hintstips

Following are hints, tips and suggestions that may or may not make a trip to Sandals Negril, Jamaica more enjoyable, relaxed, worthwhile, and less stressful. They are based on observations culled by one couple from eleven trips to Sandals Negril (130 days - 123 paid for and 7 free) since March 1995. While they are aimed at traveling primarily to Sandals Negril, they would also, at least in most part, be applicable to any place in Jamaica. Any information is for use at your own discretion.

1. Pack lightly. We generally wear shorts and shirt under sweat clothes so we may dress down once next destinations are in warm climes (generally once we make a plane change in Minneapolis). It'll be warm in Tampa Bay or Atlanta, and even warmer in Jamaica. For Jamaica. I take one pair of long pants just in case needed somewhere (Beaches Negril which requires long pants at the Seville restaurant. Sometime s you can eat at Beaches Negril or other Beaches, sometimes not. Check at front desk for reservations day or two ahead of time - only so many couples allowed at one time. When at Sandals Negril, we wear bathing suits with tank tops for breakfast and lunch at main dining, shorts at Sundowner. I wear dress shorts (like coaches shorts or khakis) and three button polo shirt or Caribbean style shirt and Kathy wears a sun dress for dinner. Other guests may wear long pants, sometimes sports coats, etc., or women may be in shorts and blouse. When staying for 10 or 14 days, many clothes can be worn again, as you may wear them for only a few hours at night. Sometimes we both wear sandals to dinner, other times good tenny runners or boat shoes for me and dress shoes for Kathy. And it is warm enough to be running around in just a bathing suit at 3 a.m. and go swimming. Although we have been known to wear a sweater at night (late night, once in January). By packing lightly, we each take one big bag that is about half full. That leaves room for souvenirs, etc. Like the old adage, pack your bags, then throw half the stuff out.

2. Also when traveling, take a carry-on bag with swim suit, toiletries, etc. to get you through at least one night and day in case checked bags get lost. Has never happened to us, but. . . Important: Remove batteries from cameras, toys, etc., that could get turned on by shuffling during transit. In our case, I put a digital camera in my carry-on, camera got turned on, and battery was dead when I went to use it. Batteries are expensive in Jamaica. In another case, "A" and "B", one March (names shall remain anonymous to protect the guilty), flew Air Jamaica Express from Negril to Mo Bay to catch flight home. Upon arrival in Mo Bay, they were pulled aside and asked to retrieve their checked bags and open them, as one bag had a noise emanating from it. After opening the bag, "A" removed "B's" "toy", turned it off, and removed the battery. Six security guards just stood there grinning from ear to ear. Also, carry any spare batteries in your checked bags. Security tends to confiscate any loose spares in your carry on; but seem to leave them alone if installed in the equipment.

4. Once in Mo Bay, you'll be directed through immigration, baggage claims and customs. Luggage carts are available for free. When departing customs, go through the door and keep walking straight. It's a small lobby and you'll easily find Sandals reps and counter. They'll take your bags and tag them with your room number. Follow the porter to the van you'll be taking and they'll load your bags. If you are flying to Mo Bay, you can still have Sandals take your check on bags on the van, you take your carry ons, and hopefully get to SN before the big bags, with no hassle. That's another reason to carry swim suits in carry on. You'll then have about a 10 to 15 minute wait (if taking the van). There are kiosks and portable bars outside where you can buy beer either to drink right there in the parking lot or to take with on the ride - it's legal. Redstripe is the Jamaican beer, only in bottles, and usually costs $2 a bottle at the airport. But take a bottle opener - they are not twist tops. One year we even took a rubber/plastic collapsible cooler to put beer and ice in for the ride to Negril and in case we went kayaking or something. But they will also put beer in a plastic bag with ice for your trip.

You can also fly Tim Air, Burl Air, or Air Jamaica Express for about $50 or $60 each one way. Tim Air and Burl Air fly upon arrival, when you're ready to go, they're ready to go. Air Jam at certain times. Tim and Burl are 6 seaters, Air Jam about 26 or so. We get 800 number off internet and make reservation, then pay at the terminal just before flying. Has been $10 cheaper than paying over the phone. We now prefer Burl Air, as planes seem in better shape than Tim Air (but could change) and Burl gave us $5 off each for being "returning" fliers. With Air Jam, we've been late departing (Sandals van beat us to the resort) and in March 2002, flights both ways were canceled (that's how we ended up on the small planes). Once at Negril airport, about a mile from SN, you can call SN for a free cab or pay about $5 for a cab, or walk. If in a hurry, pay the bucks and hire a cab.

If flying Air Jam, sit on the left (as you face forward) on way to Negril and on the right on return to Mo Bay (doesn't matter with Burl or Tim). The planes fly the coast, so you either see just ocean or get to watch the whole coast, depending on the side you are on. Planes fly right over the SN main swimup pool bar on approach to Negril (good for one or two quick pictures of the resort if you jump to the right side when plane makes its final loop out over the water to make final approach).

