Sandals Ocho Rio, Jamaica Part II

Sandals Royal Plantation 

If you are looking for a classy get-a-way for yourself or for a group, your search can come to an end. When I visit properties, I look for the WOW factor. Sandals Royal Plantation has the WOW factor from the moment you step on the property. 

 

Sandals Royal Plantation is an all-butler boutique resort. Butlers are expertly trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers so they are ready to fulfill any request you can dream. 

There's more to do than lounge by the sea blue, aquatic paradise. For the more active person, you might enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, scuba diving, or sailing a Hobie Cat. 

The fun doesn't stop on the water. Tennis, chess, volleyball, and Bocce Ball are just some of the land sports. Golf Digest and Frommer's Travel Guide have named this Par 71, 18-hole Sandals' Golf course among Jamaica's best courses. 

 

There is plenty to do on this resort from water sports, to land sports, to dining in 4 distinctive restaurants. This resorts is right next door to the Grand Riveria (see Sandals Ocho Rio, Jamaica Part I). How does that benefit you? As a Royal Planation guest, you are able to visit and take part in activities at Grand Riveria (including their 16 restaurants...dining at The Reef is a must. See previous blog http://www.mountdoratravel.blogspot.com/2013/03/sandals-ocho-rios-jamaica-part-i.html). 

 

This is 1 of the 74 exquisite suites. It was very roomy and had a beautiful view of the Caribbean and the resort. The bathroom has a tub and tiled shower. Plenty of room to move around in this room. This is the Royal Great House Oceanfront Suite, one of the smaller sized rooms at 465 sq ft.

One of my favorite accommodations on this property is the Villa Plantana. The Villa Plantana is has 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a private pool, its own butler, private room attendant and chef. This would be a great accommodation for guests needing 3 rooms.

For additional information on this property or any other resorts, please get in touch with you.

Create memories, not regrets!

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Sandals, Ocho Rios, Jamaica Part I

Grand Riviera Beach and Villa Golf Resort

If you plan on vacationing in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, keep reading for some insight into the Sandals, Grand Riveria. This property is located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay.

March is a great time of year to visit Jamaica. The weather is perfect with a low in the 70's and a high in the 80's. Flights are relatively less expensive during this time.

On this property, there are two sections: The Great Manor and Riveria Seaside.

The Great Manor offers all-butler villas with private pools. This is a very hilly property. Golf carts are available to transport guests from their villas to the main lobby. If you stay on this side, you will need to take a shuttle bus over to the ocean side. The shuttle ride isn't far. In fact, the two sections are right across the street from each other and well within walking distance, but the shuttle service is convenient. While the butler service gives guests that extra special treatment, several people I spoke to wished they were on the ocean side.

Riviera Seaside is the property directly on the water. This is where the water sports are including sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, wind surfing, paddle boarding, etc. If guests are interested in becoming a certified PADI scuba diver, there is a pool designated for scuba training.

Sandals Grand Riviera Beach and Village Golf Resort has a choice of 16 dining options. I wasn't able to try all of them, but my favorite was The Reef Terrace. This courtyard outdoor dining experience was awesome and romantic. Dining at The Reef Terrace is a must.

Tips for this resort:

1) The Grand Riveria resort is hilly and requires walking. Females should bring flats and leave the heels at home. Also, the sidewalks can be slippery when wet.

2) The dress code for most of the restaurants is resort casual. Valentino's and Kimonos require evening attire, which means dress pants for the men, closed toe shoes, and a button-up collared shirt. They will turn guests away if proper attire is not worn. These two restaurants require reservations.

3) Kelly's Dockside is dining on the pier. This is only available for guests with butler service.

4) Sandals Grande Riviera has a no tipping policy except for butlers and spa therapists.

5) Have dinner early so you don't miss the evening events.

6) Transfers to the golf course are complimentary. Caddies are not included but mandatory. Carts, clubs
and shoes may be rented. Food and beverages consumed at the club are not included.

7) At the time of this writing, there is a charge of $15 a day for WiFi. Concierge and butler accommodations are not charged for WiFi.

8) If you want to be near the beach, be sure you stay on the seaside.

For additional information on this resort or any other Sandals and/or Beaches resorts, please feel free to connect with me. If you've stayed at this resort, what tips do you have to share?

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Running Sandals Grand Riveria

Do you ever have one of those times when you start out to do something and a situation arises which leads you down a different path? That happened to me this morning. After a hearty breakfast of a made-to-order omelette, fresh fruit (pineapple, kiwi, honeydew), and hot green tea, I decided to go for a run.

The Sandals Grand Riveria isn't the best place to run outside because there isn't really a running path, so I headed to the gym. When I arrived at the gym, the treadmills weren't working and neither was the television. After a call to the front desk, I was informed there was an electrical problem and it should be fixed in an hour. Not wanting to delay my run, I took the Jamaican attitude said "No problem," and headed across the street to the Riveria Butler Villas and Great House.

Here are some pics from my 2.6 mile morning run.

Rock climbing wall and Nicole's.

These butler villas have their own private pool. If you are booking 4 rooms, I suggest staying in one of these villas that way your whole party has the entire villa to yourself. How fun is that?

I'm glad the electricity was not working this morning. I was able to get out and enjoy Jamaica. Running the Sandals Grand Riveria, in Ocho Rio is a little bit different from running the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon, but it's a great way to see the property.

