Based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the famous Caribbean resort chain founded in 1981 by legendary Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon "Butch" Stewart was instrumental in pioneering the "all-inclusive" concept - paying one (usually very attractive) rate to cover all food and drink as well as many activities and amenities, in addition to just a room. Sandals properties now number 18 on eight islands, and they´re especially popular with (and indeed, marketed to) couples and especially honeymooning couples. You can get a full rundown of all the properties here, but in the meantime, here are our picks for the top three Sandals choices for a romantic honeymoon:
On Pigeon Island linked by causeway to the town of Gros Islet on the northwest coast´s Rodney Bay, this 301-unit property is regularly described by guests as "the vacation spot that comes closest to a picture-perfect postcard." It's also the place to go if you've always wanted to stay in a romantic over-the-water bungalow, of which there are a dozen (top), decked out in Tahitian style and offering perks such as glass floor panels, soaking tubs right out on your deck, and private butler service. Among other resort amenities are five pools; the Caribbean-inspired Red Lane Spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; tennis courts; a raft of water sports from paddleboarding to scuba diving; nightly entertainment; and a dozen restaurants including not just Caribbean but also British pub fare, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and others. And thanks to Sandals´ "stay at one, play at three" policy, Grande St. Lucian guests can avail themselves of all the facilities of two other resorts within easy driving distance (with all transfers also included), the Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Club and Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate; these include 15 other restaurants; a half dozen more pools; and a pair of beautiful beaches nine-hole golf courses (greens fees also included).
Located on 17 acres astride fabled Pink Gin Beach, near the island´s southwestern tip some 20 minutes south of capital St. George´s, this smaller property has 150 rooms and 75 suites divided into 22 types, ranging from simple doubles to swim-up pool apartments, rondovals (rounded/oval shaped, with conical roofs), and "skypool suites" - the upper end of which come with a private butler - and divided into four "villages": Italian, Lovers´ Hideaway, Pink Gin, and South Seas. There are no fewer than ten dining options, including Japanese, Italian, French, British pub fare,and a steakhouse with an international reputation. Other key amenities: five pools, a pair of whirlpools, a half dozen bars, tennis courts, and the Red Lane spa. Oh, and another cool - and romantic - feature they love to tout is their "living room in the middle of a beachfront pool" (above).
Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica
One of seven Jamaica Sandals properties, this even more intimate resort in Ocho Rios is a romantic favorite because although it offers fewer amenities - just one pool and five (!) restaurants, along with a fitness center, Red Lane Spa, and a Champagne-and-caviar bar unique in Jamaica, for example - its luxurious "boutique inn" feel appeals to couples, with just 74 oceanview suites (all with private butler service) on ten peaceful acres, adding up to what we found to be the the most beautiful and tranquil of any Sandals resorts. As soon as the beach opened at 10, a server brought drinks and continued to attend to our every need throughout the day. At the same time, guests also have access to all facilities at Sandals´ nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club (including transportation and green fees) and the 98-villa Ochi Beach Resort.
Comments
St Lucia is one of my favorite Caribbean islands, and an over the water bungalow here is a bucket lister for my next visit!!