Debbie

Debbie’s Beaches Royal Plantation Trip Report May 25-31, 2002

Background: This trip report reflects our second stay at BRP and third visit (spent a day there) in a year. This trip, we spent 8 nights on the island. Six were at BRP on the Ultimate Spa plan, and two were at Sandals Royal Caribbean. I will write a separate report on SRC.

My previous report can be located at http://www.tropictravelonline.com/Debbiebrp2001_withpics.htm

Getting There

We go to Jamaica at least twice a year and sometimes take another trip or two to the Caribbean (and go elsewhere if not there). The more trips we take, the more last-minute we are at packing. This time was no different. I packed most things the night before (having started laying things out the day before that). Todd had worked at home that day to take care of last minute errands and pack, but he got so many phone calls that he worked until 7 or 7:30. I come in at 5:30 a.m. most of the time and planned to leave work at 1:30 or as early as I could. I drove even though I usually take the bus. I got part of the way home and heard a noise and realized that I had a flat. I pulled over to the side of the road. This wasn’t a good area to break down in. I called Todd and told him that I really didn’t feel too safe waiting for roadside assistance even though we had some free plans. Suddenly, a truck started backing up. This guy happened to work with a wrecker service. He changed the tire for $30, not bad pay for him for 10 minutes of work. I had been collecting one dollar bills for Jamaica, and I gave him 30 ones. I drove to the dealer because I was way late on the regular service. This was the first one after the two years of free maintenance, so they naturally decided I needed all sorts of things done and all new tires at 24,000 miles. They drove me the 13 miles home, and we left my car at Infinity for the week. Needless to say, all of this dipped into my schedule (not to mention my pocketbook).

We only ended up in bed a few hours with packing and getting ready until we couldn’t take it. I wanted up at 3 a.m. but couldn’t get Todd up until 4 a.m. We were going to leave at 4:30, but that didn’t happen, either. We left at about 5:15. We got to the airport at 5:40. We had already found out the previous week when we went to Missouri that the “economy” lot had raised to $6. Here it was, Memorial Weekend, and there were no signs like there usually are of where to park, and there was nobody directing people, either, and there usually are. We drove around aimlessly and finally found somewhere to park. I saw a shuttle van several rows over and went over there wheeling my laptop bag. The guy was almost full and agreed to come over to where Todd was and get him and our stuff. I was already on the bus, and one pulled up where Todd was. I got off and went over there, in fear Todd would get on over there. She wasn’t full and made us pick up others. I told her we needed to go because it was getting so late. She took us to our terminal second (there are four terminals in Bush International). When we got to Air Jamaica, it was 6:10, and the flight was to leave at 7:30. The first class line had about 8 people in it (a band traveling together). The other line was huge. Obviously, not everyone is coming 3 hours in advance. They moved us to the top of the regular line since the first class line was taking so long with those people.

We were informed that Air Jamiaca quit using the first class lounge in Houston after 9/11. We went upstairs to check anyway since sometimes they don’t know what they are talking about down there. The lounge is there and open, but Air Ja is not using it right now. The lady in the lounge said that they are supposed to start using it again soon. We went to a place called Lonestar. They were serving breakfast. Todd had a breakfast sandwich, and I had some very stout iced tea. The bill came to $5.90. This place was packed, and the service was terrible, but the prices were low. Most items on the menu were well under $5, including a popcorn shrimp appetizer for $3.95. Other places were open in the opposite direction of our gate (D9), and a book store was open. The place past our gate was serving liquor for those who couldn’t wait.

I know these days that they make you drink a little of your drink before you take it on, but Air Jamaica announced that you had to throw it out, even if it was a sealed bottle of water. I would hope they’d make exceptions for babies, etc. We’d shown our ID at the bottom of the stairs twice and then when boarding. Laptop and all keys, even those in my purse had to go on the belt. This time, there was no shoe scanning. Someone got their bag searched right down at the aisle you stand in while you wait in line to walk on the plane. Amazingly, we left right at 7:30, though.

Our plane had 12 seats in first class. All were taken. On the ground, they give out juice. They were giving out orange and tropical fruit. The breakfast was a choice of eggs, sausage and hashbrowns or continental or pancakes with French toast. All were served with nice fruit. We got the eggs. On the cart, they brought the champagne and also the same two juices and coffee and tea and did fix other drinks for people that asked but only after breakfast was ordered, etc. The timeframe for all of that was between 8:30 and 10 a.m. During that time, we watched a movie with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and James Coburn. I think it was called “Snow Boy”. They gave free headsets to the whole plane. Usually from Houston, they don’t show a movie.

