Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort Hotel

, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
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Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort Hotel

, Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, - Ocho Rios - Jamaica Hotel Website | 876-974-2501
791 Traveller

Reviews - Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort Hotel

Historical Traveller Reviews of Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort Hotel

Are you kidding me??!!

from A TripAdvisor Member
My wife and I went here for our honeymoon the last week of October 2003.

We were originally supposed to stay in Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Carribean. Fortunately we were moved/relocated to Royal Plantation. I had read all the other reviews here prior to our trip once I found out we had been moved to this place - and everything that is mentioned in these e-opinions is TRUE!! Terrific service, no lines to wait in, turn down service every night as well as 5-star dining every night. Royal Plantation is secluded and cannot be visited by guests from other resorts. Even though the beach was smaller than others, it was nice to not have to step over/around lots of people. Sibony makes the best drinks (order 'Special #1 and Special #10), not to mention everything is top shelf! You even have up to four top shelf bottles of liquor in your room with a full wet bar that is restocked daily.

We'll be going back next year for sure - even if we have to pay full price.

One last note, the car/van ride from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. It reminded my wife and I of the scene from 'Romancing the Stone' on their way to Cartagena!!!!!! Pretty scary stuff... Try to book your flight so that you arrive in the morning around 10-10:30 AM. There is one Jamaica Express flight daily from Montego Bay to Ocho that leaves around 11:30 AM, I think. It is a 15 minute flight and I'll bet my life (literally, in this case) that it is safer and less stressful than the drive. If you KNEW you didn't have a chance to die taking the drive, then you might chalk it up as an adventure. But since we passed a fatal accident on our way to Ocho Rios (3 dead), it obviously isn't a movie scene.

Anyway, ya mon'! Three thumbs way up!

Royal Relaxation

from A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I just returned from our first trip to Jamaica (October 23-November 4, 2003). We had originally booked a beachfront royal suite at the Royal Caribbean for 6 nights and then Sandals Negril for 6 nights. When we arrived at the airport in Mo Bay, we were told we would be taken to the Royal Plantation instead at no extra charge (probably sent there because we booked the highest room category). (We're not sure if the Royal Caribbean was overbooked or undergoing renovations.) It is a long van ride (approx. 2hrs 45min) to Ocho Rios, but it was worth it!!! The Plantation is first class all the way. No buffets here - every meal is sitdown with first class service. When on the beach, wave a small flag and the beach butlers bring you drinks, food, etc.
The spa is excellent - friendly knowledgeable staff. The beach areas are small, but with only 77 suites, you have plenty of beach space.
They gave us a Honeymoon Plantation Suite - greatest room we've ever stayed in any resort. Separate jacuzzi room with open shower, living room with TV, large bedroom with TV/vcr and cd radio, electronic safe, large master bath with tub/shower, two-sink vanity and large balcony with view of ocean. Grounds are lush with vegetation. Nice large screen TV room with pool table,etc. The only drawback is that the beach is accessible only by stairways (didn't count the steps) but would be difficult for someone with mobility issues. The small number of guests and upscale service provided us with incredible relaxation and a great sense of intimacy. Very romantic property. Some entertainment provided, but no playmakers and none of the bustling activity of a typical Sandals. Must climb Dunn's River Falls and get take-out from The Jerk Centre. Chef Hugo serves fine cuisine, Helmsley pours a great Appletini and Patrice of the turndown service is the greatest.

The Best of Everything!

from lexitaylor
My husband and I went to the Royal Plantation for my 40th birthday in Janaury, 2003. I was skeptical because I had heard so many negative things about Jamaica, but since my husband had done all the planning, I decided to go and not complain if any of the dreaded stories were true.

All I can say, is that I was totally impressed in every way from the delicious food, the wonderful musicians who played every evening as we dined, to the welcoming employees who really did cater to our every need! The rooms are awesome - they are all oceanfront, and decorated in mahogany from the bed posts to the moldings - and talk about clean!
Every morning, workers were cleaning, polishing, even raking the footprints from the sand. I am usually a very discerning traveler who is not easy to please, but if you truly want a great vacation with the best of everything, go to the Royal Plantaion!

