our 20s.. ill be 26 and she will be 24 when we get married. i had no idea this is how sandals is... we wanted something romantic, some seclusion, but def do not want that spring break feel. we''ve been traveling a lot domestically and went to the bahamas etc in the past...


i think we are trying to go somewhere that is tropical in the carribbean/jamaica - what resorts do you all recommend if sandals is not the right choice?


thanks!
Click to expand...

Have you looked at the US Virgin Islands? St. John is very nice.
And my personal favorite is the British Virgin Islands, though they are not as developed as the US Virgins.

My experience in Jamaica was not good. I tipped a porter at the airport $10.00 US dollars for 1 large bag, he
looked at me said, that''s not enough mon. And we were bugged on the beach and roadside to buy drugs. We won''t
go back.
 
I booked our honeymoon at Sandals Whitehouse. The reviews on tripadvisor are pretty good. You are always going to read of a few people on tripadvisor that had bad experiences but overall they were positive. From the reviews I got the feeling that it is not a big party resort so you are not going to get the spring break feel, rather a more relaxed atmosphere. I have been reading the reviews on Whitehouse for a few months and I don''t think I have read one mentioning the party scene being to"wild"
 
I live in Miami Beach, so I've been to a few of the Couples and Sandals, since it's so cheap to fly there from where I am.

The atmosphere can best be described by saying that they're like cruise ships on dry land. It's pretty crowded if you go during high season. I have gone in August and September, and although it's a LOT less crowded, the weather isn't as great as other times during the year. The Sandals resorts get pretty beat-up (the rooms, I mean) because they're crowded, and the kids are young (22-28) and they're kinda hard on the furnishings.

I've never had a TRULY great meal. the Sandals Grande in Antigua had the best food, and that's really not saying much. It's like going to Chili's or TGIFridays, mostly. There are a couple of "nice" restaurants (the ones where you're required to dress up) but it's difficult to get reservations for those. Sandals really annoys me because the only "included" wines are their "house" wines, which are pretty nasty. It's an upcharge for any decent wine.

If you go to the CSA in Negril Jamaica, make sure your room is FAR AWAY from The Palms, or you'll hear the club music all night long. Also with CSA Negril: make your reservations for activities IN PERSON and make sure you watch them write your name down. If not, then, you're in for a disappointment.

Both Sandals and CSA have disappointing beaches. They're SUPER crowded in season, but I think the worst thing is that guests use the sand as a giant ashtray; there are cigarette butts EVERYWHERE!

As for the actual islands: Jamaica isn't my favorite place in the world. It's getting to be more and more like Miami: sheisty, shady, kinda seedy and crime-ey

If you can scrape up some more dough, splurge on St. John. Most of that island is a national park, so you can find some seclusion if you look. It's also less of a pain because it's U.S. territory. No passports, no currency issues, bla bla. The best hotel I've stayed in on St. John is the Caneel Bay. I'll warn you now, though: it's pretty rustic. There's no TV or phone in the room (have fun contacting the front desk!) but if you want to be ALONE, like really alone, go to Caneel Bay at the end of August, or in Sept. after American kids start school. Dude. Total Seclusion.

Forgot to add: If you really want to go the "All-Inclusive" route, the hands down, no freakin' contest BEST BEST BEST all-inclusive in the world ((no kidding) is Kanantik in Belize....paradise on Earth, I swear...it's like stumbling into the Garden of Eden, but with gourmet chefs....
 
I've been to Couples in Ocho Rios. It's a nice hotel but just "ok" in my opinion. The service and the rooms were great but the beach and activities were disappointing. I wouldn't go there for a honeymoon because its not very romatic.

I've stayed at Riu Negril, which is adjacent to Couples Negril, and have to say Riu had much nicer grounds and beach and it was newer. Couples Negril looked a little run down to me. This was couple of years ago, so they might've renovated since then.

