SAND(ALS) BETWEEN YOUR TOES
Text: Jean M. Cyrus
The fun never stops at Sandals Resorts. Skewed for lovers who want to keep or recapture the passion that once defined their relationship (or ignite the passion you've read about in a hot romance novel), the resorts invite you to fall in love all over again and also brings you back to a time of youthful energy- you somehow never feel tired here.
My daughter surprised me with a trip to Jamaica and Sandals Montego Bay resort for my birthday this past October. I’ve always wanted to check out a Sandals Resort but being a very picky traveler I’ve been reticent to stay, not knowing if my expectations would be circumvented by Sandals’ cookie-cutter, over-the-top, brand stamp. But I figured what the heck, so many people have spoken highly of the resorts that I would give it a shot. Well! Well!
The minute you get off the plane your adventure begins when you are met inside the airport - after clearing customs and immigration - and escorted to a lounge for refreshing tropical drinks and snacks. An air-conditioned van soon whisks you to the hotel where the staff’s wide smiles and positive attitudes are practically contagious.
The Montego Bay Sandals’ natural beauty is breathtaking. Its perfect white sand beach seems to stretch for miles and miles and can be enjoyed from the abundance of chairs and beds that populate the beachfront.
Setting a whole new bar for luxury and romance in the Caribbean, the MoBay (Jamaica-speak for Montego Bay) Sandals was designed by renown American architect Edward Durrel Stone, who also designed Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art. Both the MoBay and the Royal Caribbean Sandals, which I visited, have walkways that lead to enchantingly lush, beautifully landscaped gardens that showcase fruit trees, and brilliant tropical flowers.
From casual to elegant, eleven restaurants are on-site with a variety of cuisines, making it difficult not to gain a few pounds here. Beverages are included from unlimited top-shelf liquor to lemonade. Beyond variety, however, I found out that your wish is their command at Sandals when one afternoon while having lunch, I told our server that I would love a traditional Jamaican breakfast of ackee (a vegetable unique to Jamaica) and codfish for breakfast the next morning. Within eight minutes(!) the server was back, telling me he had arranged for me to have just that the following day. The next morning breakfast was ready and waiting for me. Impressive.
Sandals is a multi-chain, all-inclusive resort that strives to feel like a one-of-kind luxury getaway. I can’t wait for my next stay. www.sandals.com
EAU SO RITZY
A hot stone massage, a quick dip in the jacuzzi, a steam and then relaxing in their so-called, outdoors “Self Centered” garden. Your spa experience will reach new heights at the 50,000+ square foot Eau Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach.
Luxurious and sumptuous, sophisticated and sexy, the spa is just one of the enticing features of the recently renovated hotel which underwent a $130 million transformation. After the spa, lounge at the outdoor fire pit where guests have a quick glass of wine before dinner and strike up conversations with fellow travelers.
“The newly renovated Ritz-Carlton,” says Christine DiRocco, Director of Public Relations, “wanted to create the ambiance of an old, elegant Palm Beach mansion,” and they have managed to do that. Everything is beautiful but muted in tones of yellow, white and beige.
The Business Lounge and Poolside Business Cabanas cater to travelers who wish to combine work and play and their kids programs AquaNuts and Coast are comprehensive and over-the-top (more about these on our Glam Mom page). You’ll love the Ritz-Carlton’s atmosphere, location and amenities; the best of luxury and old-world style.
