Expert Reviews

Which Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios is Right for You? A Complete Comparison

3/18/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is home to three incredible Sandals Resorts, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're seeking modern luxury, boutique elegance, or a vibrant social scene, there’s a perfect match for you. In this guide, we’ll compare Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Ochi to help you choose the best resort based on service, price, amenities, food, beach quality, nightlife, and overall vibe. Sandals Dunn’s River – Modern Luxury & Exclusivity Best For: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, couples who want brand-new, high-end accommodations. Overview: Recently fully renovated in 2023, Sandals Dunn’s River reviews consistently praise this resort for its modern, high-end suites, stunning ocean views, and luxurious feel. It is one of the newest and most exclusive Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, offering elevated service and top-tier amenities. If you’re searching for the best Sandals resort in Jamaica for a honeymoon, this is one of my top choices as […]

Beaches Turks & Caicos Review: The Good, The Bad & What You Need to Know Before You Book

3/14/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • After visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos All-inclusive Resort multiple times in the past few years with friends, family and as a couple, I wanted to share an honest, detailed review to help you determine if this premium all-inclusive Caribbean family resort is the right fit for your family vacation, multigenerational trip or group getaway. Since this Caribbean resort comes with a premium price tag, it’s important to understand which room category to book, what dining experiences to expect, and whether the resort’s beach and amenities justify the cost. Let’s break it down! The Good: What Makes Beaches Turks & Caicos Stand Out? 1. The Beach & Water Quality – The Ultimate Draw It’s no surprise that the biggest reason travelers choose Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is Grace Bay Beach—consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The resort sits along a prime stretch of 12 miles […]

Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean: Which One is Right for You?

2/28/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Jamaica is home to some of the most stunning Sandals Resorts, and two of the most popular are Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean. Both offer a luxurious all-inclusive experience, but they have distinct vibes that cater to different vacation styles. Let’s break down what each property offers to see which one might be the best fit for your vacation: Resort Atmosphere & Activity Level • Sandals Montego Bay: Known as Sandals’ flagship resort, Montego Bay is lively and social, with a high-energy atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples who love an active scene with plenty of entertainment and beachside fun or a trip with a group of friends. • Sandals Royal Caribbean: More laid-back and intimate, this resort exudes British colonial charm. While still offering entertainment, it has a quieter, more romantic ambiance—perfect for couples seeking relaxation with a touch of elegance. Dining Options • Montego Bay: 12 restaurants, […]

How Does Sandals St. Vincent Compare to the Other Sandals Resorts?

11/26/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Having explored every Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resort in the portfolio, I’m often asked how the newest resort in St. Vincent stacks up against the rest. I am thrilled to share that “Sandals 2.0” is a refreshing evolution of a beloved Caribbean brand. With the launch of Sandals Royal Curacao, Sandals Dunns River, and the most recent gem of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the excitement was palpable. After falling head over heels for Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, which dethroned my long-time favorite of Sandals South Coast, my expectations for this new resort were sky-high! From the moment I arrived, the property itself captivated me. The breathtaking landscape is unlike anything else in the Sandals collection. I must have snapped over 200 photos of the stunning emerald mountains that cradle the resort alone! The way the sunlight danced across the scenery seemed to change by the minute, making it […]

Bigfire – Universal Orlando

8/20/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • If you love grilled food and are hoping for a great one during your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Bigfire. Located in Universal Citywalk, Big Fire is home to all things cooked over an open flame, and just a short walk from either of the two theme parks. My husband and I love a steak, so we knew we had to give this a try on our most recent trip. We were seated upstairs near a faux fireplace. Luckily it didn't give off any real heat as we were hot from the Florida sunshine. We began our meal with the hearth oven baked bread. This bread is served with an herbed butter and peach preserves. We also tried the wood charred brussels sprouts. I love brussels sprouts and these did not disappoint. They are served over a toasted almond puree which added a nice contrast in texture. […]

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas – the World’s Biggest Weekend – Your Guide to All the Excitement and Entertainment!