We landed at 10:30. We were the first ones through customs, and we waited 45 minutes for our bags. Everything arrived, however, and we went to the Sandals/Beaches area. Sue had sent some lovely orchids for us, and someone handed us those and a notice from Air Jamaica Vacations about meeting the rep (even though we didn't fly on Air Jamaica Vacations). We were asked if we wanted the free flight leaving at 12:15 or the bus. I know enough things can happen that the plane very often takes longer than the bus. Todd told me to decide. I wanted to take the bus, too, because I like to see what has changed since the last trip. Since the island has had flooding for 3 days, I thought we should take the plane since some of the roads might be bad. They shuttled us next door to the terminal. We were to board at noon. About 20 minutes after we got there, I saw Lisa and Paul (WeRSunBums) in line. I knew they were getting in around 11. Lisa and I have talked on the internet for years but had never met. It started raining. The plane to Negril took off, and a couple of Tim Air flights to Negril finally took off. At 1 p.m., they finally told us they were canceling our flight. They made everyone except the Royal Plantation people shuttle back to the airport. A couple going to Grande Sport and a couple going to Plantation shared a cab at $90 for the four of them. The rest of us waited until 2:15 for a van. We had got irate by then and were asking them to call Royal Caribbean and let us come over there for lunch. They never would, and then we finally got a van. at 2:15

The roads had a lot of water in a few areas and massive quantities of mud. Ocho Rios was really bad. Clearly, Thursday and Friday were not good travel days. We arrived at Plantation at 4:35. They had been expecting us hours earlier. The eight of us from the van checked in inside of the game room. They brought drinks, cold towels and cookies, cake, and finger sandwiches from the high tea that was going on over on the patio. I wanted to wait for a real meal. While I finished with the paperwork, Todd played pool with the bellman.

When I saw where he was headed, I was happy thinking that everything worked out with our upgrade even though Aram left. However, the bellman kept walking. When we got into room 259, I realized we were in the category that I booked, not the room Aram promised and not even a signature guest upgrade. This room has a wonderful view and a nice layout. However, I was upset. The bellman said he’d check on an upgrade. Meanwhile, we saw out the French balcony that the Royal Café was open in spite of the weather (things were really starting to clear up). Todd went down there to order. I went along to look at the menu. I asked him to order me a seafood salad and some soup. We saw the people that had taken the cab. They had beat us only a few minutes. I went to the desk and tried to explain who I was and what I was promised. I asked to speak to the general manager. He was down at his house (on property) and did talk to me later on.

The First Evening (May 25)

Todd and Lisa had both arrived to the front desk now and were both there for various parts of my little fit. Todd was amused. Anyway, he had come up to tell me that they quit serving at Royal Café at 5 and that we needed to order room service. We went into Bayside to order it. We didn’t have a menu and hadn’t read the one in the room. I wanted the market salad with grilled shrimp on top that I always got before. She wrote that down and the carrot soup. Todd also got some soup and some grilled jerk chicken and a cheeseburger. All of that came at 6:10, one hour later. We spent most of that hour just sitting in the room with the French balcony open relaxing and watching the water crash over the waves.

My salad didn’t have the shrimp, but I enjoyed it anyway since I love that mango vinaigrette. The soup was wonderful, very similar to pumpkin. As usual, the strong suit at Sandals/Beaches IS the soups. We ate at the table in the sitting area. It is very pretty but is bolted to the wall. This was lunch for us since we didn't get any.

I got into the Jacuzzi in the bathroom (upset that our lemongrass items did not include the body scrub this time). All of the included products are still lemongrass, and even the scented cold towel we got at check-in was lemongrass. The tub was a lot smaller than the one in the room we had here last time. It is a 6-jet tub. All of the jets are on the sides, so I couldn’t get one on my back. I relaxed in there a long time while Todd watched TV and rested.

At just before 8:30, we went to Bayside for dinner, even though both of us were not hungry. I had a shrimp cocktail, and Todd had the shrimp and vegetable tempura appetizer (on the specials menu). He had prime rib, and I had the crayfish. They carve the meat right at the table, so you can pick your cut. We both had nice vegetables. In addition, mine had some rice, and his had potatoes. We were too full for that part. We had a nice bottle of Italian wine. They also gave us one for the room to keep in the fridge. We ordered the sorbet for dessert. The waiter warned that the passion was quite tart. I remembered it from before. I ate both of ours and loved it. It was too tart for Todd. He was too full, anyway. The music at dinner was lovely.

Lisa and Paul were a couple of tables over. Todd went back to the room, and I sat and visited with them for a long time. There was also piano music going in the piano bar. We missed that, though, as we were tired.

May 26, Sunday

I woke up at 3:50 in the morning (the time I get up at home). I laid in bed until almost 6, just resting there, but the rain got too loud.At almost 7:30, Todd was still in bed, and I was just looking at the waves. The water looked very rough. I wondered if the weather would clear up. I booked my first spa treatment. I signed up for a sports massage at 10:30 and planned to get in the steam room before that. It honestly looked like it was pouring out the back door but not raining out front where the French balcony was.

