Sandals or Couples
Feb 1st, 2005, 06:34 AM
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Sandals or Couples
Need some help. I have reservations at Sandals Whitehouse for June. But I have read a lot of bad reports on Sandals, which is making me nervous. So please, which is better Sandals or Couples? If I stay at couples which one is the best to stay at?
Feb 8th, 2005, 04:44 PM
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If you read bad trip reports, do not go. Believe me, I disregarded the bad reports and boy am I sorry. Follow your gut, not the enthusiasts who deny all negative reports about Jamaica. It's almost that they take slight with any bad report.
Feb 9th, 2005, 06:35 AM
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We have been to almost all the Sandals propertys and never had a problem. We will be going to The Whitehouse for 2 weeks from Feb 19- March 4. the resort at this time is not 100% complete but who cares...we recieved a free trip of 2 weeks to be used by the end of 2006 for our inconvience, to ANY Sandlas property no matter what the $$$$. As long as there is sun, sand and warm weather with some grub and a nice cold drink Im in heaven. If you would like to email me with your concern maybe I can ease your mind . There are alot of Sandals Haters on this board. Heres another good board www.tropictravelonline.com for information. [email protected]
Feb 9th, 2005, 08:44 AM
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I've been to 3 Sandals and am going to Whitehouse in March. I've always had a great time at any one of them. Whitehosue is brand new in a part of Jamaica where there are no large resorts. How often can you get a chance to go to a brand new resort? Jamaica is a great Island and I'm sure you'll have a great time. I'm sure there are as many positive reports about Sandals as the negative ones. There are a few good sights with lots of info and reviews that may ease you mind. E-mail me if you want and I'll give you the links. Don't worry, you're gonna love Jamaica.
Paul
[email protected]
Paul
[email protected]
Feb 9th, 2005, 09:52 AM
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Sandals Dunns RIver was my very favorite resort in the early and mid 90's. I got a pair of solid gold sandals on my 10th (and last) visit there.
For me, it was a big letdown when quality of food, service and housekeeping started to decline, IMO about 6 years ago.
While it may still be enjoyable for someone who is not experienced with other AIs, or for couples in their 20s, I really think you do not get good value for your money.
Couples Swept Away is still a great resort. My girlfriend and her husband returned yesterday from their first stay yesterday and loved it! I was happy because I was the one who talked them into staying there.
My last visit was in 2002 to Beaches Grande Sport, a Sandals property We stayed in a Deluxe Villa with private pool. After forgetting to pick us up at the airport (the airport closed after we sat there for 3 hours and called the property every 30 minutes, who assured us they were "on their way"
, we arrived to find the pool dirty, the furniture in our villa shabby and for the next 5 days we experienced bad food and service.
I will not be going to another Sandals property.
For me, it was a big letdown when quality of food, service and housekeeping started to decline, IMO about 6 years ago.
While it may still be enjoyable for someone who is not experienced with other AIs, or for couples in their 20s, I really think you do not get good value for your money.
Couples Swept Away is still a great resort. My girlfriend and her husband returned yesterday from their first stay yesterday and loved it! I was happy because I was the one who talked them into staying there.
My last visit was in 2002 to Beaches Grande Sport, a Sandals property We stayed in a Deluxe Villa with private pool. After forgetting to pick us up at the airport (the airport closed after we sat there for 3 hours and called the property every 30 minutes, who assured us they were "on their way"
, we arrived to find the pool dirty, the furniture in our villa shabby and for the next 5 days we experienced bad food and service.I will not be going to another Sandals property.
Feb 9th, 2005, 10:21 AM
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First of all Kimberly, how did you get the free trip? 
Because, I want one of those!!! Anyways, I have never been to an AI before and am wanting to go to the one that will give me the best value (entertainment, romance, GOOD food, and Service) for my $$. Certain comments about Sandals scare me. I have heard a lot of great things about Couples Swept Away, but on the other hand have heard some pretty good points about Sandals Whitehouse being a new Resort and all. Boy, am I confused on what to do.
