6/28/01



HINTS, TIPS, SUGGESTIONS
SANDALS NEGRIL, JAMAICA




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 nine trips to Sandals Negril (104 days - 97 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.



Pack lightly. We generally wear shorts and shirt under sweat clothes so we may dress down once we leave Minneapolis (we go in March, when it's cold here). It'll be warm in Tampa Bay and even warmer in Jamaica. I take one pair of long pants just in case needed somewhere (used to be able to eat at Beaches Negril, which requires long pants - but can't do this anymore). When at Sandals Negril, we wear bathing suits with tank tops for breakfast and lunch, I wear dress shorts (like coaches shorts) and three button 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. And it is warm enough to be running around in just a bathing suit at 3 a.m. and go swimming. By packing lightly, we each take one big bag that is about half full. That leaves room for souvenirs, etc.


Fanny packs are handy. When we get to our room, we lock money, passports, tickets, everything in room safe. Use fanny packs to carry cigs, lighters, camera, e-mail business-type cards, and money when going to play bingo or go shopping.



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", last 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.


Usually will switch planes in Minneapolis and have a short stop in Tampa Bay. If you get off the plane in Tampa to stretch legs, there is a bar (where you can smoke) and a snack shop just up the escalator as you enter the terminal. And by now the party is on, cuz the next stop is Montego Bay - so everyone is on their way to Jamaica, Mon. (In 2000 and 2001 in Tampa we were at different concourse that had bar with smoking right on the concourse and a smoking room right behind the check-in counter.)


Once in Mo Bay, you'll be directed through 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. You'll then have about a 10 to 15 minute wait. 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.


You can also fly Tim Air or Air Jamaica Express for about $50 or $60 each one way. Tim Air flies upon arrival, Air Jam at certain times. 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.  



It's about a 1½ hour drive to Sandals Negril, including a pottie 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.


Do not exchange American money for Jamaican money. The exchange rate runs about 30 to 1 ($60J for a beer or $2A) (and I thing about 40 to 1 this year). Jamaicans actually prefer American money. In downtown Negril I've even been offered $80 or $100 Jamaican for $2 American. 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.


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 our two trips this year, 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).


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.


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 beer, 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 (we initially thought they were birds, but learned otherwise a couple years later).


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.



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 Inn (used to be 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. 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.



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!


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, in case sand bugs happen to be out at night on the beach. Happens occasionally, but resort does spray for them.


Shopping. Can take $15 round trip taxi to Negril - tell front desk. 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.


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. 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 Tampa Bay. 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.


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.


May want to take a scented candle or two if you like to sit on patio or deck at night watching the surf or sky. Very romantic.
May want to take coozies or can coolers if you drink beer for ride to Negril of if you have concierge service with bottled beer in the room. Probably good souvenirs or tokens of appreciation for playmakers you like or whomever, too.
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 they're 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 that is kindergarten through 6th grade (150 kids). The resort will run bingo and 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 Baldwin Powell, the General Manager. He is also the Chairman of the School Board. Really nice guy, and good person to get to know. He gave us personal ride to the school in 1999 and lined us up for tour of the school. Same thing in January 2001, with professional photographers, presentation, et al - was nice to see principal again, and meet new teachers.



Whether it be things for the school or personal items, remove all price tags, otherwise you may get charged a duty if inspected.



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).



Closing:



If interested in more information, staff people to meet, more "intimate" details, viewing personal or Sandals' videos on VCR or computer, pictures, brochures, etc., contact:



Jon and Kathy Carroll

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