I HIGHLY recommend the Sports massage. Don't do this if you haven't had a massage or if you don't like deep tissue...before that, I sat in the steam room for 20 minutes. The women's was out, but you can use the men's when nobody is in there. They take SUCH good care of you at the spa. No wonder they are winning awards. The massage cost $101 and some change for 50 minutes, counting the gratuity. The $500 spa credit only works for services. You can't buy spa products with it. Since they don't give the body scrub in the room anymore (they said not that many people were using it), they'll sell you the 2 oz. out of a kit upon request for $6.00 or $6.90 w/ the 15% tax. They will charge things to the room if you leave the credit card imprint when you check in.

When I got out, it was around noon. I visited with a couple from Houston that were on our flight. Outside the bar, they were serving cold cuts, smoked meats, cheeses, fruits, and someone was cooking saltfish fritters. I got some mango and had her fix me the tiniest fritter she could make to taste it. Then I went to the bar for drinks. The bartenders remembered me from October. The spa people did, too.

Not only did the former GM leave, but a couple of other managers did, too. I had already reported that the night manager left. Most others are still there. Business is good enough that all staff are getting to work a full schedule.

I was very happy that we could leave the French balcony open w/o the rain coming in. Cool Runnings was on the TV, so we watched that during the rain-except the satellite kept going out.

We ate lunch at Bayside. Everyone always sort of sits at their own table but visits around there on the patio. Today was no different. I had a market salad w/ grilled shrimp and a seafood mixed grill w/ salmon, mahi mahi, one scallop, and shrimp. Todd had some wonderful soup and some chicken alfredo.

We took the 3 p.m. shuttle to Ocho Rios. We played video blackjack. At one time, I had the 40 bucks up to 70, but we left w/ 23 dollars. Todd played ping pong w/ a playmaker, but he lost. The weather was not good during all of this, or we would have walked. We went back to BRP at 5 on the shuttle.

I got in the jacuzzi while Todd hung out in the room. I went to the gym to ride the treadmill. I got in the jacuzzi outside, and then I walked the beach. After that, I sat around and talked to Lisa and Paul for a long time.

We ate dinner at Bayside. This is the worst meal we've had so far. Todd's beef tenderloin appetizer was raw (intended to be so, but the menu did not say so). I had shrimp cocktail. We had cream of celery soup--good but not quite warm enough. I had veal w/ two tiger shrimp. Todd had tenderloin, We ordered sorbet. It was peach tonight (strawberry at lunch).

May 27, Monday

It absolutely poured all night. The weather forecast was for rain every hour of the. While the sunset wasn't just earth-shattering, some of us managed to get to watch it on Sunday night. There were red skies. The sun came out for 10 minutes or so the entire day on Sunday. We were at SOR then. People herded to the beach. When we came back to Royal Plantation, there were tons down there, too. I just did the jacuzzi. The temps were mild, and a lot of us women were a little cold, especially inside where it is air conditioned as if we were in a warm place!

On Sunday, they took 10 people to Dunns River Falls, and it must've been slippery! On Sunday, nothing was really happening at BRP at all during the day. I think they could organize a little more in bad weather, but most people were content to just sit around, and it really is relaxing just to sit around w/ a soda or drink and talk with total disregard for what time it is.

At SOR, they had ping pong and pool tournaments going on. They had Trivial Pursuit going on and also card game competitions. That game room in the Riviera was packed. There is a ton to do over at BGS, too. They even had indoor raquetball.

Todd was really happy to be catching up on sleep. He had been working so many hours. He slept 11 hours on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Lots of people were sitting around w/o their spouse because their spouse was in the room asleep. I can't sleep in this rain and felt unrested. At 6:30, I had been up for ages, but it was awesome to listen to the waves crash all night. This is the first trip Todd has let me leave balcony doors open day and night.

I used the treadmill that morning, and there were others in the gym. There had been people in there every time I went.

For breakfast, I had the half papaya and eggs, sausage and toast. Todd had an omelet and toast. We went down for the jacuzzi, but the guy was treating it and said to come back in 30 minutes. We went down to the east beach (no chairs left on the west beach). Some people were going out in hobie cats. The ocean was quite cold. I set us up where Todd had shade but the mosquitoes were bad under the tree. We tried later to get back in the jacuzzi. It was scalding. Todd found the controls. Hours later, it was fine, but we never did get in because we were always doing something else.

We took turns in the in-room jacuzzi (too small for two) and then went to the steam room together at the spa. Todd said it was like Houston in August.

I had my facial at 1 p.m. Genevieve gave me the collagen facial. I added the $15 eye treatment. That part was OK, but I don't know if I'd do it again. She also waxed my eyebrows. The whole thing was $113 and took 70 minutes. She massaged my feet briefly, too. Next, I booked a seaweed wrap with exfoliation.

We went for lunch at 2:25 at Bayside. They close at 2:30 but let us eat there. I forgot about the fish sandwich Todd had wanted to try, and we didn't order it. He had Caesar salad with the chicken and shrimp. I had them make me a market salad with the mango vinaigrette with grilled shrimp and scallops. We had minute steak and fries. I could only eat half because I needed room for my sorbet. We took that to the bar and had some drinks there and visited with the bartender.

