Royal Plantation 2010 Trip Report (2/10/10 – 2/17/10):
Jake and I have traveled to many Sandals over the years and then to Excellence in November of ’09 in Playa Mujures
So we knew that Royal Plantation would be apples & oranges in comparison to anywhere we had visited. After much
Indecision since 2007 about this trip and not knowing if we would be a good fit for the small, intimate resort, we decided
To take Debbie’s advice and dive in to see what this special place was all about. Since we booked the trip back in 2007,
But changed out dates and room category during the process, we were able to keep the private transfer even after they
Changed the policy which was GREAT! Okay, here goes:
2/9/10 – Drive to
Location, restaurant, bar, etc. So vacation can begin immediately – amazingly
Met the nicest couple (John & Sharon) at the bar that had decided because
Of weather to head South for their flight and were headed to Whitehouse
For the 6th year in a row for 2 weeks. We actually hit it off so well that
We exchanged addresses, #’s and they invited us to join them in 2011 for
Their vacation they already have planned there. Us Sandals folks sure
Do stick together! LOL We ate breakfast with them at the airport
And amazingly assigned the same row (8) on the plane over to mobay.. LOL
Talk about karma…
2/10/10 –
Arrived at Mobay at 10:30 a.m. – since we were at the front part of the
Plane we were able to roll out quickly walk at a good pace to customs
And never quit walking – no wait at all (keep in mind this was a Wed a.m.)
Which we like to do instead of weekend travel for this reason. We
Continued so fast through this section that we had to wait for our luggage
Since it hadn’t even started on the conveyor yet – after gathering bags
We proceeded to Sandals lounge to check in. We did bathroom break,
First red stripe of vacation and 10 minutes later we were called that our
Driver was ready for us. Saying good-bye to our new friends that were
Waiting for their ride to Whitehouse and we were off to start a spoiled
& pampered vacation! Our driver was
In suit and grabbed our luggage and loaded us in the car with fresh
Local fruit (mango, huge grapes, papaya), red wine for ME and red stripes
Lights for Jake. EXHALE and we were on our way – it was a beautiful
Sunny, warm day! We arrived at RP in record time – probably around
1:30 p.m. Which was awesome for us, but threw Debbie in a semi-loop
Since she was sooooo busy with rebookings for folks because of the
Horrible weather conditions all over. We pulled through the gated area and
The gorgeous property was just as seen in pictures, but better. Waiting on
The curb were new friends that we didn’t know but we learn to love over
The week. Quick check-in w/our Butler Cleon & Butler Tonia and Mr.
Fraser came over to sit down for a quick welcome & chat. Then Debbie
Came through for our first of many hugs over the 24 hours… Welcome
Drinks, cold towels and then we headed to our Suite that was ready for us with
Tonia and a quick tour of the resort on the way… Gorgeous everywhere &
What a view from all sides!
We were
assigned
Etc. And I immediately knew the French balcony that I had fretted over for so
Long would not be an issue. I immediately swung open the doors and curtains to
Take it all in and they were never closed again for the entire stay! Day & night!
Started – it is a wonderful service so let them do it for you and it will be probably
A lot neater and organized than you would take the time to do (pictures included).
The room was gorgeous w/mini bar already stocked with our favorites, love the
Comfy chairs in the window! We felt right at home immediately!
Then we ran by Debbie’s room to grab her and take and tour and then off to lunch
At Terrace Restaurant since by now we were starving – we had a wonderful
Lunch of much seafood (tuna, shrimp, lobster, etc.) For days! YUMMMMM – lol
After a huge lunch, Jake and I headed back to the room and he crashed as
I sat and took in the beautiful view and did some wandering near the beaches,
Hot tub, etc. To get my bearings… Wonderful day!
Dinner reservations were at Terrace with Debbie, staff member O’Brian and
Again more wonderful seafood – tuna appetizer and we ordered Sea Bass
From upstairs and OH MY – talk about melt in your mouth – I had heard
So much about it, but this was AWESOME – also ordered desserts from
Upstairs – Jake got the warm chocolate pudding cake with ice cream and I
Got the vanilla crème brulee’ – fabulous! The band started and then a
Wonderful singer (Katie Ann) sang and Debbie got the dancing started for
The whole resort! We joined in and had a fantastic night!
2/11/10 – Breakfast at Terrace Restaurant to a gorgeous sunshine day! Buffet or
Al a carte, but we chose buffet – bacon, omelettes made to order,
French toast, eggs, pastries, fruit, etc. Plenty to eat! Only problem
We had each morning was very slow juice/mimosa service. Not sure
What happened, but they would ask and then it wouldn’t come. So
2 or 3 mornings actually had to get up and ask for it again which
Just didn’t seem normal for the level of service everywhere – system
Or communication between staff probably.
After breakfast we were off to the beach and as previously read they
Set up our chairs with towels, big cushions, roll a towel for head rest, etc.
WOW – that is some service!