Great Resort Poor after stay service

from Stinger55
Completed a stay at the Royal Plantation in August of 2003. The resort was great and service was good. However, upon leaving my golf shoes were stolen by one of the staff members. Upon departing I was told by one manager not to worry that one way or another they will take care of it.

Well they did, they claimed absolutely no responsibility whatsoever. If I had know this to be the case I would have never left the resort and demanded compensation at that point.

This is a caution that this resort will lull you into a false sense of security as it is a very good resort be beware. It still has the theft issues of many other lower class resorts. Beware they will not take care of you after you leave.

Awesome vacation

from A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I spent our 1 year anniversary at Royal Plantation and it was amazing. The property is georgeous and the staff is wondeful.
Anything you want you can have. They are very accomadating. They really get to know you on a personal level and they were calling us by our first names by the end of our trip.The food is fantastic especially at the Bayside. The Lobster was especially wonderful. All of the rooms are very nice and the views are spectular. We are already planning our next trip there. I would reccomend this hotel to anyone but if you are looking for a lively place this is not for you. It is a quiet low key resort.

Excellent Food and surroundings

from A TripAdvisor Member
We honeymooned at Beaches Royal Plantation after mearrying at Sandals Negril and absoulutely love it. We stayed in a Luxurym suite and it was grand! The view of the ocean was beautiful and the marlbe whirlpool tub was great. The rooms are absoulutley lovely even the deluxe rooms. The food at the Frency restaurant is excellent and I only wish we had eaten there more often. This resort is very quiet and laid back, not a lot to do, so I spent a lot of time at Beaches Grande Sport which was always lively. Royal had live nightly entertainment on most night. The only drawback is that room service kept messing up my husband's orders, but the free drinks and well stocked bar made up for everything. The spa services are also pretty good and we did a couples massage with our free $250 spa credit, we actually got our massage on the pier which is so beautiful. The gym is a decent size and will need the meets of someone who jsut wants to do al ittle something while on vactation. My husband played golf every morning and seemed to enjoy that a lot, meanwhile I was at Grand Sport. Royal is surrounded by Sandals Ocho Rios and Grande Sport,however, the food at Royal is the best. We took a cab to eat at the Italian restaurant at Boscobel and it was horrible. Eat at Royal and party at Sandals or Grand Sport.

Great Fun, Fantastic Memories

from A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I were very excited to choose a spot for our first married vacation together!! Talk about expectations being completely outdone! We were so impressed with the quality of food, staff friendliness, and accomodations. We were also very "daring" and stepped outside the Beaches gate and walked to the other resorts around us.
(Don't be afraid...it's hot but fun exercise). The French Restaurant was awesome..Chef Hugo mkes spectacular gourmet food...Note...order everything, the portions are always small! Kinda wish the pool matched the superior decor of the resort though! A little small, but still fun!We recommend the couples massage! Way relaxing and extrememly special! :0) Have fun! Take lots of photos!P.S. You don't have to buy the most expensive room to have fun...You are rarely in the room anyway...too much to enjoy!

