This was our 10^th trip to RP since 2002 so we have been going almost since the first day they opened.

Having stayed at numerous Sandals previously, our first impression, way back when, was that RP is a step above the Sandals resorts in food, accommodations, service and general ambiance. Mr. Z, the first General Manager had things going pretty well. The staff was well trained, Chef Hugo was doing a great job with the food and seemed to be always present and interacting with the guests and the whole resort had that “No problem” feeling. Compared to the Sandals we had visited, we saw no reason to go anywhere else. When we step out of the cab and into the reception area all our tension just kind of floats away and disappears. Hard to explain but it’s like visiting some long time and intimate friends.

The next few visits saw a succession of GMs (2 or 3, I’m not sure) some of whom we meet only briefly or not at all. Clearly their hearts really weren’t into this and the service etc. suffered. Not enough to make us want to go elsewhere but without committed leadership things don’t always happen the way they should.

Enter Mr. Fraser, the current GM. Whoever found him should be in charge of all personnel. I think Mr. Fraser has been there 4-5 years and every time we go back, it gets better and better. Now with the new butler service, RP is over the top.

My first thoughts on the butlers were, what do I need a butler for? Well I quickly found out.

Jane’s Mother (81) had been in the hospital couple of weeks before we were to go to RP and it looked like it could go either way. Thankfully it turned out OK but everyone at RP was informed of our situation (Thanks Debbie) and expressed sincere concern. Anyway we had mentioned in passing to Ms Millwood that we would like to get some international minutes and maybe a phone from digicel so it didn’t cost us a small fortune to keep in touch. A couple of minutes later there was a knock on our door and our butler, Jason was there to take the RP furnished cell phone (the one you use to get in touch with your butlers) to put some minutes on it for our use. When he returned, he refused any compensation for the minutes or his efforts.

Jason also had made all of our dinner reservations exactly the way I would have except he made them before I had even thought to and since the resort was booked, I’m sure by the time I got around to making the reservations, we would not have received exactly what we wanted.

Our next pleasant surprise was we had booked a trip to Port Antonio to do some site seeing and have a day out. When we arrived in the lobby for our ride, we discovered a well stocked cooler and sandwiches in our van. We had neither asked for nor even anticipated anything like this. (A couple of side notes here, I had heard that they had torn Trident Hotel completely down and were starting over, not true. The buildings are still there but it looks like they are totally renovating them and don’t hold your breath if you were planning on going there. From what I could see from the road, the amount of progress they have made in two years, it will be something like 2015 before they are done, if then. The second thing was that we stopped at the fairly new marina in Port Antonio, purchased some rum raisin I scream (their spelling, not mine) and sat on the sea wall and looked out over the harbor, perfect.)

After our trip, we were sitting on the patio having a drink before going to our room to get ready for dinner. I guess we looked like we were whipped (and we were) when Jason and Cleon (our other butler) happened by. They both took one look at us and said “You’re having dinner in your room tonight, give us a few minutes to get ready and go on up.” So we did. What a great job they both did with this. Our room was candle lit, we had a bottle of wine cooling by our table and fresh flowers on the table. The meal itself was served course by course; everything was served at the appropriate temperature and prepared to perfection. This is as close to perfect as it gets. If you get a chance to do this, don’t pass it up. A very large Thank You to Jason and Cleon.

The next day we were treated to a very special Jamaican lunch. We had curried goat, ox tail soup, fish, Calloo and of course rice and peas. All were delicious and served to us inside the Terrace restaurant which we had all to ourselves. Even Mr. Fraser was helping to serve us. I can’t remember the last time I saw a GM waiting tables or so interested in your enjoyment.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Jason and Cleon were there to see us off and of course make sure we got a couple of goodie boxes to tide us over on the way to the airport. The only bright spot in leaving was knowing we had booked a return in November.

Thank you Debbie for all you do. I know most of it is in the background and I’m sure most people don’t even realize that you’re doing everything you can to make sure their vacation is great.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to Mr. Frazer, Ms. Millwood, Jason, Cleon and the rest of the staff for making the Royal Plantation the best resort in Jamaica. We’re looking forward to our next visit and another week of treated like we’re rich and famous.