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“Another Perfect Vacation at SDR”
My husband and I traveled with 3 other couples to Sandals Dunn’s River from 8/10 – 8/16. Once again we had the perfect vacation at this resort. I would also like to thank Amy McHugh (Dream Makers Vacation Services 1-888-449-3563 or www.dreammakersvaca.com) for once again being an awesome TA and for all the surprises along the way….. I fully support finding a TA that is right for you and having them help you have the perfect vacation – since meeting Amy we have had nothing but that.
Sunday –we left Charlotte at 7:50 am – we touched down in Montego Bay at 9:40 am and were on the bus pulling out of the airport by 10:15 with enough time for a quick stop in the lounge!!! Talk about a breeze through customs – we actually had to wait on our luggage for the first time ever in Jamaica. We pulled in at 11:30 and Mario was waiting to take care of us. We received a very nice upgrade to a Concierge Room that faced the Pool and Ocean. When we got back to our room we found a cheese plate with a note from welcoming us and saying they wanted to be sure we were treated like VIP’s!!! We all also got the Welcome Home Flip Flop Cookies in our rooms and the balloons on the doors. We decided to keep it low key that night and just went to Pizzeria Del Campo and then over to the Tree Bar to check in with Mario and Uton. It was great to see them!!!
Monday – We hung out at the Main Pool most of the day – having both breakfast and lunch at Columbo. We participated in some activities – the most memorable being the scavenger hunt. Our friends were the winners of a bottle of Appleton Rum – The Beach Party and Buffet was held Monday and we had a nice time there. It seemed to us that the buffet was better than the last time we were there.
Tuesday – After breakfast at Columbo we decided to get a van ride into town to do some shopping and go to Margaritaville. Neil & Israel at the Concierge Desk called Mr. Henry and he took us to town (only $16 a couple round trip) and asked us what time we wanted to be picked up. There were no ships in port so not very crowded at that time of day. We shopped first and then went to Margaritaville for lunch, drinks and a few trips down the slide. We had a lot of fun and I think part of it was because it was not overly crowded. The margaritas there were delicious – and after 2 each we thought it best to find Mr. Henry and have him bring us back. He was ready for us right where he said he would be. When we got back to the resort, Margaritaville had some of their staff at the pool making drink samples for the guests. Dinner was at Marco Polo and everyone enjoyed their meals. We participated in Casino Night and won a carved wooden elephant and our friends won a beautiful carving of a parrot and ANOTHER bottle of rum. They had the chocolate buffet going on as well.
Wednesday – We met at Marco Polo for breakfast and it was delicious!!! Everyone going to Dunn’s should try Marco Polo once during their stay for breakfast. One of the couples we were with went to the spa for a couples massage and she got a facial as well. The rest of us went over to James Bond Beach. It was beautiful – the six of us got into the “pool of eternal youth” together and took the dunk – not sure if we really all look 5 years younger – but it was fun. We had lunch at Pizzeria Del Campo and played Bingo at the Piano Bar Pool. We all went to the SSG Dinner where we sat with the lovely Amber (Manager of the loyalty program). They served Baked Filet of Snapper and Calaloo in a pastry puff as the appetizer, Jerk Pork Caesar Salad, Grilled Filet of Beef and Garlic Lobster Creole and Tripe Chocolate Terrine for dessert. The meal was wonderful. The service outstanding – Joe and I do not eat seafood so we just politely declined the appetizer – I am not sure where Kenroy was but he saw this and the next thing we knew we each had a plate of spring rolls for appetizers. 2 people don’t eat pork and we let Kenroy know and when the salads came they got a regular Caesar salad. Amber is originally from Australia but has family in Jamaica – she was so, so sweet to talk with and lots of fun.
Thursday – Started the day with breakfast at Columbo again. We took the 11:00 Snorkeling Boat out. The snorkeling was decent – but after last year at the Royal Bahamian I am not sure anywhere else has a fair chance. We played some pool games and participated in the Treasure Hunt – which is different from the Scavenger Hunt – this they just give you clues and if you are the first to figure it out – you get the prize in the location you are guided too. We had dinner at Kimonos – They were having the International Buffet and it looked WONDERFUL but a lot of seafood…. We skipped dessert at Kimonos and had it down at the buffet. The fashion show was outside on the pool deck – the playmakers that were in the show were BEAUTIFUL!!! Actually all of the playmakers are beautiful from the inside –out. They had the Silver Bird Orchestra in the forum that night – this was by far the best show we have seen at any Sandals. These guys were amazing. The whole crowd was into the show and gave them a standing ovation when they were done.
Friday – Breakfast at Columbo again. We spent the day at the pool since this was our last full day. The craft vendors were on the property so we shopped with them, hung out at the pool, and had pizza for lunch along with many, many laughs with Jermaine and Kemar at the pool bar. Jermaine is quite a comedian – and he kept coming with the jokes. The Staff & Guest Talent Show was held in the forum. Conrad from the entertainment staff is an amazing Saxophone player. He performed Careless Whisper (Wham) and Part-Time Lover (Stevie Wonder) and it was awesome.
Saturday – Our final breakfast at Columbo. We had to catch our bus at 10:30 that morning. While waiting in the lobby the men’s 100M came on and we were able to watch Bolt set the new world record with all of our Jamaican friends. I really can’t describe how cool it was to be there with them and watch their Countryman set the record – they were so, so excited. Mr. Grant, Mr. Duffus and a few staff members came onto the bus to sing before we left – and Marlon and Machel from the Entertainment Staff came up on their day off to see us before we left. Lines at MBJ were terribly long and the check in desk was understaffed – when I say we just made the flight – I mean the door shut as the last one of the eight of us got on the plane – and we were at the airport over 2 hours before our flight.
Random Observations – the two buffet nights seemed more elaborate then our last visit. So much work went into the presentation of these themed nights – it was well thought out and beautiful. Most of the food we had anywhere at the resort was very good.
The staff here in our opinion is second to none. From Shanna, Cassie, Marlon, Conrad, Machel and the rest of the entertainment staff to Mario and Uton (who we visited every night) to Anthony our server at The Beach Party, SSG Dinner and most days at breakfast to Kenroy to Neil, Israel and Florence at the Concierge Desk to Carolee in Photo and of course the lovely Amber to Lyndsay and Julianne to Kevin the F&B Manager. And of course full credit should go to Mr. Grant and Mr. Duffus (who are both highly visible at the resort) as they obviously lead by example – we had many wonderful conversations with them throughout the week.
This is our favorite Sandals so far and we will definitely be back!!!