5. It's about a 1½ to 2 hour drive to Sandals Negril, including a potty and beer stop along the way. The more you talk with and get to know the driver, the more he'll point things out along the way. You may want to rent the video "Cool Runnings" before going. It's about the Jamaican bobsled team and is quite funny, but typical. You'll drive past several places where it was filmed. Have the driver point them out. And be prepared for a wild but exciting ride. If you are susceptible to car sickness, take precautions. You should have still camera and video camera handy on this ride.

6. Do not exchange American money for Jamaican money. The exchange rate runs about 30. To 1 ($60J for a beer or $2A) (and I think about 40 to 1 this year). Jamaicans actually prefer American money. And take reasonable amount of cash in lower denominations, such as $1, $5, $10, and $20, for tips, small purchases, etc. It's nice to have close to exact amount, cuz often they'll give your change back in Jamaican. We usually also take travelers checks in $20 and $50 denominations. As of March 2002, no ATMs at SN. You can exchange money at reception desk, but get Jamaican money back. Limited on cashing a check. Best bet is to take more money than you think you'll need and return with cash if you don't spend it. Or if you go shopping into Negril, can go to a bank there and get American cash. Most credit cards accepted most places (but not craft markets or street vendors).

7. Once at resort, they'll unload your bags and put them in the lobby. You may want to make sure they got unloaded, but it is not necessary to tip the driver. Go to lobby and a host will be waiting for you with champagne. Or go to pool bar and get any other kind of drink, if you wish. You're on Jamaican time now, so relax in lobby until they're ready to check you in. It may take 10 to 15 min. No Problem. If you have concierge service, go right up the stairs in the lobby, or they will find you, and they'll take care of you. And on some of our trips, they had a full bar set up in the lobby on Saturdays and Sundays, because weekend is such a high turnover day. So you could get mixed drinks, Red Stripe, or anything, plus champagne. Once done here, a porter will take you and your bags to the room (remember, no tipping).

8. When checking in, you'll be told about orientation sessions. However, you may miss the one they told you to attend (it may have already started). No Problem, Mon. Either catch part of it and then a later one, or just wait til the later one (which may be the next day). However, they are very informative. And if you don't understand everything they say, ask again. No Problem, Mon. Orientation sessions explain the daily activities, restaurants, sports, a brief mini-tour of the resort, and about everything else. Daily activities are also written on several chalk boards throughout the property late every evening for the next day. Activity boards are located near tour desk in lobby and by entrance to disco, at piano bar.

Also at checkin you'll be given a card similar to a credit that serves as identification for charging at the gift shop or going to Beaches resorts, and lock and key for room safe. Good sized beach towels (nothing fancy, but definitely workable) will either be in room or you'll be given a card to pick them up at water sports. And they can be exchanged throughout the week.

9. (NOTE: We now get to the resort earlier, due to different flight schedules. Reference to 5 p.m. was based on our first 9 trips) You generally get to the resort around 5 p.m. and settled in around 5:30 or 6:00 (if traveling from North Dakota). If you're not ready to eat, don bathing suits or something comfortable, attend orientation if it's not over, or walk around. And either the first evening or next morning it is wise to walk the entire property, front and back, to see where things are. One couple we met March 99, whom we knew before going, didn't see the wedding gazebo until waiting to check out. We "forced" them to walk over to it with us, then they had to go back and get their camera. And get to know Jazz and Pizzaz, the parrots. They like popcorn, fruit, whatever. Sometimes they are in their cage, sometimes not. One likes to nibble on you, but not too badly. And they like their bellies rubbed, if in the right mood, or like to sit on your arm or hand. Also when walking around, keep an eye out for weddings or check the front bulletin board, located next to Playmakers office window, for daily weddings. Usually 0 to 5 per day, depending on season. You're welcome to watch, even if in only a bathing suit. They may be at gazebo, in trees, or on beach. And take a long walk at night and listen to the crickets or tree frogs (we initially thought they were birds, but now aren't sure what they are. Also, check out the spa on south end, behind Sundowner block and past Kimono's. Excellent services of all kinds. Somewhat pricey, but you already paid a lot to get there, Extremely relaxing, very discreet, very soothing.

10. Once you're in the swing of things, get to know as many of the staff as you can - including the hosts, Playmakers, maids, maintenance people, water staff, and management. If everyone's having a good time, bartenders will put on good show when mixing drinks, a la Tom Cruise in "Cocktail". The more outgoing you are, the more they like it and the more fun it becomes. And when Sandals says they'll remember your name if you return a year later, it IS true. Yah, Mon! On our second trip, we were ordering our dinner drinks and a cocktail waitress from the year before verbally finished my order and told Kathy what she wanted. And the waitress was right, and knew exactly who we were.

