Overall Impression Our 20-minute mid morning Jamaica Ecstasy flight over Ocho Rios was great fun. After a short drive in our hotel van, we arrived at Island Hoppers and met the captain. He shared some quick pre-flight information and offered us champagne, beer or water. When we were ready, one by one we followed a staff member to the helicopter. Another staff member made sure we were strapped safely in place; had our headset on (so we could hear our captain during the flight) and were comfortable. During the slightly bumpy flight (due to summer pockets of air, our pilot said), which went by all too quickly, we had a bird’s eye view of Ocho Rios. The only helicopter company on the island, Island Hoppers was owned and operated by our colorful and experienced New Zealand pilot and his wife.

Just after take off we saw the famous Dunn’s River Falls, Dolphin Cove, port of Ocho Rios including a large cruise ship, parishes of St. Ann and St. Mary, White River, Prospect Plantation Great House and school, Rio Nuevo, and Ocho Rios airport. As we passed each landmark or attraction, our captain explained what they were. When we reached our hotel, he flew around it so we could have an extended view. We were pleased to see our hotel from the sky. At that height we could distinguish the land and water features, the buildings and even the approximate location of our room. We returned to the Island Hoppers base flying over 900-foot deep blue water with an excellent view of the coast and fond memories of our tour. Next time, we’ll take the 60 minute flight!

About Island Hoppers Approved by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the company had eight employees including two pilots when we went for our tour. At that time, Island Hoppers pilots had American and Jamaican Commercial Helicopter pilot’s licenses. The company owned one helicopter.

About Our Pilot John, our pilot, had 33 years of experience and held commercial helicopter licenses from the U.S., Jamaica and New Zealand. He has flown commercially in New Zealand, Canada and the U.S. as an agricultural pilot, aerial fire fighter, utility patrol pilot, camera pilot and charter pilot. He had flown tours and charters for eight years in Jamaica when we met him.

Established December 2004

Flight Options Island Hoppers offered charter flights, airport transfers, power line patrols, aerial photography, and cinematography flights. There were three tours, varying in duration and distance from 20 to 60 minutes. At 20 minutes ours was the shortest. There was a 30-minute tour called Memories of Jamaica which flew along the coast as far as Port Maria. The Jamaican Showcase, which reached all the way to Kingston, lasted the longest.

Handicapped Access Staff may be able to assist wheelchair bound passengers

Owned John and Susan Morris

Pilot John Morris

Helicopter Our U.S. registered turbine aircraft of indeterminate age, a five-seat Bell Jetranger 206B3, was maintained under the regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority by FAA licensed mechanics. The helicopter, maintained in Jamaica by Federal Aviation licensed mechanics and inspected and certified annually by a U.S. based inspector, has transported many a V.I.P. The most recent helipad inspection had been in April 2005.

Other Company operated under U.S. and Jamaican law and followed U.S. maintenance guidelines. When we took the tour, Island Hoppers carried $10,000,000 U.S. liability insurance through a U.S. broker. Passengers were offered champagne, beer or bottled water during the flight.

Date Of Flight June 2005

Reviewers© 2005 Simon and Baker, Inc.

Article by Elena del Valle

Photographs by Elena del Valle

Would You Fly With Them Again? Yes

Overall Impression When we arrived at the Jamaica Inn by boat, the most notable feature was its bright blue color and white trim. After braving the gentle waves that lapped against the shore and climbing a few short steps toward the entrance, we were greeted by Nicole and Terri, two of the hotel staff members. Slowly, as we walked from the jetty through the dining terrace past the bar and library common room, we delighted in its understated grace and quiet. The staff exuded friendly warmth and a welcoming attitude making us feel like we had been there before and were returning after a long absence instead of visiting for the first time.

Our waterside suite was marvelous. It had that too rare combination of function and style. Decorated in warm soothing shades of rust and ochre on a cooling white background, it offered plenty of space for two to spend the day in comfort. The best part of all was the fabulous wide water facing terrace peppered with comfortable furniture. It was there that we longed to be whenever we weren’t drawn away on some seemingly essential errand.

