Discovering Jamaica’s Spirit, Style & Sunshine
Clear turquoise waters, white beaches and lush landscapes, the promise of what was to come was mouthwatering.
Upon exiting passport control and customs, I met my complimentary transport to the resort and set off on the hour-long journey to my Green Island getaway, my driver imparting plenty of local knowledge on the way.
A Dream Island Escape
After being cordially greeted with a cold face towel and some fresh, cold juice in the lobby of Princess Senses Resort which consists of the adults-only The Mangrove and the kid-friendly The Grand, I was swiftly checked in and then shown to the Food Market.
The variety of foods and beverages available are extensive, exceedingly well prepared and truly delicious. From salads, cold meats, various seafood options, fresh fruits, hot local dishes, desserts and pastries, the variety was impressive and more than enough for anyone.
This was my first time at an all-inclusive resort, so getting used to having whatever I wanted took some getting used to, but by the end of my trip, it was all second nature to me.
Warm Welcomes
After the delicious lunch, I was shown to my delightful junior deluxe suite with its soft king-size bed, open plan lounge and bath with double rain shower. Most accommodations at the resort feature a balcony with a sea view while ground-floor rooms have swim out balconies, leading to incredible infinity pools.
For the remainder of the afternoon, I relaxed and explored the resort, taking a dip in the pools, feeling the warm sand beneath my toes, locating the nine al la carte restaurants and arranging a private driver with the on-site tour group, Tropical Tours for a tour of nearby Negril and its environs, and a sunset cruise (more about that later).
Sips & Socializing
The a la carte restaurants are all top-drawer and offer a selection of Italian, Asian Fusion, sushi, seafood, Japanese, Mexican, Jamaican-Caribbean food and a steakhouse. There are several bars too for the adults; the very chic, laid-back piano bar and the MVP Sports Bar were the two that I visited—the first night I was there, the final USA v Canada hockey game was being shown on the many big screens at MVP, which certainly kept the crowd entertained!
With few exceptions, food at all restaurants is included in the all-inclusive price as is most alcoholic drinks (some exclusive wines and Champagnes, however, are extra).
After returning to my room, showering and getting into some casual evening clothes, I ventured back down to Food Market and indulged in the wonderful hot dishes available from the buffets, followed by a sampling of some of the many desserts and some ice cold soft drink from the serve yourself soda fountains.
After dinner, I popped into the 24-hour coffee shop to grab some Blue Mountain espresso and an ice cream from the many flavors on offer. Happy but tired, I retired to bed and slept well in that glorious king-size bed, beneath crisp white linen!
A Day of Island Indulgence
The following day was going to be one of relaxation, soaking up the energizing Caribbean sun, lazing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, eating plenty of great food and having an incredible 50-minute Swedish massage at the impressive 14,000 square-foot fitness and wellness center. It was total relaxation combined with the Jamaican vibes, a friendly staff and the luxury of having to do nothing but enjoy myself.
That evening, I went to Robert’s Flame Steakhouse for dinner. On the menu: pork chops served with garlic honey-mustard sauce, fresh vegetables and delicious thinly sliced potatoes. Incredible! After dinner, I stopped by MVP Sports Bar before I called it a night.
Saturday dawned and I gathered my necessities for a day of exploring Negril: Camera, lenses, cash (there is a convenient ATM in the resort lobby), swim shorts, towel, water and a sense of adventure. I met my driver Jordan and emphasized I wanted to see everyday life, not just tourist attractions. I certainly had the right guy to show me around!
Everybody knew Jordan and I got some wonderful insight into day-to-day Jamaican life, visiting art and craft markets, a local fish market where the catch of the day was being prepared, into small villages in the furthest reaches of the “West End,” and also visited some of the main tourist attractions including the world-famous Rick’s Café.
Sunset, Music & Magic
All too soon, it was time for Jordan to drop me at Jamwest Beach to board the catamaran for a 3-hour sunset cruise. Lots of great music and an open bar accompanied us on the cruise as we headed out along the coast, before anchoring at Rick’s Café, where everyone disembarked, except for a couple of us—I stayed behind to photograph the famous cliff jumping and some spectacular seabirds.
We returned to Jamwest as the sun set, a beautiful orange glow spreading across the horizon, the perfect end to my last day in Jamaica.
One Love, One Promise
On departing The Mangrove the following morning, I vowed to return, to explore more of what this incredible resort has to offer, to have more adventures in Negril and to indulge myself with warm Jamaican hospitality.
Ya Mon, One Love!