We had found out they were moving us to room 306. We got the tour and then packed up and moved. We prefer the west wing to the east wing. I don't like the view as much at the west wing, and with the balcony doors with the foot locks, it is much harder to open out than those French balconies. It does give you two TV/VCRs in the honeymoon one bedroom. However, to see the waves (you can see some ocean, just not waves from the bed), you have to sit on the balcony. From the east wing rooms, you can sit in the sitting room and enjoy the view.

We found out at the manager's cocktail party that the people in the room we were promised have never been to Sandals and didn't pay for that room and were even invited to the returning guest party. They were booked for 13 nights, so the room was occupied the whole time we were there.

I went over to Sandals Ocho Rios to try to attend the 4 p.m. exercise class while Todd watched basketball. I was the only one who showed up, so the instructor wouldn't do the class. He said someone told him that Grande Sport's class was at 4:30, so I hiked the hill to check it out. Unfortunately, theirs was at the beach at 4:30. It was so close to 4:30 that I didn't take the shuttle. The class up at the gym started at 5:00, but I didn't want to stay since the manager's cocktail party was at 6. I took a few pics and had a glass of red wine and went back down the hill and down the road. After that steep hill, one needs no other workout!

We unpacked a little and then got ready for the cocktail party. We hung out there and at dinner with Lisa and Paul and some others from our bus.

I talked a long time to Chef Hugo. He said the French is now a set a la carte menu, plus a special every night. I also talked a long time to Suzanne Millwood, the GM. She is still here and is expecting a baby. She seemed much more relaxed than before. When we were here in Sept./Oct., the staff was stressed due to the downturn in business.

They only had a few finger sandwiches here, not some of the cooked snacks like last time. They had escargot, egg w/ caviar, and some pastrami. The sunset was incredible from that location. It was at the patio behind the double level jacuzzi.

The beach party wasn't held on the beach. They had it on the Bayside patio because it was raining in Discovery Bay. That was fine. Hugo did an incredible job as usual. We didn't have soup. It was red pea, as they'd had at lunch. For dinner salad, they had the market with the balsamic and also mango and some others. They had other salads--a lovely pasta one, some different potatoes, and something with tuna. They had the big shrimp cocktail tree again. For meats, there was jerk chicken, prime rib, and a roasted pig. There were two large seafood dishes. One had huge chunks of lobster in it. I delighted myself in that with the lobster, bay scallops, shrimp, mussels, and tuna. Hugo said he had a way to get lobster legally, he was explaining it, but others were talking.

For dessert, I had the flamed dish but didn't see it being cooked. It was mango chunks in some liqueur. Out of this world! I tried a couple of other things, and they were well-done, but I am not a dessert person, just a fruit person. They had ice cream. I didn't have that.

The steel band was playing all evening. The mento band was strolling around, too. They also play at lunch and various times of the day.

Todd left before the show, and Paul and Lisa and I sat up and watched a guy dance on bottles and then the fire breather guy. The gang from the bus was next to us, and we were talking to them some, but we were avoiding Chris' cigar! We had some drinks. Everyone had wine except Lisa and Paul. She had amaretto sours, he had beer. They all wanted to go up about 10, I think it was. It didn't rain all day, I thought, but I heard later that it had rained for 30 minutes at some point. We must have been inside.

I woke up at 4:10 this a.m. due to the tree frogs.

May 28, Tuesday

We had breakfast and then Todd got on the 8 a.m. bus. They open breakfast officially at 7:30, but you can show up a little early. They take a while with breakfast, so if you want to golf, tell them you are in a hurry. He was playing with 3 other guys, and all had to rush their breakfast but did get to eat after one guy had the bus wait 5 minutes. This is better than some resorts where golfers starve or only get a continental breakfast.

Todd came back from golf at about 12:25. He said there was standing water in some areas on the course and some flooded areas on the way there. Todd had Sugar for the caddie. He called Todd "Boss" all the time. Todd had him before, and last time we were here, he was caddie of the quarter. While Todd was gone, I spoke w/ Lisa and Paul for a long time and also got in the jacuzzi for a bit.

The spa was wonderful. I had a great seaweed wrap with (extra cost) exfoliation. This treatment is not for the modest. They also did some brief massage. I had Geni (Genivieve) again for a therapist. Sometimes they ask you, or you can request your same therapist. In this treatment, the exfoliation is first. You are rubbed all over with a body scrub. Next, you have the seaweek applied. You are wrapped in plastic and heated blankets. After that, you shower off and are then rubbed down with lotion.

Todd and I ate lunch at Royal Cafe. We didn't like it as much as Bayside, we were just full. The cream of vegetable soup was to die for, though. I had the seafood, he had chicken fingers. We order jerk ribs and chicken quesadillas but barely touched those and gave them to the birds.

