Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island

The brochure said...'Britain to Bali...in Old World Jamaica' ...and its true! Entering through the grand 'port-cochere' entrance to the lovely Georgian-style Great House, you will be welcomed with typical Jamaican friendly hospitality. Set in gloriously colourful and immaculate grounds, with a croquet lawn and peacocks strutting their stuff, this is one of Sandals smaller resorts. it has 197 rooms and suites, with 15 different room categories, ensuring you can truly select a room and location to suit your personal expectation. You can also opt for Concierge service, or if you want something really special, your very own Butler...now that is an experience! All the rooms are generously proportioned and have huge comfy beds! All have mini bars...what more could you want? Where to eat?....A fantastic 8 choices of restaurants, offering quality menus, including French, Caribbean, 'Round the World' and the wonderfully authentic Royal Thai restaurant, on the private island, about which more later....Where to drink?...Any of the numerous bars...or even in the English Pub! Draught beers, premium brand spirits, amazing cocktails, lovely wines and champagne...your choice! What to do?....Relax on the lovely beach, swim and snorkel in the clear warm water of the Caribbean Sea, laze by one of the pools. For the more energetic there are a plethora of water and land sports to enjoy - all included in the price. Sandals pride themselves on offering more inclusions than anyone else. A note about diving...this is the place to learn (for a nominal fee) whilst PADI registered divers can enjoy two dives a day, at no charge. You might fancy taking the Dragon Boat over to the Bali-inspired Island to spend the day....no need to rush back - the Island is fully serviced and has its own casual Bamboo Shack restaurant and pool. Sandals offer a full daytime entertainment programme, but there is no pressure to participate. Varied evening entertainment, cultural shows, are on offer when the sun goes down, speaking of which the sunsets and the sunrises are breathtaking! In need of a workout?...great gym facilities are open 24 hours...but if you want to be pampered..then head for the truly fabulous Red Lane Spa. They have a huge range of treatments..not cheap, but well worth it.. There are two other Sandals resorts in close proximity to Sandals Royal, with a courtesy bus running between them ..and you are welcome to 'stay at one and play at three' using all the facilities and restaurants of each of them ....its all included! Refreshingly, Sandals operates a no tipping policy even though the quality and friendliness of their staff's service would certainly merit reward.  Sandals are a 'couples-only' resort, which makes for a very pleasant and special atmosphere. Each resort varies in size and style, there really is a Sandals to suit all tastes. My husband Clive and I have been privileged to stay at many of them, have enjoyed them all, but Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Spa has a special place in our hearts...it's a personal favourite!