Any help from all of you experienced travelers would be great.
Because, I want one of those!!! Anyways, I have never been to an AI before and am wanting to go to the one that will give me the best value (entertainment, romance, GOOD food, and Service) for my $$. Certain comments about Sandals scare me. I have heard a lot of great things about Couples Swept Away, but on the other hand have heard some pretty good points about Sandals Whitehouse being a new Resort and all. Boy, am I confused on what to do.Any help from all of you experienced travelers would be great.
Feb 9th, 2005, 10:51 AM
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I have stayed at Swept Away twice and loved it, but must tell you that it was years ago and, from reports here, I don't think the beach is as big now as it was then. There was a time when you could not find a bad review on Swept Away - now the reviews are quite mixed. I think the expansion did not help any. That being said, everyone I know who has been to both Couples and Sandals liked Couples more - describing Couples as more intimate and classier.
Feb 9th, 2005, 11:12 AM
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First of all, chances are very good that if you take your vacation as it presently stands you will have a wonderful time.
Be forewarned that I am very much in the anti-Sandals camp, so please take my comments in that context. Sandals does indeed have a large share of detractors and for many good reasons, mostly having to do with the overall value of a vacation not being commensurate with the very high prices Sandals usually commands. Lots of people love Sandals and you've heard from a few so far. You need to decide whether a Sandals-style vacation fits what you're looking for, however.
That said, the Couples resorts generally have a much higher ratio of positive reviews than the Sandals resorts. Couples Swept Away seems to get the best ones of all.
Sandals Whitehouse is in a part of Jamaica that does not have a heavy tourist infrastructure. Most of the local economy there is community based rather than resort driven. This appeals to many people looking for a more off the beaten path destination. The south coast of Jamaica is beautiful and rugged and there are some lovely small stretches of sand interspersed with with rocky outcroppings and tidal pools. However, if you're looking for a long stretch of beach great for meandering walks with various tourist ameneties such as a variety of beach bars and restaurants, Whitehouse is not the best location for you. You should try Negril instead--either the Sandals or the COuples resorts, or possibly even a place that is not AI. Just for an alternative suggestion, you might want to look at www.idleawhile.com for comparison purposes.
Ultimately only you can decide if it's worth it to you to fly in the face of the numerous negative postings and remain firm with your current booking. I would advise you to do as much research as possible while you still have time in case you do want to change bookings. For what it's worth, I found an unbelievable deal at place in Antigua that had very mixed reviews, but I took my chances and had a wonderful time--mostly because my husband and I enjoy our free time in each other's company so much that it wouldn't matter where we stayed. The price we paid for that particular vacation was so low that we would've put up with a lot worse for a last minute getaway.
Be forewarned that I am very much in the anti-Sandals camp, so please take my comments in that context. Sandals does indeed have a large share of detractors and for many good reasons, mostly having to do with the overall value of a vacation not being commensurate with the very high prices Sandals usually commands. Lots of people love Sandals and you've heard from a few so far. You need to decide whether a Sandals-style vacation fits what you're looking for, however.
That said, the Couples resorts generally have a much higher ratio of positive reviews than the Sandals resorts. Couples Swept Away seems to get the best ones of all.
Sandals Whitehouse is in a part of Jamaica that does not have a heavy tourist infrastructure. Most of the local economy there is community based rather than resort driven. This appeals to many people looking for a more off the beaten path destination. The south coast of Jamaica is beautiful and rugged and there are some lovely small stretches of sand interspersed with with rocky outcroppings and tidal pools. However, if you're looking for a long stretch of beach great for meandering walks with various tourist ameneties such as a variety of beach bars and restaurants, Whitehouse is not the best location for you. You should try Negril instead--either the Sandals or the COuples resorts, or possibly even a place that is not AI. Just for an alternative suggestion, you might want to look at www.idleawhile.com for comparison purposes.
