Drinks on the beach at Sandals Dunn’s River
We’ve barely left the resort, and I am already writing this blog about my wonderful trip to the gorgeous Sandals Dunn’s River resort from the Club Mobay lounge in the Montego Bay airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Arrival into MBJ can be a bit chaotic, make sure to complete your Jamaica C5 entry form before arriving. Once moving through Customs, you walk into the Sandals Lounge in the airport and from there you begin receiving the highest level of service from the Sandals staff. They mark your bag with which Sandals resorts you will be staying in, you grab a beverage and snack, then wait for your resort to be called. We waited about 5 minutes, then were taken to our transport van. The baggage handlers are not Sandals employees, so be prepared to tip them a few dollars once they load your bags onto your shuttle. You can also upgrade to a private transport and some level rooms come with private transfers.
Sandals Dunn’s River is about one hour and 20 minutes from MBJ airport and the drive is relatively smooth. Once you arrive at the resort, you are greeted by their kind staff, often with song, a welcome drink and cold towel. Club and Butler level guests are shown the Club Sandals check in lounge. All guests are escorted to their rooms and the staff take care of their bags.
The Sandals Dunn’s River grounds are immaculate—blooming flowers, trees, all perfectly manicured. The resort itself is not huge and they are constructing a Sandals Royal Dunn’s nearby, but it was far enough away from the resort that we did not hear any construction noise. The resort has many restaurant options to include Zuka (Latin), Cascata (Italian), Banyu (Orient), Hanami (Sushi), L’Amande (French), Edeessa (Greek), Saltaire (International). The resort also had a pizzeria (Isola), Seaside Grill (Galene), Jerk Shack, Coffee Shop (Blum) and Dunn’s Rum Club (more on that later). Every meal we had was delicious. The presentation, taste and service was as good as we have experienced in any resort or cruise.
There are so many activities to do on property that are included in the costs. Snorkeling, scuba diving (need to be PADI certified and they offer classes for a small fee to obtain certification), hobie cat, paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing were all offered at the water activities desk. Delaina did pay ($125) to do snuba, while I did snorkeling. My wife, Delaina, had the most amazing time with her snuba instructor, Romario. This was her first time to do this activity and his patience and assistance was top notch. He even gave Delaina a beautiful seashell at the end of the excursion.
One of the days we also played golf. Sandals has their own nearby course (20 minute shuttle), Upton Estate. I elected to rent clubs for $75 or you can bring your own. The green fees are included, as is the use of a caddie. You only pay a cart fee ($55 cart) and tip for your caddie. Our caddie, Delroy, was very knowledgeable, kind and patient. He had been working at the course for 34 years!!! The course itself was beautiful and pace of play was quick.
The pool and beach areas are stunning. With several pools scattered throughout the main area between the Travertine (check-in) building and the beach, very walkable to try different pool areas, all with fountains and water features. One of the pools had a large, shaded, swim-up bar. There were also 3 other large bars just steps away from each pool area. We never waited long to get one of the refreshing beverages. I would caution travelers, if you want one of the loungers by a specific area of the pool, you either need to wake up very early to snag your chair, or wait until about 2pm and some chairs begin opening up. This resort has many Butler level rooms, and one of the perks of having a Butler is they will reserve your beach or pool chair each day, equipped with your own cooler full of your favorite beverage. The music around the pools was just right for us, you could hear it, but it was not thumping loud. The pool staff would engage you in games if you wanted, but it was definitely a laid back, relaxing vibe.
Speaking of relaxing, do not miss out on the Red Lane Spa. One of the days we opted to have a couples massage ($375 for 60 minutes). This was heavenly, both of our massage technicians provided the exact pressure we both prefer and we both left in a relaxed state. Big pro-tip: You can use the spa pool and services even if you do not have a spa therapy booked. Another day we visited the spa pool and were the only ones in it for an hour. It also has a hot and cold plunge pool.
Upon a Star Travel Advisor Eric Pruitt and wife Delaina.
We are not big late night partiers, but every night there was entertainment that would begin about 9pm. One night it was a steel drum band, one night a Jamaican dancers group, another night acrobat performers. They were all very talented. Most of our post dinner nights were spent in the Dunn’s Rum Club. This speakeasy type bar is beautiful, both inside and out. They have separate rooms where you can play pool and catch your favorite game, or a gardens area with fire/water features. The bar staff is very attentive and quick, as most nights there was a large crowd. Do not forget to try the food here, it may have been some of the best food we had on property. Another place we found ourselves often was Blum. This is the coffee and pastry shop, and like everything else, this is included in your stay. The Jamaican coffee was exactly what we needed in the mornings, but the star of the place is the heavenly garden area outside of it. We found ourselves sitting here for an hour, just relaxing amidst the blooming flowers and plants.
I can not recommend this resort enough. You can tell the staff takes great pride in working at this property. Do not forget Sandals loves its First Responders and Military, providing a 10% discount on bookings. Reach out to any of our fabulous Stars to book this, or any other vacation.
Are you ready to book your next vacation at one of the amazing Sandals Resorts? Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel Advisor or Contact Us for a Quote!