We started posting our
Jamaica travel history several years before "Blog" was invented so we just left the name
the same:
OUR TRAVEL RESUME Over 25 Years
Of Specializing In Jamaica!
As of we have spent
144 Days In Jamaica and 206 Total Days In The Caribbean
Although we have been traveling to Jamaica, the Caribbean, and Mexico for over 25
years,
this resume only goes back to 1995. Trips are listed with the most recent first.
2009 Trip #1 Jamaica / Sandals Dunns River & Sandals Royal
Caribbean May 3-10
Sandals Dunns River May 3-7 Another amazing trip to Jamaica and Sandals Resorts.
As usual, we were met by Mr. Lloyd Lewis who took us straight away to Sandals Dunns River. We
made the trip from the airport in about 70 minutes. (This same trip by free transfer bus can take
two hours.)
Our butler met us upon arrival and took us to our oceanfront one bedroom suite, the same room we
occupied in October '07. All guests we talked to were having somewhere between the time
of their life and the best week of their life. The non-stop entertainment was a blast for
both participants and spectators. Just as it has been for years, the service was impeccable,
and food was great. Try as we may to find something to complain about, this stay had no problems
whatsoever.
Our butlers, which are included with our suite, provided their usual surprises and extra
special care. We highly recommend butler level for anyone who wants a vacation that is a
cut above the norm. Although it may seem a little pricey, the best rooms and service are
definitely found at the butler level.
During our stay we traveled to Sandals Ocho Rios for their Returning Guests cocktail party
and dinner at Reef Terrace. WOW! Best part is we got to spend a few minutes with the hotel
managers, our friends from way back when.
Sandals Royal Caribbean May 7-10
Our arrival at Sandals Royal Caribbean provided the only glitch during our entire
week. Our butlers at Sandals Royal Caribbean weren't prepared for our arrival due to
a miscommunication from our butlers at Dunns. However, true to the Sandals butler
professionalism, they recovered in just minutes once the knew we were on property.
Because we arrived so early in the day, as we expected, our room was not ready. We
planned this to see how they handle early arrivals. We were taken to the concierge center
to check in, then our butler took us to some pool chairs reserved right outside our room. Our
butler supplied cold bottled water and offered to bring us anything else we needed.
We spent a couple of hour relaxing in the river pool and enjoying some
snacks from the beach grill until we were taken to our Royal Honeymoon Swim-Up 1 Bdr.
River Suite. Our suite offered zero-entry access to the lazy river from a patio large
enough for a love seat and table and chairs. We had an expansive living room complete with
42" plasma TV, separate bedroom with 37" plasma TV, fine mahogany furnishings, tiled floors,
whirlpool bath and walk-in shower.
This suite is a sure cure for those who say they won't spend much
time in their room anyway. We enjoyed room service every morning for fruit, pastries, juice,
and coffee. Our butlers provided afternoon snacks and champagne. Because of our short stay, we
were unable to secure a reservation at the French restaurant (Le Jardinier). No Problem! Our
butler simply brought the restaurant to our room! We enjoyed an unbelievable dinner!
2008 Trip #3 Jamaica November 2-9
Beaches Negril
Grandparents Travel! Our 5th stay at
Beaches Negril was the first for our entire family. As always, we took along our son (31,
who is developmentally disabled), our daughter, son-in-law, our grand daughter (2) and grand son (5
months). What a great trip! We fit comfortably in a two bedroom suite, using the living
room as a nursery with a crib (for 5 month old) and pull out queen bed (for 2 year
old).
Too many highlights to list all, but the Sesame Street Character
Breakfast comes in first. This Sesame Street event is a must for anyone with young children. We
dined, danced, and had photos with Elmo, Bert & Ernie, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Grover. Our grand
daughter spent the entire week socializing with the Sesame Street gang: Dancing with Zoe, baking
with Cookie Monster, story time with Elmo, and more.
And of course our Butler for the 2nd time, Conrod, took good
care of us. The next highlight was our daughter's 30th birthday party put on by Conrod.
Cake (with candles), champagne, hot appetizers, music, gifts, and party decorations was all
provided as a surprise. We kept the honored guest in the spa for a few hours getting a pedicure and
massage treatments while the butlers prepared our living room for the party.
Other butler provided perks included reserved beach and pool
chairs complete with stocked cooler, laundry service, scented baths, and room
service.
For anyone worried about weather (particularly hurricanes), we
enjoyed the company of Hurricane Paloma for our entire stay. Although overcast most of the time, we
got moments of sun and hardly any rain. The main effect was the sea was really rough one day,
closing the beach. Otherwise all activities went on as normal, even the four or five weddings
that occurred each day.