Connectivity Complimentary high speed Internet connectivity was available in the library through a hotel computer and via WiFi in the lobby-bar area. Because our computer was not equipped for WiFi connectivity, we used the hotel’s computer to pick up emails. It was difficult gaining access to the computer. Nearly every time we tried to collect emails, someone was already seated at the computer and we had to wait or return. The next time if we have to remain connected during our visit, we will bring a WiFi capable computer.

Front Desk Manager Joseph Russell

General Manager Mary Phillips

Opened-Renovated It was established in 1950. Every year, the hotel renovates various parts of the property during the low season. Our suite was built in December 2004.

Owned Peter and Eric Morrow

Size There were 45 suites on a six acre property with a staff of 110

DÉCor And Common Areas There were more than 100 antiques (many of them 200 years old) throughout the property, which was decorated in a “casual elegant” style with wood and cloth furniture. Our suite was designed by Katherine May and Tammy McConnell who also designed Cottage 3.

Our Bathroom The bathroom area was spacious and luxuriant with indoor and outdoor showers, an indoor garden, a separate oversized bathtub and double sinks set in a large wood, wicker and granite custom made centerpiece. An enclosed water closet offered privacy. There was ample closet space and a safe behind wood and wicker doors nearly the width of the room. We especially enjoyed the outdoor shower, situated in a large walled garden area adjacent to the bathroom, and its ocean view.

Our Room Located a short walk (two city blocks) from the main area of the Inn , our new looking 2012 square foot (including the terrace) suite (Cottage 4) was inviting and comfortable. The entrance was a small garden, where we identified nine varieties of flower, designed by local gardening enthusiast Denice McConnell (owner of Amanoca). Before reaching the double front doors we discovered an alluring ocean view. Inside, there was a full size living area with a white cloth love seat facing the rear, a small wood table with a lamp on either side of the loveseat, a wicker and wood chair on each side and a wood table in the middle. The east wall was rust colored and featured an oil painting depicting green bananas over an island landscape. A granite counter spanned the length of the wall. There was a sink to one side, a hot water jug, an orchid and fresh flowers in a vase. The floor was of cool beige marble with a rectangular blue rug in the center. There were full-length white curtains framing the double glass doors that led to the rear terrace.

Adjacent to the living area, there was a bedroom with a water facing four poster wood frame bed and a night table with a lamp on either side of the bed. A cordless phone sat on one of the night tables. There was also a wicker table at the foot of the bed and a wooden dresser with a portable jWin radio/CD player to one side. Two large comfy cloth chairs facing the water, one with a foot rest, sat in front of the bed. There was a round wood table between them and white curtains identical to the ones in the living area framed the twin glass doors that led to the terrace. The South American hardwood (custom cut cumaru) floor was well polished and felt smooth on our bare feet. There was a yellow rug in the center and a smaller rug on one side of the bed. A large oil painting of a beach and boat by W. Clarke was centered on the west wall. There was an air conditioning unit and a ceiling fan in the living room and another set in the bedroom.

Meals And Restaurant Our first night we attended the manager’s cocktail party (casual elegant attire suggested) followed by a beach buffet. Toes in the sand, near full moon in the sky, a bonfire and Jamaican band playing and singing in the background, we would have been happy even without dinner. Luckily, there was a selection of hot and cold dishes from the buffet including jerk pork, chicken, fish, shrimp, potatoes, vanilla corn, several salads and dessert.

The following morning, we decided to laze and have an in-room breakfast. Because we made the decision after the 5 a.m. cutoff time, we had to hand carry our selection sheet to the guard stationed near our area of the Inn . A couple of hours later a kind server brought our order which included cereal, hot tea, a breadbasket (including especially nice toast) with butter and two kinds of jam and a cold cut platter. It was served on a tablecloth and cloth napkins on the terrace with Word cutlery and Steelite dinnerware.

Amenities Jamaica Inn brand all natural made in Jamaica toiletries including conditioning shampoo, body lotion, shower gel and coconut molasses soap; white and crisp terrycloth bathrobes and candles.

Beach The hotel centerpiece was a short and wide beach with a buoy line marking the safe swimming range and a lifeguard during the day. Hot sugary sand and tropical waters framed the inviting beach. There were plenty of comfortable wood lounge chairs with cushions and some under thatched cover offering guests a place to relax in the sun or shade.

