Please tell me about Jumby Bay
Jul 26th, 2004, 12:52 PM
#2
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I was there about a year and a half ago. There were things I loved and things that needed improvement. I loved the property, the beach and biking everywhere. That just made it feel like we were on vacation! I also thought the food was quite good and the service too. I didn't like the bad to non-existent AC, bugs (!!!), and the fact that no rooms are really on the sand. (I prefer Cap Jaluca, Cuisinart or Caneel Bay type set ups.)
We had a wonderful time and I thought it was worth it...because I was looking for a place to totally relax. There is no night life to speak of and no TV's. So your entertainment options are limited. We were never bored during the day with the beach, biking and croquet. But, evenings entertainment was dinner and going to bed early.
We had a wonderful time and I thought it was worth it...because I was looking for a place to totally relax. There is no night life to speak of and no TV's. So your entertainment options are limited. We were never bored during the day with the beach, biking and croquet. But, evenings entertainment was dinner and going to bed early.
Jul 26th, 2004, 06:49 PM
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"Would I get bored?"
That's like asking us to guess what your favorite food or color is.
You haven't given us any idea about what you want, like or expect, and what kinds of places you've found enjoyable in the past.
There are plenty of recent comments about JB in the archives.
I'll be glad to offer my opinion if you'll give us some details.
JB happens to be one of my favorite places to vacation anywhere in the world, but a lot of that has to do with my particular love for the uniqueness of the island set-up...the privacy factor, freedom to wander around the island on bikes rarely even running into another soul.
But JB won't please everyone, that's for sure. It's not going to please the typical Sandals and Atlantis lovers.
As for the AC, when we were last there a couple months ago the AC in our room was excellent. Room was chilly at night.
That's like asking us to guess what your favorite food or color is.
You haven't given us any idea about what you want, like or expect, and what kinds of places you've found enjoyable in the past.
There are plenty of recent comments about JB in the archives.
I'll be glad to offer my opinion if you'll give us some details.
JB happens to be one of my favorite places to vacation anywhere in the world, but a lot of that has to do with my particular love for the uniqueness of the island set-up...the privacy factor, freedom to wander around the island on bikes rarely even running into another soul.
But JB won't please everyone, that's for sure. It's not going to please the typical Sandals and Atlantis lovers.
As for the AC, when we were last there a couple months ago the AC in our room was excellent. Room was chilly at night.
Jul 29th, 2004, 11:19 AM
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Jumping on this thread... I have a chance to take a quick vacation in the next couple of weeks... solo... M early 40s...often travel alone (Little Dix, STT and all the time on business in US)... Couryard rooms are $550 all inclusive... how does this resort compare to Little Dix or Caneel in terms of a single person getting along?...I don't need much entertainment, but don't like to feel like a total odd ball... I'm not looking for a "singles scene," but also don't want to be laughed at! Any thoughts?
Aug 9th, 2004, 10:08 PM
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To Ted Turner:
We have been seriously considering JB one bedrm suites. I would like to ask you about the different categories. I want to be as close to the beach as possible.
Which rooms have you actually stayed in? And, do you know if any of the rooms have a private pool?
Lastly, have you ever been to JB in late Sept.? Are we crazy to attempt it during that time of year?
Thank you very much. It's always nice to talk someone who has actually been there.
We have been seriously considering JB one bedrm suites. I would like to ask you about the different categories. I want to be as close to the beach as possible.
Which rooms have you actually stayed in? And, do you know if any of the rooms have a private pool?
Lastly, have you ever been to JB in late Sept.? Are we crazy to attempt it during that time of year?
Thank you very much. It's always nice to talk someone who has actually been there.
Aug 10th, 2004, 09:07 AM
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To Andrew: if you're comfortable travelling solo and aren't looking for a lot of 'action', mostly R&R, I think Jumby Bay would be great with one exception: meals. All the meals are host-directed seating at tables for 2-4 people. If you are comfortable eating many or all meals alone, then I'd say go for it. I'd guess 70% of guests are individual couples and the other 30% are families. I can't actually recall having seen a solo individual there. But obviously the resort is there to cater to the individual. If you're not uncomfortable, they'll gladly do whatever it takes to make your stay enjoyable.
To katiekate: I've been in or stayed in all the room types at JB. The first time I went I was smitten with the place and wanted to scout the resort for future trips. We were there at a slow time and many of the rooms were open. I've stayed in each room type except the standard Pond Bay rooms (which were still being built the first time I went, so we wandered around several of them).
No private pools. (The resort's pool could almost serve as a private pool since I rarely ever see anyone use it...and it's very nice with lots of poolside cabanas and privacy netting. But most people want to take advantage of the beach).
