We just got back from a wonderful trip to Jamaica, where we had the chance to stay at several resorts throughout the island. Some were large, with elaborate facilities and lots of programmed activities, while others were smaller, much quieter, and more intimate. Sunset Palms epitomizes the pleasures and the benefits a smaller property can bring to a 'get away from it all' vacation. The buildings, grounds, beach are all extraordinarily beautiful. The food is pleasantly surprising....by far the best buffet food we have ever had....everything is fresh, texture is great, and the flavor is fabulous. When you combine this with a staff who is genuinely warm, caring, and attentive, you have the formula for the most relaxing holiday experience ever!

We recently returned from this beautiful resort and we cannot say enough good things. We chose this smaller resort as it seemed ideal for a Caribbean wedding and we were not disappointed. In fact there was a wedding almost everyday while we were there so they must be doing something right!

Check-In:

It was seamless. We arrived along with one other couple and right away we were brought a cool towel and cool drinks. As we were to be married later in the week they brought us champagne to start our celebration. What a lovely touch!

Hotel/Grounds:

This is a smaller resort with treetop cabins (many pictures available on-line). Our unit was perfect (412) with teakwood furniture and a 2 person chaise lounge on the deck. The grounds make you think you are in Belize with palm trees and lush follage everywhere. We saw so many birds and the tree frogs at night were incredible! The flowers on the grounds are breathtaking. Take time to walk around in the early morning. When we walked into our unit we discovered rose petals everywhere, a bottle of champagne with glasses, a red rose and chocolates with a note to congratulate us on our upcoming wedding. Charm Reynolds is the Wedding Coordinator and she was extremely helpful both before we left Canada and while we were at the resort.

Staff:

Our hearts are with them. I am a former travel agent and have stayed at many many resorts and I have never felt so much like I was part of a family. We really wanted to take some home as they became our friends while we were there. Because it is a smaller resort you really do get to chat with the bartendars, various servers and beach chefs!. We became especially close with Garth (bartendar), Nateesha (waitress/server) and Fitzroy (beach chef). Of course there were many more such as Claudette (serving in the morning buffet restaurant) and Esroy (captain of the beach). Do take the time to chat with them and get to know them, they are all incredible. Of course the front office staff and everyone were all so helpful...always a smile..and always wanting to know if everything is ok.

Tipping:

It is not required as this is an all-inclusive. However, wages are really low in Jamaica, and taxes very high. We made sure to bring lots of $1 USD down to have available for staff. Be sure to bring things for the children too. There are many schools needing supplies. If you can bring a spare suitcase with items etc it will be much appreciated.

Food:

I was concerned that a smaller resort would mean limited food. This was not true. The a-la-carte restaurant was open four times/week. The food was incredible (5star calibre and presentation). On the nights we chose buffet, the food was really varied and very very delicious. Every meal was incredible (we really should have used their gym!!!)

Entertainment:

There was always something going on between 8:30-10pm each night. Because the pool bar area is small, the shows were very intimate..no need to fight for a seat and everyone can hear and see the entertainers.

Wedding Coordinator:

You can find some information on the hotel website. Once you email the hotel, Charm Reynolds will contact you with various packages to choose from. We went down by ourselves (we eloped) so we had a very simple wedding. However, Charm ensured everything was perfect. We used the Gazebo by the pool bar which was decorated with white tulle and flowers. We had champagne to toast with and the photographer took tons of photos including some by the beach. There are so many picturesque areas on this property . We had arranged a special dinner and the hotel decorated an area around the pool with candles and a special table/menu just for us. When we got to our room that night, staff had made swans out of towels and laid them on our bed...which once again was covered with rose petals.

TIP: a morning wedding is ideal. This way you have your whole day ahead of you and it is not as hot as say 2-5 pm. Ladies, think of your groom, a suit on a beach in the Caribbean is a recipe for your man pass out (we heard some stories of this).

Photographer/Videographer:

We pre-arranged this through Charm prior to arriving. However, we had not booked a videographer. We are very glad that Ewart Hamilton showed up. The video he made of our wedding will be cherished for a long time. I would highly recommend hiring him for your wedding. Charm can put you in contact with him.

Pool area:

Perfect size for this resort. We never saw more than 5-6 people in the pool with maybe another 5-6 in the lounge chairs (plenty). Plus there is a hot tub to wind down in at night. There is a pool bar area to get out of the sun and enjoy a dring or too (try a Jamaican Smile)

Beach:

Yes, it is across the street..but not even a 5 minute walk. Once you are there it is a private area with a large bar (la palapa roof), great cooking area with a great menu and clean, large washrooms. Our beach area/water was never packed. You are on Bloody Bay Beach with many resorts along the beach. It is great for strolling and people watching.

Peddlers on the beach:

Yes, there are people who will come by and ask if you would like to walk over to their area and see their products, have your hair braided etc. But unlike when I was in Montego Bay many years ago, if you decline, they leave you alone...no problem mon. Our fav guy of the beach was Louis Lamore!...buy something at his spot.

Shopping:

Do take the time to barter with the locals and shop at a market. They are beautiful, wonderful people and it is important to do what you can when you are there. However, we did find that prices were cheaper in Negril at the shopping mall (series of stores).

Conclusion:

I would/have recommended this resort to everyone I have talked to since returning home. It is an ideal location for a couple getaway, or many couples travelling together. There were many repeat clients when we were there. I would be happy to answer any questions, just send me an email.

This is not a hotel or a resort, I think it's a DESTINATION. This place was great. This was our first visit, we were skeptical about the walk to the beach but after the first walk it was undeniably the best place to be, hands down. All the other resort buildings were on the same side of the road along with the beach, the uniquiness of this property allowed for a park like atmosphere behind you, without the hussle bussle nonesense of activity that was happening at the neighbor resorts. We were able to relax. I can't say enough about the staff - they were perfect. With little effort I was actually able to get the chefs to prepare real (hot) jerk sauce for the chicken. On the room side of the street it was very peacful, a nice place to be after a day at the beach. No elevators, no crowds, no hassles - just perfect. The food everywhere was great. Highly recommended.

Sunset at the Palms came highly reccomended to us, and it did not dissapoint in any way. My husband and I hosted 80 family and friends at this resort for our wedding. We held the ceremony elsewhere due to size, but the staff, entertainment, and accomodations at Sunset were completely fantastic. The general manager and the wedding coordinator Charm went out of their way at every step to make our guests feel welcome. From cold towels and express check-in, to private cocktail parties, to nightly entertainment- it was non-stop fun! The rooms and grounds are absoultely beautiful, and the small size means everyone gets personal treatment. I would reccomend this resort to anyone hosting a wedding, or to families, or couples looking for a luxury getaway. We can't wait to return!!