7/25/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews, Tips • Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Designed with families in mind, this ship promises an unforgettable experience for everyone and includes plenty of activities for kids of all ages and special fun just for the adults! From thrilling shows to endless activities, Utopia of the Seas is set to redefine family vacations. Spectacular Shows: A Feast for the Senses Aqua80too: Dive into the nostalgia of the 80s with Aqua80too, a high-energy aqua show that combines stunning acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and jaw-dropping stunts. You’ll be amazed the way the stage transforms to allow the performers to mysteriously crawl out of the water one minute and then dive from several stories up the next. Set to the backdrop of iconic 80s hits, this show will have you dancing in your seat, marveling at the performers' skills, and maybe even […]

Exploring Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas: Your Guide to the Ultimate Bar Crawl Experience

7/25/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews, Tips • Embarking on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is an adventure in itself, but for those who love to savor the finer tastes of life, the ship's bar crawl experience is a must-do. With a plethora of unique bars and lounges, each offering its own distinct ambiance and signature drinks, this bar crawl will take you on a journey through flavors, atmospheres, and unforgettable moments. Start on the Pool Deck and Sports Zone, Decks 15 & 16 1. Solarium Bar - Situated in the serene Solarium, this bar is perfect for a relaxing drink. Signature beverage: The Painkiller 2. Vue Bar - For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Vue Bar. Signature beverage: The Sky High Martini 3. The Lime and Coconut - a vibrant and lively venue inspired by tropical beach bars. Signature beverage: The Lime and Coconut 3. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade - for a more laid-back […]

Exploring the Culinary Delights of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas – Your Guide to All the Dining On-Board!

7/25/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews • Photo above: Izumi Hibachi and Sushi Embarking on a journey aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is more than just a cruise—it's a culinary adventure. Utopia of the Seas boasts an impressive array of specialty dining options that promise to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience to new heights. From sophisticated steak dinners to nostalgic American diner fare, there's something to suit every palate. Let's dive into the gastronomic treasures that await you on this magnificent ship. Specialty Dining Highlights: (included within a purchased specialty dining package or charged to your stateroom) • Royal Railway - Utopia Station Utopia Station is the crown jewel of dining on Utopia of the Seas and is a brand new concept on-board Royal Caribbean ships. This immersive five-course dining experience at sea is set in a train car where you not only watch the scenery change outside your windows, but […]

Discovering Paradise: The Allure of Antigua

4/29/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Are you dreaming of a tropical escape that combines pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unmatched luxury? Look no further than Antigua, a slice of paradise nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Over the summer, I was chosen by the Tourism Board of Antigua and Barbuda to experience everything these amazing islands have to offer. This enchanting destination offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic retreat or families seeking an elevated escape with its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a myriad of activities to suit every taste. Let me tell you why this island is one that can't be missed! A Symphony of Beaches: One of the most captivating features of Antigua is it’s collection of stunning beaches that seem to be straight out of a postcard. Antigua is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Whether you're a sun-worshipper looking to bask in the warm […]

Margarita and Chocolate Mixology – Virgin Voyages “Shore Things”

2/13/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews • Virgin Voyages has unique, immersive, and cultural experiences at every port! In Cozumel, you can venture to Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, swim and sun at the blue beaches, experience scenic tours, or taste food and drink perfected by this culture. We chose to book a Shore Thing called “Margaritas and Chocolate Mixology” that took us to the Mayaland Cacao Company where we would learn about the Mayan culture, the history of cacao and tequila, and indulge in our own hand made margaritas! This was a fantastic experience! Our tour guide, Roberto, met us at the end of the pier, and made us all feel welcome. This ‘shore thing’ capped at 12 guests, but our particular tour had only 8! Not only was our guide incredibly friendly, he was also one of the developers of this specialty tour to bring culture and fun to cruise travelers. You could tell he […]