arge Americanized resorts like Sandals often seem to be taking over. Their ads are all over our televisions dishing tantalizing commercials, boasting heavenly destinations, with couples and kids having fun in crystal blue waters. In a magazine I've picked up, I see splashy pictures of Sandals resorts with bright aqua pools, gorgeous beaches and lots of people smiling everywhere.
It's all about promoting fun.
Selling fun has made Sandals hugely successful. Sandals Resorts have been voted for the last nine years, "World's Best", by travel agents worldwide. There are a total of 18 resorts, which include 11 Sandals (couples), Beaches (families), Grand Sport (singles with no kids), and newly added to the fleet, the Royal Plantation, an exclusive 5 diamond all-inclusive resort. The same company owns Air Jamaica. It's all about fun in the air, as well, with complimentary champagne flights, to various Sandals destinations around the Caribbean, and non-stop flights from Miami to Jamaica.
Sandals Resorts and Spas, started 25 years ago, when a savvy Jamaican business man, came up with an idea to create destination spots in Jamaica, and offer an all-inclusive environment. The idea was that once you arrive you can leave your worries behind. And trust me... you do!
Sandals Dunn's River, Ocho Rios is a "Golf & Spa Resort". It is premier in the Sandals Signature Spa Collection, offering world-class gourmet restaurants, elevated guest services, and lavish beachfront guest rooms and suites.
Inspired by the Italian Renaissance period, Dunn's River is a combination of elegance meets Jamaican charm. From the second you enter into the reception area (complete with soaring columns and a winding Italian palazzo staircase), you are treated like royalty. The entire staff is friendly, helpful, and is there to answer to your every whim. Want french fries at 3:00 a.m.? You got it!
Mr. Louis Grant heads up Dunn's River. While visiting, I got to spend some time with him, and asked why he thought Dunn's River is so popular among the several Jamaican Sandals Resorts. "It has the best ambience out of the hotels we have, which is key to this property", says Grant, "It's also centrally located". He does know all about what makes Sandals Resorts work, and the philosophy on what it takes to create top-notch resorts. Mr. Grant recently garnered the Jamaican government's Hero Day award, for his commitment to the service of tourism and his work with Dunn's River.
What really makes an all-inclusive resort like Sandals is their amenities. That is, the store, pool area, Tree Bar (there are a total of five bars at Dunn's River), and restaurants such as Windies and Kimonos. Dunn's River is also conveniently located near several tourist attractions, such as (you guessed it) Dunn's River Falls.
The resort's pool area is beautiful. There are two pools and three Jacuzzis. The main pool has a cascading waterfall and bar, and there is a "Falls Café", which offers barbequed snacks and, of course, poolside cocktails. Try their surprisingly tasty "Fresh Fish Sandwich".
Just off the pool area is a white sand beach where you have a bevy of water sports to choose from. I reserved one of the mini catamarans, and spent part of the lazy afternoon cruising the swimming pool. You can also jet ski, parasail, scuba dive (bring your PADI cert) and snorkel--all inclusive.
There is also a beautiful indoor-outdoor gym which offers aerobic classes, Cybex machines, and aqua-fit classes. Dunn's River also has a complete spa (read review) with euro style massages and facials and unique activities such as life-size chess, played on a grass pad just off the beach. If you are more of a land person, then try tennis, shuffleboard, croquet, table tennis, slot machines, racquetball, basketball... the list goes on and on.
If you love golf, this is the place to be. There is a putting green on site, and transportation to and from the Sandals Golf and Country Club. The course is an 18 hole, Par 71, and sits 750 feet atop the hills of Ocho Rios. With the club's plantation style clubhouse and ocean views, it is one of the most beautiful golf courses on the island. All fees are... you guessed it, INCLUSIVE.
I wanted to attend a wedding at Sandals, to see what all the hubbub was about. The resort averages 100 weddings a month. I had recently read that Modern Bride magazine had voted Sandals the "world's number one all-inclusive honeymoon destination", and I was curious as to how this all works.
Two Sandals guests, Chad Royer and Melanie Hall, graciously allowed me to join their family and friends at their tropical wedding. For a couple looking to get married and then honeymoon, Sandals is the ultimate in destination weddings. From the beach ceremony, wedding announcement cards, champagne and hors d'oeuvres; to the reception and cutting the cake, the staff takes care of everything, and the basic "Weddingmoon" package is free. They make it that easy. Short and sweet, Melanie and Chad tied the knot, and I finally got what all that hubbub was about--no stress!
Back to my magazine, I see a part that catches my attention. "Have the time of your life", the Sandals ad reads. I'm definitely buying what they're selling.
From (B-list) celebrities and NFL players, to "average Joe's", who have stayed at Sandals resorts, to a New Jersey couple who has come back to Dunn's River 25 times, Sandals Dunn's River is the ultimate in a fun, all inclusive, no stress, no surprises getaway.
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