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"We didn't invent all-inclusive vacations, but we perfected them," said Gordon "Butch" Stewart, the CEO behind the incredible success of Sandals resorts. Less than two decades ago Mr. Stewart was servicing air conditioners; he went on to develop - and recently sell-- Air Jamaica and seven all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Jamaica, and three elsewhere.
The concept of having all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica is a brilliant one because many tourists hesitated to visit the island due to the crime problem. Some still resist all-inclusive resorts, feeling that there won't be enough variety.
Sandals has tried to get around that by letting guests stay at two or more Sandals resorts during the same week (if they don't mind the packing and unpacking) or just use the free shuttles and dine in any of the Sandals restaurants.
Unfortunately, there is only one golf course for all of the properties so golfers are best off choosing a Sandals nearest to it, the ones at Ocho Rios or Dunn's River. The sport here is way above par. The upgraded 19-hole, par-71 course is on 21 acres and has fine views of the countryside. Shuttles and green fees are complimentary.
Back at the ranch er, resort, there are "playmakers" who organize activities and are friendly and behave as though it is a pleasure to serve you. Even if you're not a fan of forced festivities, the "playmakers" bring people together to participate in the games in a low-keyed way.
If you'd rather not have people pressuring you to play at all, however, and you'd like better food and a more sophisticated "clientele," you'd probably be happier at SuperClubs Resorts & Spas, specifically the Grand Lido Resorts in Negril and in Runaway Bay.
The Grand Lido Braco near Runaway Bay is a super-Inclusive village with gingerbread architecture and an authentic Town Square. It's beautiful to look at; there are constant activities going on; and the food is extraordinary.
Top shelf liquor is available at no extra charge, and their specialty restaurants (Piacere, an elegant continental restaurant with white glove service, and Stir Crazy, a Japanese Benihana-style restaurant) are on the level of any top pay-as-you-go resort.
But be warned: if nudism turns you off, both Superclubs have nudist beaches, although it's a separate area in Runaway Bay so you can avoid it if you want. Their small separate au naturel section is reported to be the best nudist resort in the Northern Hemisphere. Those in the know call that the "Nude Side," while the other, where I stayed with my husband, they call the "Prude Side" or "textile section" because there everyone wears clothes.
No children are allowed in either section - guests must be over 16 - and those with younger kids often go instead to another outstanding Superclub nearby, also on the North coast of Jamaica, the new Starfish in Trelawny. We stopped by and couldn't believe how many activities and facilities there were for children, from an ice skating rink to a miniature golf course to a rock climbing wall, a circus school, and even a private island.
By the way, SuperClubs has a hurricane guarantee. Should a hurricane happen to strike the resort, guests receive a reimbursement for the total value of disrupted nights along with a voucher for an equivalent future stay. Now if they could only make some sort of guarantee for those Florida hurricanes…
GRAND LIDO BRACO - - Runaway Bay
SANDALS - MONTEGO BAY
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