Facilities Kiyara Spa, library/computer room, restaurant, two bars (one by the lobby and another beachside), gift shop, fitness center, croquet lawn and swimming pool.

Spa My massage, a Holistic Relaxation, took place in the Sea Spray Hut, an oceanfront treatment room so close to the water guests were sometimes splashed by the spray of the surf crashing against the shore. The Kiyara staff were welcoming. The quaint waterside open style spa with an emphasis on “balance through nature” was built with indigenous materials. Spa manager and holistic practitioner (self taught herb enthusiast who blends her own spa mixtures) Carolyn Jobson performed the massage with firm soothing hands. It was a treat to relax so near to the sounds of the surf.

Activities On-site options included boat rides ($35 per person for a 2-hour ride to nearby Dunn’s River and Laughing Waters), snorkeling, kayaking, playing croquet, going on a sunfish. For those in search of things to do, there were numerous possibilities including complimentary tennis.

Other During our stay we met I’nI, the hotel ’s English cocker spaniel mascot, a gentle and charming one year old who befriended us. There was a focus on adult guests since the Inn only welcomed children 10 (12 during the high season) and older. Plans for 2005 included a new gym and an upgraded toiletry line.

We liked the Jamaica Inn’s activities options including the possibility of customer oriented and custom organized tours to local attractions. Movie icon Marilyn Monroe, model Kate Moss, singer Shakira, boxer Lennox Louis, movie director Nora Ephram, former British prime minister John Major and South African President Thabo Mbeki, are among the celebrities who have stayed at the Jamaica Inn over the years.

Date Of Visit June 2005

ReviewersArticle and Copyrighted Photos by Elena del Valle

Service The staff were friendly, helpful, efficient, speedy, accommodating and unobtrusive. We mentioned a plumbing problem in the bathroom to the manager. Within two hours of our conversation someone repaired it with minimum fuss.

Would You Return To This Property? Yes

Overall Impression Our spacious villa at Round Hill, a 110-acre haven constructed for wealthy foreigners in the 1950s on the grounds of a former pineapple and allspice plantation, felt like a home away from home. Built on an encircling hill overlooking a small cove and beach, Round Hill is home to a small two-story hotel, Pineapple House Hotel, and 27 privately owned rental villas. The practical and appealing architectural design ensured maximum exposure to the view of the bay and the hill while providing privacy from passersby and neighbors.

We knew the neighboring villas were occupied because we heard our neighbors talking a couple of times while we were poolside in our villa or walking in Round Hill. We only saw them at meal times in the common areas like the restaurant, on the path to the reception, or at the spa. Staying at a rental villa afforded us the option to stay in or explore; be sociable or retreat to the quiet and privacy of our space. It was at meal times, except breakfast which the house staff prepared, and to work out that we abandoned our cozy nook in search of nourishment.

Concierge-Bell Captain Kingsely Blake

Connectivity High speed Internet access was possible at the Round Hill Business Center , a small air conditioned room with three GAPS computers, three Hyundai ImageQuest flat screen monitors and printers close to the lobby area. Access was available via a prepaid card available in one hour minimum increments for $13.50 per hour. Alternatively, guests who brought their own laptop computers could connect at the Business Center and purchase 24-hour passes ($25 each) that could be used at the guest’s discretion.

General Manager Josef F. Forstmayr

Handicapped Access Due to the hilly terrain and old design of the property it was not easy to get around on foot.

Length Of Stay Two nights

Location Eight miles west of Montego Bay on the north coast of Jamaica

Owned-Managed Round Hill was owned and managed by t wenty-seven shareholders (individual villa owners) headed by a board of directors, chairman and vice-chairman operated by Round Hill Developments Limited. Villa 18, where we stayed, was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Mike Gatewood of Houston .

Pets Allowed No

Size 110 acres, 36 rooms in the hotel and 27 individually owned villas with 74 suites and staff between 150 and 200 depending on the season

Year Opened-Renovated Our villa was built in 1953 and renovated in 2003

Lobby And Common Areas Local interior designer Sue Callahan was responsible for our villa’s plantation style indoor living outside. There were homey and stylish Ralph Lauren (owner of two villas at Round Hill) touches in the villa and throughout the property. New touches and old combined for a retro modern tropical island feel.

