We were recently lucky enough over here at Flavourmag to visit Jamaica and enjoy a stay at Beaches Ocho Rios – Spa, Golf & Water Park. There are certainly no shortage of hotels and resorts to choose from in Jamaica, from family run guest houses in the hills to the most luxurious beach resorts.
Here are our top 7 reasons why we think Beaches is an irie choice.
1) Location Location Location.
Ocho Rios is home to a wealth of sights and attractions, including one of Jamaica’s most famous attraction Dunns River Falls. If you want to swim with dolphins, zip line through a rain forest or just drink rum punch on an idyllic beach, you have it all in Ocho Rios.
2) Ummm Food.
To say I’m high maintenance when it comes to dining is to put it mildly but I couldn’t stress these people. Your kids want to go to the Italian buffet but you want jerk chicken, no problem, they’ll bring it over from the pan Caribbean restaurant. You want a salad at lunch but over slept from your nap and only the BBQ is open, no problem they will make it for you specially. You want a whole lobster and they only have lobster tail, no problem, they’ll bring you three tails without making you feel greedy at all, oh and did I mention the drinks? Even Champagne is included, if you can put down the amazing cocktails. That’s what I call all inclusive.
3) Relaxation is key.
And going on holiday with kids can be challenging especially to cater for all ages. Beaches has really covered this better than any hotel I’ve visited, with a great kids club for the little ones with a fun Sesame street theme, DJ academy, tennis courts, basketball, waterpark, golf club (free clubs and green fees for kids), nightly shows, water sports and boat trips, the list goes on. There are so many activities for children of all ages your little or bigger ones will never cease to be entertained.
4) Service with a smile.
Being from London I’m slightly use to service with a sneer, it took me a while to adjust to how friendly the staff are. Unlike most 5* hotels tipping is inclusive of the room rate so you are never expected to tip, I actually tried once and it was graciously handed back. The staff really go above and beyond, they all remember your name and your favourite food and drink and if there is something you want that they don’t have they will go out of their way to get it for you, a wonderful waitress Gracelyn even picked me some Moringa leaves for my tea after her shift.
5) Can you get bored in paradise?
I guess you could tire of lying in the sun, with beach side service while Bob Marley plays in the background. Luckily it’s not just the little ones the hotel caters so well for. There are nightly shows for both kids and adults, exercise classes, a gym, cocktail parties, a full service spa, 18 hold golf course, karaoke nights, a piano bar and in room babysitting should you want a romantic evening meal without the kids. While I was there they set up an area on the beach for a private meal for a couple, complete with lanterns and silk drapes, was just magical.
6) Safety First.
Traveling to a new country can be daunting, especially one which is developing, the great thing about Beaches is you feel totally safe. From the minute you arrive at the airport and are whisked into the Sandals lounge to await your transfer. The beach at the resort is totally private, meaning you can leave your belongings, even when you go off on a little catamaran trip without worrying. You can let your older kids wonder around, knowing the entertainment staff are always nearby and probably having a game of pool with them. It being a resort that caters primarily for families you can feel secure that most of the guests are traveling as a family and there is no access for anyone outside of the resort.
7) Everything was perfect.
Yes in an 5* hotel everything should indeed be perfect, but it’s not always the case. Because the entire hotel has recently been refurbished every amenity was brand new, from the pristine tennis courts to the stunningly manicured golf course. All the water sports equipment was perfectly kept and in abundance so no part of the hotel ever felt over crowded or like there was anything you couldn’t do our use. The rooms are completely modern and even include an Xbox and all inclusive mini bar, gigantic queen sized beds and the evening turn down service is always a favourite of mine in luxurious establishments as well as nothing being off limits on the All Inclusive menu and activities. You can really spoil yourself and feel spoilt at Beaches.
Seven nights at Beaches Ocho Rios – A Spa, Golf & Waterpark Resort costs from £1,495 per person. Price includes Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) accommodation in a Caribbean Deluxe Family Sized Room, return economy flights from London and resort transfers. Valid for departures between 4th September – 3rd December 2015. To book or for more information call 0800 597 0002 or visit www.beachesresorts.co.uk. Excursions are available through Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, for more information visit www.islandroutes.co.uk.