Beaches Resort / Jamaica

My sister just got back from her honeymoon 2 weeks ago from there, she said she would never go back! She was very disappointed

We honeymooned in Jamaica, and it is so beautiful! We stayed in a more private community called Silver Sands. We had this gorgeous cottage right on the ocean; it was breathtaking. Perfect for a honeymoon or parent getaway; nothing to do for kids. During our stay we traveled to Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios.

Since you're asking, I have to admit that I was so afraid away from the resort. Our driver/tour guide took us to a few "local people only places" where we were able to really mingle amongst many warm, wonderful natives. However, there were so many during our stay that made me feel so uncomfortable. They were getting very close to you, asking for money, VERY pushy street vendors, pot dealers and pan handlers. We even witnessed pick-pocketing in Ocho Rios. On our way to Montego Bay, some weirdo actually tried to open our rear passenger door and get in our vehicle when we were stopped at a red light.

We always say we'd love to go back for a 2nd honeymoon and stay in the same cottage. However, I again would be very uneasy leaving the resort. I certainly would NEVER leave the resort with my children.

Hope this helps.

My husband and I went to Jamaica about 16 years ago pre kids. We stayed at the Sea Gem in Negril. We had some shady things happen to us in Jamaica. We rented a motorcycle with a guide and while we were visiting a blue lagoon, they switched the motorcycle we rented with a crashed one and then blamed it on us. I also had a lot of stuff stolen out of my suitcase at the Montego Bay airport. If we go back, I wouldn't wear a single piece of jewelry!!

We just went to Jamaica this year in March with the kids. We had a blast and will be going there next year for spring break again. The kids are begging us to take them again. We stayed at the ClubHotel Riu Negril.

It was amazing. The lodging is gorgeous and the food was fantastic. It's tucked away in a private area in a bay, so the waves are non-existent. There's lots of sand and no problems finding shade on the beach since they built this property in the jungle and left alot of palm trees as they were.

We liked the idea of choosing this resort because I have never heard of it and most crowds tend to go with a familiar name. I wanted to stay away from the crowded resorts and that's exactly what I got.

Here is the link to the resort where we stayed. We'll be booking our vacation there again very soon....
http://www.riu.com/en/clubhotel-riu-negril-jamaica.html

I'm also adding in my personal photos too...
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Isabell/Jamaica%20...

The guests there were mixed. Lots of kids of all ages. From babies to teens. My kids had a large handful of kids to play with at all times. As a matter of fact, they disappeared most of the day which left me to be on my own to read my book on the beach. It was relaxing.

As for leaving the resort...we did and we loved it. We went into town and shopped. Met with local folks and they were nothing but fantastic to us. We stayed a long while and chatted and had great conversations. The Jamaican people are great. You shouldn't have trouble leaving the resort....Actually, I highly recommend it. Next time we go back there, we have a driver we befriended there and we'll be calling on him again.

We have been to a place (3 times) in Jamaica called FDR Resorts. All packages include an assigned "vacation nanny" that watch the kid from 9-4 everyday with options of night babysitting for $3/hr. Even though the place is an older facility, it still was fine (we are not talking Ritz at either Beaches or FDR). As far as things to do..... what else do kids need but a pool and a beach. It was a great vacation for both mom and dad.

We have been to Jamaica for a week and we stayed at Sandals~Whithouse. The island was pretty and we never had any issues. (We went off resort once for a daytrip) Sandals/Beaches does a great job of telling you where to go for your pick-up to the resort (they have an area for you to wait and they have drinks/snacks) and they take you straight from the airport to your resort....Beaches from what I remember is 10-15 min from the airport so it would be a quick ride. While we have not gone to Beaches (yet!) we have gone to 4 Sandals resorts (visited close to 10) all over never once been disappointed or let down with the service offered.

In Jamacia they did have gaurds at each end of the beach to keep the peddlers away.

The way I look at it is...... if you can handle walking in downtown Chicago with all the homeless and others asking for money or trying to sell you the Streetwise newspaper then Jamacia will be no problem.....just ignore them, keep walking, and if they speak to you give them direct eye contact and tell them no thank you in a firm voice.

Have a great time & enjoy!

Jen

My husband and I took our "babymoon" when I was 6 mos pregnant to Negril, Jamaica. It's on the west side of the island with white sand beaches. Absolutely beautiful. Negril is a small, quiet area with no buildings taller than the palm trees.

We didn't stay at a family resort though, we went to Couples Negril, a couples only resort. We did leave the resort and it was wonderful getting out and meeting the people, no problems at all.

Next time we plan on taking the kids to a family resort like Beaches in Negril.

My brother-in-law and family just got back from Beaches in Jamaica. They said that there was a lot of stuff for little kids. We went to Beaches Turks and Caicos 8 years ago with a two year old and we found the same, although our daughter was very clingy at the time and didn't want us to leave herat an activity without us.

We took our daughter to Beaches Negril for her first birthday, well spring break just happened to be the same time:) It was amazing! There is so much to do. They provide a full size crib in your room. There is a babysitting service that is included during the day that we did not use and a nanny service at night. THe sesame street characters are there and there is so much more that I don't have time to type...princess will be getting up soon! If you are interested in talking, I should do a commercial for them, message me and I will give my number and I will tell you everything you wnat to know!!! Serena

Hi! I have never been to Beaches but I have been to Jamaica and it is widely known that you DO NOT leave the resort unless it is during the day and you are with an organized group. Going off the property at night is just not safe.

Jamaica is a great vacation destination - fantastic scenery, awesome weather, beautiful water - just make sure you are prepared to stay put for the duration of your trip. Most resorts there cater to this mentality, so you shouldn't have any problems, especially somewhere as large as Beaches. When we went, we did Sandals which is the couples version of Beaches, and we never felt the need to leave it.

Enjoy! : )

We've never been to Beaches but have been to Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Dunn's River. I wouldn't take a small child out of the resort . Some parts are a little shady feeling .You should be just fine staying at the resort , there is always so much to do. Have a great trip and watch out for the guys in the airport and parking lot who try to put things in your hand (pot) so you buy it.

Call or e-mail the Beaches Hotels and find out what they have to offer for a 2 year old. Those vacations are geared for lovers and sun worshipers....what are you thinking?