Sandals Negril, "Ya Mon ! No Worries !!" Well Maybe Some?
Written: Oct 23 '02 (Updated Aug 02 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: All inclusive, couples only, beautiful beach, friendly and helpful staff.
Cons: the long and winding road..that leads to their door.
The Bottom Line: Sandals caters to your wants and needs. Want a drink and sun on the beach?, "Ya Mon." Need to eat, have a tropical drink, and see a show?, "No problem"
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Sandals Negril Beach and Spa |
I love my children. I also love to leave them when going on a vacation with my wife. They are now old enough where we can go with "No Worries". Well maybe it's pretty much "Not too many worries". We chose Sandals Negril over some of the others because of the pictures we saw. There are all kinds of package deals going on now. It's always important to book early. This is a very popular spot and planes or rooms may book up. Their beach looked gorgeous in magazines and brochures. It looked even better in
person!
GETTING THERE
We flew into Jamaica from NY on Air Jamaica. All was fine. At the airport we looked for and found the Sandals representative. They took us out to a mini-bus. It seemed a bit unorganized. We waited in the bus about fifteen minutes before we got on the road. In that time we had about five or six locals asking if we wanted to by some Red Stripe. That's their local beer. Most on the bus had some. It started the party atmosphere.
It took us about one and a half hours to get to the resort. It seems the driver has to stop a little beyond midway for a rest stop. They take you to a little souvenir shop that has refreshments and a restroom. I don't know if I was happy we finally got a break or if I wished we just kept going and got it over with. It's not a fun drive. It was bumpy, winding, and if you dared look, seemed you were either going to run someone over or run off the road. This ride also brings to light how poor this nation really is. You can see it in how many boarded up properties there are and how sadly dressed some of the people are. Jamaicans are a very proud people but do not have much to live on.
ARRIVAL
We finally get to the resort. "Alleluia !! The trip is over" and "Praise the Lord, This must be heaven!!"
The beaches are lovely! Sandals Negril is on about one half to three quarters of a mile stretch of beautiful soft white sand on the famous Seven Mile Beach of Jamaica.
Upon arrival the ladies were escorted into the lobby while the gentlemen pointed out their luggage. We all joined together and had drinks. Moments later we were taken to our room. Our room was noted as a garden room. The entrance was on the back end of the building away from the beach. We didn't have the best location but it was certainly a private area.
THE ROOMS
The room was a decent size and decorated in bold bright colours. Our window looked out on plants and bushes separating us from the road. Not much of a garden. We had a king size bed. Very comfortable. The room had a safe, coffee maker,clock radio, and a TV with Satellite. I tried to find local stations for weather but they were blocked out. They had plenty of storage space for our clothes. Every time we do go away we always over pack. I am slowly learning that I really don't need twenty two different shirts for a one week stay.
The bath was nice. Nothing special. They did offer counter top shampoos, rinses, and soaps. Plenty of towels were on hand. It did have a hair dryer. The water never got too hot but it was adequate. The air conditioner never quite cooled the rooms.
PLACES TO EAT
Sandals Negril has four restaurants. I believe I remember all the names. Jamaican and Caribbean fare was the menu at Sundowns. My wife and I love this diverse food. Kimono's served Oriental food. We needed to make reservations for this place. The server was in front of you preparing the food and making a show of it. The food was OK. Both places ask you to dress up. That means long pants or dress shorts and a collared shirt for men. No Bathing suits or tank tops. Guys, unless you feel you need to wear them, don't bother bringing a jacket, tie, or socks for your stay.
The 4C's was on the beach, very romantic looking at night with it's small lights and elegant service. The Bayside Restaurant is where most of the dinners and breakfast crowd went. You could be inside or out on the terrace. We enjoyed being outside overlooking the water.
There were some very good buffets here. The food was varied and pretty good. None of the food was truly gourmet but it was all good, plentiful, and fresh looking and fresh tasting. One disappointment was the chocolate. The chefs had made some beautiful sculptures out of the stuff. It was served with desert. Just break a piece of the ship or bird and eat it. The chocolate there is terrible. YUK is a simple word for it.
The "made to order" omelet in the morning were excellent along with all the fresh fruit. I enjoy the local Blue Mountain coffee.
Part of the Sandals package is that you can have meals at any Sandals property. That means you can try the fare in the other Sandals on the Island or their other property Beaches. The other properties are a distance away. I wouldn't take the ride for the change of atmosphere. now if any of you Must go to Dunn's River Falls then you might stop at another Sandals. The ride to the falls is a couple of hours long. It was an experience. I hope to write about it soon when I do a review about a couple of our other stays in other parts of Jamaica.
FREE DRINKS
There are two bars outside. One is the Pool Bar with stools in the water. This was more of the happening place. It was very busy and fun during the day. The other bar, the Piano Bar we enjoyed more in the evening. Late at night there would be a few people around the piano. People would pick a song, he would play, and all would sing. The pianist was good. The drinks flowed and the voices sounded better with each round. There is also a pool table there. On the other side of the bar is another pool. This is the quieter one. The whirlpool there was a nightly stop. The whole piano bar areas atmosphere was always upbeat but not loud. The bartenders there were friendly and quick to make a drink. I'll mention that they use their local liqueurs. Most are pretty good. Don't expect glasses made up with umbrellas, big pieces of fruit, or and a lot of other garnishing. They serve them pretty plain and quick. Some of the bartenders also have a heavy hand. They do have a few top shelf liquors.
