Jewel Runaway Bay - Know What To Expect If You Are Over 50+
My wife and I and 12 other friends where at the JRB the last week of November, beginning of December. It is an almost annual trip we take together without our kids. We are all in our mid-50/s to late 60/s. Read JAYYZ/s review as it is pretty much exactly how I feel about the resort, so I will not go into everything.
Basically, know what to expect before you go and you will have a great, relaxing time.
ROOMS - Yes, they are a little tired, but honestly...how much time do you plan on spending in there? They were always clean, everything worked fine, and they were big enough to accommodate my wife and I, our baggage, and my golf clubs! We were on the second floor and our balcony overlooked a plunge pool room. The pool was pretty noisy as it cycles on and off with the waterfall, but that all stops at precisely 11:30 pm. Next time we will get an oceanfront room as we could not see much through the trees.
GUESTS - It was not too busy when we were there...there were lots of people, but no lineups anywhere for anything (and no early morning dashes required to secure a lounge chair...there was always lots available everywhere in both shade or sun). Lots of Canadians, Brits, and Scots. Not many Americans -- I do not think they have the right "attitude" or patience for this resort as it is quite laid back and relaxed. After many years of travelling, I have found them generally to be a little too demanding and self-centred. "Serve me now!" This is Jamaica, mon...relax...they will get to you!
GROUNDS - Very well kept at all times. Beautiful flowers and gardens.
STAFF - In a word, amazing. Although my wife ran into a few that were not as happy and helpful, I did not. Everyone from the front desk to the gardeners were always pleasant, helpful, and said hello, or wished me a good morning, etc. Shout out to Dandrea at the front desk who knew me by name after the first day!
There were of course some favourites...Christine the hostess...thank you for your beautiful smile every day, for checking to see if anyone in our group needed anything daily, and for making our trip most enjoyable. You are a very special young lady...keep it up. Fitroy the chef at the Jade Samaurai...you are amazing, and not a bad singer I might add! Thank you for two very special nights looking after our group. If you ever get to Canada, look me up!
Bartenders Lucas (in the Lobby), Natasha (all over) Jason (swim up bar) and Sharrenne (spelling?)...great job dealing with the pirate, and keeping our drinks constantly full.
KIDS - If you are travelling with them, this will be a great resort. If you are not travelling with them, but like kids in general, this will also be a great resort. When we were there they were never a nuisance or bothersome -- good parenting skills obviously! Caution - When you are there with friends, and it is happy hour by the swim up bar, you just have to be careful with dropping the odd F-bomb. If you are looking for a romantic couples retreat, this is not the resort for you, although it certainly can be if you have the right attitude. If you do not want to be around kids, stay away from the waterpark on the weekends. Otherwise we all had a blast on the waterpark/s Lazy River and slides.
GOLF - Several of our group golfed every day, and I golfed (if you call it that!) 5 out of the 7 full days we were there. The caddy shop locked up our clubs after each round for the duration of our stay. Very convenient. Course is right across the street and a very short shuttle through the tunnel from one side of the street to the other by our chauffeur, Albert -- A most knowledgeable and pleasant man. The caddies were most helpful, although nothing apparently (even multiple Red Stripes) could help my game that week. Shout out to Seaford, Freddy, KenRoy, and Frank. Keep smiling lads! "No problem".
The course is challenging, but not too tough. The front nine is tougher than the back -- a few 430+ par-4/s on the front! Note that the greens keepers do not work weekends, and with the daily sprinkles of rain, the fairways, rough and greens all got a little "hairy". But alas, come Monday everything is cut and the greens are faster.
SMOKERS - I am a cigarette smoker. New Jamaican rules are very similar to Canadian rules...smoking in designated areas only. There are only four though -- outside the front lobby, on each side of the middle room block, and at the west end of the beach. The resort is a wonderful size though, not too big, so it was only a short walk to a smoking area. As a Canadian, I follow the rules. Not everyone does, especially when on the beach. I smoked there a few times myself, but never around anyone and I did not butt-out in the sand!! There are garbage pails everywhere...put your butts in those and keep the Beach clean. On the positive side, I smoked less than I normally would have, and I met some amazing people in the smoking lounges!
In summary, know what to expect and you will enjoy yourself. This is quite laid back and relaxed. Not much "pomp and ceremony" or snobbery here like you get just down the beach at the Bahia Principe. For the money, i think it was perfect. I have stayed at the 5-star places... I like this much better!
The plans for the refurbishment/expansion are in the lobby for everyone to see. It will be twice the size (over 500+ rooms) and likely 50% more expensive once it is done. Enjoy this pleasant little resort while it is still like it is. If you really must have a glamorous room, go be with the snobby Americans at the Bahia!
Regarding your services, they were fantastic. Always on the ball and keeping us informed. Thank you for all your help, especially with 14 people...must have been like herding cats at times. Sharon and I will certainly keep you in mind for our next trip.
Greg Paterson
August 31, 2018