Next, we got in the jacuzzi. We stayed a while and got some service there. Lisa and Paul were sitting by the pool. Todd went up. I stayed a few minutes to finish my club soda. I spoke briefly w/ two travel agents and blacked out because the jacuzzi was too hot. I sat down, someone brought me water, and I was OK. That jacuzzi is just too hot much of the time. The thermometer was broken, as it had the outside temperature off by 8-10 degrees, and also this was true of the in-water temperature. Even when they put in a new thermometer, it was often about 106-109.

Lisa and I went to Boscobel. Suzanne, BRP's RM, couldn't get us a free ride at that hour. I talked Lisa into going. The cab was going to be $20. I gave him a $10 tip because he waited an hour while we toured the property. Both of us loved the property. Jork Liper, the resident manager, took us around. He said we were the fourth or fifth visitors and that they had really discouraged visits. Therefore, this was a treat. This place looks top-notch for families.

The high tea is awesome, not to be missed. You can sit on the patio and have coffee or tea. They have finger sandwiches and wonderful finger desserts. Yesterday, I had two little banana tarts. They were just incredible and were the smallest tarts I've ever seen, size of a quarter. Did I mention that I love this place???

In the early evening, we had drinks w/ Lisa and Paul and chatted for a couple of hours. They were to leave the next day and did not want to go. Todd and I were to go to the French restaurant at 8. There was going to be some sort of entertainment outside. Hugo had just changed the menu again a couple of hours ago. It was raining to the west, so we didn't really get a sunset.

We arrived at 8 for the French. I had forgot about the jacket, but they put one on Todd. I must say that Hugo and the staff have outdone themselves. We dined outside, so we heard the entertainment. The a la carte menu was good, about 3-4 choices in every course, and they have a special. The special includes an appetizer and an entree. The entree was veal, and the appetizer was crabcake.

For our appetizer, I had frog legs (two small ones), and Todd had grapefruit and orange cocktail. For salad, the only two choices were greens with balsamic (and two other choices of dressing) and tomotoes with hearts of palm. I had the greens, Todd had the tomato. He didn't like it, but he didn't know heart of palm was like artichokes (even though I told him).

For soup, we had the cream of onion. This was delicious. They put a few croutons on top.

For the entree, we both ordered the seared scallops and shrimp. This was served with wild rice and vegetables. This was terrific, but we were too full to finish. We had this and one crème Brule wrapped up. Before the entree, we received a very small sorbet palate cleanser. It was strawberry in a little sauce.

There were about 10 or 12 eating inside, so maybe 20 or so were dining. The service was white glove. We had a French white wine -Johnny Droughtin (Sp???) 1999 chardonnay. The wine list had a number of choices, white and red. The glass was never empty, and they gave us another bottle for the room. We had a wonderful evening.

There were a number of diners enjoying the patio and music at Bayside. We saw the ones from our van and also Lisa and Paul down there. We could tell it was raining to the west, so we were lucky to have decent weather.

May 29, Wednesday

I continued to wake up very early, usually 3 or 4 like at home. I was on the internet for awhile while Todd slept. He didn't want to get up for golf and slept until about 8:30. I got in the jacuzzi in the room for awhile. This one is bigger than in the other room and in the window, but we still liked the other room much better.

We went down for breakfast after 9:30. I just wanted white toast and strawberry jam and told them I had a 10 a.m. spa treatment. They brought wheat with guava jam. I couldn't even get the jam open and ate one piece of the toast. Todd waited for his omelet and home fries and said it all took until 10:35.

I got in the steam room again. This time, the women's was fixed. Geni had got to the point of knowing I want water when I go in and a cold towel when I come out. She wiped my face, etc. each time and helped with the robe and towel.

I had a Swedish massage. I liked the sports one better, but she did use some pressure. I wish I'd have had her spend more time on my neck and shoulders.

Todd and I went out to the beach. We tried to get in the jacuzzi, but it was too hot. Todd turned it down so that we could get in it later ,but someone turned it back up, and it was 106 when we tried to get in later. He turned it completely off, and after hours, we got in at 98.

It sprinkled a little, but the snorkelers were out. We spent some time in the pool, as it was now warm enough to use. The beach girls brought down a plate of fruit to the beach. I had chunks of mango, pineapple, plum, and kiwi. They were taking drink orders, too. They tend to start at 11.

I had seen Lisa and Paul at 10, but they had their eyes closed, so I didn't bother them. I saw them from a distance go into lunch. We tried to say goodbye at their bus, but it drove off as we walked up, and they were looking the other way when we waved.

We had received the New York Times fax yesterday. For two days before, it didn't come. Also for two days, the TV was not getting any channels. It came back on yesterday afternoon. Suzanne said they have no control over that.

We had lunch at Bayside. Todd ordered the Louisiana fish sandwich. It tasted like catfish, was not spicy and came with fries. I ordered the lamb kabob special. It came with rice and veggies. This was too heavy for me, and I wish I'd have stuck to the seafood mixed grill or my shrimp salads. I couldn't eat most of the meat. Todd had a fruit cocktail, and I had a salad. We both had soup. Rather than bringing my salad when they brought his fruit, they did the courses in the proper order, so we both watched each other eat one course. The soup was beef and barley. It was a broth-based soup. Each meal, they did the courses in order, so if you ordered different courses from your spouse, you had the same experience.