11. Playmakers are the staff members who are there to make sure you have a good time. They run the daytime and nighttime activities, and if you want to shoot pool, but don't have an opponent, they'll play you. They run games during the day and evening during which you can earn points to get small leather sandals to wear around your neck, sandal key chains, special t-shirts. You may participate or not, in any or all - you're choice. It's a good way to meet people and have a blast at the same time. But if not participating, the games are loads of fun to watch. Most games also have several prizes, such as bottles of rum, wood carvings, necklaces, anklets, bracelets, etc. - depends on game.

12. You can certainly walk the beach. To the north is Hedonism II. If you go to the far end of Hedonism, past the concrete pier, be careful - it's clothing optional (and many exercise their option, altho you can't). To the south is 7 miles of beach. Beaches Negril (owned by Sandals) is about two miles one way. And to the immediate south (1/4 mile?) is Beaches Sandy Bay (used to be Beaches Inn, and previously Poinciana). Security guards are at either end of the resort. They will check with you and keep an eye out for your return. But they won't let you walk off at night, or at least not recommend it.

You can visit the two Beaches resorts and eat there if you like. If want to dine there, check with reception desk: there are some limitations, and only so many Sandals couples are allowed at one time. There used to be a free shuttle to Beaches Negril, but now it is a $5 taxi ride one way per couple. The Seville restaurant at Beaches Negril is supposed to be really good. Long pants for men are required. From a Sandals Manager's mouth: "Dining at Seville for Sandals guests requires the permission of the Beaches Management Team. The new system to date has not presented a problem in securing dining arrangements for Sandals guests, as long as too many are not dining at the same time, on the same day." Make reservations at the front desk or talk to a manager.

13. Special nightly entertainment after dinner every night at main dining, followed by house band. Piano bar most nights at 11 p.m., toward south end of property. Piano bar sometimes lively, sometimes quiet - depends on crowd and mood. Again, get lively. Mark (if still there - he's been there at least since 95) is piano man. Nice guy!

14. If you have any problems or complaints, talk to management. They are EXTREMELY nice and very receptive to your concerns. And if any medical problems, go see the on site nurse - they are used to things. You may want to take along some Caladril or similar lotion, or a bug spray, in case sand bugs happen to be out at night on the beach. Happens occasionally, but resort does spray for them.

15. Shopping. Can take $15 round trip taxi to Negril - tell front desk, tour desk, or concierge. Can go for 1 ½ hours or more - negotiate with driver. He may drop you off and come back, or escort you around. Don't worry, Mon, he WILL come back and pick you up at appointed time. And if you need more time, ask him. Sandals has gift shop with nice things, including gold or silver sandals necklaces, ear rings, bracelets, fine clothing, souvenirs. Duty free shops in Negril may be cheaper for souvenirs, and airport has duty free shopping while awaiting to depart (you usually have plenty of time at airport). While shopping in Negril, you can smoke in the shops and buy Redstripe in the shops, just ask. If you're negotiating for jewelry, they feed you the Redstripe, and give you free bottle of rum with each purchase of $50 or more. Most credit cards accepted. Craft markets can be a hassle, if you don't like being pulled everywhere. But Jamaicans are nice. Just say No, Mon, not interested. Craft market on beach at Sandals Negril once a week. Less hassle, good materials. Need to negotiate, but we've gotten regular sandals there (and got them adjusted/fixed a year later for nothing), shirts, kitchen magnets, jewelry, carvings, etc. Negotiate. Take plenty of film and suntan lotion, cuz it is expensive in Jamaica (captive market). If you smoke, take enough also, as they too are expensive, with less brand choice. There are a few crafts, with no hassle, at the Managers Cocktail party on Monday evenings.

16. Leaving. Flights and time of departure listed on a board by customer service desk, or tour desk, in lobby. They'll pick up your bags just outside your room. Much quieter ride back to Mo Bay. Have some $1 bills handy at airport for tipping. When van arrives, airport porters will grab bags and wheel them in for you. You think it's a bit of a hassle, but not really. Take you right to counter. Tip 1 or 2 bucks a bag. $25 to $27 departure fee per person at airline check in. (Check your tickets - sometimes departure taxes are already included). Departure fee continually changes, but you'll find out from travel agent or during flight to Jamaica. You'll have time to shop duty free. Check out the flower shops. Big box of orchids or exotic flowers already packed for $20. Legal to bring into U.S. And helps get through customs in at least Tampa Bay, and maybe other U.S. airports. If you have flowers, they will send you directly to the agriculture line, which is always small or non-existent. Gets you through in a hurry, and generally don't check any other bags. Plus, the flowers are gorgeous and last quite awhile. Nice gift for the moms back home.