Get in touch with me for more information on this property or any other Sandals or Beaches all-inclusive resorts.

Create memories, not regrets!


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Sandals/Beaches Resorts 5 rooms = 1 free room

Wednesday WOW Deal

On Friday, I had the opportunity to have lunch aboard Lady Sandals, Mr. Butch Stewart's (owner of Beaches and Sandals) private yacht. While on board I learned of some great specials that I have share with you.

Typically with Sandals and Beaches resorts, if you book 10 rooms you get 1 room free.  For a limited time offer if you book 5 rooms, you get 1 free.

Need a place to hold your next family reunion, special event, or business meeting?  Why wouldn't you book a Sandals or Beaches (family friendly) resort?  Did you know Sandals all inclusive resorts could save you money?

What's Included?
 

Get in touch with me today for that family reunion, incentive travel, social club, destination wedding, or family and friends trip.

Click Here for the flyer that explains the promotion!

Create memories, not regrets!

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Sandals Resorts 2012 “More Quality Inclusions” Unveiling

Are you ready for the inside scoop?

I’m returning from the largest Sandals and Beaches event in Central and Northern Florida. I learned so much and experienced an instrumental marketing forum about what’s new at Sandals and Beaches Resorts. I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

With Sandals, all inclusive means all inclusive. What’s included? Entertainment, dinner, unlimited premium brand drinks, 10 bars per resort, swim-up bars, and butler service. Unique suites designed for romance include fire pits, cabanas, candlelight dinners. Oh yeah! I can picture me in this photo (um...with my husband, of course!)

What else is included? Tips, gratuities, hotel taxes, and transfers.

Can you believe it?  Keep reading.  It gets better!

Restaurants:

Sandals has 16 restaurants per resort.  That means you have your choice from a variety of restaurants at no additional charge.  If you plan on staying for 4 nights, you might want to extend your stay so you can explore all the different cuisines.

Your choice includes a variety from Asian, Sushi, Thai, Japanese Teppanyaki, West Indian, Jamaican, Bahamian, Contemporary Caribbean, Mediterranean, Italian (Ma Ma Mia). Are you getting hungry yet?  What about trying seafood, international, brick-oven pizza, classic french, British Pub fare, fusion, gelato & pastries, or even something light and healthy.  Food for even the pickiest palate.

Luxurious Accommodations:

Top-tier suites include personal butlers, certified by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, who take care of everything you need including:

Unpacking and pressing your wardrobe

24-hour room service

Bringing drinks and snacks to the pool, beach, and your suite

Gourmet meals prepared en-suite

Drawing aromatic baths

Making spa, dining and excursion reservations

Private Off-Shore Islands

I don’t know about you, but I sure could use this kind of treatment.

Let’s step outside for a minute to see what adventures Sandals offers at no additional charge.

Scuba Dive Program:

If you are a certified diver, diving up to twice a day is included, with guided dives from 20-90 feet, on state of the art Newton Dive Boats, Luxter or Catalina tanks, Silicone masks and snorkel, and Deep Blue fins. This is a PADI-certified resort dive program with PADI and DAN representation on site. 

Dive suits can be rented and there are underwater camera and video services available for a nominal fee.

Not certified? No problem! Sandals offers a resort certification course (nominal fee applies), which will have you experiencing dives up to 30 feet.  Talk about viewing a whole new world.  Hmmm.  I might have to look into this. YOLO (You Only Live Once)!

Water Sports:

What other water sports can you participate in with top of the line equipment and professional instruction at no additional charge? 

Water skiing, kneeboarding, and tubing

Sailing

Kayaks

Paddle boarding

Windsurfing

Hobie Cat sailing

Glass Bottom Boats

Snorkeling

Aquatrikes

Top Golf Courses:

It’s tee time. Again, at no additional charge.  Sandals resorts include exclusive gold and unlimited play and complimentary green fees.

Ocho Rios (Sandals Golf and Country Club), has an 18-hole championship course. Or how about the 18-hole oceanfront course designed by Greg Norman at Sandals Emerald? Why not try the Reef Golf Club at Sandals Emerald Bay, which was named one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean by Travel & Leisure Golf. If you’re staying at the Sandals Regency La Toc, you’ll want to try the 9-hole Executive Course.

Here are additional things to remember if you are golfing with Sandals.  Golf is included in Jamaica and St Lucia. Caddies are mandatory but are not included in Jamaica and St Lucia. Golf carts and club rentals are not included. Greens fees are additional at Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas. Golf is not included in Antigua, but it is available nearby.

Other outside land activities include: tennis (private lessons available), racquetball and squash ball, lawn games, table tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, fitness centers with trainers, billiards, shuffleboard, and indoor pub games.

Drinks:

Top-shelf drinks are available at no extra charge, available 24/7, and are served everywhere throughout the resort.

Sandals continues to raise the bar when it comes to the luxury included experience for guests. They’ve partnered with Beringer to offer the perfect wines for the beach or dinner.

  

Sandals definitely includes everything you need for a perfect worry-free vacation or honeymoon. So what are you waiting for?  Get in touch with me today!  Ask me about Beaches Resort. The family friendly get-away resort...perfect for family reunions or holiday get togethers.

When’s the last time you visited a Sandals or Beaches Resort?

Create memories not regrets!

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