Sandals Resorts: Defines Savings with Romance

Sandals sets the standard in Adults only All-Inclusive Resorts

Sandals Ochi Pool

Sandals Resorts has been operating exclusively in the 'Adults-Only, All-Inclusive' business since 1981 and with over 18 luxurious properties located throughout the Caribbean, the Sandals brand has become synonymous with warm Romantic getaways for couples.  After 43 years in this business Sandals clearly understands how to deliver what it's target audience wants.

Sandals Ochi

Is Sandals Resorts right for you?

• Sandals is LGBTQ friendly and very attractive to couples that may be luxury seeking but price sensitive such as; newly weds, or celebrating a big anniversary or other important milestones where heavy additional expenses may be part of their total planning process.

• Sandals has spent the past 43 years acquiring the most desirable locations throughout the Caribbean, making Sandals truly a premium experience with value pricing as compared to other All-Inclusive resorts.

• The minimum guest age requirement at a Sandals Resort is 18.  While the singles, friends and family to the guests are welcomed, only couples may stay at Sandals to make the guest experience as romantic and relaxing as possible.  

What should you know about the Sandals Ocho Rios?

• There are 3 Sandals properties within the Ocho Rios area and a short distance of the famous Dunn's River Falls;

• The Ochi property is the closest to Dunn's River Falls, sits on the beach and is less 3miles/5km or roughly a 5min drive east of the Falls.  This happens to be my personal favorite!

• The Royal Plantation property sits directly on the beach and is also only within a 5-7min drive  or just a few short miles/km east of the falls

• The Dunn's River property is actually the furtherest away, and is about a 15 min drive west of the Falls, making the name of the property a little misleading, but this property does sit directly on the beach and is much less congested than it's counter parts in the Cruise Port town of Ocho Rios

Are the amenities at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort good?

It is important to remember, meals and beverages onsite are included in the all-inclusive rates, making these a fantastic value, especially when compared to the cost of eating and drinking offsite 2 or more times per day per person.  Additionally, sight seeing in most local areas are either free or highly affordable and include the entire day.

• Pools: 105 pools, 22 whirlpools.
• Dining: Unlimited fine dining at any of the 16 restaurants.
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and anytime snacks.
• Bars: 11 bars, including 3 swim ups.
• Unlimited premium liquor
• Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines
• Beach Club: Live Entertainment
• Other: Scuba & Snorkeling equipment, Fitness center, complimentary wireless Internet access, all taxes, tips, and gratuities are also included.
• Tennis & Land sports: Shuttle & green fees to 18 hole golf course included.
• Airport Shuttle: Complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle is available.

Sandals Ochi Spa

Things to do in Ocho Rios

Other than climbing the World Famous Dunn's River Falls, most of the sight seeing throughout Ocho Rios is low impact.  

• Dunn's River Falls & Park:  For decades, each year thousands of couples from around the world 'Take the Plunge' both literally and symbolically of starting their new lives together in these world famous falls.  If your adventurous you can try climbing to the top of the 960 foot falls, or if you prefer to relax, you can picnic in the park garden or soak in the lazy moving river, or the beach below.

• Konoko Falls:  Not as tall or as steeply inclined, these falls are far less intense and offer an opportunity to those who may not have been up for such a strenuous hike as Dunn's River.  Konoko also has a small natural pools both at the top and bottom of the falls to wade around in.  With a Botanical Garden, Zoo and Museum onsite this location gives everyone a wider variety of enjoyment, but again-bring those water shoes to climb the falls!

• Cool Blue Hole Ocho Rios:  This is a much more relaxed way to spend the day than either of the two falls.  This is a series of natural pools formed by sinkholes in the below limestone.  Charged from natural spring and rain water from the adjacent waterfall, and surrounded by the lush rainforest visitors will feel the Tropical Paradise of Jamaica.  

• Tip: The Blue Hole is Smaller, and so reserving your tickets ahead of time is best.

