An invitation to a winter wedding in Jamaica provided the perfect opportunity to trade heavy winter coats and boots for the sun’s caress.
Our wedding party ranged in age from preschooler to senior, Senior.
For some, the event offered a first visit to Jamaica while for others, who emigrated from the Island years ago, Jamaica will always be home.
A sizeable, furnished balcony provided us with a breathtaking view of the azure-colored ocean along with about 1,500- metres of beach.
The luxury, all-inclusive’s many amenities included 228 suites (ocean-view, swim-out and garden); a lazy river; private cabanas with plunge pools; three pools, seven bars, 11 restaurants and Kids and Teens’ Clubs.
Our group of three adults spent very little time in the junior suite of 570 square feet. With new and extended family to connect with, there was lots to do and explore.
Aside from the wedding that brought us together, I’ll treasure times spent conversing or sitting quietly, surrounded by extended family as we each savored our individual Scoops’ self-serve soft ice milk. My favorite: The chocolate and vanilla blend.
Other wonderful moments include, quiet walks along the beach at dawn.
The day I waded into the cold water to perch on an underwater stool at Dips’ swim-up bar. And I enjoyed the novel experience, along with a second pina colada, made with far-too-strong, for me, Appleton rum.
The server at The Jerk Hut who was almost out of jerk chicken but kindly served me the last piece of the day. A lovely employee at the breakfast buffet, who noted my disappointment when I couldn’t find my favorite treat. She returned with a huge serving of banana bread for me. Many of the staff went out of their way to make the holiday a memorable one for their guests.
Most precious of all, one evening, I thrilled at my mother, who abruptly jumped from her seat to dance to the live band’s rendition of a Bruno Mars’ song.
The funny thing about vacations…just as I finally start to get into a rhythm and establish a routine, it’s check-out time.
After sampling the baked goods, I decided my daily breakfast treat (banana bread or bread pudding) and the hottest and fastest morning latte (at the hotel lobby bar) were an absolute must.
I also figured out that the exits at the side or back of the hotel, provided quicker access to the breakfast buffet.
According to Carib Journal, almost 400,000 Canadians visited Jamaica in 2019. The tourism industry is responsible for 25% of the Island’s labour force.
The Royalton Blue Waters’ resort opened in November 2016 as part of Sunwing Travel Group’s growth into resort management and ownership.
Guests at the Blue Waters’ location are invited to play at the adjacent Royalton White Sands property that opened in 2013. Three years ago, the White Sands received the Best Family Resort award from the Jamaica Gleaner.
The Royalton Blue Waters has received a number of awards: In 2019, 2018, the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. In 2019, The Jamaica Gleaner’s Hospitality Award for Best All-Inclusive under 300 rooms in Jamaica and in 2020, 2019 and 2017, the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Four Diamond Award.
Copyright 2020