Who doesn’t need a break during a whole pandemic to go to Jamaica??!
SIGN ME UP!!
So, a few months ago, we were itching for a trip. We are used to traveling almost every single week. So, for us, not traveling for 2-3 months is a really big deal!
So, we did some research and we landed on the South Coast, Jamaica Sandals resorts!
TALK ABOUT AN AMAZING TRIP!
First, let’s talk about the “before the trip”
BEFORE JAMAICA
In order to get into Jamaica, you must have a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test. This isn’t one of the quick, rapid tests. It must be sent to a lab and it takes 2-5 days for your test results. Now, this test is free with your insurance but if you don’t have insurance, it’s $250. And, you must take this test ten days prior to your travel to Jamaica.
You also have to fill out a travel authorization form prior to your flight as well.
After 4 days of waiting, we got our COVID tests!
TRAVEL DAY! We went to the airport that morning to check in. We had to have our negative covid tests to even check our bags.
But, the best thing about our first class flights?! They were FREE. Check out my blog about traveling the world for almost free HERE if you haven’t checked it out.
We checked in, dropped our bags and we headed to our gate. We always stop at Gate B in the Atlanta Airport for the best food!
We boarded and the flight was amazing. After a 2 1/2 hour from Atlanta to Montego Bay, we made it!
What I love the most about it all? Being able to travel with my husband! He always carries my bags and makes the trip so easy for me! (Not so easy for him! :))
When we landed, we went through customs which seemed to be pretty quick. As soon as we walked out of the customs, we saw a Sandals “lounge.” It was nice! You get “checked in” and you get to sit in this lounge room until your car is ready to take you to the hotel. There’s also light snacks, a bathroom and Wifi.
Our name was called and we headed to the resort in a super nice BMW. The ride to the resort was an hour and half and it’s not far from Negril, Jamaica. The ride was scenic and it was nice to see more of Jamaica.
When we arrived, we were taken to the VIP lounge to get checked into our room.
We stayed in the all-new South Seas Rondoval Village Suites. These signature suites feature soaring conical ceilings, lavish spa-style bathrooms and a private patio with a private pool and a shared pool that’s only available to those staying in those suites. I rarely saw anyone else when I was in the shared pool!
It’s safe to say that these BRAND new rooms were EVERYTHING! They were just built in December 2020 and the rooms felt so modern, up to date and beautiful!
One of my favorite parts?
Our own private place to lay out with the pool that was only accessible to those staying in the village.
It was also nice to be able to work with my feet in our personal pool! Hey, if I have to work while on vacation, I wouldn’t mind doing it with my feet in the pool in 80 degree weather. Speaking of weather, a few days before we left, I checked the weather and it was supposed to rain almost everyday .The good news? When we got there, it barely rained. We had beautiful, sunny days every single day. It did rain here and there but it didn’t last long!
Onto the food.
Food is a BIG DEAL FOR ME. As you guys know, I am plant based. Which means that it’s not always easy for me to find food. Thankfully, our suite came with a butler! Upon arrival, they give you a phone. It allows for you to text or call your butler at any point.
After we told them about our dietary restrictions and the type of food we like, the chef called us multiple times throughout our trip to make sure we were happy. At one point, she called me and said, “YOU HAVE A KITCHEN HERE.” Whatever you want, we will make it. One day, I asked for a dairy free wrap and they didn’t have certain ingredients, so they went to the STORE to buy the wraps so it would be perfect.
I mean, come on. I was shocked and how they were willing to go above and beyond. I also loved that the chef would send me what I ordered PLUS items that were famous in Jamaica, like this Ackee. (part of Jamica’s national dish!) I had never had it before but it’s a beautiful delicious fruit that she sautéed and seasoned on bread.
At the resort, there’s multiple restaurants for you to choose from. Because the resort is all inclusive, some nights, we would go to one restaurant and then we would go to another one, just because!
Our favorite restaurant was Schooners seaside grill! My husband also loved the Jerk Shack. I loved the Cafe De Paris! It had the best crepes and sweets! This is us at dinner one night! I am obsessed with all of the greenery! It’s the perfect background!
Every morning, we ordered room serve and ate it outside. It was so delicious! Now, we are back to reality, but it was so nice to be spoiled for a week.
Let’s talk about the water sports!
My husband HATES the water and getting him to step foot in the ocean was impossible when I first met him. I am proud to say that he went paddle boarding with me! It was SO fun! I really hope that he attempts the adventure again. I must say, he didn’t fall I which was a perk! 🙂 Another cool thing about the resort is that all of the water sports were FREE.
That’s right. They were included. Kayaking, tubing, sailing and snorkeling! But, baby steps, we made into the ocean so that was definitely a win!
Maybe next time, I can get him to go snorkeling with me!
We had plans to explore more of Jamaica, but then work called. One of our projects needed our attention so we sat on our patio and worked the entire day. But, looking back, it was so nice to have everything we needed right there at the resort. We did walk around the resort multiple times, ate at every restaurant, went to the shops to do some shopping, watched TV and actually relaxed.
Sometimes, you just need those trips where you’re not running all over the world, instead, you’re relaxing and enjoying yourself.
I hope you enjoyed this review of the Sandals South Coast, Jamaica resort! If you need a relaxing, quiet trip, then this is the one for you!
God loves you like crazy,
Love always,
Heather Lindsey