Bathroom Our en suite bathroom had double sinks, separate shower with half a door and bath tub. The marble floor and color scheme were ivory.

Villa-Room Villa 18 where we stayed during our brief visit had five rooms in 5,000 square feet of space. Round Hill offered the villa, built in 1953, for rental in its entirety. It was also available by the suite with a maximum of two simultaneous suite rentals. Our suite (#80) in the villa, originally designed as the master bedroom, was spacious, comfortable, and quiet with a pretty view of the bay. It connected directly with an adjoining suite of which we just caught a glimpse before the doors were locked. The centerpiece of the high ceiling suite was a king size four poster bed with a night table on either side and a CD player on one of the night tables. The bed, floors and other furniture were made of Jamaican mahogany; there was also cedar. The bedroom colors were mahogany and white. There was a full size closet built into a wall and in front of it a wood dresser. On the opposite wall there was a wood desk and chair.

Food And Restaurants Our a la carte dinner at the restaurant was a pleasant affair. We dined, as close to the water as was possible, on an open terrace across from the Ralph Lauren decorated main bar. The following day, I missed lunch at the restaurant because I arrived after 2:30 p.m. Instead I enjoyed a delicious mozzarella and tomato salad and refreshing lime and pineapple smoothie at a picnic table under the shade of a tree on the spa grounds.

Amenities Microfiber bathrobes and British Elemis toiletries (we loved the subtle scent) including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Facilities Business center, spa and beauty salon, fitness center, five all-weather tennis courts and a pro shop, Padi dive and water sports center, walking/jogging path, restaurant, hotel, reception, beach, West Indian art gallery, sundry shop, and logo clothing shop. There were also beach, pool and cocktail bars; a club for children, a small library, and a lounge with a 61” Sony television and card tables.

Pool Our villa had a pool and Jacuzzi, five lounge chairs and two umbrellas, a wood swing with white cushions, three wood and metal chairs with matching white cushions and a table. In addition, there were two swimming pools at Round Hill, a small one at the spa and a beachside pool scheduled for remodeling.

Fitness Center And Spa A few minutes walk from our villa, the spa, situated in a former plantation great house, hugged the hill overlooking the water. It housed a small beauty salon, several treatment rooms, including an outdoor one with a tub for hydrotherapy treatments, a small pool and an air conditioned fitness center. The only dissonant sound that shattered the tranquility of the adult centered spa was caused by construction work performed by a nearby road repair crew. Each morning during our stay I worked out at the fitness center. I was able to sample a couple of spa treatments. I received a Well Being Massage, although my first choice had been another treatment. Althea, my therapist, was reserved and courteous. The treatment began with a cactus hair brush, which she gently ran over arms and legs. After pouring the De-stress essential oil blend (one of four options) she began. Her skilled touch was feather light and soothing. Perhaps it was a Well Being Massage I needed after all because following the treatment I was relaxed and felt good.

Since hair braiding was one of the more popular selections at the spa I set out to try it. As soon as I had time, I called for an appointment. Ann Marie, who had a radiant smile, braided “half my, head” in a left hand cornrow style. She worked quickly and ably. I received many compliments on my new hairdo, which lasted about a week, in Jamaica and at home.

Other Over time, many rich and famous guests have made Round Hill their playground. Among them: Noel Coward, John F. Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Cole Porter, Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, Jeremy Northam , and Sigourney Weaver.

Round Hill, a member of marketing consortium Elegant Resorts International, offered guests courtesy shuttles for golf (twice daily) and shopping excursions (daily). Villa owners were required to make their villas available for rent through the association rental pool for a minimum of six months out of the year.

Check-In-Check-Out Process Ease Excellent

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review June 2005

ReviewersArticle by Elena del Valle

Photographs by Elena del Valle

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression I arrived at the Royal Plantation after a pleasant two-hour drive from the Montego Bay airport tired and hungry. A short while later I was at the hotel’s beachside restaurant a step from the sand, facing a beautiful inviting beach and munching on a burger while I waited for my room to be ready. All the morning’s frustrations including my long flight routed through Kingston, cancelled airport meeting with fellow travelers whose flights were delayed, and my “international” cell phone not working were slowly forgotten thanks to the hotel’s ambiance and the staff’s friendly can-do attitude.