Ultimately only you can decide if it's worth it to you to fly in the face of the numerous negative postings and remain firm with your current booking. I would advise you to do as much research as possible while you still have time in case you do want to change bookings. For what it's worth, I found an unbelievable deal at place in Antigua that had very mixed reviews, but I took my chances and had a wonderful time--mostly because my husband and I enjoy our free time in each other's company so much that it wouldn't matter where we stayed. The price we paid for that particular vacation was so low that we would've put up with a lot worse for a last minute getaway.
Feb 9th, 2005, 12:14 PM
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emccourt: Sandals had (and still does I think) where after 10 weeklong stays, you got one week free. That is when I got my gold sandals!
Value for the money is such a subjective. I am not a big drinker so the free alcohol at the AIs is not the draw for me. At CSA< the fitness facilites are wonderful and this is important in my book. Also, I love the tropical feel of the resort and the peace and quiet, which is unlike Sandals where Playmakers are all around tying to get everyone to participate in the goings on. While this is great for some, we want to relax on the beach, enjoy some watersports and also some peace and quiet.
The beach in Negril is still beautiful from all that I have seen and heard, the Cliffs were the most impacted by the hurricane. And even a small beach in Negril is way above what Ochi and MoBay have to offer IME.
As far as the AI concept goes, I think it is the convenience factor more than anything. WHile I do often go exploring in Negril and do not stay confined to resort property, it is nice not to have to seek out dining options unless I want to. CSA offers good restaurants and outdoor dining, which is what I want on vacation in the islands. I ahve also found the taxi fares in Jamaica to be getting quite ridiculous and this turns me off from going anywhere I cannot walk to on the beach.
Value for the money is such a subjective. I am not a big drinker so the free alcohol at the AIs is not the draw for me. At CSA< the fitness facilites are wonderful and this is important in my book. Also, I love the tropical feel of the resort and the peace and quiet, which is unlike Sandals where Playmakers are all around tying to get everyone to participate in the goings on. While this is great for some, we want to relax on the beach, enjoy some watersports and also some peace and quiet.
The beach in Negril is still beautiful from all that I have seen and heard, the Cliffs were the most impacted by the hurricane. And even a small beach in Negril is way above what Ochi and MoBay have to offer IME.
As far as the AI concept goes, I think it is the convenience factor more than anything. WHile I do often go exploring in Negril and do not stay confined to resort property, it is nice not to have to seek out dining options unless I want to. CSA offers good restaurants and outdoor dining, which is what I want on vacation in the islands. I ahve also found the taxi fares in Jamaica to be getting quite ridiculous and this turns me off from going anywhere I cannot walk to on the beach.
Feb 10th, 2005, 03:38 AM
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Thank you all for your help. I am just at a struggle. Because my fiance and I love both the quiet and mellow time, and we also both love to have fun and enjoy the company of other people as well as a fun Night life. I know that CSA is more quiet and romantic, and Sandals is more active. I just want my new wife to be blown away by our first trip South of Myrtle Beach let alone a different country.
Feb 10th, 2005, 05:25 AM
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emccort, I didn't realize you were planning a honeymoon. You seem very stressed out about it.
The Sandals fans will disagree with me, but there are dozens of places out there that would be much more special for a honeymoon than Sandals Whitehouse would be. Sandals is a corporate chain and as such you get much the same environment in each one, no matter the location or island.
But for the money you're prepared to spend for a week at Sandals, you can get a truly special, romantic, non-cookie cutter honeymoon elsewhere. For starters:
Cap Juluca on Anguilla
Peter Island off of Tortola
Caneel Bay on St. John
Jumby Bay off of Antigua
Cuisinart on Anguilla
Grand Lido Negril on Jamaica
Goldeneye on Jamaica
any of a few hotels on Barbados
Little Dix on Virgin Gorda
Pink Sands on Harbour Island
Moondance VIllas on Jamaica
Some of these are all inclusive, some offer various meal plans. Maybe you should discuss various places with your fiancee. It may be nice to surprise her, but if you truly want her to have an unforgettable honeymoon you might want to get her input on it. Good luck--and remember that you're on your honeymoon, ipso facto you'll have a grand and romantic time no matter what the location.