Important !! For those considering climbing Dunn's River Falls... Due to liability, Jamaican Authorities will not permit park guests to climb the falls without wearing water shoes and signing a liability waiver.  The climb is guided, but it is fairly strenuous.  You must form a human chain -holding on to both the persons in front and behind you.  The path is narrow at times, the rocks are very slippery, (water shoes with great grip are required), and some portions can be quite high where a fall could lead to serious injury.  This would not be appropriate for persons with a fear of heights, or serious conditions.

Dunn's River Falls (Video)

Currency and payment accepted in the Jamaica:

The official currency is the Jamaican Dollar, however, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted and All-Inclusive Resorts use the U.S. Dollar.  As with most major destinations, Credit Cards are also widely accepted, and U.S. Dollars are available from ATMs.

Should I rent a car in Jamaica?

• Not entirely necessary if staying at one of the Sandals Resorts.  Sandals provides complimentary transfer to/from the airport, and then Taxi within and around Ocho Rios would be advisable.
• Most major carriers are however available from the Montego Bay International Airport.  Be aware gas/petro on the island is more expensive than in the U.S. and is sold by the liter.
• Sandals is roughly a 1.5-2hr drive from Montego Bay International Airport.

Language:

English is the primary spoken language of Jamaica, however most people also speak Jamaican which is famous with it's colorful, descriptive and clearly creole dialect. 

'Irie, Irie Man'- Everything is Alright and Fine

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San Juan, Puerto Rico: 500 years worth seeing

San Juan is a Treasure Chest of Things To See & Do !

Historic San Juan, Puerto Rico

Is San Juan, Puerto Rico right for you?   

• For those who have ever visited St. Augustine, Florida, 'Old San Juan' is like St. Augustine on steroids! '

• Old San Juan' offers over 500 years of rich history, beautiful architecture, art and great food.  With incredible beaches, rainforests, ecotours and even an energetic night life of Night Clubs and Casino's in the new parts of San Juan, San Juan offers everything couples & singles may want in a Caribbean Getaway.   

• Tip: Because of San Juan's population density, steep hills, difficult terrain, older uneven roads and sidewalks, traveling with strollers and smaller children may be challenging.

  

What should you know about San Juan, Puerto Rico?

• San Juan is less than 1200 miles and just under a 3 hour flight from Orlando.  Because it is a protected territory of the U.S., U.S. Citizens departing directly from the U.S. will not need a passport to visit, making this historically rich Caribbean vacation very accessible and a easy long weekend getaway for couples

• Tip:  Direct Flights from Orlando to Puerto Rico are plentiful, inexpensive, and with 4 Airports on the main Island of Puerto Rico, including a major airport only 15mins from Old San Juan, it is very easy to plan.

• Tip (Getting Around): While everything within the Historic area of San Juan is close to one another, the area sits on a steep hill.  In addition, the capitol building of San Juan is also inside the historic district. This means roads are sometimes closed to permit political motorcades thru.  Being historic, some streets are still cobbled and very narrow.  All of this means that driving, parking, and walking could be challenging, especially to those with special needs.  Consider taking a shuttle or taxi for the day in Old San Juan.

• When you think of the Puerto Rico, you probably think of Spanish Food, Salsa Music, and perhaps rich colorful architecture, but you may not think of Iguana.  Iguana can be commonly seen throughout much of the Caribbean, and you'll see them laying out in public areas.  They are aggressive so do not try touching touch them.

What are the best beaches in San Juan Puerto Rico? 

There are many beaches in the area of San Juan, and they are very diverse.  Here are just a few;

• Best Romantic/Couples: Playa Pena, very scenic and near the Capitol within Old San Juan, but many rocks, so water shoes may be ideal.

• Best for Snorkeling: Balneario El Escambron, also located near Old San Juan, clear water, and Sea Turtles make this a great place for visitors with children to snorkel.

• Best Family-Friendly Beach: Condado is one of the most family-friendly beaches, with access to food, beverages and shopping nearby. 

What are the best things to do in Old San Juan?

