Jamaica, Sandals Whitehouse European Village

Day 1-- Land in Montego Bay, customs, and Sandals Inn

We landed in Montego Bay and stood in a VERY long line to go through customs.  Once we were through we were guided to an area to wait for our bus to Sandals Inn.  While waiting, of course we were approached to buy some "ganja".  We declined!  Finally our bus arrived.  We were the only couple going to this Sandals resort, everyone else seemed to be headed to the Montego Bay Sandals resort.  We took a short drive, a crazy drive, to the resort.  We pulled up out front and the gentleman took our luggage inside to the lobby where we were given a cold rag to wipe off with and offered some champagne.  We were then given our room key and escorted to our room.  The place looked really old and run down and there was hardly anyone here  (we did know when we booked this resort that it was the smallest and quietest of all the Sandals Resorts...and the cheapest) but it looked like a Super 8.  I was not at all impressed.  We got into our room, it was very small, very outdated, there was no airconditioning....I cried...I did not want to stay in a "Super 8" for my honeymoon!  My husband went down to the desk to see what could be done. 

 A short while later we were on a van to transfer to the other side of the island to "Sandals Whitehouse"  We had an awesome driver, who told us all about Jamaica and took us through many villages so we could see the "real Jamaica".  He even taught us some Jamaican words.  When we arrived we were amazed at the difference in the two resorts that were owned by the same company.  It was a night and day difference.  We checked in and then got into a little golf cart and were escorted to our beachfront room.  (all the rooms at this resort are beachfront)  We were starving by the time we got here ( a very long, curvy drive to the other side of the island) so we went to one of the resorts buffets....all inclusive, including wine, and all alcohol.  We were AMAZED at the difference of the two resorts just from the short walk to the resturant. 

Day 2-- Sandals Whitehouse, swimming, and relaxation

Our second day was a day full of relaxation.  A walk on the white sand beaches, a dip on one of many pools.  A drink brought right to your chair, or a swim up bar inside the pool.  Now this was paradise...a real honeymoon vacation!  All of the pictures in the catalogs and the video we were sent all were real!  It really is as good as the pictures (and a hundred times better).  After a day of relaxing pool and beachside, we decided to change and get ready for dinner.  We ate at a little steak place.  Each table was set for two and faced the beach.  Where else can you eat a wonderful steak oceanside!  The staff here were WONDERFUL...your glass was never empty and your wish was their command!

Day 3-- elegant cullinary buffet and live steel drum band

After another day pool and beachside and taking a walk around the resort to see what it had to offer we found ourselves amidst a cullinary show for dinner.  One night a week all the resturants close and they set up a HUGE buffet on the patio (of course oceanside) with everything you can imagine.  Huge ice sculptures, meat carvers, salad makers, bars with any drink you want... It was awesome.  Then to top it off...we enjoyed the live steel drum band.

Day 4-- Day trip to YS Falls and Croc Hunting!

We decided to take a day trip to see the "real Jamaica".  We got up early and boarded the bus with several other couples and headed out on the few hours drive to the mountains and YS Falls.  Once at the falls, you climb a huge set of stone stairs to the top of the falls...then you either play Tarzan and swing from a rope and fall into the bottom pool (for the brave and adventurous) or you go back down the stairs (beware of the locals that want to assist you... they are very helpful but really want a tip) and you swim in the falls.  This was a beautiful place!

Then on from there back to the bus to head to the Black River.  We stoped in a village and at lunch at a local resturant.  We had real Jamaican jerk chicken and some sort of peas and rice (I forget what it is called but it was yummy) they also served a red fruit punch but we were warned not to drink the water on the day trips so I opted not to drink the juice.  My husband being so adventurous wanted to try it and loved it so much that he drank both his and mine.  (only to find himself sitting in the bathroom later that night and the next day!)  After our wonderful homecooked lunch, we boarded a small pontoon boat to go searchin for crocs.  Our tour guide, Nicko, was wonderful at telling us abou the local fishermen, the river, and all the wild life, but most of all he was brave enough to feed the crocs raw chicken to get them to come up close to the boat.  Many of the crocs were so close we could have pet them if wanted to (if we wanted to be missing an arm of course!)

This was probably one of the most exciting parts of the trip!! 

After returning we cleaned up for dinner, then relaxed... and one of the best parts of the all inclusive resort...you eat when you want... later that night I wanted chocolate (what girl doesn't) so we ventured to the "french bakery" and filled up a plate of chocolate goodies!!

Day 5...  Snorkeling, glass bottom boat, Carnival, sunset photos

We had waited all week to go out in the afternoon on the glass bottom boat and to go snorkeling (we tried for several days but the mid afternoon trip times always got rained out--it always rains very hard for about 20 mintues at amost 3:00 sharp each afternoon!  Finally on almost our last day, it didn't rain.  We went out on the boat to the coral reef to see the ocean life.  I,being the chicken I am, decided not to snorkel but to stay in the boat and watch.   Everyone was finding what we could call "starfish" but our boat captain said they are "sea stars"... we questioned him (mainly to hear his accent ;)... he states they are not fish...they do not swim, they are sea stars!  In any case, the boat ride was fun and my husband had a wonderful time snorkling!

Later that evening, we got changed and headed to the beach for our complimentary sunset photo shoot...these are AWESOME pictures... and really not that expensive! 

After that, there was a "carnival" with fire dancers, a live Jamaican high school band, dancers, fire breathers, a guy that did tricks on chairs, unicyclists, and clowns for a fun filled evening. 

Day 6-- travel back to Montego Bay :(

It was time to pack and head to the airport to leave :(.... this was an awesome trip and really not that expensive for what you get!  We have been to disney world twice before and this trip is comparable!!  Maybe we will make it back for our 3rd anniversary!!!