This vacation couldn't have been more perfect. The resort is always improving. They are in the process of upgrading their garden rooms (Building 14 and 15) to river suites. The noise is almost non existent. It was extremely hot and humid, but we always found shade. They have the most wonderful trees to lounge under. The food was very good and served leisurely. Who wants to rush on vacation. We love the 3:00 pm ice cream treat. Mr. Mutton is a wonderful host. You can meet him if you are by the quiet pool, he actually served us our treat. Love the accent. Since we are Sandals Select members we were treated to a wonderful dinner served by the main pool. Our table was hosted by Francis. He was very easy to converse with and was able to help a returning couple at our table. We were also extended an invitation to a boat ride along the coast to Montego Bay. Mr. Mutton along with guest relations hosted about 20 couples. We were served drinks and sandwiches. Along the way we stopped and Mr. Mutton gave us insights to the area and island. And we learned a little on the way. It was a very fun 2 hours excursion. When we returned staff welcomed us back with music stilt-walkers and leis. It was wonderful. We love the changes to the resort. Please keep it up.

One thing I didn't do was bring bug repellant. It's a must.

Another plus is the Sangster Airport. Since our trip last year they have made impressive additions and changes. We didn't even wait 20 minutes for our check-in. Immigration was a breeze and the added a/c is wonderful. It was a pleasure to travel through this airport.

Looking forward to our visit next year.

We vacationed with 4 couples and had a great time. The staff was wonderful and we met people from all over the world. It was like a big family gathering after the first few days. Food and drinks were excellent and the service was friendly and helpful. We've already made plans to visit another Sandals Resort and are bringing new found friends with us.

Sandals Royal Caribbean, March 23-29, 2008
Reunion Week (and what a week it was!)

Sorry for the delay here folks. I tried three times to submit this review and after careful editing, I think it just might make it this time. LOL!!

I will preface this review with a mention that I am a travel agent. I have been in the business for quite some time and have been to a number of resorts during my travels (both before I became and agent and since). This was our third visit to SRC. The Royal and its staff, while not for everyone, have become quite dear to my husband and me.

Put the reggae on , grab some rum, sit back, and enjoy. Here is our take on an amazing week.

We flew from Omaha to Houston, had an overnight there, and departed for Mobay early Sunday morning (3/23). We arrived at Sangster on time and made our way to the immigrations area. While this is still a jaunt, it is much improved over last year when it was still under construction. There are now approximately 25 booths, they are computerized, and there is now air conditioning! All are major pluses. We were processed and made our way to the baggage claim area. Got the bags in no time at all and onward to customs…nothing to declare…off to the Sandals lounge where we were immediately greeted, bags tagged, told we could grab a beverage, snack, and/or use the facilities and we would be called shortly. Hubby filled the travel mug with our first Red Stripe while I ran to the restroom. Barely enough time to do that, take a few photos, and they were calling us to go to our shuttle! Here we waited about 10 minutes to see if there were other couples coming but they ended up sending us on.

First stop, Sandals Montego Bay to let off what turned out to be all of the other couples on board. It took just a few minutes at SMB to unload all the passengers and their luggage and we were on our way again. SRC is about 5-10 minutes down the road and we were finally HOME!

Arrival was eventful as the gang was there to greet us moments after our driving up. Hugs and squeals and laughter ensued. Everyone eventually went back to fun & sun and left us to finish checking in. Leighton moved us into the concierge office, since he had so graciously upgraded us from Royal Grande Luxe to Royal Honeymoon Luxury Beachfront Concierge Room (room 321…third floor just as I had requested), complete with concierge service. That was a three category upgrade! In fact, I learned that every couple of our group (seven in all) was upgraded with the exception on one couple that had already booked the top category available and another that specifically wanted the category they had booked. These two couples, however, were given the exact room they had requested. To say that the management (Leighton Josephs in particular) took good care of us would be an understatement. We were spoiled “royally”!

Our room was 321 of the Kensington block...perfect!
I have been in several rooms at this resort and the Kensington area is my personal favorite but not really a bad room on the property with the exception of the deluxe catagory.

The resort looked great and the construction of the additional River Suites is on schedule and not an issue to enjoying the resort at all. They have put up a beautifully decorated wall to hide the view and keep some of the noise down. They are taking great care not to be too disturbing to the guests.

The food was good to great all week. My least favorite meal of that week was probably the Beach Party Night on the Island Friday. This was a "special" version of the regular beach party (normally held on the mainland beach). Could have been my least favorite due to it being our LAST night. ; ) Food is so subjective that I don't really like to comment on this too much.

Service and staff was 100% top notch! They went above and beyond for our group continually. NOTHING we asked of them was ever too much. My requests were always met with a "ya mon, no problem".

Spa service...OMG, those ladies are wonderful! So professional and good at what they do. I had an exfoliation and massage to perk up the blah winter skin and get into "relax" mode on the first full day of my vacation. Concierge arranged this for me.

We participated in the Reunion Week returning guest off property excursion to Cranbrook Flower Forest. Lovely place, we had a lot of fun. Worth a day trip if you are a nature lover!

The monstrous RIU being built next door is behind schedule but also a non-issue when it comes to construction noise. The Carnervon block is closest to this and I can see how this might be an issue if they start very early morning. Two of our group members were staying in those rooms and never mentioned it as an issue, so I guess it is fine.

So there you have it. I am certain I have left some details out that may be important to someone. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer them for you. I can be reached via private message on these boards.

I have lots of photos if anyone wants to see them. Send me a pm and I will hook you up. ; )

Ruth "IrieLady" & Phil DeMuth

We stayed at the Sandals resort for the second time this year and had the best time of our life both times, The staff are the best and the food is great. The shows are wonderful. They make you feel so relaxed. The worst and sadest part is having to go home. We will be returning again and are so looking forward to going back. If any of the staff at Sandal's read this we would like to say Hello to you all. We miss you and your smiling faces and can't wait to come back home. If there is anything you need at this resort count on me they will do the very best to accomadate you. We went on a criuse with the General Manager one evening and learned alot of things we didn't know although this was our 7th time to Sandal"s resorts. I would highly recommend this property to any one who is planning to stay at Sandal's. Again Hello to all the wonderful staff at Royal Caribbean see you soon.
Bill & Linda Houghton