Take The Trip 101

For our first adventure out of the US, I had a short list of must haves. White sand beach, turquoise blue water, all inclusive and great weather. I knew there were a lot of destinations that would check all those boxes but after months of watching travel videos, reading blogs, joining a bunch of random Facebook groups, I was convinced – I want to go to Jamaica. When I tell you it was everything we wanted and more, that is not an exaggeration. Hopefully our review and journey will help give you an idea of what you can expect when you are visiting Sandals Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome to Paradise

As our plane touched down at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, my excitement reached its peak. Getting through Customs was no big deal and we were quickly escorted to the Sandals lounge in the airport. Having a private bathroom and nice cold beer ready for you after your flight was so nice. We were only there maybe 5 minutes before it was time to get on the shuttle bus for the resort. A very friendly gentleman walked with us carrying our bags. The warm Caribbean breeze hits you at soon as you walk out the door. and the soothing reggae music playing in the background welcomed us to this tropical paradise. The anticipation built as we made our way to Sandals Montego Bay, our home for the next week.

Upon arrival at the resort, we were welcomed with a refreshing rum punch which is a staple of the resort, a cool towel and a warm smile. After a seamless check-in process, we were shown to our luxurious room with a balcony overlooking the turquoise waters. It was a dream. The balcony had a private soaking tub that I had big plans to spend some time in.

After settling in, we explored the resort’s various amenities, including the swim-up pool bar which become our favorite spot. We walked the beautiful gardens, and checked out the variety of dining options. They have something for everyone. For our first night, we dined at Cucina Romana, one of the resort’s beachfront restaurants, where we indulged in delectable Italian-inspired cuisine. The perfect start to our tropical getaway!

Day 2: Beach Bliss Pool Party

Waking up to the sound of the gentle waves, we couldn’t wait to start our day in paradise. After a delicious breakfast at the beachfront restaurant, we made our way to the pool with the swim-up bar. We laid out most of the day, meeting new friends and enjoying the delicious frozen drinks. Then one of the highlights of our stay happened – the famous foam Pool Party.

Located in one of the most beautiful and exotic resorts in Jamaica, the Sandals Montego Bay Foam Pool Party is a high-energy, wet and wild event that takes place at the resort’s main pool. With its swim-up bar, lively music, and cascading foam, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. They had dancers, dance contest, trivia and a great DJ pool side. I was having too much fun to take a picture during the party.

For the evening, we enjoyed a causal burger and fries at the Irish Pub. We were pretty wore out from the day so after dinner we sat in the lobby that has nightly entertainment and listened to an amazing sax player. It was the perfect soundtrack with our nightcap.

Day 3: Snorkeling and Relaxation

Today was all about relaxation and exploration. After a leisurely breakfast, we headed to the snorkeling shack right on the Montego Bay beach where they signed us up for a snorkeling outing. This was so fun. Due to my fear of jellyfish, I did not get in the water but I loved looking at the marine life through the glass bottom boat while my husband snorkeled. He took some of the most amazing GoPro footage.

After the snorkeling, we had a woodfired pizza next to the pool. At sunset we decided to do an excursion that we booked right in the hotel lobby. It was a sunset catamaran ride to Margaritaville. There we enjoyed some delicious volcano nachos, some drinks and my husband took a slide down the water slide right into the ocean. We met some friends from the Sandal’s resort on the boat, enjoyed Sean Paul and Shaggy tunes and marveled at the amazing sunset. Every night the sky lit up with amazing colors.

After getting back to the resort, we went to the room and got ready for an epic dinner. We headed to the Royal Caribbean’s private island, to eat at the famous Royal Thai. It is a dreamy experience that transcends the ordinary. Nestled on this secluded paradise, the evening unfolds amidst the gentle rustle of palm trees and the backdrop of a pristine, powdery beach. As the moonlight lights up the sky, you are treated to a candlelit feast for the senses. The aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine, meticulously prepared by skilled chefs, dance on your palate, making every bite a journey to the heart of Thailand. With the sound of gentle waves serenading you and the stars above lighting the way, this intimate dining experience at Royal Thai on Royal Caribbean’s private island was a cherished memory of love, connection, and the beauty of the Caribbean.

Day 4: Romance on the Beach

As the days passed, we found ourselves enchanted by the serene beauty of the beach. We decided to spend the day relaxing under a private beach cabana, enjoying jerk chicken served right on the beach, and delicious pineapple cocktails. It was a day of pure relaxation, basking in each other’s company with the sound of the waves in the background.

In the evening, we attended a beachfront party, complete with a live reggae band and DJ. The mesmerizing music and the starlit sky set a romantic atmosphere that we’ll remember for a lifetime.

Day 5: Adventure in Negril

We embarked on an adventure to Negril with an excursion booked right in the hotel lobby. Negril is a shopper’s delight, with colorful markets that brim with local handicrafts, art, clothing, and souvenirs. Our day of shopping took us to the famous Negril Craft Market, a bustling and lively hub of creativity. From hand-carved wooden sculptures to intricate beadwork, you can find unique mementos to take home. Engaging with the talented local artisans was a highlight, as they shared stories and insights into their crafts, making the experience more than just a shopping trip. We also were able to taste many flavored rums and picked up a few bottles to bring back with us.

After a morning of retail therapy, we headed to Rick’s Cafe, a legendary Jamaican institution that needs no introduction. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Rick’s offers not only fantastic food and drinks but also the exhilarating thrill of cliff diving. The cliffs range from a modest 10 feet to an adrenaline-pumping 35 feet, catering to divers of all experience levels. Watching the daredevils leap from the cliffs into the turquoise waters below was a spectacle in itself. When it was our turn, the initial nerves gave way to a rush of excitement as we took the plunge into the refreshing sea. The sensation of free-falling and the thrill of hitting the water will stay with us as a vivid memory of our Negril adventure.

In Negril, shopping for local treasures and cliff diving at Rick’s Cafe offer a perfect blend of cultural immersion and adrenaline-pumping fun, making your visit a true Jamaican delight. This charming town has so much more to offer than just its beautiful beaches, and these experiences allow you to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 6: Farewell Evening at Sandals

As our vacation neared its end, we wanted to make the most of our last day at Sandals Montego Bay. We enjoyed our favorite activities once more, from floating in the beach hammocks to lounging by the pool.

In the evening, we dined at Tokyo Jos, savoring delicious stir fry, spring rolls and rice. We watched the waves crach under the moonlight while sipping espresso martinis. It was the perfect farewell to our Jamaican adventure.

Day 7: Departure and Fond Memories

Our final day at Sandals Montego Bay was bittersweet. We savored our last breakfast on the balcony and took one last stroll along the shore.

After check-out, the resort’s friendly staff bid us farewell with warm smiles and promises of a return visit. As we boarded our transfer back to the airport, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable experiences and memories created during our stay at Sandals Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

This tropical paradise had exceeded our expectations, and we departed with hearts full of joy and anticipation of returning to this breathtaking oasis in the future. Sandals Montego Bay had not only provided relaxation and adventure but also left us with lasting memories of a perfect Jamaican getaway.