There aren't any rooms within, say, 100 feet of the beach. It's not set up quite like Cap Juluca or Caneel Bay, where all (CJ) or a few (CB) of the rooms are practically on the beach. The rooms sit up on a bit of a sloping hill.
For people who want to be close to the beach, the Courtyard Suites are the rooms to get. The rooms in the 20's (as I recall) are the ones to seek. The ones in the 40's are the farthest but offer the most privacy.
Of the opinions I've heard and read, I think most people prefer the Courtyard Suites. The outdoor tubs seem to be popular. I like the rondavel suites best. The villas are far and away the best accommodations, but they're quite a distance from the rest of the resort and I don't care for the beach over and that part of the island.
There is something to suit a variety of tastes, though.
To katiekate: I've been in or stayed in all the room types at JB. The first time I went I was smitten with the place and wanted to scout the resort for future trips. We were there at a slow time and many of the rooms were open. I've stayed in each room type except the standard Pond Bay rooms (which were still being built the first time I went, so we wandered around several of them).
No private pools. (The resort's pool could almost serve as a private pool since I rarely ever see anyone use it...and it's very nice with lots of poolside cabanas and privacy netting. But most people want to take advantage of the beach).
There aren't any rooms within, say, 100 feet of the beach. It's not set up quite like Cap Juluca or Caneel Bay, where all (CJ) or a few (CB) of the rooms are practically on the beach. The rooms sit up on a bit of a sloping hill.
For people who want to be close to the beach, the Courtyard Suites are the rooms to get. The rooms in the 20's (as I recall) are the ones to seek. The ones in the 40's are the farthest but offer the most privacy.
Of the opinions I've heard and read, I think most people prefer the Courtyard Suites. The outdoor tubs seem to be popular. I like the rondavel suites best. The villas are far and away the best accommodations, but they're quite a distance from the rest of the resort and I don't care for the beach over and that part of the island.
There is something to suit a variety of tastes, though.
Aug 10th, 2004, 12:57 PM
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To TedTurner:
I'm guessing Rondavels is the same as Rondavels suites? I did not see Rondavels suites on the Jumby site. All I saw was Rondavels. For Rondavels suite, which building or room should we request based on your experience? Thank you for your thoughts.
I'm guessing Rondavels is the same as Rondavels suites? I did not see Rondavels suites on the Jumby site. All I saw was Rondavels. For Rondavels suite, which building or room should we request based on your experience? Thank you for your thoughts.
Aug 10th, 2004, 04:39 PM
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The website is not current.
Prior to this year all the rondavels were similar in configuration and price. All ther rondavels are in the process of a complete renovation. They've divided each of the rondavel buildings into a rondavel suite and rondavel standard room. The suite has a bedroom and then an entirely separate rondavel shaped day room with lots of windows. The day room has a refrigerator, fan, AC, day bed, coffee table, desk chair and tea table. The bedroom has another AC unit, double vanity bath, and 2 showers. The regular rondavel rooms lack the day room.
There were still no pictures of the renovated rooms last time I checked the JB website.
Rondavels 1-2 are closest to the veranda/restaurant and maybe a little more private. Rooms 8-12 were still under construction this summer when I was last there, and plans were to leave them vacant until all the new home construction is complete not too far away. They probably won't be rented for at least 6-9 more months I'd guess. My favorite rondavel room was the one closest to the water, I think 12, but it isn't available.
Prior to this year all the rondavels were similar in configuration and price. All ther rondavels are in the process of a complete renovation. They've divided each of the rondavel buildings into a rondavel suite and rondavel standard room. The suite has a bedroom and then an entirely separate rondavel shaped day room with lots of windows. The day room has a refrigerator, fan, AC, day bed, coffee table, desk chair and tea table. The bedroom has another AC unit, double vanity bath, and 2 showers. The regular rondavel rooms lack the day room.
There were still no pictures of the renovated rooms last time I checked the JB website.
Rondavels 1-2 are closest to the veranda/restaurant and maybe a little more private. Rooms 8-12 were still under construction this summer when I was last there, and plans were to leave them vacant until all the new home construction is complete not too far away. They probably won't be rented for at least 6-9 more months I'd guess. My favorite rondavel room was the one closest to the water, I think 12, but it isn't available.
Aug 11th, 2004, 05:02 AM
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First of all the advice on Jumby is wonderful, I for one have only toured a few rooms on my many visits. Thanks Ted for your info! Its not for everyone, and yes certain times of the year, or after large amounts of rain, mosquitos
tend to accumulate. The resort does spray, I also shut down the fans and spray my closets, and outdoor eves where
the bugs nest. I have been there when I have not had to do this! Bugs have never been a problem on the beach.
