Choosing a Sandals Resort In Jamaica Which One Is Right For Me?
So you've decided on a all inclusive resort vacation in Jamaica, and you've narrowed your resort down to one of the many Sandals resorts in Jamaica. Because there are so many Sandals Resorts in Jamaica it can be a tough choice unless you know what type of all inclusive vacation you prefer. Jamaica may not be a large country but you'll find very different vacations depending on which part of Jamaica you vacation at, and Sandals Resorts are no exception. Sandals has six all inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Sandals Montego Bay , Sandals Inn , Sandals Grande Ocho Rios , Sandals Dunn's River , Sandals Negril and Sandals Whitehouse. These Sandals resorts span the entire island of Jamaica so you have plenty to choose from and many reasons to choose one Sandals resort over another. I've visited a few Sandals resorts and discussed these with various all inclusive resort fanatics. Hopefully the information below will help you choose the Sandals Resort that best matches your vacation style.
Sandals Negril Resort
Sandals Negril is my favorite Sandals Resort in Jamaica. Located in the laid back beach down of Negril you'll find that Sandals Negril matches the easy going style of the town of Negril. Sandals Negril is on seven mile beach in Negril in Bloody Bay. Sandals Negril resort is between a public stretch of seven mile beach and Hedonism II resort. Sandals Negril has several restaurants all of which you can get away with completely casual to resort casual dress. The beach here is outstanding and since Sandals Negril is rather long you'll have no trouble finding a quiet or active part of the beach. SCUBA and snorkeling is emphasized as Sandals Negril has their own dive pool. Other Sandals resorts rely on their main pool for SCUBA resort lessons. Here you have a specific area and great facilities. While there is a disco, its usually empty and nightlife at Sandals Negril is limited to people hanging out at the Piano Bar. While fun it doesn't stand up to more active resorts like Sandals Montego Bay. You can walk just past the public beach to Beaches Negril and Sandals guest have total visiting and dining privileges. Off resort trips include a great shopping trip ending at Rick's Cafe which is a popular cliff diving location. It was severely damaged in the 2004 hurricanes but will likely be rebuilt. In a nutshell Sandals Negril is for those who want laid back, not necessarily five star luxury and a beach resort feel vs. the hotel atmosphere of a taller resort. Nightlife is limited but available and local attractions are plenty.
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Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay is the most active Sandals resort as it attracts a younger crowd. Sandals Montego Bay is great if you want to get off the plane and get a drink on the beach within an hour. The beach is fantastic but you will be subject to the planes coming and going from Sangster International Airport. Sandals Montego Bay remains a favorite of many repeat guests. Local Montego Bay attractions include Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and local shopping opportunities. Because Montego Bay is a busier town you'll find a less laid back feel then Negril but not quite so much as in Ocho Rios which is a more industrial town.
Sandals Ocho Rios
Sandals Ocho Rios offers couples the most privacy of any Sandals resort I've seen. If you like walking through lush vegetation and statue gardens then this is the Sandals resort for you. Set back and high atop a cliff you will have to walk further to get to the beach but the tradeoff for the private pools and secluded hammock areas may be worth it for a honeymoon or romantic vacation. Sandals Ocho Rios water sports equipment is in fine shape and despite the small beach the guests don't seem to mind. Due to the large cliff many guests use the long piers to lay in the sun and get tan. Being in Ocho Rios you have easy access to the famous Dunn's River Falls. Sandals Ocho Rios also offers shopping trips and trips to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. In early 2005 Sandals Ocho Rios will become Sandals Ocho Rios Grande because the old Beaches Grand Sport will merge with Sandals Ocho Rios making for one massive Sandals all inclusive resort.
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Sandals Dunn's River
Sandals Dunn's River is a high rise super resort with massive pools and a nice beach. Sandals Dunn's River is located in Ocho Rios which is a large industrial town in Jamaica. Sandals Dunn's River features many swim up bars, more than other Sandals resorts and a very nice entertainment room. Sandals Dunn's River water sports are not as nice as Sandals Negril or Sandals Ocho Rios but are still adequate. SCUBA classes are taught in the main pool as there is no SCUBA dive pool. Like other Sandals Resorts, Sandals Dunn's River features many restaurants and in this case they are fancier than those at Sandals Negril or Sandals Ocho Rios. Because of the high rise hotel vs smaller resort feel, the better entertainment, and fancier restaurants, I'd recommend Sandals Dunn's River to those who love cruising. Unlike the laid back town of Negril, you'll find more aggressive local vendors harassing the guests. In Negril they tend to wait for you to come off the resort. At Sandals Dunn's River you'll find them calling at the fence line and even swimming in the resort area selling their wares to guests.
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