• Castillo San Filipe del Moro (photo featured below)
• Castillo San Cristobal
• Walking Tour of Historic San Juan & Markets
• San Juan Cathedral

Castillo San Filipe del Moro  (Top & Below)

Currency and payment accepted on the island:

Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S. and so the U.S. dollar and credit cards are accepted, however it is advisable to carry some cash as you may encounter a few merchants and restaurants who do not accept credit cards.

Should I rent a car in San Juan?

(Old San Juan is about 15 mins from the main airport)

• Yes, however, please refer to tip above while visiting Old San Juan

Language:

Spanish is the official language of Puerto Rico, though most persons in the tourism & hospitality industries do speak English.

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Holland America: Mediterranean Cruise

Holland America is where Premium meets Value

Most European and Mediterranean cities grew along coastlines where transporting was easier by ship.  This left the world with beautiful destinations perfectly accessible by Cruising.  Read in this Holland America Cruise Review how this company with 150 years of experience has mastered the waters of cruising.  

Is Holland America right for you?

• Like Celebrity, Holland America is also a premium tier cruise line, however there are surprising differences.  For example, the parent company to Holland America is the Carnival Corporation, which infuses incredible value to this Premium Line.

• While Holland America does offer cruises throughout most major destinations of the world, with being based out of Rotterdam, Netherlands, it has established an incredibly strong presence throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, making it one of the most notable cruise lines in this part of the world.

• Because of Holland America's value, premier quality, and overall European presence, this cruise line is perfect for cheap vacations to Europe.  And with ports of call like Venice, Italy, this is an easy choice for couples to Romantically celebrate their most important Anniversaries together thru one of the Europe Cruises. 

Is Holland America's service good?

• Again, the combination of Holland America's 150 year experience and 'no-nonsense' European approach to cruising with Carnival's 'Fun-Ship, value offer' is masterfully infused throughout the experience.  From the glamorous Holland American Dining Rooms (picture below), to the famed Carnival Cabin service of towel animals (see pic), the pair noticeably play off one another strength's of; Fun & Tradition.

                                      Fun 'Carnival' style Cabin Service aboard Holland America

Is Holland America's Entertainment & Dining good?

• Aboard Holland America, you can expect to find the perfect balance between the generous buffet style dining and fun shows that Carnival has set the standard, and the fine European Restaurant experience where reservations and dressing up are still the expectation of Holland's European tradition.  

Holland America Eurodam: Fine Dining

Are the Holland America Cruise Ships nice? 

• In a previous post about Celebrity Cruise Lines, I said the Eden Room of the APEX was one of my most favorite public Cruise Spaces.  While the Eden room will always remain one of my favorite public spaces, Holland America's public spaces will be my first most favorite.  These warm, inviting yet traditionally decorated spaces wrap you like a blanket and you never want to leave.  This is perfect for longer cruises, where a break from noise, and activity is needed.

                                                    Holland America Eurodam: Public Space

• Tip: While public spaces of Holland America ships are impeccably traditional, you may find the 'no-nonsense' Netherland mindset taking over in the cabins and you should anticipate less glamor and to be decorated with only the basics.

Holland America Eurodam: Decor 

Do people like Holland America's Excursions?

• When it comes to excursions, with Holland America's enormous presence throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, you simply cant go wrong.  You will find a wide variety of carefully curated day trips, tours, and self-guided options available, with each port of call having at least one or more unique attractions.  

• Tip: Europe continues to be heavily over touristed, and many of it's walk ways and streets are very steep and/or uneven.  This means if you either have special needs, walking difficulty or even a fear of heights, some sights throughout Europe and the Mediterranean may not be appropriate for you, and you should first either speak with your travel advisor or carefully read the description before purchasing one of these.

Holland America Mediterranean Excursions : Mont Serrat (above), Monte Carlo (below)

Tip:  Due to European over tourism you should book early and work with your travel advisor for the best Months to most enjoy your Mediterranean holiday.

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