We finished up after 2 and got ready for snorkeling. We went on the 3 p.m. snorkel. There were 11 in attendance. They took us over by Sandals Ocho Rios. We saw a lot of fish, small to medium. One couple saw a stingray. We didn't but have seen them in that spot before. Visibility was very good. The water had some cold and warm spots. We got back to shore about 3:50.

Todd spent some time in the room showering and watching TV--after we finally got in the jacuzzi for a long while--while I went to the gym to ride the exercise bike. Then I got ready, and we went to the returnee party.

We were to be in the drawing room at 6. We showed up right at 6, and most people were already there. There were 16 guests. Sandy McKoy, the sales manager was there, as was Suzanne Millwood, the RM. The GM did not show up at all. They served wine, champagne and soft drinks and appetizers. At 6:45, they took us down for the dinner. We dined outside at Bayside. All other guests were seated inside. They had outdoor dining at the French, as well as inside there.

The first course was a mushroom and potato soup. I am allergic to mushrooms, and they gave us a choice of Bahamian conch chowder and cream of onion. We chose the cream of onion (from the French restaurant). The second course was asparagus and tomato. That was the largest asparagus I have ever seen. Next, they had surf and turf. Suzanne got me double lobster, so I ate half the steak and gave Todd the other half. The dinner was served with mixed vegetables--spinach, carrots, and sugar peas. There was also a red potato garnished with a large plantain slice. The dessert was a banana crème Brule in a philo dough. The wines served were Sutter Home. They served some people champagne and later had coffee.

The entertainment was the Hatfield Social Group. They started at 8:30. Others came outside for that. They also had a palm reader. He wasn't free, but I don't know what he charged.

Also, during the day, the waverunner guys came around. They wanted $50 for 30 minutes.

May 30, Thursday

Todd played 27 holes at the golf course, leaving at 7:00 before breakfast. He'd forgotten the cart was $38, but he had a great time. The other two guys walked 9. He didn't pay extra above playing 18. The pro gives lessons any time you want, but I didn't go over. I recommend going at 10 so you can come back on the (first) 11:15 bus.

I went to Grande Sport to reggae aerobics with Winston. Two others came, and it was really good. They have several classes of various types a day. They are so active that they have two instructors. Just hiking the hill was a lot of exercise.

Afterward, I went to the main restaurant at Grande Sporte. They close at 10 but let me get a little fruit (I'd already had French toast at BRP). I got one slice each of mango, watermelon and cantaloupe plus a little piece of cheddar cheese.

I was tempted to do the rock climbing, but I wasn't that brave w/ it sprinkling.

I braved the hill and went over to Sandals Ocho Rios to the gift shop after looking at the one at Grande Sport and not buying anything. I saw a couple from BRP over there and many people in both of these shops doing this while there was no sun. I bought some different jerk sauces there. You can beat the prices by going to the hut between Ocho Rios and Plantation if you want to put up w/ them.

I went to the gift shop at BRP. They had nice embroidered t-shirts for $11.99 with one free if you bought 3, so they were $9 each. These were resort-logo items. I bought two tanks for $12.99 each, also, plus another shirt, so I got 7 for $74. Straw hats were $38. Rum was $15. I didn't buy any of that.

I went to the sales office and came back to the room. Todd was eating his omelet that I ordered from room service. Next, the concierge came. We told him that we hadn't had glasses since we moved to this room 3 days ago except the glasses at the bathroom sink. We told him we preferred white wine to the champagne, and he brought glasses and a lovely bottle of French chardonnay. I told him to bring anything but the Carlo Rossi. That is the "house" at the beach. Trust me, get wine elsewhere. Another couple didn't want the Gordon's gin and were able to get a bottle of Tanqurey (sp?).

The spa was good in the afternoon. I had a 4:30 appointment--neck and back massage and two steams. She never touched my neck, but she spent a lot of time on my shoulders. I needed that. I had Virgnia (something like that, spelled weird). Then I had a spa manicure and pedicure (w/ paraffin). They used a plug in heating mitten and bootie. They also used body scrub, as well as some sloughing crème and then lotion, all sorts of stuff. The pedicure was done in a recliner for total relaxation. She put honey in my tea, though, and I hate that!

Dinner was lovely. Appetizer was shrimp cocktail for me, fruit cocktail for Todd. For soup, we each had cream of broccoli. For salad, he had saba noodle salad w/ duck - we didn't like it, as noodles seemed to be wheat. Duck was good. I had market w/ mango vinaigrette. Entree--Todd had tenderloin (served w/ veggies and scalloped potatoes) and I had the crawfish w/ rice and veggies. The sorbet was passion again.

They had the house band playing reggae and then a wonderful singer doing slow dance tunes from the 70s and 80s such as Commodores and Atlantic Star. Dinner was until 9:45 for us. Todd did a dance with me to a nice slow song.