17. Restaurants. Dress at all restaurants at Sandals Negril as described above. But if go to any other Sandals operated resort, may need slacks. Kimonos restaurant requires reservations day ahead. May want to go there early in trip cuz you may like it so much you'll want to go again. Always same menu, but lots of fun. Don't go at earliest time, though, cuz you'll want to hit full seating (8 to 10 per table, and they cook right in front of you). Be hungry, cuz lots of food - bet you don't eat it all. Menus at other restaurants change - just check daily - they're posted.

20. General information. The more outgoing and fun loving you are, the better time you'll have. You cannot tip at Sandals, and so may expect poorer service. However, the employees are paid somewhat better than the average Jamaican job, and their only incentive for good service is to have fun. And believe us, the more fun you have, the more fun they have, and vice versa. And Sandals has incentives for good employees. Randy, a bartender (main pool bar, "Holy Macaroni" and "Every thing is every thing") got employee of year for 2000 - big screen t.v., used car plus Sandals paid insurance, week at Sandals St. Lucia plus spending money, and few other things. Then they had like 27 other employees of year for respective departments with not quite but almost similar prizes.

Also, each Sandals resort adopts a local school for charity purposes and contributions. Sandals Negril has adopted a school in Negril (Whitehall Basic Preparatory School) that is kindergarten through 6th grade (150 kids). The resort will run a casino night with proceeds going to the school. If you have extra room in your bags take some school supplies, if you feel charitable - notebooks, chalk, crayons, marker pens, pens, pencils, whatever. Schools are poor. They use portable slate chalk boards as room dividers. We buy some stuff ($20 to $40 worth, plus get some donations). Give to the General Manager or another manager

Although no tipping allowed, we've given old paperback romance novels to maids as souvenir/token of appreciation, ballpoint pens to other favorite staff. In 2000 we gave out the new gold $1 Sakajawea coin that was not yet in circulation. We got to know our maid in 2000 and ended up with fresh picked flowers in bathroom and main room almost every day and old wedding bouquets in our room when the wedding couples left. She was throwing one bouquet out one day and I just said put it in our room. From then on, we had flowers. In March 2001, day after we gave same maid a bunch of romance novels for the cleaning staff (they all share) she delivered to our room a big, beautiful bouquet of exotic flowers that lasted the rest of our stay.

21. Should be earlier, but did not want to renumber. Attend the Monday evening Managers Cocktail Party and Tuesday's Returning Guests Party. Monday is on the lawn and you get to meet and socialize with the managers, eat snacks, have cocktails, buy crafts, win door prizes. Returning Guests is by pool for snacks, drinks, introductions, and special dinner for returning guests only - special menu, flowers for ladies, gift basket for men (and ladies).

From Kathy's and my personal experience (got married on the beach in front of Sundowner block in July 96), seeing tons of weddings, participating in another, and talking to numerous wedding couples, things have run splendidly. The worst we have seen was when it rained heavily for one wedding. The couple took it in stride and got married in the big atria in the Paradise block (top opening - you see it in SN brochures - center of resort). Backdrop was pretty with the palm leaves and ocean in background.

You may think there is too little planning, or planning too close to the day, but they know what they are doing. It took us one hour to plan our wedding the day before the ceremony, including a walk to the actual spot on the beach, two beer breaks, selecting package of pictures and video, flowers, cake, music, wedding dinner menu, and whatever else. Went off without a hitch. They have a boom box, so you can take your own music if you like. We took a cassette with three songs or so (they may have CD player now), and they replayed them when there were "pregnant pauses" such as signing documents, etc. If you order the video (highly recommended) I believe they can even splice your own music into the background (instead of using theirs - or both). We also recommend the maximum picture package. Some packages you get the negatives, others you don't. I wanted small package, Kathy wanted the max. Thank Heaven Kathy won. We got married at 2:00 in the afternoon and the photos were ready for proofing by 10 the next morning, and the album completed by the afternoon.

You'll sign three or four documents right after the wedding. You'll be given an official copy of your wedding license at that time to take home with you (for customs, driver license name change, or whatever). In about 4 to 6 weeks you'll receive official license(s) through the mail. But copy you receive that day is legally useable.

Wrinkles: If taking wedding dress and or tux, carry in garment bag rather than packing them and ask cabin attendants in plane to hang them in first class. If still get wrinkled, there are irons and boards in rooms, or ask guest relations about ironing, or hang in bathroom while taking hot shower to steam our wrinkles or hang in bathroom, turn shower on full hot and close door.

Witnesses: Wedding department will provide two witnesses if you have none. Some couples have used people they just met on the trip, we used a couple of the Playmakers (wedding department didn't have them at that time). Witnesses Sandals provides are dressed in native Jamaican wedding garb (can see in some of the photo albums).