Jamaica, Mon!

My husband and I decided to combine our wedding and honeymoon by staying a week at Sandals Montego Bay, where we received the Basic WeddingMoon package for free (you can read about this great deal at www.sandals.com). Absolutely everything was handled for us, from preparation of documents to continental breakfast in bed the morning after our wedding. We truly felt like royalty! There is so much to do right there at the resort that you can be as active (or as relaxed) as you want. We did venture out to the craft market one day, and we also took a bus tour to Negril, which was all arranged by Sandals. The fact that everything is all-inclusive is so convenient. I can't even describe in 200 words how much we enjoyed this trip. If romance is what you're looking for, then this is the place for you!

Quick Tips:

Be very careful about drinking any water other than what is available at the resorts (which is purified). My husband actually got a bit sick on our last day, and we believe it was from a Coke that he bought while we were on a bus tour to Negril. They bottle their own Coca-Cola there in Jamaica, using their own water.

Best Way To Get Around:

Based on what we observed during our bus trip to Negril, I do not recommend driving in Jamaica. I would suggest taking a bus tour or a cab. Do negotiate cab fare up front because some of the drivers will get you where you're going and threaten to leave you if you don't pay an outrageous price for return fare. This actually happened to us, but we called his bluff!

Montego Bay is the original Sandals resort where you'll find the clearest waters we have ever seen as well as the largest private white-sand beach in all of Jamaica. The fun-loving and courteous staff helped make our WeddingMoon the most memorable day (and week) of our lives! Complete with 5 gourmet restaurants and more water sports and entertainment than you can imagine, everything you need or want is right there on the resort property.

One suggestion: Don't waste a lot of extra money for the suites. There is so much to do, you will rarely even be in the room. The lower priced rooms are very nice, and you can get a room upgrade (if available) once you arrive, provided you book through a travel agency that is registered with Sandals.

At Tokyo Joe's, you can dine in the splendor of the Far East. Enjoy Dim Sum that has been freshly cooked under the Caribbean stars. You can create your main course and have it stir-fried by their expert chefs in this open-air restaurant. This is only one of five restaurants available at this all-inclusive resort.

This restaurant features fine Jamaican cuisine and white glove service in an elegant, Georgian-style setting overlooking the ocean. You can even make arrangements in advance for a candlelight dinner with flowers. I recommend the Jerk Chicken Roulade, with the famous Blue Mountain Coffee afterwards! No smoking is permitted.

The OK Corral is a traditional southwestern restaurant featuring America's most famous food (steak, chicken, ribs, fish.) It is an open-air restaurant located right on the beach, so it feels like you are having a picnic under the stars! All of the food was very tasty, making this was our favorite of the 5 restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay.

For some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, we simply slipped on a pair of fins and discovered a colorful world of tropical fish and coral reefs. Also available: waterskiing, windsurfing, Aquatrikes, Hobie Cats and Kayaks. No matter what we chose to do, personalized instruction and equipment were always provided. All of these activities are included in the all-inclusive rate.