Healing in Jamiaca

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A March 2004 trip to Ocho Rios by Gholloway

I went to Sandals’ all-inclusive resort for a week to recuperate from surgery. There were beaches, horse-back riding in the mountains, lots of fresh fruit, and rum to keep you regular and happy, and lots of activities, from scuba diving to shuffle board. There was also nightly entertainment, including guest talent shows. Make memories and friends.

4 reviews
1 story/tip
1 photo

Beaches Grande Sport

Hotel | "Sandals Grande Ocho Rios"

Best Things Nearby:
Scuba diving was included, and there were horseback-riding trips available in the mountains or on the beach.

Best Things About the Resort:
Playmakers search you out to make sure you have a good time

Resort Experience:
The only drawback was that the airport was far away and you had to take a bus ride to all of the northern resorts. It could be a 1- to 2-hour drive.

Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
Activities: Very Good
Amenities: Very Good
Unit Satisfaction: Good
Family Friendliness: Not Available
Service: Very Good

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by Gholloway on May 6, 2005

Beaches Grande Sport
Main Street Ocho Rios, Jamaica
(876) 974-1033

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Resort Ultra All-Inclusive

Hotel | "Sandals Grande Ocho Rios"

Best Things Nearby:
Dunns River Falls, shopping, horseback riding, and golf

Best Things About the Resort:
That it was all-inclusive, water sports and scuba diving included.

Resort Experience:
The playmakers make the resort fun. They seek you out and involve you in activities to ensure you have a great time. Today, I still email one young girl. I wanted to take her home with me to be my daughter. She is now in college there and trying to overcome the obvious poverty.

Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
Activities: Excellent
Amenities: Excellent
Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
Family Friendliness: Not Available
Service: Very Good

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by Gholloway on May 12, 2005

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Resort Ultra All-Inclusive
PO BOX 771 MAIN STREET Ocho Rios, Jamaica
876-974-5691

Sandals Grande Ochos Rios All-Inclusive

Restaurant | "Resort "

At the resort, the food was all-inclusive. There were several places to choose from for varied preferences. One place was Italian, but most were Jamaican. There was one place that offered a buffet all day. It was the only place that didn't need reservations.

I enjoy all kinds of food and love trying new things from other cultures. Akee and cod was their specialty. I liked it. Of course, Caribbean jerk was always available. The most popular was anything made with Jamaican rum, preferably in drink form.

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by Gholloway on May 15, 2005

Sandals Grande Ochos Rios All-Inclusive
Ochos Rios Ocho Rios, Jamaica
(888) 726-3257

Bartering with Jamaicans

Attraction | "Barter with Jamaicans"

The resort had a tour of several shopping stops. Some were shopping centers, and some were flea market-style arts-and-crafts areas with T-shirts and souvenirs. These people love to barter. I don't. I like to browse and see prices on the items. My husband, on the other hand, loves to work at getting the lowest price. He could do this all day. I feel sorry for the salespeople.

One stop was at a Margaritaville. They are always fun and have a bar to really refresh you.

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by Gholloway on May 15, 2005

Bartering with Jamaicans
Throughout Ocho Rios Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Talent Show

Story/Tip

One night a week there is a talent show. The playmakers talked me into being in one of their skits. I had a blast. Only in Jamaica would a person be included in the entertainment and be able to make friends with the natives of that country.