Arrival went very smoothly. We arrived via Miami, once we went through immigration we were guided to a Sandals waiting room where cold beer and other drinks and cookies awaited us. Sandals staff tagged our luggage immediately for the Dunns resort. We were called very shortly thereafter and followed a baggage porter to the bus. (each one expects a tip) -The bus ride is 90 minutes with a stop along the way to get a drink. Upon arrival at the resort we were all given cold washclothes to refresh ourselves. We were then introduced to RON the front desk man. We were given a glass of champagne and then Ron explained about the location of our room and a few other details. Everything was in order, we found our room quickly. Smooth as silk.
Rooms:
Room was lovely – we stayed in the Florence building ( main building ) on the second floor – room 2216. It had a huge beg, tv with US and Canadian (CBC and CITY TV) amongst the stations. Bathroom was large enough, bathroom was very nice. There was a separate walk in closet with shelving and a safe. Room was great! MIni bar with pop, juices, water was restocked every day.
Restaurants and Bars:
All were outstanding. OUr first night we ate in COLOMBO – we had steak and red snapper! The steak was done to perfection, the fish was outstanding. Service was also great. Waiters and waitresses were freindly and attentive. Wine is Berenger – wide selection – it was very good. We also ate at EL CAPITANO – the Italian restaurant. Food was supberb!. I had the 4 cheese fettucini with chicken and my husband had a shrimp dish – exellent. Hostess was really nice. The antipasto bar was very good as well. We ate breakfast most days at COLOMBO – wide variety of fruits, breads, eggs, and other foods – all very good. We had breakfast one morning at MARCO POLO which is sit down. Same as the buffet but breakfast is served. Food was good but it is slower eating than at the buffet. We never had the chance to eat dinner there, nor did we get a chance to try the beach grill.
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
Pool was great – deep enough to enjoy. there were 2 pools. The main bar was huge and was fun. The big tree in the middle added ambiance. The pool and beach bars were fine! Grounds were great. The tennis courts (4) were in excellent condition – get there early as it is HOT. We couldn’t play after 9:30 and then not again until around 4. We also played Golf – course is like adult mini-golf. Greens are rough but we had lots of fun trying to get a Par 2! We had some lovely walks up the main road.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
The activity team was lots of fun. They did lots of pool side games – make sure to participate!!! Its fun! There were beach games as well. At night there were some shows both in the theatre and the PIazza ( an outdoor square) We went ziplining – that was fun. Cost was $91 and is was a 1/2 day tour. We also visited the other Sandals Grande. It is a lot bigger – we were happy we stayed at a more intimate resort. Spa is awesome – the sports masage was the best. Doreen Precious, Lonia and Karen were amazing massage therapists. Cost is a bit high though. We were disappointed that for an "All Inclusive" Luxury resort we had to pay for gym classes like Yoga or Pilates – — Sandals should really consider including these classes as no one went due to the cost ($15USpp)
Other Comments:
Our only negative comment is that on 2 nights there are "big parties" : beach party and pool party. If you are not into them – BEWARE as the other restaurants are closed with the exception of El Capitano. While the food there is good – you may not want to go 3 times due to the other ones being closed. We were put out by this as we did not want to participate and found there were long delays to get into El Capitano as everyone not going to the party is forced into that restaurant. They really don’t tell you this. Your options are to go to that restaurant or make plans to go to Sandals Grande and go to one of their restaurants. ON the second occasion we were quite upset but Jackie – the customer rep took care of us. We were happy. We had an excellent time and would go back in a second!.
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