Soon I was exploring the property, discovering its lush landscaped gardens, visiting the gift shop (where I satisfied a chocolate craving), fitness center (planning an early morning workout) and spa. Evening found me with a glass of sparkling water in hand at the manager’s cocktail reception searching for my travel buddies. There I met some of the hotel staff including Peter Fraser a most charming general manager and Suzanne Millwood, the hotel manager, a miracle worker and immeasurably patient professional.

The elegant, classy Royal Plantation was full of history, dedication, determination and most of all an ability to make guests feel welcome, pampered and relaxed. It offered the possibility of serene quiet, spa services, fun and activity filled days, gourmet meals including afternoon tea, a seafood restaurant and a caviar bar (the only one we know of in the Caribbean), outstanding affable and efficient service and a wonderful beachfront location. What more could anyone ask for? Internet access. They had it.

Concierge Dwight Douglas

Connectivity There was an Internet access (ADSL) in the game room for $0.60 per minute. Guests with their own laptop computers could connect with dial-up service directly from their rooms. The guest’s computer had to be configured by a staff person to access the Internet using a local Internet service provider. The cost was $1.00 for the first three minutes and $0.50 per minute for additional time.

General Manager Peter A. Fraser

Handicapped Access Suites on the first floor of the east wing nearest the lobby had wide doorways and step-less access to the living area.

Length Of Stay One night

Location In Ocho Rios, on the northern coast of Jamaica

Owned-Managed Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Pets Allowed No

Size Set on an eight acre property, it had 74 suites (six suite categories) and 178 staff members

Year Opened-Renovated Established in 1957 with the last renovation in 2000

Lobby And Common Areas Old and new blended seamlessly in the property’s British influenced Georgian décor. Features we noticed included antiques, attractive and comfortable mahogany furniture, and designer touches.

Bathroom The bathroom was next to the entrance. It had double sinks and a Jacuzzi bath with a separate shower. Imported marble tile and marble counter tops were a stylish touch.

Room Our 465 square foot Luxury Oceanfront Junior Suite located on the third floor in the western side of the hotel, faced the pool and ocean. It had two double beds with wood night tables and lamps, a walk-in closet with a built in electronic safe, an en suite sitting area facing the ocean and a small French balcony. The sitting area was our favorite part of the suite. In the center of it there was a comfortable cloth chair and wood table where it was possible to contemplate the view and pass the time. To one side there was a small dining table and on the other side we found the well stocked minibar. The furniture was made of stained Jamaican mahogany. The suite included satellite TV, VCR and CD

Food And Restaurants We had a memorable dinner served in the second floor private room and prepared by Le Papillon staff. First we were served chilled Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label Ponsardin NV. A wonderful tasting of Iranian caviar imported from France accompanied the champagne, which was opened using the romantic “ sabrage “ or saber method by an experienced maitre d’hotel . A subtle Asian chicken broth with asparagus, ginger and soba noodles was next. A garden salad with red and yellow tomatoes, fresh basil and truffle oil helped us transition to the Surf and Turf with Yam Mash and Buttered Broccoli main course. Dessert was a Strawberry Kiss followed by coffee and tea.

A Chateaux St. Jean Gewurztraminer 2002 from California (white) wine with noticeable rose and lychee flavors was our favorite wine that week. Another California wine, Ferrari Carano Merlot 2000, went well with the surf & turf.

Many (70 percent) Royal Plantation guests stayed at the property on the all-inclusive plan. This allowed them to carry on carefree during their stay without concerning themselves with the price of meals, wines and other details. We particularly liked the hotel’s a la carte policy (only one meal a week was buffet style).

Amenities There were Royal Plantation brand scented toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower gel. These came in extra large, easy to squeeze bottles we liked. Guests wishing to take additional bottles home for souvenirs could purchase them in the spa.