Best of the Best

from TZ
First, let me get the small negatives out of the way, this is a small resort with not much to do. Thats what we were looking for so we were happy. Also, the long drive from Montego Bay is hard; so take a plane to Ocho Rios. Having stayed at some of the best places in the Caribbean, this one tops the list. The rooms are great, each with an ocean view. This is not the blocked or partial ocean view of some other resorts, like the palm trees completely blocking the view at the Peter Island Resort. This is a full ocean view. The rooms are called suites, although ours was a large room, borderline suite. It was tastefully decorated with a hand carved mahogany four-poster king bed, great chairs for sitting a reading, table, and the ususal amenities including the softest bathroabs ever. The beaches are small but intimet and spotless. The whole resort, the grounds, public rooms, restaurants, lobby, etc were spotless and beautiful. I hate the typical beach with a few lounge chairs being reserved by thoughtless people who put a towel on a chair all day and use it for an hour. During our visit, the beaches had four to five guests on the beach at any one time with fifty to sixty open chairs. The beach was continuously being cleaned and raked and the beach butlers made sure we always had a drink. All the food was top notch including some rare treats not expected in a Caribbean resort like Wiener Schnitzel and a Cream of Carrot Soup. We had the pleasure to talk to Chef Hugo on many occasions during this trip and he shared his recipes as well as great stories of his career. That brings me to the best aspect of the resort, the staff. These were the friendliest people we have ever met at any resort. Here are a few examples: I was taking my wifes picture in the lobby when one staff member who was cleaning the floors, stopped his work and asked if I would like him to take a picture of both of us. When the beach bar didnt have the proper ingredients for a mango daiquiri, Sofie went to the kitchen, cut up a fresh mango, made the daiquiri, searched for us and gave it to my wife. Chef Hugo got in special milk for my wife who is lactose intolerant. I could go on and on. Both the staff and the other guests became our friends after a very short time. We all new each others names and it was like one big family. This is a wonderful resort where the people go way beyond courtesy and efficiency to genuine caring. Since tipping is not allowed, they are not in it for a quick buck but rather for the honest welcome to their home. The all-inclusive was all-inclusive, we spent under $8.00 at the hotel during our week-long visit. We visited some of the other Sandals / Beaches resorts on previous trips and during this one. They had more to do but the quality was not in the same ballpark. I would put this hotel up against any of the finest hotels in the world.

Best honeymoon on earth

from A TripAdvisor Member
After about 6 months of research and reading reviews, my husband and I decided on the Royal Plantation for our honeymoon. It was the best decision we could have made. Immediately upon arrival you are given the "star treatment". You are picked up and taken to the resort by the only Mercedes bus in town. Once you arrive, you are given champagne and a cool towel, while they check you in. If you're lucky you'll get and upgrade , and they are very obliging. The staff is amazing. They cater to your every need. The resort itslef is somewhat small, but very intimate and romantic. The grounds are beautiful, as well as the ocean. The fact that you can visit the other resorts, but they can't visit you is a definate plus. The food was absolutley amazing. I found out that we were the only Sandals/Beaches resort with lobster on the menu nightly. The room was absolutely fantastic. The ocean view in the morning was a nice way to start the day with my new husband. Room service 24/7 also helped us on our lazy days. As far as excursions, I highley suggest the horseback riding along the beach, the river inner-tube , and the boose cruise. The jet skis are also fun, even though they are privately owned. Please don't look for loud party's or conga lines here. RP is an upscale romantic hideaway for those who prefer a more intimate setting.

Absolutely Incredible!

from A TripAdvisor Member
Royal Plantation is an absolutely wonderful Caribbean resort. The whole resort is beautifully landscaped and decorated. The food is delicious and the service is excellent. Our every want and need was fulfilled by the resort's friendly and highly trained staff. 24 hour room service was a nice feature, as we occasionally needed a change from the two restuarants that are open at any given meal time. The spa services were fantastic, as well. We left the resort a few times, twice of which were to visit Beaches Grande Sport and Sandals Ocho Rios (both within walking distance from Royal Plantation). We found ourselves returning quickly to Royal Plantation. Overall, it was an absolutely PERFECT place to vacation!

Top Local Tips for Ocho Rios

The road to Ocho Rios As most travellers know the highway from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios has been under upgrading for years. It is still not complete and it still takes about two hours to make the ride. However, progress is noticeable and I'd expect it will be much better by late this year.

Quality craft-y souvenirs If you're looking for quality souvenirs of Jamaica and you don't have time to head out of town to Wassi Art or Harmony Hall, try Carouches in the Island Village Shopping Centre. It has a good selection of hand-crafted items by Jamaican artisans that make much nicer sovenirs than the cheap T-shirts, ballcaps, snow globes, and cartoon figurines of ganja-smoking Rastafarians that are offered in most other Ocho Rios tourist shops.

Suggested Excurions Hovvers Horse Tour, Canopy Tour and Dunnes River Falls

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Other names for Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort Hotel

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  • Address: Ocho Rios, - Ocho Rios - Jamaica
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