As far as room catagory, its amazing as I talk to guests at the hotel each has their owm personal favorite! I love the court yard suites closest to the beach, others prefer the ones all by themselves, yet the Pond House is another popular area, and now the newly done Rondavels, almost a very little village on its own! Now many of the rooms all have enclosed outdoor showers!
The a/c could be better, its fine for sleeping, and many nights you will not need it. When its hot, the area that does not cool down is the dressing area, I tend to feel the heat blow drying my hair. Hey, its not a big deal! Jumby is better than no a/c,
that I had on my first stay, ditto Caneel!
As far as a single traveler, I have always noticed a few diners, male and female alone. This is the one place where I would certainly not feel out of place. So, Andrew you are on the right track. Its not as busy as Caneel, and if you enjoy these resorts, I cannot see why you would not enjoy Jumby.
Katie as far as a pool suite like CJ, Jumby does not have that option, but they use to rent out the Pond Bay Villas, I think these have pools, so I would ask!
tend to accumulate. The resort does spray, I also shut down the fans and spray my closets, and outdoor eves where
the bugs nest. I have been there when I have not had to do this! Bugs have never been a problem on the beach.
As far as room catagory, its amazing as I talk to guests at the hotel each has their owm personal favorite! I love the court yard suites closest to the beach, others prefer the ones all by themselves, yet the Pond House is another popular area, and now the newly done Rondavels, almost a very little village on its own! Now many of the rooms all have enclosed outdoor showers!
The a/c could be better, its fine for sleeping, and many nights you will not need it. When its hot, the area that does not cool down is the dressing area, I tend to feel the heat blow drying my hair. Hey, its not a big deal! Jumby is better than no a/c,
that I had on my first stay, ditto Caneel!
As far as a single traveler, I have always noticed a few diners, male and female alone. This is the one place where I would certainly not feel out of place. So, Andrew you are on the right track. Its not as busy as Caneel, and if you enjoy these resorts, I cannot see why you would not enjoy Jumby.
Katie as far as a pool suite like CJ, Jumby does not have that option, but they use to rent out the Pond Bay Villas, I think these have pools, so I would ask!
Oct 11th, 2004, 07:16 AM
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Has anyone stayed in or seen the one bedroom suites at Jumby Bay? There are only six - rooms 29 and 30 in the Pond Bay House, and rooms 2,4,6,and 8 on the path leading from the Beach Dock to the Estate House. I am looking for closest to beach and nicest water view (I realize the two may not go together!) so any info anyone can give me on those accomodations is greatly appreciated.
Oct 11th, 2004, 08:47 AM
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Rooms 2,4,6,8 are the Rondavel Suites. If you do a search of the archives (type in 'rondavel jumby' or similar) you'll find detailed descriptions.
The water views from the Rondavel Suites don't dominate the scenery out the windows, but from most you can see the water. Pond Bay House has a bit better water perspective. None of the rooms are near beachfront.
The water views from the Rondavel Suites don't dominate the scenery out the windows, but from most you can see the water. Pond Bay House has a bit better water perspective. None of the rooms are near beachfront.
Oct 11th, 2004, 12:24 PM
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Thanks - I had seen the description of the rondavels, but didn't realize they were the same as the one bedroom suites. Can you recomend one room over the other with respect to the view? We are big on sunsets.
Oct 19th, 2004, 04:32 AM
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As far as the sunset goes, it will occur over Jumbys beach, blocked a bit by the mainland, not as dramatic as when it sizzles into the sea. You can view it from the beach, or the west facing rooms in the Pond House. I would think this location is better than the Rondavels, for water views, sunset. Yet, the Rondavels for privacy
cannot be beat. They have recently been redone and are very popular!
As far as LDB its a special place too.
I was only at Little Dix for 3 nights,
had a wonderful time. Dining was outstanding, I loved the Sugar Mill, great breakfasts, fantastic beach. Lots of activities, day sails, off resort beach barbeque. I understand they have a great new spa. We had planned to go back, but hurricane Lenny
changed our plans. Nice spot! You will not go wrong with either one!
cannot be beat. They have recently been redone and are very popular!
As far as LDB its a special place too.
I was only at Little Dix for 3 nights,
had a wonderful time. Dining was outstanding, I loved the Sugar Mill, great breakfasts, fantastic beach. Lots of activities, day sails, off resort beach barbeque. I understand they have a great new spa. We had planned to go back, but hurricane Lenny
changed our plans. Nice spot! You will not go wrong with either one!
Oct 19th, 2004, 05:41 AM
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Thanks Penny. I'm not sure where we'll end up, but I'm sure if you like both places we will have a great time no matter what. And we may even decide to go back to Cap Juluca - but with the Today Show wedding there this year, it may be harder to book for spring break.
