Ritz-Mobay/Just back
 

Had a terrific time at this REALLY nice property. Highly rec. it. Be happy to answer any questions I can here. <BR>

<BR>Paul,<BR><BR>Did you play golf at the White Witch? If so, can you tell about the course and the concierge?

Can you tell us anything about the vacation?

Paul,<BR><BR>We're getting married/honeymooning there in October. Please share any helpful hints you can...<BR><BR>-Did you use the Ritz transfer service to the hotel?<BR>-Is the concierge helpful re: booking day excursions?<BR>-Your perspective of the best room locations? Did you get upgraded?<BR>-How are the spa services?<BR>-How is the beach/pool area?<BR>-Were you on the AI plan & how strict were they about things? Which restaurant was the best one. We're currently booked at the White Witch for dinner.<BR>-Overall impression of the property?<BR><BR>I'm just so curious...& it's tough to find info out there.<BR><BR>Thanks!Brett<BR>

Ok here goes....<BR><BR>I did not play golf though we did walk the course and it's beautiful. Goes up the mountain side.<BR><BR>We had pre-arranged to have a Lincoln Towncar pick us up. It was $$ but nice.<BR>Honestly, the Ritz mini buses are very nice too. For a first timer, I would rec. that you use the Ritz transfer.<BR><BR>The concierge dept is very helpful. <BR>I suggest however that you make as many reservations for dinner and excursions a few weeks prior to your arrival. Call ahead and make a contact then email to that person. I dealt with <BR>Lorna Holt in the guest services dept. <BR>She was great!<BR><BR><BR>We had a 3 floor executive suite on the NW corner of the East building. It was great! #2344 to be exact. A regular room that was still on the North side of the building would be nice too. Any room facing East or West directly would not be directly on the sea. (dont get lower than 3 floor though and prefer 4th) <BR><BR>We did not get upgraded. I paid for the upgrade. (which was fine by me for what we paid)<BR><BR>Did not use spa services though the spa is very large and impressive. I think their services look very expensive though.<BR><BR>Pool is GREAT. Beach is ok-nice. There is a nice "Jerk Chicken/Bar on the far end of the beach. A very tropical feel on the beach though.<BR><BR>We do not normally do AI meal plans but for the rate we could not do otherwise.<BR>Breakfast was super at Horizons. Dinner at the White Which was our favorite.(went there two times) Dinner at Horizons was very nice too. Never ate at Jasmins though wished we had the chance to. People seem to either love Jasmins or hate it. (small portions of spicy flavorful food) more courses though.<BR><BR>Lunch at the Cohobas on the beach was very good.<BR><BR>AI meant you could order just about anything you wanted without exception.<BR>Even when I ordered grilled lobster and it was supposed to be a $10 surcharge.<BR>(they did not charge extra. Dinner ala cart for 2 people with 2 glasses of wine each would have easily been $125.00.<BR><BR>We've been to Caneel Bay, Little Dix Bay and Nevis Four Seasons in the last 3 years. IMHO the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall easily competes with them. There will be trade-offs no matter where you stay, but we would go back to this property in a heartbeat! There was always some free entertainment going on whether it be at the pool or in on of the restaurants. Add in the free transportation to so many places and it's a great property!<BR><BR>Have fun and feel free to write with more ?? if you like!

Jam-man....<BR><BR>The White Witch golf course was awesome. It is set on a gorgeous piece of land, on a hill overlooking the ocean. The changes in elevation are incredible. <BR><BR>Every hole is a treat - with lots of danger, sand, water and remarkable views. <BR><BR>It reminded me a little of Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, CA. <BR><BR>Anyway, the golf concierge was invaluable. Not only did he chase down errant shots, he gave good advice off the tee, accurate yardages and club recommendations (he learned my distances within a few holes, and was consistently accurate - even when I was tempted to overrule him). Trust me, this is so valuable since the elevation changes mean huge uphill and downhill shots, and the winds off the ocean can be very strong at times. He also was great at reading putts, which is again valuable on many of the greens. Lastly, he rakes bunkers, fills divots, and cleans your clubs. <BR><BR>Our concierge, Dalton (who I would strongly recommend requesting) was a pleasure to play with. And man, did he work hard. He practically ran the entire course. They recommend a $15-20 tip, but you will see that they are worth more than that (we gave $30 each, then asked him to lunch at the clubhouse)<BR><BR>Lastly, just wait until the beer car shows up, which iced washcloths that have a hint of rum and lime. Oh man, what a way to cool the body down. <BR><BR>Enjoy - it was one of the most enjoyable, if not THE most enjoyable rounds of golf I've played. Keep the ball in play, and you should be able to play to your handicap. <BR><BR>Ask more questions if needed!<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Dave,<BR><BR>Whew!! Dave, what a great report. I've asked about the Witch probably a half dozen times and never gotten answers. Your post was outstanding. You've given me all I need. WIll be there the end of November.<BR>Let me ask this, have you ever played Tryall, on the west side of MoBay? If yes, would you give a quick comparison between Tryall (which I love) and the Witch (which I hope to love)?<BR>Thanks again for the great post!

Is the Ritz-Mobay a good resort to take kids? If not, does anyone recomend an island for taking a family vacation?

how old are the kids? and for how long of a trip?

1, 4, and 7. For a week.

John;<BR>If you are looking for a true upscale Ritz Carlton experience, then this is where you should go. Just beware that it is not truly a place for children much younger than about 7-9. IMHO. Yes they do have a kids club, but it's really just a place to drop your child for a bit while you go enjoy the pool or sea. They do games and what not, but it did not seem to be what they (the Ritz) does best.<BR><BR>If however you are willing to give up some glitz in exchange for larger accomodations, a super kid friendly place and pretty good food, then I suggest you check into FDR Resort in Runway Bay Jamaica. It is a kids dream while still being nice for the adults. The staff could not be nicer, and you even get a "nanny" to help watch the kids for the day. You can even hire a second if you like. They stick with your kids like glue while you can relax on the other side of the pool and still see you family. Just a suggestion!

Thanks Lisa, <BR><BR>

I've just booked a trip to the Ritz and am a 37 year old single female. Was it a good mix of people or mostly families and honey mooners?