We received t-shirts (both xxl), a bottle of Appleton dark and a wooden boxas returnee gifts.

We found out phone the phone was 15 cents a minute on the St. Ann's Infochan ISP number I was using. Ouch! We received a high phone bill, along with our eviction notice.

May 31, Friday

It was a very rainy morning. We were able to have a nice breakfast in the morning and then we used the time for nice long baths and relaxing (with drinks, of course) before packing to move to SRC. We had asked to keep the room until 12:00, rather than 11:00. We were permitted to do so. At 12:00, we headed down to the desk with our card keys after leaving the bags outside the room. Suzanne was there to wish us goodbye, and that is when we accidentally got to meet the GM.

We had a final lunch at Bayside and a drink at the Appleton bar before getting our ride at 1:30. There were others in the van, and we were dropped off at Sandals Royal Caribbean at about 3:35.

The Rooms

Luxury Honeymoon Junior Suite (259)

As you walk in, the bathroom was to the right. In it was a 6 jet jacuzzi. The shower was long and open, all marble, with a towel wrack at the end. In the bathroom were those awful bathroom scales that you must have in a 5-star hotel. There was a double sink outside the bathroom doors. The hair dryer is there, and all of the nice spa amenities are there. The closet had several shelves and also a rack for a suitcase but was tight with golf clubs. They are happy to put them in the golf club room for you, though. The closet in the honeymoon one bedroom is bigger.

The sleeping area had a nice bench, a beautiful desk, a four poster bed with a nice chest of drawers on either side, and an armoire with TV and VCR. In the sleeping area was also a sitting chair and a cd player/alarm/radio. The computer had to be plugged in there.

In the sitting area, there was a table bolted down with a chair on either side. We couldn't move it into the window to see out. We could move the two nice chairs, though, when we opened out the French balcony, and we had a great view of the east beach and the main facilities. The foliage really provided nice backgrounds. The doors and all of the crown molding in all of the rooms is mahogany. The rooms have a green paint. The bar was in the sitting area. The bar had a number of soft drinks, all in the bottles. They had Pepsi and Diet Pepsi. They have some others, too (no Coke products) and also things like Club Soda, Ginger Ale, Ting and a variety of juices in cans. They have Red Stripe beer and champagne. On top of the bar, they had Gordon’s gin, Appleton Special rum, Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch, and Absolut vodka. There was also coffee and tea. The a/c was remote-controlled and had a sleep timer on it.

I highly recommend the second floor because this hallway connects to the Bayside and the main facilities. Also, the ewest wing has elevators and stairs at convenient locations.

Honeymoon One Bedroom Suite (306)

As you walk in the room, there is a couch, coffee table, armoire with TV and a desk (too bad there is no place to plug in a computer there). To the left is the area with the jacuzzi. It is larger than that in the luxury jr. suite and is in the window. You can throw open the mahogany shutters and hear the waves and still not be seen. There is a shower area in this room and the bar and a chaise lounge also with a window/shutter. The bar was stocked with champagne, Appleton Dark, Gordon's Gin (last time was Tanquerey), Absolut Vodka, and Jim Beam Red Label. There were lots of juices, red strip, and various mixers and sodas and champagne (Kraemer). This fridge was not great. It was barely cold, and we had not side door, so if we opened the champagne, we had to keep getting ice for the bucket, rather than chill in the fridge like in the other rooms we had stayed in. The fridge had a clear front door and no place for the little ice trays like the other rooms we had stayed in.

This room had a lovely 4 poster bed and armoire w/ TV and vcr and more satellite TV than anywhere we have stayed in Ja. You could see the ocean from the bed, and out from the bed was a nice balcony with cushioned chairs and a wrought iron table. There was a big closet w/ twenty hangers (still not enough for overpackers) and a lot of shelves and a really nice digital safe.

This room is in the east wing. I don't like the location as well because you can't see many waves on the beach due to too much foliage. This wing is closest to the spa, gym and tennis courts. The resort is compact, and you can be anywhere quickly.

At BGS, there are golf carts and shuttles all over, and I think you can get a ride where you want to go. Both the Manor and Orchids were

Debbie's Ratings:

Check-in: Good (would have been nice to have it in the room the way they advertise. We were given cold towels and champagne . This was done as a group in the game room. I was so relieved when they found our passports and plane tickets that we left on the van that I loved this check-in! They brought drinks and items from the high-tea, as nobody had eaten, but most waited to order a real meal.

Baggage Transfer: This was not good at all last time and has been much improved. Service was prompt and as expected.

Bar Staff: Excellent and efficient. Most are lively and fun. They can whip up just about anything, and there is usually at least someplace open. These guys can tell some interesting stories, too. Different bars sometimes have different items--for example, the beach bar often only had that awful Carlo Rossi white wine, but Appleton had a selection.