Overall, I really liked Jamaica - the beaches were amazing, the people were nice, the food was great. We did not have any problems with crime but then again we stayed at all-inclusive resorts and did not go to town at all.

I've never been to any Sandals resort, so I can't give you my opinion but I haven't met a person who was impressed by their stay there. Most of the people say that they wouldn't go to Sandals again.
 
Date: 2/15/2008 9:35:40 PM
Author: Mediterranean



Forgot to add: If you really want to go the ''All-Inclusive'' route, the hands down, no freakin'' contest BEST BEST BEST all-inclusive in the world ((no kidding) is Kanantik in Belize....paradise on Earth, I swear...it''s like stumbling into the Garden of Eden, but with gourmet chefs....
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Hi, sorry to threadjack, but is the Kanantik a full all-inclusive? As in, you can get a package that includes airfare, room, all meals and drinks? We really wanted to go to Belize, but FI had his heart set on total all-inclusive, and our travel agent actually told us there were NO full ai resorts in Belize. There were only ones that included one meal per day, etc.
 
Date: 2/16/2008 10:55:56 AM
Author: Sabine
Date: 2/15/2008 9:35:40 PM

Author: Mediterranean




Forgot to add: If you really want to go the ''All-Inclusive'' route, the hands down, no freakin'' contest BEST BEST BEST all-inclusive in the world ((no kidding) is Kanantik in Belize....paradise on Earth, I swear...it''s like stumbling into the Garden of Eden, but with gourmet chefs....
Click to expand...


Hi, sorry to threadjack, but is the Kanantik a full all-inclusive? As in, you can get a package that includes airfare, room, all meals and drinks? We really wanted to go to Belize, but FI had his heart set on total all-inclusive, and our travel agent actually told us there were NO full ai resorts in Belize. There were only ones that included one meal per day, etc.
Click to expand...


Kanantik includes everything except alcohol, so in that sense it is not 100% A/I but there are packages that include all meals and all non-alcoholic beverages. Travel agencies are tricky, and Belize is kind of tricky. I spoke to Roberto (Kanantik''s owner) to get the A/I package. He''ll also do an 8-day "Weddingmoon" package for less than $3K USD (including a tour of the jaguar preserve and all your meals, etc. etc.) but THE way to go w/ Kanantik is to skip the travel agents and TALK TO ROBERTO. He''s incredible, and he will DEFINITELY work with you.


With A/I''s in general, the alcohol inclusion can be contentious: the ones I have been to only include local beers and well liquor. Any mixed drinks are SERIOUSLY watered down. You have to beg them to throw an extra shot in there, and the bars are usually 3 or 4 deep, so good luck with that. "house wines" are the only included wine, and those are pretty much BAD across the board. Like, the Sandals and Couples house wines are LITERALLY boxed wine. Anything else is an upcharge. I mean, like, Bud and Coors are an upcharge, so if you''re not a fan of skunky Bahamian beer (yes. Bahamian. When Red Strip is Jamaican. WTF) then you''re kinda stuck....
 
I typed a huge response with my opinion...but decided against it.
I don''t know when you are planning your honeymoon for, but I will be getting married at the Sandals resort in Negril in June...so if it isn''t too late I will be able to answer your questions regarding both.

If it IS too late by then, then I really advise you to browse tripadvisor to read the opinions of people who have stayed at the sandals resorts that you are looking into. I really think that it would be more beneficial to your research. Because the truth is, we all have differing opinions on what we consider an important part of a resort. For some it''s the food, for some it''s the room, for some it''s partying, to some it is romance...etc. Some want to be able to travel the area, some are fine staying at the resort. For what it''s worth, I have never read anything about sandals being a party atmosphere either. At least not in any of the reviews I read on the Jamaican sandals resorts. I really hope that''s a matter of perspective. If it''s true I may be a little bummed, although FI and I can totally hang. :)


Bottom line, you really need to go to tripadvisor and read up on all the positive and negative reviews (and everything in between) in order to figure out what your priorities on your vacation are and if certain things about the resort will turn you on or off.