In the 10 a.m. Range we saw a large gentleman dressed in white shorts and white
Shirt, white cap come around with Mangosas – well, this would be our new
Favorite person (Adrienne) – a big, sweet, teddy bear – he is the new beach butler
Taking Cleon’s place since Cleon is now a regular butler – Adrienne kept us filled
With drinks all day – never having to raise our flag checking on us with a big
Smile and fun! We will sure miss him! What a warm, gentle giant spirit! Mr.
Fraser made a perfect selection for this job as I know Cleon had big shoes to
Fill out on the beach!
11 a.m. We had a cooking class with Chefs (Derrick & Oneal) along with Debbie
At the Le Papillion kitchen – talk about educational & fun! We literally
Chopped, seared, steamed, cooked everything and then served and dined with
A few staff members (Shawn, Denise, Mr. Fraser) – everyone seemed to enjoy
The food, but what wonderful memories and now we have tons more respect
For them feeding an entire restaurant as it took us 3 hours to feed 5 to 6 people.
LOL Thanks Debbie – that was AWESOME – Jake keeps mentioning it
Daily how much fun that was – he was sure into it! Great pictures of this too!
After lunch (our own prep) we were back to the beach to relax for the afternoon
In the beautiful sunshine!
Dinner
Thursday evening was on the Terrace and was
Choices with filet on the charcoal grill, lobster grilled, tons of other great
Local entrés – all goooood & full AGAIN! LOL Entertainment starts with
Band every night about 8 p.m. And then 9:30 p.m. The singer or official
Entertainment starts – all were very good! This night was fire eater, limbo
Dancer & some fabulous break dancers guys that put on an amazing show. There
Was also a guy that could literally turn himself wrong side out – throught a
Racquetball
racquet – AMAZING! After the show we
headed into
Where Gladstone (bartender) made me a wonderful chocolatetini – OH MY –
So perfect
& not toooo strong – Jake had a rum cream – his fav in
For after dinner drink….
Friday a.m. Brought a beautiful day with sun so headed to breakfast on Terrace.
Then straight to the beach for some sun & fun with new friends & Adrian beach
For our 2 hour feeding – I got the lobster BLT and we shared coconut shrimp
Sooooooo goooooood! Jake had the crab burger and he loved that also….
It didn’t take long to realize that service and food were so above any other
All inclusive we have ever experienced!
Spent rest of the afternoon meeting new friends in water or the platform to
Cool off, up to the hot tub, etc. Reading and just relaxing – EXHALE!
Friday evening we had reservations at lapapillion and that was wonderful
Also. I had escargot (my fav), green bean soup pureed with crisp bacon
Crumbled and that was wonderful, sea bass with a lamb chop on the side.
Jake got shrimp cocktail, green bean soup, lamb chops and for dessert
He had to get the lava cake (warm chocolate pudding) again and
I got the same thing since he opted not to share! LOL It was great!
Went downstairs for the show which was Karen singing and she was
Very good – few folks danced, but mainly a chilling night under
The stars
hanging and enjoying
Sat was repeat at the beach & beach grill for lunch, but this time
We got jerk pork & chicken w/fries – it was great and of course
Shared coconut shrimp appetizer!
Sat evening we went to the Terrace for dinner – occupancy had
Risen since next day was Valentine’s and it was weekend! They
Had been setting up all day for the big Valentine’s Brunch so
We had dinner under the tent and listened to the band – think
We each had salad, green bean soup (not same as upstairs, but
Good) grouper, and no dessert – opted for chocolate martini
From
Sunday woke up to much rain, clouds so rested and ordered
First room service breakfast – since it was Valentine’s Day
We each got steak & eggs w/breakfast potato fries – awesome!
Had Mimosas in the room – great way to start the day! The
Rain stopped and folks started to the beach and so fun many
Were writing hearts in the sand for loved ones to see messages
In the room – very cool! We headed down to grab chairs
And talk with friends and hang for a bit. Sun really never
Appeared, but at least no rain.
Valentine’s Brunch was HUGE, HUGE buffet that was
Gorgeous with fruit carvings, edible chocolate everything,
Carving stations, white table cloths, etc. It was open
To the public so several kids (10 year olds), but they
Were well behaved and enjoyed their time and even
One jumped in the hot tub for a bit. LOL After lunch
They had a wonderful fashion show from the shop w/
Lots of beautiful linens – lots of the staff (girls) and
Even Tonia (
Attractive guys that looked like models that Tonia didn’t
Know or even where they came from! LOL Lots of
White linen shirts, dresses, hats and cool sunglasses…
After lunch we were low key, full and the Daytona Race
Was scheduled to come on so we headed to the game
Room where tv was on no station and found the “keeper”
Of the remote to turn it to Fox to enjoy the race and scoot
Into
Full we didn’t need snacks… I had scheduled lapapillion
For 8 p.m. So we could get through the race – dinner
Was wonderful again – we had gotten to be friends with
David that works there and he suggested Surf & Turf
So that is what we opted to do – I had escargot appetizer
Again and Jake had shrimp cocktail again – no dessert
This time as we were slowly getting so full of FOOD! LOL
We went
downstairs to
Ann – singer from earlier in the week was inside. We loved
Her performance so much before the photographer actually
Brought her up to see us at dinner and we requested the song
Halo by Beyonce – talk about a singer from a TINY body –
Such talent – we enjoyed, danced and she did our Halo song
Last. It was a great Valentines from start to finish except
For liquid sunshine!
