Jamaica Twin Centre With Sandals
So we arrived at Montego Bay airport and were whisked to the Sandals VIP area (very nice) and Roy was very happy as they had Red Stripe on tap. Our transfer to Ochi Beach was around 2 hours’ drive. We arrived and were taken to our room which was really lovely. It was in a complex of four with a shared swimming pool outside, four poster bed, bottles of gin, vodka, mini bar with cold beer and soft drinks, tea and coffee. I have been to Sandals Antigua but a long time ago. I love the golf buggies everywhere that take you round as it’s a very large complex. There are two parts to Ochi Beach and you can go from one to another – the two parts do feel very different and it’s lovely to have a change. The food was excellent in all the different restaurants - I ate a lot of fresh fish and we had a lot of Jerk chicken, Asian food and fresh fruit, so lovely! Also the drinks were very good quality - any cocktail was made there and then and premium brands always used.
The Caribbean Sea is just so lovely and warm and the sea water is so clear we both swam every day and the beaches were kept very clean.
We then moved over to Royal Plantation and had five nights here. We were transferred by golf buggy as it is only five minutes away. There is full butler service which was absolutely amazing! The attention to detail was superb. We had two butlers, Chad and Audell, and we weren't sure how we would feel having butlers. They check you in your own room and show you around which was really nice. All the rooms have a sea view and ours had a French balcony. This hotel is loads smaller and is a really lovely hotel to celebrate a special occasion or just to be pampered for a while. The food was superb again - you can also go to Ochi Beach if you want to go to the other restaurants but can’t do it the other way round. So loads of food to choose from. Afternoon tea here is amazing! All different specialties of teas, sandwiches and cakes - they are well known on the island for this. The butler service was fabulous - they would come down to the beach with fresh fruit for you or get your favourite cocktail and put little nice touches in you room when you get back after a day on the beach. It really was a treat to have and they were also really lovely to talk to. They were never in the way so know exactly how to be. They are all trained in London as it’s the best in the world!
We did a couple of excursions from Ochi. Dunns River falls was so amazing, a natural waterfall where you can walk up to the top. However if you can’t make it there are places you can get out at and then back in. Rafting on the River Bray was also not to be missed. Our guide picked fresh mango off the tree for us and almonds. It was so relaxing floating down the river on massive bamboo, sitting on chairs, and we got to see a lot of wildlife along the river and the fabulous noises. There were people selling arts and crafts along the river. It was so memorable and I really would recommend this.
Jamaica has a really lovely feeling about it and you really do get to love Reggae - even if you didn't like Bob Marley it just gets under your skin. The people are so friendly with such amazing smiles and I know we will go back again to this beautiful island. I would recommend Jamaica to someone who wants to chill with some amazing weather, swim in the Caribbean Sea which is like a bath and eat some lovely food. Of course if you are a Bob Marley fan then that's the only excuse you need to go as he was born here and you can still see his house in Kingston, and you feel his presence everywhere.