Facilities Swimming pool, Jacuzzi, two beaches, caviar bar (the C Bar), gift shop, tennis courts, fitness center, spa, beauty salon, and meeting room. Three restaurants: The Bayside, Royal Café at the Beach and Le Papillon restaurant for elegant dining,

Fitness Center And Spa The spa facility included a gym, beauty salon, four spa suites, and gender specific lounge areas equipped with eucalyptus steam baths and saunas plus showers and lockers. The 3,800 square foot facility was styled like a traditional plantation home with a verandah at the spa entrance. The 582 square foot gym provided ample space for the three treadmills, two stationary bicycles, step machine, two elliptical machines, three benches and free weights plus bars. There were also stretching balls, mats and ropes.

Pool Beyond the main entrance and reception areas, on a terrace facing the ocean we found the 4.6 foot deep pool and Jacuzzi. There were plenty of lounge chairs and although we didn’t see any umbrellas the tall trees provided shade for those shy of the sun or taking cover from the heat. The pool, 20 feet wide at its widest point and 36 feet long, was large enough to accommodate bathers with room to spare.

Other A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, the hotel’s meeting facilities could accommodate up to 212. The dress code ranged from Resort Casual (nice shorts or jeans, swim wear must be covered and no bare feet) to Resort Evening Attire (dress pants for men, shirts with sleeves and collar were required while jeans, sneakers, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, swim wear, flip-flops and slippers for men were not permitted). Though we applauded the resort’s efforts to maintain a dignified look, dining rooms and common areas where we dined were al fresco (without air conditioning) except for the private room where we had dinner and it was exceedingly hot and humid. This meant, staying cool while dressing according to the code and looking presentable were sometimes at odds. The Hotel won the December 2004 World Travel Awards Caribbean’s Leading Resort.

The hotel offered a Hurricane Blue Chip Guarantee: “In the unlikely event that hurricane force winds (as defined by the U.S. National Weather Service) directly hit the Royal Plantation while you are a guest, interrupting the use of all the included activities, Royal Plantation will offer a free replacement vacation to be taken. This replacement stay will be for the same duration as the one originally booked, regardless of how many days were affected by the hurricane. The replacement stay will be in an equivalent room category to the one originally booked, and will be subject to certain blackout dates. This offer is subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. The replacement trip must commence within one year of your original holiday and is exclusive of air. Dates will be subject to availability, and may also be subject to Sandals imposed blackout restrictions.”

Check-In-Check-Out Excellent

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review June 2005

ReviewersArticle by Elena del Valle

Photographs by Elena del Valle

Service One of the hallmarks of the Royal Plantation was its outstanding service. Staff were detail oriented, had a pleasant and welcoming attitude (at their prompt, we shook hands with many of the staff we encountered), were polite and accommodating. The service attitude was uniform in its excellence throughout the property; at reception, in the hallways if we were disoriented while exploring, the beach restaurant, tea service, cocktail reception, gift shop, and spa. This “white glove” style of service was one of the features we most enjoyed there.

There were beach butler and 24-hour concierge services. For guests who wanted to feel completely pampered the hotel offered a private butler service for an additional fee.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression The serene, quiet and cozy ambiance of the Royal Spa was a good match for the Royal Plantation where the spa was housed. Although we noticed by the number of guests calling and having treatments that the spa was popular, once inside it was tranquil. The staff were friendly and helpful, never chatty. The treatments we tried were good, the facilities were spotless, and the ambiance was elegant and welcoming.

My therapist was able and efficient. I arrived feeling rushed after a full day of activities and lunch, concerned about meeting my friends immediately after the spa treatments. I left feeling less stressed and smiling. During my visit I had a quick steam followed by a seaweed wrap and exfoliation and a massage. If I had to do it over again and could spend the time, I would dedicate at least a full day to the spa. After a workout routine, I would luxuriate in the spa and take advantage of the beauty salon services. Perhaps the next time . . .

Handicapped Access The Spa’s response: “The Royal Spa is able to and has accommodated handicapped guests with assistance. The spa is all on one level after entering a 5″ step up unto the verandah, which wheel chairs have mounted without any problems. Our Mahogany doors are wide and our spa rooms spacious enough to accommodate an independent wheelchair user.”