The Sandals fans will disagree with me, but there are dozens of places out there that would be much more special for a honeymoon than Sandals Whitehouse would be. Sandals is a corporate chain and as such you get much the same environment in each one, no matter the location or island.
But for the money you're prepared to spend for a week at Sandals, you can get a truly special, romantic, non-cookie cutter honeymoon elsewhere. For starters:
Cap Juluca on Anguilla
Peter Island off of Tortola
Caneel Bay on St. John
Jumby Bay off of Antigua
Cuisinart on Anguilla
Grand Lido Negril on Jamaica
Goldeneye on Jamaica
any of a few hotels on Barbados
Little Dix on Virgin Gorda
Pink Sands on Harbour Island
Moondance VIllas on Jamaica
Some of these are all inclusive, some offer various meal plans. Maybe you should discuss various places with your fiancee. It may be nice to surprise her, but if you truly want her to have an unforgettable honeymoon you might want to get her input on it. Good luck--and remember that you're on your honeymoon, ipso facto you'll have a grand and romantic time no matter what the location.
Feb 10th, 2005, 05:26 AM
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emccort,
My husband and I went to SMB (Sandals Montego Bay) for our honeymoon in June of 2002 and i'll be honest, we were disappointed. The resort left something to be desired, it was somewhat weathered and rundown. However, we had a great time and the staff was awesome. But, a large part of that to me was that SMB is the oldest Sandals in the chain. I, however, would not recommend against a Sandals resort, I would just recommend a newer resort. We booked for July 2005 @ SWH and are really looking forward to it. SWH is part of the Sandals Signature Collection - following is the excerpt taken from Sandals.com (The resorts of the prestigious Sandals Signature Collection represent the pinnacle of Caribbean elegance and luxury, with the option of full-service Caribbean-inspired spas that set the standard for pampering in paradise (spa services are additional). You'll also enjoy such exclusive pleasures as champagne breakfasts daily, midnight martini and seafood buffets, plus a host of other signature services that set these resorts in a category of their own.)
You can find plenty of info on this resort @ tropictravelonline.com ~ Many of the members at that forum are going there today and will be posting reports and photos (from the resort if they can connect), if not, i'm sure they'll do it as soon as they return. I'd say go for Sandals Whitehouse, it will only be open for 4 months when you go, how many times in life will you be able to say you went to a brand new resort. Not only that, but everything will still be pristine and so new and by then they should have all the "kinks" worked out. Good luck in your decision making!
My husband and I went to SMB (Sandals Montego Bay) for our honeymoon in June of 2002 and i'll be honest, we were disappointed. The resort left something to be desired, it was somewhat weathered and rundown. However, we had a great time and the staff was awesome. But, a large part of that to me was that SMB is the oldest Sandals in the chain. I, however, would not recommend against a Sandals resort, I would just recommend a newer resort. We booked for July 2005 @ SWH and are really looking forward to it. SWH is part of the Sandals Signature Collection - following is the excerpt taken from Sandals.com (The resorts of the prestigious Sandals Signature Collection represent the pinnacle of Caribbean elegance and luxury, with the option of full-service Caribbean-inspired spas that set the standard for pampering in paradise (spa services are additional). You'll also enjoy such exclusive pleasures as champagne breakfasts daily, midnight martini and seafood buffets, plus a host of other signature services that set these resorts in a category of their own.)
You can find plenty of info on this resort @ tropictravelonline.com ~ Many of the members at that forum are going there today and will be posting reports and photos (from the resort if they can connect), if not, i'm sure they'll do it as soon as they return. I'd say go for Sandals Whitehouse, it will only be open for 4 months when you go, how many times in life will you be able to say you went to a brand new resort. Not only that, but everything will still be pristine and so new and by then they should have all the "kinks" worked out. Good luck in your decision making!
