The next time I went to Jamaica (my first time was my own wedding), I went for my best friend’s wedding, 5 years later (she was actually my maid of honor at my wedding). It really does make sense to get married at a resort!
We had a group of people flying together from Pittsburgh, PA, so we were excited and ready to go. We arrived in Jamaica, went through customs (different than 5 years earlier with technology), and went to the same waiting area at the airport. We all boarded our van, and this time I was able to stop at the Pit Stop! It was a little hut just off the side of the road that had jerk chicken and drinks.
Our group arrived at the #Sandals #Negril Resort after about 1 hour in the van, we were met with cold towels, and smiling faces, we walked up the stairs as we passed by the main pool, moved into a room together and were offered light snacks and a drink.
We checked in, but our rooms were not ready yet so we were free to leave our luggage and go about the resort. And THIS, THIS is why you always want to take a carry on and have a bathing suit readily available. We took a walk down the beach and found more of the wedding guests, all got a drink and some food. We eventually remembered we still needed to unpack, so we went to rooms and our luggage was waiting for us. The rooms were great, nice views, mini-bar that included wine, champagne, and hard liquor. For the most part, we were all in the same area, it was nice to be able to meet and walk places together when the time came.
The food was good, the best food was from the pizzeria, the jerk chicken from the bar, and the #habachi (and yes, we did bring our own yum, yum sauce, just in case they didn't use it in Jamaica). The drinks were good, and the #DirtyBananas went down great.
The resort had water activities, paddle boarding, boats, water skiing, and boarding, and also included snorkeling. This was the best part; the snorkeling was great. I am not sure if there were any land activities, there may have been a gym.
The resort was of a smaller size, but you could walk the beach in either direction. Sandals Whitehouse was private, Sandals Negril was not. You had the occasional person walking up and down the beach selling hats, bracelets, and anklets. They were never an issue, and if the resort staff could tell you didn't want them around, they would kindly guide them along to the next group.
There were a few daily activities, and on the main stage/ bar/ pool area there was some nightly entertainment. We had a group of about 33 people for the wedding. There was a beach bonfire for the wedding meet and greet, where we had a private bartender and s'mores bar. The bride and groom made a speech and asked if anyone would join them to go to #RicksCafe the day after the wedding. We did this the day after the wedding, but not through the resort as the catamaran was already full. So, the guys met a few locals and they picked us up. We did have to sign a document from Sandals saying we were leaving the resort.
Speaking of leaving the resort, right beside us was the Naked resort #HedonismII. Again, you signed a document saying you were leaving Sandals, and we took a stroll over. I am still not sure why I was surprised at what I saw, but at the same time, I couldn't believe it. Yep, it's a naked resort. I'll leave your mind up to the imagination.
Our catamaran to Rick's Cafe was interesting, to say the least. We intended to take a nice trip to Rick's Cafe, with a stop at a cave to jump in the ocean and swim around, have a few drinks, arrive at Rick's, stay for a little while, then on the way home have some food and drinks.
On our way to Ricks, a storm started to roll in, the rain started (there were some people that wanted to head back to the resort, but we were too far in), so we pushed through as the thunder and lightning started and we eventually arrived at the cave. Most of us jumped in the water with the storm right above us, the rest stayed on the catamaran and moved into the small living quarters. We jumped in the cave and swam around, it was actually pretty cool. Once the storm passed we jumped back in the water and swam to the boat. At this time some of the locals started jumping at the top of the cave from the road. Doing flips and entertaining us with claps and laughter. With entertainment comes payment. Once we got to Rick's Cafe, you have to wait and get in a smaller boat to take you to the cliff as the waves are strong. Once in the boat, you just look up at all of the people lining the stairs up the cliff watching all of the jumpers. The place was packed, the music was loud and people were everywhere. To jump, you get in line, walk up to the cliff, waiting for the guy sitting there to tell you to go (he is looking at the last person who jumped to make sure they somewhat get out of the way and are well). You have 3 options if you want to jump off, I'm pretty sure it is a 10 ft, 25 ft or 35 ft jump. The 10 ft. jump doesn't look high at all, and it is very close to the inner rocks where the waves crash in. There is a "lifeguard" with an emergency donut to throw in (it is used a lot to pull people back from the rocks that are not strong swimmers or just got sucked in by a wave). The 25 ft jump is the most popular, and only some people jump at the 35 ft jump.
I wasn't trying to be a hero, I just wanted to get my thrill. I jumped at 35 ft. but my feet came in front, I twisted and landed on my hip. I was purple for about a week. (See my video link below at minute 4:09 for that jump.)
After jumping, and for the people that didn't want to jump, you could sit down order some food and some drinks at a few different bars. When it was time to go, we got in the smaller boat then got on our catamaran. Some people didn't enjoy the trip in, so they opted for an Uber to drive back to the resort. On our way back, we had some homemade rice and chicken and got to watch a beautiful sunset to end the craziness.
The wedding day was perfect for my friend. We enjoyed some time in the water, she got a work out in, and then started on her hair and makeup. Us girls joined her with some champagne and snacks but did our own hair and makeup. The wedding was on the beach, and beautiful. We walked to the other side of the beach for the cocktail hour under a tent and a few cigars. We stayed there for the reception and danced the night into sweatiness. After the reception was over, we all changed into swimsuits and we went to the one pool that has a game room and bar and ended the night on the beach listening to ACDC playing Thunderstruck. A perfect ending.
#FinalReview: No surprise, but we had a blast. An all-inclusive is recommended, just know your options and decide what you are looking for in a resort. If you are invited to a destination wedding or looking to get married and have a destination wedding. Go and do it, you won't be disappointed.
You know I made a video for them too with my #GoPro. This shows the wedding, Rick's cafe, and the resort.
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