Strolling bar service: This was not nearly as prevelant as last time. We were never offered a flag on the west beach. We heard some got them on the east beach. We were seldom offered drinks at the pool or jacuzzi. Since the jacuzzi was always too hot, this service was needed. We had to get our own drinks from the room or the bars all but one or two times. Once on the east beach, we received fruit, and twice there, we received drinks.

Room Condition: Excellent. Things are new. The nice dark woods are lavish, and the amenities are nice. I loved the lemongrass spa things--they give you shampoo, conditioner, body gel, and body lotion. I highly missed the body scrub and did not like having to pay for it, but at least it was available. . There was also a sewing kit and shoe shine and a shower cap. Everything was in great working order, and we always had towels.

Room Bar: Very Good but down from last time overall. We had what we wanted more often than last time, though. The main complaint in both rooms was that we often had no glasses and had to use coffee cups or save ours from the bar (even when the bar concierge had just come). If you are there when the concierge comes, he just asks what you wants and gives you whatever he has that you want. He usually came around noon.

Bayside: Excellent. Breakfast had many choices. Once they were out of cranberry juice. All other times, they had everything we ordered. At lunch, they always let us customize our meals as long as they had the ingredients. I love the a la carte premise, and the lunch and dinners offer 5 courses. They still need to work on having the potatoes and vegetables hot! Food here is wonderful and will spoil you from wanting to go to other resorts.

Le Papillon: Excellent. We only dined here once, but the service was white glove. They have switched to a choice of a la carte items, rather than a fixed menu. We dined outside. There is a dress code here. This restaurant requires reservations.

Royal Cafe: Excellent but just down from last time. They have a large selection and are quite a step up from beach grills. You get great service. Most items are cooked to order, so you have to wait for them. They bring chips and salsa out when you sit down (whether you want it or not). The menu is diverse enough to dine in courses, and they have an ice cream menu.

Watersports: Snorkeling was fairly good. Scuba was also very popular, as was sailing. The equipment is all in great shape, and I really liked the resort's snorkel mask, as they had smaller ones for women. This kept the fog off the mask, and I was able to see all the way down in the crystal clear water. The staff was helpful and courteous.

Entertainment: Excellent but a bit sparse. In this area, all that we saw was very good. We saw the pianist, calypso band, steel band, and singing (70s tunes, reggae, and jazz). We saw the fire breather and another entertainer at the Beach Party and the Hatfield Social Group on Wednesday. There was a combo group playing at Bayside the nights they played inside and a resident band on nights they had outside dining.

Transfers: Far from Excellent. We had massive delays due to the weather on the way and were packed in a van where I sat in a side-car type seat. On the return, we had quite a few packed in, too, but I did get a real seat.

Returning Guest Dinner: Excellent. This was one of the highlights of the trip due to the outstanding menu and the visiting with the managers (Suzanne and Sandy) and other guests.

Manager's Cocktail Party: This was a nice setup at sunset on the patio past the jacuzzi. Again, they had punch and wine and champagne, along with finger sandwiches of an upscale variety--escargot, shrimp, egg with caviar, etc. They did not have hot appetizers this time. Hugo told us that the flambé was discontinued due to someone's hair catching on fire (but she wasn't hurt). A few managers were in attendance but not many.

Beach Party: Nice, but it wasn't on the beach. There was a lot of seafood and several grilled dishes, along with a roasted pig. Desserts were excellent, especially the mango flamed dish. The entertainment was fun, but I spent a lot of time visiting with other guests on the patio during it.

Spa: Excellent, a highlight of the resort. I love all of the spas I've been to in the Caribbean. I think this resort had the best service. You are pampered from the time you walk in the door. Everything is explained, you are offered water and cold towels, robes and slippers and use of the steam room before and after the treatment. There are many choices available here, hours from morning until evening, and they are very accommodating of your schedule.

Gym: Good for its size. All equipment is in excellent shape. There are only free weights, no weight machines, but there are various cardio machines. I don't like that there are no barbells, and I don't like having to go to BGS or SOR for instructor classes.

Beauty salon: This is a very nice setup. The pedicure in the recliner is a nice touch.

Miscellaneous: The New York Times Fax didn't always come, but that happens everywhere. The resort sometimes did not have towels, but some people took 3 or 4 at a time. I wish they had floats at the pool and beach. I also wish they had free laundry like at Grand Lido. I am not sure why the GM didn't make an effort to meet us. I told him I wanted to meet with him and show him the websites and what I do, etc. He seemed very nice and said, "Absolutely". We never heard from him and only met him in passing 5 minutes before checkout. He is new and involved in the transition, so I guess he was busy. I did get to meet with the sales manager and get some updated resort information.

Guest ambiance: There were almost all couples. There are a few same-sex friends together that seem to enjoy the pampering. We found many more in the 50s and 60s age range this time, but there were people from 23 to 80 that we met.

Golf: Todd enjoyed the golf but did not like the return schedule from the course. If he went at 7:00, he was finished before he could get a bus and had to wait. The caddies were good but seemed ungrateful even with a large tip.