Feb 10th, 2005, 05:31 AM
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PLEASE take into account the resorts that ejcrowe has recommended.
Any one of them on the list will provide you with a honeymoon you will never forget, and - imho - certainly better than you can get at any Sandals or Couples.
My picks on that list would be:
Cap Juluca
Little Dix
Pink Sands
Jumby Bay
and I'd add PSV in St Vincent and the Grenadines
and Sandy Lane in Barbados
Any one of them on the list will provide you with a honeymoon you will never forget, and - imho - certainly better than you can get at any Sandals or Couples.
My picks on that list would be:
Cap Juluca
Little Dix
Pink Sands
Jumby Bay
and I'd add PSV in St Vincent and the Grenadines
and Sandy Lane in Barbados
Feb 10th, 2005, 05:40 AM
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I like getting everyone's opinions on Sandals. I am going to Sandals Ocho Rios in 2 weeks. It is my first time to Jamaica, first time at an AI, and it WASN'T MY CHOICE. I'm going with 5 friends (we got 3 villas), and they made all the arrangements and then asked me if I wanted to go.
I could use a break from winter, so I said yes. We apparently have butler service, which could be fun. We are the types who will probably get our money's worth of alcohol, golf, and other sports as we are very active.
But, with the quality issues discussed here, I will go with middling expectations. I'm hoping that'll be the key to not being disappointed.
I'll report back at the end of February!
Karen
I could use a break from winter, so I said yes. We apparently have butler service, which could be fun. We are the types who will probably get our money's worth of alcohol, golf, and other sports as we are very active.
But, with the quality issues discussed here, I will go with middling expectations. I'm hoping that'll be the key to not being disappointed.
I'll report back at the end of February!
Karen
Feb 10th, 2005, 06:17 AM
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I agree that Cuisinart and Cap Juluca and the other resorts offer a wonderful honeymoon experience but IME that are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than Couples or Sandals.
I have stayed at Grand Lido Negril 4 times and very much enjoyed it but for romance will still choose Swept Away. For that price point, I think its the best thing available.
I have stayed at Grand Lido Negril 4 times and very much enjoyed it but for romance will still choose Swept Away. For that price point, I think its the best thing available.
Feb 10th, 2005, 08:33 AM
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kfusto,
I respectfully disagree.
The OP is going in June - which is LOW, LOW season - and she can stay at some of the top resorts in the Caribbean - including Cap Juluca and CuisinArt for less than Sandals.
For example, a room at Beaches (part of Sandals) on the island of Providenciales for 7 nights in June is $4,000 to $12,000.
Whoa! That is the worst resort on Provo, and you can stay at Cap Juluca on Anguilla - one of the best resorts in the Caribbean - for HALF that! ($2,415.00 for seven nights.)
Good grief, I can never figure out why ANYONE even stays at Sandals/Beaches...
I respectfully disagree.
The OP is going in June - which is LOW, LOW season - and she can stay at some of the top resorts in the Caribbean - including Cap Juluca and CuisinArt for less than Sandals.
For example, a room at Beaches (part of Sandals) on the island of Providenciales for 7 nights in June is $4,000 to $12,000.
Whoa! That is the worst resort on Provo, and you can stay at Cap Juluca on Anguilla - one of the best resorts in the Caribbean - for HALF that! ($2,415.00 for seven nights.)
Good grief, I can never figure out why ANYONE even stays at Sandals/Beaches...
Feb 10th, 2005, 11:14 AM
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Diana, I will have to check out those rates as they are excellent! I have not yet been to Cap Juluca because every time I have priced it, it is much higher than the figure you quoted.
I would really not consider Sandals anymore as an option. I am not sure if I have outgrown all the Playmaker stuff or if they really have declined as much as I beleive they have in the past 5 years.
I would really not consider Sandals anymore as an option. I am not sure if I have outgrown all the Playmaker stuff or if they really have declined as much as I beleive they have in the past 5 years.
