Sandals Montego Bay

Description:

• It isn't the most glamorous, or the most upscale, of the Sandals resorts, but the chain's management makes it their flagship, the one that they cite as an example of the Sandals philosophy and management style at its purest. Favored by honeymooners, it lies next to Whitehouse Village on the largest private beach in Mo Bay, even better than the one at Sandals Royal Caribbean. Located on a 7.6-hectare (19-acre) site, this all-inclusive also has a big party atmosphere (whereas Sandals Royal Caribbean is more refined and subdued). Everything is included in this resort's all-inclusive price: snacks, nightly entertainment (including the notorious toga parties), and unlimited drinks night or day at one of four bars. Lots of entertainment and sports facilities are available on the property, and many guests never leave its walls. There's one drawback: The resort lies literally at the edge of the airport, and planes fly overhead all day. Thankfully, the airplanes now landing at Montego Bay are less noisy than those of a dozen years ago that would rattle the rum glasses.

  As noted above, many of Sandals' corporate policies were originally hammered out and then refined within this resort. Originally built in the mid-1960s, and acquired by Sandals in 1981, its walls are now semi-antique in comparison to newer hotels nearby. But thanks to massive enlargements over the years, and an aggressive upgrade early in the millennium, you might not even notice. Accommodations are either in villas spread along 510m (1,700 ft.) of the white-sand beach or in the main house, where most bedrooms face the sea and include private balconies. All units contain plantation-inspired mahogany four-poster beds meticulously crafted in Indonesia. Try to avoid booking one of the 10 rooms positioned immediately above the dining area; these don't have balconies and may be noisy. The best units are the grand luxe ocean- or beachfront units, with private balconies or patios. Each unit here is equipped with a first-rate bathroom with a tub/shower combo. Rates are the most complicated in Jamaica, with nearly a dozen different price structures in effect at various times of the year (sometimes only for a week!). Always check carefully the various plans and possible discounts before booking here. The cuisine is in the typical Sandals chain-style format -- plenty of it, but nothing too imaginative. The best option is Tokyo Joe's, serving six-course Asian dinners. The Oleander Room, with its "white-glove service," features Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010