Sandals Whitehouse

I just returned from spending 3 nights at Sandals Whitehouse located 90 minutes from Sir Donald Sangster International airport.

My redeye non-stop flight got us into Montego Bay at approximately 630am, where a Sandals representative tagged our luggage and arranged for our transfers to Whitehouse on the the northern side of the island. The transit was effortless and not too bad. We had to wait for approximately 1 hour to get everything set up. Time was spent in their hospitality lounge that offered us coffee, tea, Red Stripe Beer, and soft drinks. My only complaint was the wait time for our driver to arrive, and the freezing air conditioner which was welcomed at first because of the hot weather in Jamaica, but after about 5 minutes I wanted to run back out in the heat just to warm up.

As previously mentioned by one of my co-workers that was just there last week, the roads were fine until we really got up in the hills, where the roads were less smooth. A lot of bumps and unpaved roads, that's for sure.

Even though I must confess that I have always enjoyed the transit times to Negril or Ocho Rios, I was a little anxious to get to Whitehouse during this trip. Not much to see as far as being different from any other location on the island, I was excited to discover a different side to Jamaica that I had never seen, but impatient to "hurry up and get there". Our driver was nice and gave us lots of information. Needless to say I think that we were all just wanting to get checked in and sent to bed.

Our check in was effortless as well. Our rooms were ready upon check-in. Note that there may be a time when rooms might not be ready upon arrival, depending of how booked Sandals would be according to travel seasons. If our rooms were not ready then we would have had the option to grab a meal and relax by the pool.

There are three different villages within Sandals Whitehouse...the French village, The Italian village and the Dutch Village. The French Village is the furthest away from the center of restaurants and main pool, however there is a pool, bar and the Bluefield restaurant for Jamaican food and snacks. This made it easier when I just wanted to grab something to eat without having to take a hike up to the main areas.

My room was comfortable with a nice amenity kit that had lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and a gel for sunburn or the likes.You only get one, so there will be no daily replenishing as you go throughout your vacation. Housekeeping was there daily to clean my room with turn down service at night. The rooms had coffee makers, iron/iron board and mini refrigerator stocked with juices, soda, and water. I must say that I am used to seeing beer and liquor available at the "other" all inclusive. It would have been nice not to have to run out to the closest bar every time I wanted something stronger than a soda, but I adjusted.

I liked Sandals Whitehouse. There are 11 different room categories ranging from Luxury Beachfront Room to the one-bedroom Penthouse Honeymoon beachfront with your own private Butler. To be honest I did not see much difference in the room categories. Whitehouse does not offer the private pool or river rooms as does Sandals Negril. I had dinner one night in Arizona's Beach Club which had a Pirate's theme. Tables were pulled together to represent four long tables, giving guests the opportunity to mingle with other guests. Bread and salad was already placed on the tables. One of my biggest highlights was watching as a chef carve a roasted pig right in front of me. Everyone had a good time that's for sure.

The next night I had steak and lobster at Eleanor's. Four restaurants offer total a la carte service. No buffet service for dinner, only romantic surrounding with white glove service from service experts. Over all food was good. I was surprised though at the buffet selections at breakfast. It seems less than what I am use to during my stay at other all inclusive resorts. Food is always available at Sandals, so you never have to worry about "waiting" to eat.

Sandals Negril offered a different "look" for Sandals. Spread out over the famous 7 mile beach you have more luxury room categories. My favorite was the one bedroom penthouse suite with jacuzzi tub and private plunge pool. I could imagine the romance.

Since my co-worker Julie wrote such a lovely review, I am just going to add to her comments. There are no local craft markets to shop at and Negril would be an hour away. I did enjoy being around the resort for a change. I had the opportunity to enjoy their Red Lane Spa, and took a boat ride on Sandals glass bottom boat. At one time I felt like I was on a cruise ship with the photographers that were always near by to take that special photo.

Overall Sandals is big on their private butler service that offers butler service to all of their upgraded categories

Beaches the part of Sandals for families was also okay. Since I am a Caribbean specialist, I felt like Simon Cowell with my criticism and I still say that Sandals offers what other all inclusive couples only resorts offer. Only thing is that I think that I like them better. Sandals still has a lot of work to do on their product. Yes weddings are free with a certain type of room category, and yes the romance is definitely there. The crew was nice and friendly - the views out of this world, the food tasty, and the rooms comfortable, but I have been to the competition and even though Butch Stewart has spent millions in marketing I would still opt to go to Couples San Souci, or even the Riu hotels. I would have had more fun and ate more.