This all-inclusive Caribbean experience is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The Executive Magazine takes a look inside Jamaica’s most exclusive resort.
Sandal’s new over water bungalows are the epitome of luxury and relaxation, giving you an unforgettable Caribbean experience. Visit Jamaica in way you’ve never seen before.
We’ve all heard of the name Sandals, the tourist operator with glossy adverts and picturesque scenes of impossibly attractive couples enjoying crystal clear waters and elaborate cocktails on a sandy white beach. The ethos is all about luxury, adult-only private resorts in a gorgeous tropical setting. Regardless of the adverts, the resorts always exceed expectations. The attention to detail and customer service is second to none, and the new pontoon style bungalows take the Sandal’s experience to a whole new level.
Location
The Sandals Royal Caribbean resort is a short taxi ride away from the airport in Montego Bay, and checking in is quick and effortless. The epicentre of the resort features a large Georgian style house, which sits on the edge of a picturesque blue lagoon. Guests can dine in the house and enjoy the views in tropical luxury.
The main house is surrounded by landscaped gardens, several pools, bars, Jacuzzis and quiet spots for some alone time. The resort even has it’s own fully private island, free for guests to visit as part of their stay.
Socialising & entertainment
The all-inclusive luxury resort has a myriad of activities for guests to enjoy, from relaxing poolside bars to more physical pursuits like water sports and even fitness classes. Cocktail parties and mixology classes are a great way to set the evening off, along with wine tasting in the piano bar. If drinking isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of other activities both on and off land, including kayaking, water skiing, volley ball and tennis.
You of course don’t have to do any of that strenuous activity, instead you can lounge by the pool in your very own private VIP cabana, which comes complete with a concierge to tend to your every need, keeping you fed and watered as much as your heart desires. The resort also features a luxurious and relaxing spa, with masseuses and aromatherapists, giving you the real high life Jamaica experience.
Dining
The vast majority of all-inclusive resorts are notoriously lacklustre when it comes to the food and drink selection, but that’s not the case here. The spirits are plentiful, and feature premium brand liquors, no cheap knock-off’s or low percentage alcohol will be found here. The nations stable beer Red Stripe is also in plentiful supply. The food is probably the best you will ever experience in an all-inclusive resort, it’s in a completely different league. There’s a huge amount of choice with 8 restaurants on-site, including Thai, Italian, French, Caribbean and British cuisine, all featuring their own signature dishes and speciality items. The menus offer a huge range of options, but the stand out dishes for us are the Jamaican jerk chicken and the Jet Shark. The food is simply divine, and can be enjoyed both in the restaurants or on your own private balcony.
Accommodation
The main draw for this resort is the incredible over water bungalows. They are completely self sufficient, and accessible only by boat. This luxurious seclusion is far from excluded, as each villa comes with it’s own private 24hour butler, waiting on your every want and need. The bungalows sit atop the ocean in all their splendour, and are the first and only of their kind in the Caribbean. Aside from the simply decorated rooms, the most impressive feature is the view of the sea, which is mesmerising and magical. The glass panel floor allows you to fully absorb the experience. Complete privacy is assured, and the decks feature two sun loungers, a hammock and direct access to the ocean if you fancy a dip in the serene water.