Comparing this stay to our one a year ago, everything at Beaches
Negril is much improved. The property is in great shape, the food is the best it has been in
years, and the service is as always, Jamaica friendly.
Finally, we again took advantage of a private transfers with our
friend Lloyd Lewis. We recommend him to anyone, but especially if you are a family traveling with
children.
2008 Trip #2 September 15-18
Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica Off again to Whitehouse! This time strictly business.
This trip really showed the advantage of arranging a private transfer. Within five minutes
of exiting customs, I, (along with a coupled I had booked to Sandals Dunns River) were on our
way. We dropped my clients off at their hotel in Montego Bay (Lloyd would drive them to Dunns River
in the morning). Lloyd and I then proceeded to The Pelican Restaurant for dinner. (Great food and
right on the way to both Whitehouse and Negril). Lloyd then drove me to Sandals Whitehouse. A
few miles from the hotel, we came behind a bus driving like crazy. We followed this bus right into
Sandals Whitehouse. The guests on this bus had all arrived on the same flight as me! And they we
just getting to the hotel the same time a me. And boy, where they all in a bad
mood.
I highly recommend you arrange a private transfer and enjoy
your vacation from the very beginning! (I include it FREE when you book 7 nights or
more).
As always Whitehouse delivered the best in food, service, and
ambiance.
2008 Trip #1 April 26- May 1
Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica A great time, but way too short!
Sandals Whitehouse continues to prove it is "the Sandals" the other
properties aspire to be. As always, service was awesome, room was perfect, food was great, and
the relaxation of the South Coast cannot be equaled.
Once again we took advantage of Sandal's "Butler Service". Although our Butlers
provided great service, we have been forever spoiled by Conrod, our Butler at Beaches Negril (Oct
07).
TRIPS 2007
2007 Trip #2, Jamaica December 6- 12
Stayed at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios (Dec 6-9) and Beaches Negril (Dec 9-12) Strictly
business. Time was spent doing site inspections at Royal Plantation,
Sandals Dunns River, Sandals Ocho Rios, Beaches Boscobel, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandal Royal
Caribbean, Beaches Sandy Bay, Beaches Negril, Sandals Negril, and Sandals
Whitehouse. Highlights included dining at Royal Plantation, Beach party at Sandal Ocho
Rios, Italian Theme Party at Sandals Dunns River, Island Party at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
Great transportation provided as usual by Lloyd Lewis.
2007 Trip #1, Jamaica October 13-15 Sandals Dunns River, Jamaica We took advantage if
the Butler Service and we are now permanently spoiled! Sandals Dunns River could very well be
the best of what Sandals has to offer.
October 15-20 Beaches Negril,
Jamaica More Butler treatment, almost too much! The rose petals, drawn baths, champagne
and chocolates, private dinner on the beach, cooler with cold drinks under the cabana, VIP
dinner seating, the list of pampering is never ending! Our Butler, Conrod, has perhaps set the bar
too high for any other Butler to reach!
TRIPS 2006
2006 Trip #1
June 14-21
Sandals Whitehouse, Jamica
Our first extended stay on the South Coast since 1997 was simply awesome. We recommend Sandals
Whitehouse to anyone who is looking to get off the beaten track, wants to experience a Jamaica with few
other tourists present, and wants easy access to some of the best sightseeing attractions in Jamaica.
Our return to Bamboo Avenue, Middle Quarters, Appleton Estate, YS Falls, and Bluefields showed little
has changed in the last 9 years. Still laid back and non-commercial, the South Coast remains one our
favorite areas of Jamaica.
The resort design is the best yet for Sandals. Every room faces the beach (which goes forever) and
ocean. You are never far from a pool, two with swim-up bars. The restaurants (except Jasmines) were
excellent. We enjoyed the best Caribbean night we can remember, whether at Sandals, SuperClubs,
Couples, or any other resort.
PLEASE NOTE: In 1999 we opened Aspire Beyond, a charitable organization that provides a day program for
developmentally disabled young adults. Although our travel agency business itself was not affected,
our personal travel was greatly curtailed by the responsibilities of this endeavor between 2000 and
2006.
PAST TRIPS 2002
2002 Trip #1 July 19-23
Caribbean Cruise (RCCl) & Sandals Royal Bahamian (Nassau). Non-business family get
together. Spent a wonderful day at Sandals Royal Bahamian (Nassau).Total Tropical Days to Date: 162, In
Jamaica 101 days 2002 Tropical Days: 4 Jamaica Days: 0 Other: 4
PAST TRIPS 2001
2001 Trip #2
June 19-26
Hawaii Comparison Trip
So many people ask us to compare Jamaica and Hawaii we figured we better go check it out! So we did! We
enjoyed a great trip with time spent on Oahu and Maui. We can now give you first hand ideas about how
beaches, people, hotels, sights, and costs compare.