Monday a.m. Headed to the beach and I was scheduled to
Go with
Tonia (
Left a 11 a.m. And it’s only 15 to 20 minutes to the excursion
Gorgeous entrance with tropical trees, streams, beautiful…
You go onto a skylift for 15 minutes to get to the bobsled
& zipline areas. We went over to bobsled first and that
Was a blast – it’s a rail system and you can use the break
And go as “wide open” or not as you’d like. Very fun!
Then we did 5 ziplines that were soooo fun through
The tropical forest – groups of 10 and 2 staff that help
You from one platform to the other. About 3 hours and
Back to the resort.
Late lunch at beach grill w/coconut shrimp and burgers.
Suddenly Jake and I both didn’t feel well so headed to
The room with aching, chills & bathroom issues – not
Goooood – so needless to say we didn’t go out that
Night and we missed the surf & turf & Raj the entertainer.
So sorry we missed it, but no way we could do it! Ordered
A chicken club to share about 9:15 p.m. And it arrived in
About 30 minutes just to have something on our stomachs.
Woke up not feeling that great the next day either (Tuesday),
But made ourselves head to the beach and also Mr. Fraser
Wanted to do a “special” lunch for us at 1:00 p.m. That day
Of local favorites in the Green Room at the Terrace – we
Did the best we could do eat. The food was fanstastic.
We had oxtail, curried goat, calliloo, rice/beans, red snapper whole –
So wished we had felt better so we truly enjoy this wonderful
Treat…. We had a friend of ours (bartender) from Dunn’s River
Resort come over to join us for lunch – Cornell from the piano
Bar for those of you that know him – he had a blast and enjoyed
The lunch so much that it helped us through! We gave Cornell
A tour of RP since he hadn’t been in years & years…. He was
Very impressed and overwhelmed by # of staff and no buffets.
After lunch & Cornell departure we rested and knew we had
Return Guests dinner that night that we were determined to make.
It was a wonderful experience with Shawn, Mr. Fraser, Suzanne
And about 8 couples with all different backgrounds and interests.
Endive salad, mango, apple chilled soup in martini glass, filet
& 2 huge shrimp and wonderful fancy chocolate dessert. Really
Nice and
fun! We headed over to
It was raining AGAIN so they had to move it inside. Fun in there
But very, very loud and makes it difficult to hear the words with
The acoustics. Headed back to the room since next day
Was departure so wanted to get a few things organized.
On return to our room there were candles everywhere, bubble bath
With champagne at the whirlpool tub, rose petals – just gorgeous!
Wed was departure day – we had a 1:40 p.m. Flight so they pick up
For us to head to the airport was 9:30 a.m. Since we both
Were afraid to eat breakfast with a long travel day and still not
Feeling up to par, the staff offered to make us some hot ginger
Tea as they did for us on previous day for our stomachs which
Was so nice.
Also, found out we were sharing the ride back with friends we
Met Joe
& Debbie from
On departure so it wasn’t so bad to leave since the sun wasn’t
Shining – lol Cleon came up to wish us well – Tonia was off
That morning. Nice van with Royal Plantation on the sides
Took us back to the airport which was the normal 90 minutes
No stops….
WE had a wonderful week at RP – definitely a different “vibe”
Than Jake and I are used to with no pool bar, no playmakers,
No piano bar for singalongs, lots of folks reading and reading,
But after a few days with getting to know the staff that is
Incredible and want to jump through any hoops they can to
Make your vacation amazing, spoiled & pampered, we
Started to not miss the “party” atmosphere and appreciate
The laid back, non rushing to get chairs since there is a beach
Butler – not having to stand in lines for cocktails since they
Bring them to your chair. Also, the quality of food at
RP is above & beyond any other place we have been with
Seafood galore (LOVE IT!) I also got over the fact of
Not having a balcony & really enjoyed the French balcony
With comfy chairs – literally never shut our doors the
Entire week so we could hear the waves & at dusk the
Tree frogs singing our nightly tune! LOL
Mr. Fraser has done an amazing job of making this feel
Like a comfortable home away from home and the staff
Is the most sincere I’ve ever experienced. When they
Found out we weren’t feeling well, they were running
Around getting their remedies of honey/lemon concoction
Because they REALLY cared. Also, Cleon brought
Us ginger tea to the beach one morning for our tummies.
All of the remedies did help and the concern was soooo
Nice.
PROS: Staff/Service, Food, View of the water from every angle
Entertainment was very good each night!
NEGATIVES: Drink service at breakfast is very slow &
Luke warm if not chilly water at the shower only
& took forever to get even that warm – sink
& whirlpool tub still had hot water – very odd!
Pics can be located at:
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