Location On the Royal Plantation Hotel grounds in Ocho Rios

Managed Tanya Vassell

Number Of Staff 16

Owned Gordon “Butch” Stewart

Size The overall spa was housed in 3,842 square feet of space including four spa suites.

Spa Director Karen Sprung

Special Training Staff members received most of their training in Jamaica. Some had exposure and experience gained from international trainers from as far as Japan and several from the U.S.A. and Canada.

Treatment Room The treatment room was quiet and large enough to accommodate the two of us comfortably. It had an en suite shower and plenty of space for the therapist to place her unguents, creams and other treatment paraphernalia. The temperature was pleasant and it was very clean.

Year Opened-Renovated Established in 2001. Facility upgrades were ongoing, though when we were there it was quiet and relaxing and we saw no construction.

Treatments Available Various kinds of massage such as Swedish, sports, 4-handed, couples, chair, pregnancy, and hot stone. Also available: reflexology, aromatherapy; body scrubs with grains and plant extracts, salt with aromatic oils, and seaweed; wraps with essential oils, seaweed, mud, self-heating, water lily and aloe Vera; facials such as men’s, aromatherapy, sun lovers, deep cleansing, seaweed, oxygenating, power repair, and eye treatments.

Hydrotherapy options: essential oils, mud, seaweed, mineral salt and underwater lymphatic drainage. Make-up applications, beauty treatments with paraffin, waxing, hair and nail services were available in the beauty salon.

DÉCor-Common Areas The Spa had an Asian Jamaica fusion decorative style with a mahogany and marble finish. There was artwork from famed Jamaican artists, such as Richard Hall and Herbie Rose. Wassi Art adorned the spa’s Venetian plastered walls. Comfortable lounging chairs designed by Laurie Bream, with Philippine and Thai accents, complemented the exotic look. The spa was styled like a traditional plantation home with a verandah at the entrance. The spa, gym and beauty salon entrance was through a courtyard, set amongst lush tropical flora, with impressive royal palms and a fountain in the middle.

Amenities Robes, slippers, shower caps, disposable underwear and bath sheets for guest use. There were also toiletries (shampoo and shower gels, conditioners, hand and body lotions from the spa’s popular signature collection, aloe fresh deodorants, shaving emulsions, cotton balls and swabs, pads and tampons, razors and combs.

In the relaxation area, visitors could enjoy self serve herbal teas, whole fresh fruits and chilled water. Cold towels were conveniently positioned for guests exiting the steam and sauna.

Facilities The Spa housed a gym, beauty salon, four spa suites, gender specific lounge areas, equipped with eucalyptus steam baths and saunas as well as showers and lockers.

Lockers And Bathrooms There were 16 lockers (34″H X 20″D X 12″W), with keys available for clients use. The small bathroom and adjacent sitting area were inviting, immaculately clean and beautifully furnished.

Other The Royal Spa was the First Leading Spa in Jamaica and one of only forty internationally for 2004. It also received for the third year running the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality & Sciences.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review June 2005

Number Of Treatments Three

ReviewersArticle by Elena del Valle

Photographs by Elena del Valle

Service Spa services were available en-suite, on the beach and at the multifaceted spa suites 24/7 during operating hours or by appointment. The staff we interacted with by phone and in person were polite, helpful and knowledgeable about the services and treatments available.

Treatments Experienced I first had the Seaweed Body Peel during which the therapist used lithothamnium calcareum polishing seaweed to cleanse dead cells away and stimulate the skin. The skin exfoliation was followed by a warm shower to wash off the slightly smelly seaweed. Next, she painted my body with a seaweed unguent and wrapped me in a combination of foil and plastic like Mexican tamale. I was afraid I would get cold but the foil insulated my body heat; I was warm and comfortable while the seaweed’s active ingredients worked their magic. After a short while the therapist returned, unwrapped me and invited me to shower again. Once I rubbed off the seaweed smelling mud, my skin felt soft and the scent disappeared. At the conclusion of the Seaweed Wrap we remained in the same treatment room for the Sports Massage. The gentle massage was relaxing and the therapist experienced. It was a fitting follow up to the seaweed exfoliation and wrap.

Would You Return? Yes

Overall Impression Jamaica

Reviewers Article and Copyrighted Photos by Elena del Valle