By: Katie Taylor, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Think of the white sand beaches and the beautiful Blue Mountains-that's Jamaica!! Think about Bob Marley and Reggae Music-that’s Jamaica!! Think all-inclusive resorts and spectacular scenery-that’s Jamaica!! All of these things are what makes Jamaica a great destination to visit. But truly, what's the main reason to visit Jamaica? It is THE PEOPLE!!! The people of this country are the friendliest group of people I have ever encountered when traveling internationally. Sandals Resorts prides itself on the people in their resorts and the Jamaican resorts are no exception. This is why Sandals and Beaches Resorts hosted the Jamaica Love 2024 Tour in October!!
We made our way from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to Sandals Montego Bay (about 5 minutes from the airport). This resort is a favorite of many guests because it is the flagship Sandals Resort. Gordon “Butch” Stewart founded Sandals Resorts in 1981 and was the CEO until he passed away in 2021. His son, Adam Stewart, took over as CEO and has helped perfect the all-inclusive resort concept.
After checking into our Butler rooms, we made our way down for cocktails on the beach. It was raining but who cared?? Sandals Montego Bay brought out all the stops. Big, comfy chairs and a steel pan band welcomed all of us to the resort. Yummy Appetizers and refreshing Rum Punch were served by the friendliest staff members!! Christopher Elliott, the General Manager, greeted all of us with warm handshakes and a welcoming smile.
Our day began early with the Sandals’ Foundation Reading Road Trip to a local school. This eye-opening excursion is offered to all Sandals Guests through Island Routes and it is without a doubt the single BEST thing I have ever done!! We arrived at the school and were escorted into one of the classrooms with 6 & 7 year olds. I was paired up with Amelia and Jamelia, 2 of the sweetest little girls I have ever met. Both girls wanted to be ballerinas when they grew up. They even had notebooks with a ballerina on the front!! We were asked to bring 2 books, crayons, pencils, pencil sharpeners and erasers. You should have seen how many items were donated!! I was able to read a book to my 2 girls and color with them as well. I was even promoted to “Auntie” by both of the girls. It was truly an experience I will never forget!!
Our third day was the BIG event-Jamaica Love Showcase 2024, which included 1000 travel advisors, government officials, airport workers, customs agents, local vendors Sandals Executives, Travel Vendor executives and Sandals employees!!! First, we entered the piazza and were introduced to many local vendors in Montego Bay. With so many amazing crafts, I purchased a trinket box for my daughter that was handcrafted by the Maka from Jamaica.
Once our shopping spree was complete, we entered the convention center for the event to begin. The wonderfully decorated room was completely full of people ready to learn about and celebrate Jamaica Love!!! It was so heartwarming to hear from so many people who truly love the country of Jamaica as a vacation destination. The Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness, spoke about all of the recent updates happening in Jamaica. The crime rate is down. The unemployment rate is down. New additions are being added to Sangster International Airport, new direct flights from the United States into Kingston Airport and a new airport is planned for the Negril area!! These are all huge improvements for this country!! Many more flights are being offered now so there are more options to get to Jamaica!! So many improvements for this country.
The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett spoke about how every dollar that is spent in Jamaica goes to help employ the citizens of Jamaica. Sandals Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart (who I had the pleasure of meeting), also spoke at this event. You could tell from his words and by his smile, that he loves Jamaica and is proud to call Jamaica home for him and his family. And guess what?? He is also the reason that Jamaica now has the Starbucks’ franchise in this country!!! I was so excited to see that global companies are now being embraced in Jamaica as well. All of the speakers and panelists shared their love for this country and I was honored to be a small part in sharing this Jamaica Love Tour with the people of Jamaica.
Now, who is ready to be a part of the Jamaica Love Tour?? Ready to book your next Jamaican vacation at Sandals or Beaches Resorts?? If so, then reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels to get your free quote!!!