For what it''s worth, we''re getting married at the Negril resort but we really wanted the Whitehouse. I have heard that the Whitehouse is a whole different place from the others. Secluded...brand new....no beach roamers trying to sell you stuff....a little slice of heaven, maybe? If you''ve got your heart set on Jamaica, I''d definitely check out that resort first. :)
But again, my opinion doesn''t matter. Read the reviews!!!!
 
thanks for the info everyone!!!

im still not sure what i want to do for the honeymoon.. my gf and i will talk it over and look into everything. i will def use trip advisor to get more info and see reviews/pics. our honeymoon would not be until march/april 09 tentatively.


as i posted earlier - please let me know if you recommend any other couples/all-inclusive type resorts in tropical destinations.

i believe our budget is around 4,000
 
i tried tripadvisor.com they had some good reviews but i wasnt able to find actual pics of the resorts/destinations i was interested in by other travelers. there was an option to view traveler pictures but i couldnt search through them...

any ideas?
 
Date: 2/25/2008 12:57:17 AM
Author: lovehersomuch
i tried tripadvisor.com they had some good reviews but i wasnt able to find actual pics of the resorts/destinations i was interested in by other travelers. there was an option to view traveler pictures but i couldnt search through them...

any ideas?
Click to expand...
On the page where you were reading the reviews on the resort, there is an area to search through pictures.
 
If you have your heart set on Jamaica, I''ll add another vote for Couples Swept Away. I was there in 2003 for my birthday, and it was truly one of the best vacations I''ve ever taken. I went in September when the rates were much lower. It''s more of a risk, but we really didn''t have any problems with the weather. It rained for an hour or two each afternoon, but that was a great time to take a break from the sun and take a nap or catch up on a book. Granted, that was the only trip I''ve taken to the Carribean and the only time I''ve stayed in an all inclusive resort, so I don''t have much to compare it to, but I had a really great experience. I''ve been wanting to go back ever since!
 
Date: 2/25/2008 10:04:13 AM
Author: krispi
If you have your heart set on Jamaica, I''ll add another vote for Couples Swept Away. I was there in 2003 for my birthday, and it was truly one of the best vacations I''ve ever taken. I went in September when the rates were much lower. It''s more of a risk, but we really didn''t have any problems with the weather. It rained for an hour or two each afternoon, but that was a great time to take a break from the sun and take a nap or catch up on a book. Granted, that was the only trip I''ve taken to the Carribean and the only time I''ve stayed in an all inclusive resort, so I don''t have much to compare it to, but I had a really great experience. I''ve been wanting to go back ever since!
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couples swept away is very expensive.. the rates are over 600 a night!!

im looking for something thats more in the budget of 3500 max for 7-10 days
 
Well you probably weren''t going to get 7-10 days at a sandals for 3500, sorry to say.
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Have you considered the RIU? It''s not couples only, but I''ve heard it''s beautiful.
 
Date: 3/13/2008 2:06:30 AM
Author: luckystar112
Well you probably weren''t going to get 7-10 days at a sandals for 3500, sorry to say.
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Have you considered the RIU? It''s not couples only, but I''ve heard it''s beautiful.
Click to expand...
i actually did find some deals on sandals website for 7 days around 3500.. they have special promotions right now where at lot of the destinations are heavily discounted.

what is RIU?
 
My sister and her hubby are at Sandals Jamaica (Ochos Rios in think) right now! I just saw them on webcam today and they said they are having a blast, the food is good, the beach is good, everything.

Anyway, they also love Miami and that whole scene, so I think it's more about your personality to determine whether you will
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it or
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it.

If you want me to ask them anything I would be happy to, I'll see them on webcam again Sat am
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ETA: they said it's 31*C and not as humid as Florida. Sounds good to me!
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