Mention Jamaica, or any of the popular Caribbean islands for that matter and the one name that stands out among the locals is Sandals.
A collection of Caribbean beachfront luxury resorts, Sandals is one of Jamaica’s largest private enterprises, employing thousands of locals in a country which – like Malta – relies heavily on its tourism industry.
Sandals also happens to be the most decorated holiday resort chain in the world, and out of 12 resorts scattered across the Caribbean, Jamaica is home to seven.
Catering exclusively for couples, Sandals guarantee perfect relaxation and holiday fun for both young and old alike. No matter which resort one chooses to stay in, Sandals makes sure that guests are guaranteed a luxury-laden holiday far away from the realities of the real world.
My whirlwind week-long tour in Jamaica as a member of a familiarisation group was spent in four of Sandals’ exotic resorts scattered around the coast of this beautiful Caribbean gem, though even managed to visit two others as travelled from one resort to another.
Considered to be one of the Caribbean’s touristic pearls, there’s more to Jamaica than meets the eye. Don’t just think rum and reggae. Think of endless powdery white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
Think of gorgeous crimson sunsets. Think of a natural habitat that is practically untouched by human hands. Think of delicious, exotic food and colourful cocktails. Think of an open and generous people who literally go that extra mile to make you feel at home.
From the minute we arrived in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, right through to the time we departed, we were immersed in a welcoming and friendly opulence. The locals are fiercely proud of their country and culture and go out of their way to show it off. Jamaicans treat tourists with a kindness and respect that is reminiscent of days gone by. Each of the four Sandals resorts we stayed at, together with another two we visited for a couple of hours, came with its own unique personality – each providing a special aura of romance that combines the magnificent beauty of nature with intimate, passion-inspiring settings.
Each resort offers the charm of a quaint Caribbean village accompanied by refined luxuries.
At Sandals, you’ll wake up and go to sleep in some of the finest rooms and suites in the Caribbean with a wide range of spacious and comfortable accommodation options, most of which include plush king-size beds.
With the perfect mix of gracious service and personalised amenities, you’ll also get to swim in expansive pools with swim-up bars, sunbathe on exotic spotless beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, participate in land and water sports, and experience true pampering at the resorts’ impeccable signature Red Lane spas.
Each resort offers a number of dining options. You’ll find a range of themed restaurants that serve a range of mouth-watering food, from continental to oriental and Caribbean. Most are equipped with open kitchens and each has its flair and charm. At a Sandals resort, you are also given full exchange privileges, including complimentary round-trip transportation to other nearby Sandals resorts, so you can have lunch in your resort and dinner in another, or vice-versa.
With the exception of a number of exclusive spa services, I found Sandals to be true to its ‘all-inclusive’ premise, and found this aspect to be ever so convenient – no tipping, no hidden charges, as much food and drink as your heart desires, unlimited sports, full exchange privileges, including transfers.
Jamaica is not just about long, lazy days at the water’s edge. There’s lots to do and plenty of excursions to choose from. The legendary Dunn’s River Falls are a must, with their cascade falling 180 metres down a smooth rock staircase to the sea.
Take a boat ride along the Black River – Jamaica’s longest – and explore remote mangrove swamps where you can see crocodiles and other native species in their natural habitat. Or simply take a cruise along the island’s scenic coastline and watch the sun surrender to the night.
For more information, call P&A Sullivan (Travel and Tourism) on 2133 1313/2734 5050 or visit www.pasullivan.com.mt.
Source: Sunday Times, October 12, 2008