Being an "all inclusive" the drinks are yours for the asking. Everybody is issued a wrist band. That's what lets the help know you belong. People from other beaches can walk down to Sandals. Right next door is a place called Hedonism. They cater to a different type of crowd. Nudity was the thing there. Many times they would walk through the Sandals area. When on the Sandals grounds they all wore some kind of bottoms. Their tops were collecting sun rays.
Ok, here's where I tell you something about the human body. There are many, many times it looks sexier when there is a little bit hidden. In some of the cases I saw it was "YIKES!!! That's what I was hoping to see?! That word "YUK" comes up again. Yeah, Yeah, tell me the human form is a beautiful thing and should be appreciated. I believe some should just take their "beautiful thing" and keep it to themselves. I believe I am helping humanity by keeping mine under wraps. Now there were a couple of bodies I saw that were very..............:)
I believe I am digressing. Back to the point. I suppose the wrist bands helped keep order as to who belongs and who doesn't. The bar tenders were all friendly and attentive. The place includes tips so we didn't carry any money the whole time there. I didn't see any money exchanged and the service was even handed.
WATER SPORTS
Water sports are available and part of the package. Water skiing is the first thing I tried. I have done it before in the local waters off Long Island where I live. This time I didn't point my tips in the correct direction and found myself trying to hold back the huge engines of the boat. The boat won. I wound up in the office with the nurse. Fortunately a little ice, TLC and the knee was pretty much ok the rest of the trip. I can't say I really rested it though.
We took out the sunfish for sailing. I always enjoy doing that. Carolyn enjoys going along for the ride. Kayaks and paddle boats are also available. They have boats taking out scuba and snorkeling groups. We never got to do that. Now I'm sorry we didn't. We were just doing so much then and also trying to take it easy. Sandals also takes you out on glass bottom boats. You do have to reserve time for these outings.
When you take the sailboats, kayaks and such a small distance you will probably have a local come up in a small rowboat with an out board motor. These guys will be asking if you want to buy "Some good stuff" "Ya Mon". They were very open selling it but remember, is not legal in Jamaica. do not openly buy, smoke or whatever. Also never, ever, try to take a little stash home on the plane. Bad news!!
LET'S DO MORE
The staff was always around. They asked if you wanted to participate in games etc. They were not pushy though. I got into a couple of volleyball games in the pool and on the beach. I loved the competition. They staff would have other games too. Bingo around the pool seemed to happen every other day. They had some beer drinking contests. I was up there and everyone was saying the guy with the big belly will win. I then realized they meant me! Nope I didn't take the prize. Some skinny guy from Wisconsin won. He was part of a wild group from there. Whenever we saw them we simply called "Hey Wisconsin!" There would then be about sixteen glasses in the air saying "come on and join us!"
Every night the staff put on a show. Before the show they would give out certificates and points to those who won or participated in the silly games of the day. Yes, they were silly, Yes, they were fun. The shows showcased the staff. There was a lot of budding talent there and a lot of enthusiasm. We had a good time every night. At the end of the week they gave out prizes at a small presentation party before the nightly show.
There were also theme nights. One was Pirates and Wenches. That's where we got dressed and acted out little scenes. Another night was Casino Night. No, this didn't look at all like Vegas. They just put together some silly gambling games. The horse Races were a riot. You actually bet money on these things. The money the house wins goes towards some local charity. It wasn't Vegas but it was fun. I want to mention. You can participate in a lot of things happening or just sit back and relax. It truly is "No worries".
GO TO RICK'S
One day we took an excursion. A boat took us to Rick's Being a "Casablanca" fan I had to go to this make believe place. This is just outside the town of Negril. It's a well named, overpriced, tourist trap. Everybody goes there though. The place was packed!. They have some cliff divers off to the side of the joint. No this is nothing like those guys in Acapulco Mexico but it is pretty cool. Locals and a few daring tourists alike keep a constant crowd watching them dive or jump off the cliffs into the water far below.
The boat trip was a ton of fun. On the way out they stopped and had one of the mates jump off the boat, crack open a live sea urchin and then you watch all the fish come and feast. On the ride out anyone who wanted, received a foot massage from the guys and gals on the craft. Coming home the open bar and music spilled into the night air. We saw a great sunset and had a fantastic time dancing.
WORK OUT?!
There is a great exercise room and a spa. They have state of the art machines there. The place was as clean as any place I have ever been. They have towels there for your use.
I exercised one day, I relaxed everyday. We would get a lounge on the beach. There was one guy, a worker, called "Sunshine". He brought flowers to my wifes chair while she was sunning. It was a nice touch. She still talks about that.
In the pool area you will find foam mats. Be sure you get one and go into the water if it's calm. It is so relaxing!
Be sure you bring and use sun lotion. You want to enjoy yourself so be very careful.
Have a great time at Sandals. We loved it!!
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Recommended:
Yes
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