I've heard Sandals trainers say "once you go butler, you can never go back" and they aren't joking! It's not so bad waking up early when you know your breakfast will be delivered at a certain time and your golf cart will be outside to take you to the lobby. We started our day with a 4 1/2 hour group development and product training - I told you this was a work trip! Groups can be created from anything from golf buddies, scuba diving, yoga, girl friend getaways, couples retreats, family reunions, and destination weddings. We also discussed all of the Sandals and Beaches resorts and what makes each one unique. Wendy and Mike were exactly right when they said that the closer you look at Sandals & Beaches, the better they look and the more you love them!
After lunch we toured Sandals Grande Riviera with the hotel manager, Sandra. The resort is large with 3 sections that are connected by shuttle buses. We were staying in the All Butler Village by the Great House. The Great House has it's own large pool with swim up pool bar and poolside grill and Dino's Pizzeria. There is a beautiful fitness center with seperate rooms for cardio, weight training, and aerobics. The Red Lane Spa is next door and smells of heavenly lemongrass.
The biggest beach area is over at the Ochi Beach Club. There is a smaller pool with swim up bar, 2 restaurants, and a lot of lounge chairs on the beach. We witnessed a wedding take place on the beach and saw where the couples reception for 2 was set up on the bluff overlooking the beach club.
The Riviera Seaside is the original building and has it's own spa and fitness area with several more restaurants. There are a total of 15 restaurants onsite and and guests can dine at any of them. Kelly's Dockside is the only restaurant that is reserved for butler guests only.
We rode next door to Sandals Royal Plantation. Even though it is next door to the Grande it is a completely different style resort. Royal Plantation is an all butler suite boutique resort with only 74 suites. The resort is quiet and serene with an upscale feel. Royal Plantation boasts the C Bar which is the only caviar and champagne fine dining restaurant. There are only 3 restaurants, but there is full in room dining available.
Last tour of the day was at Beaches Ocho Rios. Beaches are the family resorts and I actually stayed at this resort last year. The property has undergone major renovations in the last 3 years. It now boasts the largest waterpark in Jamaica and 3 villages of accommodations. You can see views of the ocean from anywhere on property. The beach is private and the resort is shaped like a U around it which makes it stress free for parents. The kids camp has tons of activities around the resort that kids can participate in for free. Each room even has its own XBox for the kids...and Dad.
There are 8 restaurants onsite and even a couple of adults only bars. We sampled Crepes and smoothies at the new French cafe. Beaches Ocho Rios has beautiful views of the sea from every angle and we got to see the beginnings of a beautiful sunset!
Back at Sandals Grande Riviera, Jessica, the other AAA agent from Pennsylvania, and I went to dinner at Kelly's Dockside. We figured this may be one of few times in our life we have a butler so we were going to take advantage of every opportunity. The restaurant is located on the pier overlooking the sea and the Riviera Seaside building. They had great seafood and grill items. After dinner we caught the end of the Beach Party at Ochi Beach Club. Once we got back to our side of the resort I called for a ride back to my room. I walked in my suite to this...
And this...
Yes...I could absolutely get used to being pampered by a butler on vacation!
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