JUST GOTTA MONTEGO
Matt Maltby has a totally tropical time (and his own butler) on a break in Jamaica
As I sit at the bar looking out across the best, white sand beach in Jamaica, the chilled beats of reggae’s latest superstar bounce across the breeze.
The chorus to local boy Chronixx’s ‘Skankin’ Sweet’ kicks in – an ode to parking the stresses of life and appreciating the good things.
And his lyric “forget your troubles and rock with me” certainly resonate in a Caribbean island nation renowned for being laid back.
But then again it’s impossible not to feel uplifted in a sunshine paradise like this.
After a multi-million dollar makeover, the fivestar Sandals Montego Bay resort is the place to be for unbridled all-inclusive luxury in dazzling tropical surroundings.
Occupying a half-mile stretch of shoreline with warm, Caribbean waters gently lapping the soft, shingle-free sand, this couples-only abode is a prime location for beach lovers.
Its two new restaurants, Butch’s Steak & Seafood (named after Sandals Resorts founder and chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart), and Soy, serving stylish Asian cuisine and sushi, takes its tally of unique culinary concepts to 12.
There is also the new Latitudes Overwater Bar, just a few steps from Montego Bay’s finest beach.
This offshore drinks venue has 360-degree ocean views, hammocks suspended over the turquoise waters and cosy firepits.
And the new Palms bar is a cool hangout for after-dinner drinks.
For anyone who wants a showstopping setting to tie the knot, this premium resort has also just unveiled its new over-the-water Serenity wedding chapel which can seat up to 40 people with a glass floor aisle and bell tower.
I was staying in one of the luxurious Butler Suites at the far end of the beach.
These rooms come with a string of perks, my favourite being the seaview balcony equipped with a huge, free-standing outdoor bath tub.
Another lavish indulgence is the personal butler service.
My butler Orion, dressed in his snazzy red overalls, happily entertained any request I had, no matter
‘‘ Orion happily entertained any request I had – no matter how trivial
how trivial or extravagant it felt. A crate of ice-cold Red Stripe beer delivered to the sun lounger? “No problem, Matt”.
How about a bath on the balcony, accompanied with a pina colada, to enjoy the glorious sunset? “Sure thing, sir.”
Reckon I can get some cheesy nachos in 30 minutes? “Coming right up, my man.”
Orion and his colleagues have all attended the elite Guild of Professional English Butlers, and have a knack for making guests feel comfortable.
This being the Sandals experience, everything is included – unlimited dining in all restaurants, premium brand drinks, stocked bars in all rooms, wines, free wi-fi, transfers, plus shows and themed parties every night.
Watersports such as kayaks, Hobie Cats, paddleboards, waterskiing, snorkelling and even scuba diving via the resort’s power boats are also part of the package.
There are four pools and four hot tubs spread across the property, with the main activity centred around the rectangular pool near the central beach bar. Down on the beach, there are plenty of sunbeds with shade, and waiters pass by regularly taking drinks orders.
Sandals owns seven properties across Jamaica, and its Ochi Beach Resort, just along the north coast near Ocho Rios, is another classic.
Split into two sections – beachside and hillside rooms – in 100 acres of lush gardens, it has many of the same complimentary offerings, such as dining, watersports, drinks and activities, plus access to the nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, with its Par 71 course.
A choice of 16 on-trend restaurants gives guests an incredible list of dining options and includes the picturesque Reef Terrace.
Located on a private courtyard up on the cliff overlooking the sea, it offers Jamaican specialities such as tasty wood-fired snapper and similarly-punchy cocktails – the perfect introduction to the Sandals luxury life.
This resort has the fun-factor too – a Negroni-fuelled rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive, at Ochi Beach Resort’s new speakeasy bar The Rabbit Hole will forever stand out in the memory.
The resort is close to the famous Dunn’s River Falls, immortalised in Dr No, the first James Bond film, and Cocktail, the Tom Cruise classic from the 80s. Tourists can climb the giant natural staircase of rocks where the water cascades down into the sea and jump and swim in the lagoons.
Caribbean adventure company Island Routes also offer all sort of tours including deep sea fishing, off-road dune buggying and catamaran sailing trips.
Yet more ingredients in Jamaica’s perfect tropical holiday cocktail.
‘‘ Rabbit Hole speakeasy bar will forever stand out in the memory