Sunset Jamaica Grand: Lisa - March, 2008

We have been to both Hedo 2 and 3 and GLN and have written trip reports. This is for those who might like to take their kids down to Jamaica sometime. I recently took my 2 children 10 and 12 down for spring break and stayed at the Sunset Jamaica Grand in Ocho Rios. I was looking for a reasonably priced family oriented resort with cool pools and compact enough that I would not lose the kids. I had gotten quote on Starfish Trelawny and FDR's were sold out.

The pools at this place were awesome lots of waterfalls a couple of slides 2 swim up bars 2 hot tubs.

The beaches were ok not great shade at a premium. The positive is that it is set in a cove so water fairly calm and kids won't wash out to sea.

There are 2 high rise buildings north and south tower. We had heard ahead of time that the South tower had the remodeled rooms so we requested it but got the north tower instead. Rooms were pretty tired looking and bathrooms cramped but clean. The resort has a no food in room or lobby rule that keeps the bugs out. Each room has a balcony but not much space on them didn't really use.

The buffet was repetitive but we didn't starve. Did not try any sit down restaurants kids had no interest. There is a grill open 10am-2am that serves jerk chicken hamburgers etc and a jamalicious cafe that is like a diner open till 5 with patties and such.

The location of the resort is downtown Ocho Rios can walk to craft markets and other restaurants.

We did one day of tours kids were sunburned tried to do stuff that would keep them shaded. We did the Grotto Caves, the Outemenie Experience and the Glistening Waters. This was my 7th trip to Jamaica and had never heard about Glistening waters very cool. Only 3 places in the world supposedly have this there is a restaurant on the water and you take a boat out once dark the phosphorus in the water glows whenever disturbed. The boat made it glow and the wind blowing it and people that jumped in. If you go bring a water bottle and take some back will glow for up to 5 days. We used Lee's tours for transport to and from airport and for the tours very reliable and reasonable. I was a mom with 2 kids on my own and was treated like gold. The driver even escorted us on the tours. The Outemenie experience was fun for kids too they have to dance learn about Jamaican history and get several treats. The Grotto was also very educational. We had already done the zip line on a previous trip very fun.

If anyone has any specific questions feel free to write. We have been to lots of all inclusives this was not the nicest but the kids had a good time so it was a good vacation. The prefer Jamaica to Mexico in that they understand the language and like the music and dancing in Jamaica.

Irie Lisa