We had one less day than usual on this latest R&R due to trying to save as many of Amanda's vacation days as possible for the rest of the year. I couldn't come back into the country for tax purposes and we wanted to minimize Amanda's jet lag since she would have to be back at work the day after our R&R. Also, our Italy and Scotland trips were amazing, but also stressful at times, making trains, trying to see lots of sites, walking miles with luggage, changing hotels every other day or more as we made our way to the next city... we wanted to avoid all that.
We've had our honeymoon booked at Sandals La Toc St. Lucia for a while and thought a trip to Sandals Jamaica would be relaxing, easy travel, and provide a good opportunity to get the feel of Sandals prior to our honeymoon.
I'm getting snobby about my flying lately, and had resolved that this would be my last 'coach' ticket so long as the Saudi assignment was going. Maybe I'll reconsider as I was able to get the exit row front row aisle seat on most of my flights, providing literally 4 feet of clear legroom in front of me.
We had a short flight over Cuba from Miami to Jamaica. I surprised Amanda with first class tickets. A little extra leg room, warm mixed nuts, and complimentary mixed drinks made for a nice trip, although at less than a two hour flight, really isn't necessary. Still, it did a good job of setting the mood the week.
One thing that was undoubtedly a good value and necessary for all our future trips to Jamaica was Club Mobay. A representative met us in the jetway coming off our plane and walked us past about 500 people to the front of the customs line. I highly recommend you check out Club Mobay's arrival services and departure lounge for all your future visits to Jamaica. I've admittedly become addicted to skip the line expediting services this past year, but I don't get to spend nearly enough time with Amanda, so when we are together I do what I can to make sure we don't spend it waiting in lines.
From there we proceeded to the Sandals lounge and boarded a shuttle for the two hour drive to the resort. When we arrived it was dark and raining.
Getting A Feel for the Resort
We settled into the room and found a nice covered outdoor restaurant for dinner. I was pretty jet lagged at that point and can't say I remember too much. I believe I ordered a steak and had my first Manhattan. I know very little about cocktails as I've never been very inclined to experiment at restaurant prices and don't keep many bar staples in my home.
After dinner I think we headed back to the room to unpack a bit. The next day our stay really kicked off:
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It rained most of the night and the next morning the resort looked a bit dreary, but we could appreciate that with a little sunshine this place would be amazing
Breakfast was excellent. The French Toast with Rum Syrup was a particularly nice touch. As I posted to Facebook from the resort... "it's going to be strange going back to orange juice that doesn't have champagne in it"
Very cool palm trees... still very wet outside.
With the sky like this Amanda and I still got burned on the first day. (in about an hour) Really made us take note of the severity of the sun in Jamaica.
Lunch at a beachside grill.
Our cottage.
Relaxation was the best part of this trip. Plenty of comfortable, shady, scenic spots to hang out.
Starting to look a bit less dreary.
Now that is a sweet door.
German Pizza. Sausage, sauerkraut, and mustard!
Yep.
Sorry ladies, I'm taken.
Amanda on the zip line.
Amanda was super efficient landing, unbuckling, and getting the camera turned on and pointed at me before I came in.
Now that looks more like the resort in the promotional materials.
Amanda looking beautiful, as usual.
Room service breakfast. This was a little bit of a disappointment, althought it was nice to eat on the patio in our bathrobes.
Amanda enjoying the view.
Me enjoying the view. (from camera perspective)
Once again, this trip was all about relaxation.
Dunn's River Falls Cruise
The guides at Sandals told us the one off site adventure, excursion, type thing that you must do is Dunn's River Falls and the best way to do it was as part of a catamaran cruise. It did not disappoint. The total 180 foot climb is actually very easy as they keep the rocks rough with a good grip. Our guides were amazing, eschewing the path our group was on often, and litterally jumping up the non tourist routes with grace and ease... all while holding our cameras.
We got some great photos along the way, including this gem.
And I really like this one as well.
The cruise back to the resort was great. We sat on the front section of the boat on a webbed net and enjoyed drinks as we sailed out and into some waves. Every time I went back to the bar they made my rum and coke a bit stronger. The boat ebbing 15 feet up and down made for a great ride... the rum might have helped enhance this experience, Amanda noted I was in rare form.
Some more photos...
One of the last nights there Sandals did a weekly beach party. There was a station where they cut the tops off coconuts, drained half the juice and replaced it with rum.
Back to the resort.
Complimentary Photo Shoot
Part of the Sandals business model is to have professional photographers out at the pool, at various events, and for them to schedule a complimentary private session with you, then obviously sell you a photo package. It worked. See some of the results below...
Personally, I think they should have paid us for this one. If I'd shaved and had the sexy hat this would probably be in the new marketing materials. That isn't actually a Sandals brochure, it is their employee guide book, and we are "reading" the page on HIV prevention and anti-discrimination.
and this one is my favorite.