Total Tropical Days to Date: 158, In Jamaica 101 days, 2001 Tropical Days: 15 Jamaica Days: 8 Other:
7
2001 Trip #1
May 29-June 6
Beaches Grande Sport, Jamaica
We spent the week in Ocho Rios at Beaches Grande Sport (Ciboney). The hotel is coming along after being
taken over by Sandals. We took our 8th trip up Dunns River Falls, returned to Wassi and Fern Gully. We
enjoyed two fantastic dinners, one at Casanova at Grand Lido Sans Souci and the other at Reef Terrace
at Sandals Ocho Rios. We were able to check out the improvements at Sangster, which are really nice. A
truly relaxing vacation. Full trip report details are available to subscribers.
PAST TRIPS 2000
2000 Trip #2
May 23-29, Beaches Negril, Jamaica
A great vacation in Negril at Beaches Negril. Took in the sunset cruise on the M/Y Zein at Grand Lido
Negril (as good as ever).
2000 Trip #1
February 3-6Sandals St. Lucia (& Sandals Antigua)
A great trip for the GRAND OPENING of the Sunset Bluff area at Sandals St. Lucia. Enjoyed a golf
tournament with Sandals executives, a great party at Sandals Halcyon, excellent food and great room.
Took a short trip on Sandals private jet to Antigua for breakfast and to check out Sandals Antigua on
Feb 5. As usual, the trip was way too short!
Total Tropical Days to Date: 143, 2000 Tropical Days: 9, Jamaica Days: 6,Other: 3
PAST TRIPS 1999
1999 Trip #4
August 10-15
Sandals Negril and Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
A great vacation in Negril and Mobay. Stayed at Sandals Negril and Sandals Montego Bay. The Spa a t
Sandals Negril is better than ever! (This has got to be Sandals best!) Had a great day on the "Hip
Strip" (as usual) just hanging out, shopping, dining, and talking to the locals.
1999 Trip #3
May 18-24Beaches Turks and Caicos
This has got to be the best place to simply unwind. There is nothing to do but relax on a great beach.
Excellent facilities and management recently arrived from Beaches Negril. (we have to put in a good
word for our friend Jeremy Jones, General Manager)
1999 Trip #2
May 6-10, 1999Beaches Negril & Sandals Inn
Just a quick "all business" trip to set up some new programs at a few hotels. I did manage to make some
quick stops at Couples Negril, Grand Lido Negril, Sandals Dunns River and several EP properties.
Highlights were an hour in the Spa at Sandals Negril, Lunch at Sandals Ocho Rios with Glen Huntington
(Sandals Inn GM), and another nice lunch at Sandals Royal Jamaican with Melaine Myrie (Sales Manager)
and dinner with some friends at Tokyo Joe's (Sandals Montego Bay). I also had a excellent dinner at
Marguerites By the Sea Restaurant (Montego Bay).
1999 Trip #1
January 20-24 Sandals Royal Bahamian
Three days of spa treatments, excellent food, and that "royal" service. This place is a whole new
resort compared to when we were here for the Grand Opening two years ago. New restaurants, 200 new
rooms (mostly suites), a great new pool all add up to a great resort. The facility here could be
Sandals' best, however the Bahamas are just a tad bit cold (temperature wise) for us.
Total Tropical Days to Date: 134, 1999 Tropical Days: 19, Jamaica Days: 9, Other: 10
PAST TRIPS 1998
1998 Trip #7
December 3-6
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
A short trip down to Baja. Temperatures were unseasonably cool. A rather pricey locale. You just can't
beat the Caribbean!
1998 Trip #6
November 19-23 Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios
A whirlwind trip to check on our friends at Beaches Negril, Hedonism II, all the Sandals, and Rio
Chico. Everything was looking good with lots of renovated rooms and other improvements.
1998 Trip #5
November 7-14 Sandals Ocho Rios
We escorted a bunch of golfers from Red Rocks Country Club to a Golf Tournament at Sandals Golf &
Country Club. A great time was had by all! As always, our stay was too short. The management and staff
at Sandals Ocho Rios and Sandals Dunns River went way beyond expectations in the attention and service
they gave us.
1998 Trip #4 October 8-13 Sandals St. Lucia and Sandals Halcyon
Total relaxation, excellent food, great weather. Trip was too short!
1998 Trip #3 September 23-26 Sandals Antigua
Canceled because of Hurricane Georges
1998 Trip #2 May 25 - June 3 Beaches Negril and Sandals Royal Jamaican
Family Vacation at Beaches was awesome as usual! We were also invited to Grand Lido for dinner and got
the VIP treatment. The two college girls with proceeded to Hedonism II for the toga party, arriving
back at Beaches with the rising sun! Sandals Royal Jamaican was as royal as ever. Checked out the new
Spas at Sandals Dunns River and Sandals Negril. Highlight of the trip was a going to the Cool Runnings
Bottled Water Company in the hills outside Montego Bay.
