Beaches Sandy Bay

I enjoyed this resort because it was small, simple and quiet. When we wanted to enjoy a bigger pool and more activities we walked down to the neighboring resort, Beaches, for a different atmosphere. Being able to access both resorts was really nice especially since they are both so very different. I would love to go back again soon!

Since this was our first Caribbean vacation we wanted it to be memorable. We researched things for a long time and finally decided on visiting Jamaica so we could take advantage of Beaches and their Sesame Street/Kid's Camp program for our four year old daughter so we could all enjoy our time on the beach. We were able to get a great promotional rate and even a free night, which along with Sandy Bay's rates made the choice of staying there a no-brainer. With Beaches Negril just a mile down Seven-Mile-Beach and a shuttle away where we could use all the restaurants and amenities, it was like booking two resorts for the price of one. Prior to leaving, though, I started to get a little nervous when I read reviews about Sandy Bay being old and run down or the rooms being out of repair. So much so I nearly canceled our reservations and opted for a different resort. I'M SO GLAD I DIDN'T! There are a few important considerations to keep in mind when booking a trip at Sandy Bay. There are definitely pros and cons between it and Beaches Negril. Most of the differences are perception, or what I would consider to be my own American standards of what things should be. (And don't let that scare you from reading further.) Yes, this resort is older. On the other hand, it's impeccably maintained. There is always someone (or two!) out painting, countless gardeners and an endless amount of staff willing to bend over backward at any moment to take care of you. Our housekeeper was wonderful and I loved the way she lovingly arranged my daughter's blanket and puppy on her pillow on her bed every day. She was thoughtful and efficient when coming in and out and was always on top of the sand we tromped around. The decor/furniture in the rooms can't be compared to a Hilton or Marriott or other 4+ star hotel. Bear in mind, though, this resort is on a beach, used by families and takes hard wear. But it's CLEAN and adequate. I didn't go to Jamaica to sit in my room and look at the tile in the bathroom. The buffet for breakfast was terrific. (The girl who made the omelets gets 5 stars!) For lunch and dinner it was just okay on some days. On those days we opted for the Italian restaurant (Vista Sul Mare) which was wonderful. The party on the beach night was awesome. We really had no complaints about food or drink and had no reason to want to go to Beaches Negril to search out other options. The thing that stood out most about Beaches Sandy Bay after visiting Beaches Negril was the staff. The staff at Sandy Bay was more thoughtful, enjoyable and genuinely interested in making our trip memorable. They really care about whether you want to come back. The Sesame Street characters CAME ALIVE at Beaches Sandy Bay, whereas the characters at Negril were just people in hot suits performing for kids. I was so disappointed I had to book our daughters breakfast with the characters at Beaches Negril. She would have loved breakfast so much more at Sandy Bay. Notably, everyone seemed to be always doing something at Sandy Bay. The entertainment director would grab a broom and sweep sand from the pool deck or the kitchen director would bus tables. You could tell all the staff loved their jobs. Within a day they remembered our names and knew what we liked to eat/drink, etc. The staff of the kid's camp was WONDERFUL and knowledgeable. I had no qualms leaving my daughter for a few hours so we could do some grown-up things like snorkeling or using the Hobie Cats. In all our nine days at Beaches Sandy Bay were a complete dream and in the week since our return I've done nothing but crunch numbers to try to figure out how to get us back there next year, next month or tomorrow. Even to the same room, which had a little family of ants marching in and out of the vent of our bathroom. By the time we left I counted them as good friends. :)

Just returned from Sandy Bay with my family. I would say if you are looking for a vacation where you will meet really nice people, friendly staff, enjoy unlimited average food and drink, then this is for you. If you are a bit of a sports snob, this is NOT the place for you. For example, if you are a dive enthusiast, you will not be able to dive everyday. They will tell you it's time to "take a rest" and let someone else have a turn. The dive staff is also not particularly helpful or friendly when getting onto the boat, no water and fruit served after diving as in most other dive resorts. The dives are only one tank dives, and are very rushed (30 ft. dive only 23 minutes bottom time). Some of the scuba equipment is also quite old with duct tape holding some of it together... even had one regulator with two octopuses on it. As for the waterskiing, the boat and ski eqipment is very old. My husband, an accomplished slalom skier, gave up after three tries because the bindings were falling apart and couldn't keep his foot in the ski. The rooms are very small for a family of four. Don't let the name "Honeymoon Premium Dbl." fool you. We barely had room for our four suitcases let alone the roll away bed we requested but never received. On a positive note, it was fun going over to Negril Beaches each day to have lunch, go down the waterslide and use the lazy river. The property seems to get the better sports equipment and the used stuff goes to Sandy Bay. The people we met at BSB were exceptionally friendly and we enjoyed their company. Our teens (18 and 14) always had a group of at least 8 kids to hang out with during the day and night and had a wonderful time with their new found friends. The entertainment was average with a few nights consisting of Name that Tune audience participation. and others being Jamaican cultural dancing which was a bit strange, and some modern reggae dancing.and talent shows. All in all, we had a good time but would say to go with your eyes open. This is not a luxury vacation but you will meet some great people and enjoy the crystal clear blue water.