1998 Trip #1 February 23 -March 2
Grand Lido Braco - Simply Awesome! We are looking forward to coming here
again
PAST TRIPS 1997
1997 Trip #4
November 9-16
Negril - South Coast-Kingston-Port Antonio
Stayed at Negril Gardens. (Negril); Treasure Beach Hotel (South Coast); Four Seasons Hotel (Kingston);
Dragon Bay Villas (Port Antonio).
Checked out other hotels-Rock House, Sandals Negril, Swept Away, Grand Lido, Beaches Negril, (Negril);
Jakes (South Coast); Trident Villas, Blue Lagoon Villas (Port Antonio);
Ate, drank and partied at DeBuss, Alfred's Ocean Palace (Negril); Treasure Beach Hotel, Jake's (South
Coast), Rooftop, Boston Bay, Blue Lagoon (Port Antonio)
Took in attractions- Black River Safari, Appleton Rum Estate, Bamboo Avenue, Lovers Leap (South Coast);
Devon House (Kingston); the Blue Mountains, rafting on the Rio Grande (Port Antonio)
1997 Trip #3
July 20 -26
Negril & Ocho Rios
July 20-22 Stayed at Grand Lido. (Negril); Breezes Runaway Bay (Runaway Bay); Grand Lido
Sans Souci (Ocho Rios)
Checked out and partied Hedonism II (Negril); Breezes Montego Bay; Grand Lido Braco (Rio Bueno);
Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Dunns River (Ocho Rios)
1997 Trip #2
June 4-9
Negril.
Stayed at Beaches Negril
Checked out Grand Lido, Swept Away, Hedonism II, Poinciana
1997 Trip #1
May 3-10
Montego Bay - Negril - Ocho Rios
Stayed at Quality Inn, Holiday Inn (Montego Bay);Beaches Negril (Negril) & Enchanted Garden (Ocho
Rios)
Checked out Swept Away, Sea Gem, Rondel Village, Sandals Negril, Grand Lido, Sea Scape, Point Village,
Poinciana (Negril); Halfmoon (Montego Bay); Braco Village (Rio Bueno); Jamaica Grande, Sandals Ocho
Rios, Sandals Dunn's River, Club Jamaica, Village Hotel, Jamaica Inn, Plantation Inn, Boscobel Beach,
Sans Souci Lido, Couples Resort, Ciboney (Ocho Rios)
Entertained on the West End and Hedonism II (Negril); Mountain Valley Rafting (Montego Bay); Jamaica Me
Crazy (Ocho Rios)
PAST TRIPS 1996
1996 Trip #5
October 24-28, Negril, Jamaica
Stayed at Grand Lido
Visited Sandals Negril, Hedonism II
1996 Trip # 4
Bahamas Sandals
October 3-6, 1996 Sandals Royal Bahamian Grand Opening Gala
Stayed At Sandals Royal Bahamian
1996 Trip #3
September 1-6,
Runaway Bay - Montego Bay, Jamaica
September 1- 2 Stayed at Breezes Runaway Bay (Runaway Bay) Holiday Inn Montego Bay
Visited Braco Village, FDR Resort, Coyaba Hotel Sandals Royal Jamaican, Sandals Montego Bay, Halfmoon,
Sea Castles Sandals Negril, Hedonism II, Grand Lido, Swept Away
1996 Trip #2
June 4-9, Negril, Jamaica Stayed at Poinciana Beach Resort
Visited Grand Lido, Negril Inn, Sandals Negril
1996 Trip #1
March 7-10
Sandals Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Visited Sandals Dunns River
PAST TRIPS 1995
1995 Trip #3
November 11-16 Montego Bay - Negril
Stayed at Breezes Montego Bay; Negril Inn ( Negril)
Visited Sandals Inn, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Jamaican (Montego Bay); Grand Lido, Sandals
Negril, Negril Beach Club, Poinciana, Swept Away, Home Sweet Home (Negril)
1995 Trip #2
August 21-27, Ocho Rios - Negril
August 21-24 Stayed at Ciboney (Ocho Rios); Swept Away (Negril)
Visited Couples, Sans Souci Lido, Club Jamaica, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Dunns River, Jamaica Grande,
Boscobel Beach, Plantation Inn(Ocho Rios); Breezes Runaway Bay, FDR Resort, Braco Village, (Runaway
Bay), Sandals Inn (Montego Bay); Negril Gardens, Negril Tree House, Sandals Negril, Grand Lido,
Hedonism II, Whispering Bird (Negril)